As many of you know I am a BIG advocate of a scoped double rifle. I have used my scoped 9,3x74R Chapuis with great success. I have killed @ 50% of game taken with this rifle with a scope. I have used the rifle scoped on 2 African Safaris to Zim, the first 21 days the second 30 days.

I have found a scoped double so useful that I took my 450/400 3 1/4" double to JJ Perodeau to have a Schmidt & Bender 1-4x scope with illuminated reticle fitted with claw mounts.
I picked up the double today. The scope is mounted as low as possible. When hyou shnoulder the rifle it is PERFECT. The scope did not change the handling of the rifle at all, it still handles like a British double.
[400Nitro, JJ told me to tell you not to have a Panic Attack ].
IMHO the addition of the scope has made a great double rifle into the PERFECT DOUBLE RIFLE.

I will have it at the DRSS hunt for their unbaised opinions.

I also picked up a buddies Chapuis 470 that he had JJ scope. Again the double handled great.

A scope on a double offers the same advantages as it does on a bolt rifle, It enables you to aim better and hit better. With a scope in QD mounts you can use it when you need/want it, take it off when you don't.

quote:

[400Nitro, JJ told me to tell you not to have a Panic Attack ].

He will get over it!

If one had a good scoped 400 double he could live and hunt happily for the rest of his life with nothing else.

els
I must warn you, with a statement like that you are a candidate for a Tar and Feathering by certain factions of the DRSS.
Take appropiate security measures.

els
After using my scoped 450/400 in Zimbabwe
I must say your statement is spot on.

A scoped 9,3x74R and a scoped 450/400 is a perfect pair.

a shame you didn't get your 450 # 2 scoped - that is certainly a far better cal than the old 450/400.

quote:

Originally posted by tomo577:
a shame you didn't get your 450 # 2 scoped - that is certainly a far better cal than the old 450/400.

Tomo
While I see nothing wrong with scoping a double in the 450/470 class I disagree with your statement a little, as you must state how the 450 No2 is better than the 450/400.
The key here is better for what.

The 450 No2 is probably my favorite cartridge, my No2 double is my favorite rifle.

However the 450/400 is much superior to any other double rifle calibre as an all-rounder.

A scope in QD mounts really enhances the hunt ability of my 400.

The claw mounts are INSTANT ON, INSTANT OFF.
a PERFECT SET UP.

I think ALL 400 doubles should be scoped, not necessarialy so with bigger doubles.

However if a fella has a hard time using express sights I do not care if he puts a "red dot" sights on his 577 or 600 Nitro.
In that case I would recommend the Blaser Hit Pro made by S&B.

I would probably never scope my 450 No2. When/if I get to the point I cannot use iron sights, I will go to the 400 full time, the 400 will be a better choice as it is lighter and kicks less.

I have to concur with the scoped double clan. I have used 3 scoped doubles in Africa, 450/400,470 and 8mm. I find that taking the shot is much easier, especially at game in the shade and over 50 yards distant. Of course this comment hinges on the use of quick release scope rings and low power scopes.

I totally agree, I will be scoping my 400 soon. I also found, just like shikarafar1, that shooting animals in the shade while you were in the sun, is very problematic for older eyes and iron sights. If I had been scoped on my recent safari, I believe I would have taken my second buff. Lee.

lee
I recommend you have JJ put claw mounts on your 450/400.
Think about a S&B 1.1-4 with the flash dot reticle.

Both worth every penny.

quote:

I find that taking the shot is much easier, especially at game in the shade and over 50 yards distant.

Even at 40 yards I have found that its hard to line up on Buff in Jesse. A scope is ideal.
ozhunter

Tony, That is pretty much my plan, though with a 1-3/4 x 5 Leupold. The S&B is a bit more than I want to spend!

Lee
The Leupold will work fine. I do recommend you get it with the illuminated reticle, worth every penny.

Even sometimes in the bright part of the day, in the thick bush there are dark shodows, with black buffalo in them , the illuminated reticles are very handy then.

Also good for pigs in TX.