Scope for .404 Jeffery in a Parkwest 76 takedown

[dogcat1]

What scope would you put on a Parkwest 76 (formerly Dakota) takedown in .404 Jeff? Will be used for ele, buff, hippo and whatever else gets in the way. Assume no budget restrictions.
Thanks,
Ross

 

[Tucketed]

Swarovski z6 1-6 Illuminated reticle. That’s what my 404 wears. My 375 is z7 1-8 also illuminated.

 

[Berettaco]

Swaro Z6i 1-6 or Z8i 1-8

 

[Beck]

With no budget restrictions I think it's going to be hard to beat a swaro - but I think the glass on my meopta's is very comparable for a third of the price

 

[Fatback]

My 404Jeffery and 458 Win Mag both wear Leupold VX5 1-5, firedots. I have been very pleased with their performance. They are not as expensive as the Swaros so if budgets isn’t a limiting factor then the European glass is typically held in higher regard for good reason. Just depends on where you want your money to go. I will say that I’ve never heard anybody complain about having too good of glass on a rifle so going with the best you can afford will probably serve you quite well.

 

[RR 314]

As I know you have had a lot of Swarovskis, they are a great choice in either Z6i or Z8i. My personal go to is the S&B Exos in 1-8.

 

[cmk]

Mine (though not a Dakota) currently wears a Kahles Helia 5 1-5x..24? (30mm straight tube anyway - no objective 'bell') with German #4 reticle. Previously it had a, slightly older, 1.5-6x42 Swarovski Habicht with a #4 as well.

I think that a scope topping out at 5 or 6x is all anyone is ever going to need for the distances that are likely. Though, in actual hunting situations neither has ever been set above 3x, and seldom set below 1.5x. Depending on lighting conditions the size of the objective lens might be more important than the magnification.

If I would change it with no budget restrictions... hmm... maybe a ... I dunno. The Kahles I now have mounted is a bit better optically than my Swaro, from an edge distorsion point of view. The coatings are probably newer/better on the Kahles as well. But the light gathering of a 42mm lens is significantly better. And the crosshairs tend to be in the middle of the sight picture anyway....

But if a for-sale ad for a Swaro z6i 1-6 EE would magically appear , I would probably jump on it.

If only some manufacturer could come up with a 1-8x42, that is what I would have on all my rifles.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I paid $150 for a new 1-4x Bushnell last year for my 404. Clear glass, no frills practical reticle, and has held up fine through a couple boxes at the range. Just checked my rifle two days ago after traveling 30+ hrs roadtrip to Montana. One shot blew the center of bullseye out at 50 yards. Good to go. Figure a 404 is 50-75 yard gun so I didn't see the need for special expensive optics. Mine is mounted low with Warne QD rings. Iron sights are always there for backup.

 

[cknwax]

Trijicon Accupoint 1x6x24 is the scope on my 375 and 404j. It’s been a very good scope.

 

[RR 314]

I paid $150 for a new 1-4x Bushnell last year for my 404. Clear glass, no frills practical reticle, and has held up fine through a couple boxes at the range. Just checked my rifle two days ago after traveling 30+ hrs roadtrip to Montana. One shot blew the center of bullseye out at 50 yards. Good to go. Figure a 404 is 50-75 yard gun so I didn't see the need for special expensive optics. Mine is mounted low with Warne QD rings. Iron sights are always there for backup.

There is nothing wrong with a Bushnell on an elephant hunt . . . until there is. Can you tell us some more about the .404J? I was unaware that you had one.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

There is nothing wrong with a Bushnell on an elephant hunt . . . until there is. Can you tell us some more about the .404J? I was unaware that you had one.

I suppose if I was inclined to hunt elephant, and I never would be so inclined, my 404's scope would stay in camp and I'd shoot it with iron sights. My understanding is elephant hunting requires very close range shooting. Seems to me any brand scope would likely be an impediment vs iron sights.

The 404 briefly wore a cheap no frills Weaver 3x scope that was formerly on my 30-06. That scope killed a train load of animals over 45 years in all kinds of conditions including subzero blizzards, downpours, scorching heat, and rolling end over end down a mountain on a horse (which broke my Springfield's stock but not the scope). It's still clear (except for the chip in ocular lens), fog free, and holds zero. It just didn't have enough eye relief for 404's recoil. Perhaps a Schwaro or S&B scope would have held up just as well as the old Weaver but I doubt they would have held up better (is that possible?). They would not have killed any more animals, I'm sure of that. The only time my cheap Weaver K3 failed to kill was because the objective lens was full of snow. No big deal. I still shot that spike bull later in the day. The only difference would have been a Schwaro or S&B scope 45 years ago would have cost more than my first truck. So I'd have a pretty scope that sat in the closet because I didn't have wheels to go hunting. Now I can afford expensive scopes. I just don't see the need for one. Especially for shooting elephants ... that I have no desire to hunt anyway.

 

[dogcat1]

There is nothing wrong with a Bushnell on an elephant hunt . . . until there is. Can you tell us some more about the .404J? I was unaware that you had one.

I commissioned a takedown model from Parkwest. I have a .416 Rigby takedown in the works as well, so I will likely need two scopes. I retired, Trump won, oil will go up - so I am going hunting.

 

[Boris11]

NightForce SHV 3-10x42

leupold vx5hd

 

[BeeMaa]

Swaro Z8i 1-8x24 would be my first choice, but the Z6i is a close second. Maybe the Z6i to save some weight.

Whatever you decide, please get it with an illuminated reticle. It makes a world of difference. Like a buffalo standing in the shade of a tree, you need to be able to see the crosshairs.

 

[PARA45]

Trijicon Accupoint 1x6x24, I have one on my CZ-550 375 H&H, and I'm planning on putting one on my RSM in 416 Rigby. They are not expensive per say, but you get a lot of scope in my opinion.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I’m paying attention to this post… I’ll need a DG scope too.

 

[gibbs30c]

Leupold VX3 HD with Ill reticle. Perfect for elephant, or all DG game and great in a leopard blind.

 

[Dirtdart]

Congratulations on that .404J take-down! With a proper case most will not even know you are carrying a rifle as you cruise through the airport.
Obviously the primary focus of this rifle is dangerous game so a wide field of view at the lowest magnification is important. As far as the maximum magnification is concerned 6X is plenty with 8X a luxury. I do not want scope with a tube diameter over 30mm on hunting rifle but you may feel differently.

I have a variety of 1-6x24 and 1-8x24's and this my take. I know there are other suitable make /models out there but as of yet I have no personal experience other than those listed below.

Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24 has the smallest eye piece of any scope I have listed if bolt clearance were an issue. My least favorite illumination control. The "Patrol" model has standard capped turrets and no "golden bling" which IMHO not only looks better but comes at a lower price.

Zeiss VX-6 1-6x24 is shy on FOV comparatively but not a deal breaker. On the higher magnification Zeiss scopes I have I do not mind the reostat type of illumination control but prefer others types on a DG rifle.

Trijicon 1-6x24 Accupoint. Great reticle with ambient light but that no battery illumination goes to shit when the sun goes down.

Meopta MeoStar R2 1-6x24 RD. I haven't had this one long but so far impressed. I do not like the fact that the crosshairs on the #4C reticle do not intersect. This is not noticeable with the illumination on.

Swarovski Z6I 1-6x24. I prefer the L 4A-IF reticle of the Z8 as to the #4 on the Z6I but you may feel different? This model for me is the gold standard against which all others are judged.

Swarovski Z8I 1-8x24 vs Schmidt & Bender Exos 1-8x24. I am still trying to decide between these top dogs. The S&B has much more resistance when turning the magnification ring which is a small annoyance but I get the feeling this thing can take a serious beat down and stay in the game. I will let you know if I can find fault with the Swarovski Z8I as it is damn near perfection.

You can have a primary scope and an identical back up scope for the same price or less than the Exos or Z8I. Scopes with a larger objective are a different discussion IMHO.