Optics on safari rifles

gorky

gorky

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Was sure whether to post this in the Hunting forum, Optics forum, or here so mods, feel free to move.

Simple question really - what are you guys running on your really-big-game rifles. I am setting my gun up right now and am torn between sticking with straight iron sights or jumping to some sort of optic (even a 1x optic such as an aimpoint or eotech). I have a Nightforce NSX 1-4x24 w ill ret. coming to me on another gun and that might work as well (just have to remember to dial it down when not actively using the magnification) providing I use decent QD rings in case I have to use the iron sights....
 
The 1-4 should work great. I have a 1.75 to 5x Burris on a 416 and it works great. The rings are QD if i have a quarter in my pocket or something else flat. RUGER. This scope loses a little too much eye relief above 4x so usually stays at 4 or lower when hunting.
 
Do you have any issues with the 1.75x ? I read an article out of the US from a SWAT/Special Forces/HRT/ ??? officer complaining that anything more than 1x caused issues in CQB. While I don't plan on clearing any rooms with this gun, I think an up-close-and-personal attack by a large carnivore might present a similar situation where any optical distortion or disillusion might be problematic ?
 
Never had to shoot a buff or ele but I might do that with open sights. I can shoot this gun on 1.75 with both eyes open at the short range and it doesn't seem to be a problem. A true 1x would be better in my mind as you don't want to find out too late it is an issue.
 
gorky said:
Simple question really - what are you guys running on your really-big-game rifles.
Click to expand...
I have used Leupold 1.5x5s, Leupold 4x, and Leupold 2x7s over the yrs on a variety of 375Magnums. My favourite would be the 1.5x5, they all worked w/o any problems at all. Another good choice would be a VXII 1x4. I have one here that will go on a BRNO 602 375H&H when it comes home.


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I have a 2.5-10X24 Nightforce on my hunting 338Edge.
I have no experience with the 1-4, but I believe everything is pretty much identical on them?

As far as scope quality and durability the nightforce is as good as it gets. On my 338 I love it and I don't think there is a better all around long range hunting scope, but I'm not sure how much I'd like it on a 416 going after dangerous game. That super fine cross hair might make instantaneous target acquisition difficult...

I'd talk to Dan Lilja or perhaps Alberta Tactical and ask what they are like.
Perhaps the 1-4 is available with thicker hairs?
 
My 416 Rigby wears a 1.5-5x Leupold as well. There is also the advantage of having the crosshairs and target in the same focal plane. Also, I've heard people talk about a scope, even a low powered one, helping to resolve detail when the bush is dark or the light is down. the 1.5-5x Leupold is all I would have on a DG rifle, though I must admit that I'd like to try the Trijicon since I looked through one at the SCI show.

I shoot all my rifles with both eyes open regardless of magnification. When shooting quickly with the 1.5-5x, even on 5x, I've never had a problem. Ask back40sniper about his gemsbok.
 
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