I am preparing for a plainsgame hunt and have decided upon a Mod 70 supergrade in 338 win mag, Leupold 1.75*8, talley mounts. Reworked or Timney trigger (?) 2.5#, glass bedded action.

Would I be better off with 2 scopes or (as I think)a set of iron sights.

I was thinking about a barrel band front and a brockmans or talley rear peep sight. The reasoning is that I wouldnt have to lug around 2 scopes when in the field. And since the gun will also be my new elk/deer rifle I would also have backup sights when hunting here in the states.

Thanks, John

Ropes;I have a Mod.70 Supergrade in 30-06 and love it.Just reworked the trigger,floating and bedding and she shoots superbly.My opinion would be going with two same scopes only because open sights are a close range proposition and with a great long range calibre like the 338WM I'm not sure that you would enjoy the benefits and considerable cost involved in fitting opens and having to get your rifle reblued (especially the quality blue on the supergrades).A lovely little leather sheath moulded for your spare scope would weigh nothing.

I would (and have) go the extra scope route. In the unlikely event it's needed, it won't be a big deal to get back to the house to get it. Have it pre-sighted and in detachable mounts and ready to go. I've never had to use it yet.

Iron sights are a mandatory part of every rifle. Scopes make a nice back-up.