M77 9.3x62 scope?

[MISportsman]

At risk of sounding redundant I'm looking for some more scope advice. I bought one of the lipsey M77 Hawkeye African 9.3x62s and am trying to figure out what power range scope to put on it. I was originally planning on using a 1.5-5 power but have been second guessing the choice.
The rifle will primarily be used for bear hunting. I do however want to one day take it to Africa for larger plains game and hopefully someday a buffalo.

 

[MISportsman]

oh yeah, and the average range the rifle will be used is 50 to 150 yards with a very occasional push out to 200

 

[rnovi]

I think you're on the right path with a low-mid power scope. VX3 1.5-5x, VX6 1-6x or perhaps a VX3 2.5-8x is pretty much ideal. I have a Leica 2.5-10x on mine but that was largely because that was the scope I had in the safe that didn't have a rifle.

Either way, it's really hard to go wrong with a VX3 2.5-8x as an all-around configuration that stays on the lighter end of the scope spectrum.

If I wanted an e-Dot scope, well, I put a VX6 1-6 dot on my .375 H&H. That works just fine as well.

 

[meigsbucks]

Just my opinion, but I think the 1-6x Trijicon would be a great choice.

 

[Ridgewalker]

At under 300 yards on big game, my experience would lead me to 1-2 on the bottom and 5-6, maybe 7-8 on the top.
If I was focusing on using it on bear, I would definitely get an illuminated reticle! In my experience the illuminated dot really helps to find the crosshairs on a black background such as black bear, Cape buffalo, or even a wet grizzly.

 

[Hogpatrol]

How early and late in the day are you planning on taking your game? Money in scopes buys you low light and good mechanicals. If your budget allows check out the Nightforce SHV 3-10x42 or the Trijicon 2.5-10 Accupoint.

 

[ActionBob]

On the low cost side and illuminated, I would consider a VXR 2-7. It is also a reasonably sleek scope, especially for a 30mm tube. Better glass would be a VX6 in 1-6, I like the VX6 in 2-12x42 and es6like looking through it, but it is a big bulky scope and maybe too much on that sleek rifle.

In general I would agree with the 1-2 low end and 5 as a bare minimum on the high end. And could see a going with a 3x low end if you really want. Optics Planet sent out an email yesterday with a special on a demo 3-10. Other sleek options in a non illuminated would be the aforementioned vx3 in 2.5-8, just a great practical, lightweight good scope for the money. Swarovski z3 3-9 x 36 would look great on there also.

 

[Red Devil]

Will be mounting a Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 on mine.




Red

 

[BobT]

My 9,3x62 wears an old Leupold Vari-X II 2-7 that has never left me wanting. I can see well enough to shoot with it far past legal shooting hours here in Missouri.

 

[Longwalker]

I have a handy little Leupold 1.5-5x on my 9.3, but I cheated a bit and mounted that scope in QD mounts. I also have a big S&B 6X that is very very good in low light. So depending on what I'm hunting I can choose a small lightweight and versatile scope that is good for everything except low light or choose a big, heavy and excellent low light scope. The Leupold is for stalking and most mobile hunting, the S&B is for sitting in blinds and tree stands morning and evening. I want a spare scope along anyway for serious hunts, just for my peace of mind. This set up covers all possibilities for me. I'm not sure if the proprietary Ruger ring mounts will consistently return to zero, but if they do, you could swap scopes depending on your hunting conditions.

 

[WAB]

I have a Swaro Z8, 1-8x on mine. Great scope but pricey. I have a Leupold VX6, 1-6x on my .375, great glass for the money. Stepping down from there in cost, I would go to a Leupold VX3, 2.5-8x, IMO the greatest value for the money in optics.

 

[MISportsman]

Thank you all for your excellent advice sofar! It looks like most of you are thinking along the same lines I am. It sounds like a 2-7 or 2.5-8 would really unlock the potential of that 9.3. The main reason I was looking at a 1.5-5 is I dream of one day taking a buffalo with it and everything I've read states not to use a scope with a higher power than that. It sounds like hearing from those who have been there and done that on here that is not true. I have been looking at the vx-r 2-7 or the vx-3i 2.5-8 as top possibilities at this point.

 

[Red Devil]

Thank you all for your excellent advice sofar! It looks like most of you are thinking along the same lines I am. It sounds like a 2-7 or 2.5-8 would really unlock the potential of that 9.3. The main reason I was looking at a 1.5-5 is I dream of one day taking a buffalo with it and everything I've read states not to use a scope with a higher power than that. It sounds like hearing from those who have been there and done that on here that is not true. I have been looking at the vx-r 2-7 or the vx-3i 2.5-8 as top possibilities at this point.

Mounted a VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm on the All-weather .270 Win.

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Can't go wrong with it, either.

Just liked the lower power/compactness/cost of the lower-end VX-1 2-7x33 for a nominal < 250 yard rifle.

Red

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[MISportsman]

My final question before I place an order is to the phs out there. If I go with a 2-7 or 2.5-8 will that power range be acceptable for buffalo if and when I am able to hunt one?

 

[35bore]

I think you're on the right path with a low-mid power scope. VX3 1.5-5x, VX6 1-6x or perhaps a VX3 2.5-8x is pretty much ideal. I have a Leica 2.5-10x on mine but that was largely because that was the scope I had in the safe that didn't have a rifle.

Either way, it's really hard to go wrong with a VX3 2.5-8x as an all-around configuration that stays on the lighter end of the scope spectrum.

If I wanted an e-Dot scope, well, I put a VX6 1-6 dot on my .375 H&H. That works just fine as well.

Ditto, the VX III will do everything you need it too.

 

[rnovi]

My final question before I place an order is to the phs out there. If I go with a 2-7 or 2.5-8 will that power range be acceptable for buffalo if and when I am able to hunt one?

Yes.

Unless you fully intend to get up close and really personal, the 2.5 would be plenty down to 20 feet or so. Heck, I'll walk through my house "shooting" my trophies with my scope set at 2.5 and I don't have any issues getting a critter as large as an Eland in focus at living room distances.

 

[MISportsman]

Thank you. With a 9.3x62 I don't intend to get any closer than I have to lol.