Scope For Leopard Hunt

[SHOEDOG]

I am contemplating a new scope purchase and was interested in opinions on what other hunters have liked for Leopard.I know some countries don't allow night hunting but the chances of shooting one in broad daylight are probably slim.I am actually just dreaming at this point (about the hunt, not the scope)but its a nice dream on a cold winter day

Anyone who has hunted Mr Spots care to share some advice?

If you haven't hunted a big Tom I am interested in your opinion as well.
Thanks,
Shoedog

 

[CAustin]

Headed off to hunt spots in July! I'm using a Luepold VX 6.

 

[cpr0312]

A few guys I spoke with from this site suggested a lighted reticle scope for leopard, as well as buff. I also have a Luepold VXR which I intend to use for buffalo and leopard

 

[SHOEDOG]

Headed off to hunt spots in July! I'm using a Luepold VX 6.
Power?Objective size?Reticle??
Is your hunt expected to take place after it gets dark?

 

[Riksa]

My scope was Zeiss Victory HT 3-12x56 with reticle 60. Worked well in the conditions that were allowed in Namibia.

 

[bassasdaindia]

Any of the big names : Leupold / Swarovski / Zeiss etc in 1-5 or 1-6

 

[siml]

I would go for 3-12 power, you can always set it lower, but not higher if you using lower power. Like bassaindia says, all the big names are good, I would opt for Swarovski or Zeiss.

 

[SHOEDOG]

Any opinions on objective size?

 

[Red Leg]

This is a situation for every bit of "practical" light gathering power that you can use. An extra five minutes of shooting time can mean the difference between success and failure. Therefore, I would not use one of the 1x6 scopes with a 24mm objective. Though they would work, I truly hate the big 50 or 52mm objectives on a real hunting rifle (hence my comment about practicality); Particularly one that you will be hauling across a few square kilometers of Africa shooting bait and other trophies between sessions in the blind. So, that means a high quality (notice I did not say "good") glass with a 42 0r 44mm objective and a 30mm rather than 1 inch tube. That will make it a 2.5x10 or 3x9 (which is also just fine for a buff). Though I did not use one on my leopard in '08, I would use an illuminated retical now. "Leopard light" glass begins with the better Leupolds and goes through the usual German and Austrian suspects. You might want to take a look at Leica. They have fabulous light transmission scores and fall in the same price range as the V6.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

One word. Nightvision.

 

[SHOEDOG]

A Leica ERi 2.5-10 42 is on the short list
Illuminated reticle would be a must for low light in my opinion

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Nightvision to get away from the cops when they chase you....

 

[sandman0921]

This thread struck a chord for me as well. I am in the process of having Wayne Jacobson at AHR build me a custom rifle from a Pre-64 M7o barreled action I acquired a couple years ago that was originally in 270 WCF (Win) made in 1947. It has no collector value, but was in great shape. I am having him re-barrel in caliber 9.3x62 (Mauser) as I've lately been enamored with this cartridge. Anyway, I intend on hunting leopard with it in the next 2-3 years, and I've been searching for just the right scope. As this won't just be a "leopard rifle", but also used on PG, etc., I wanted a scope that was a good all-around scope but also had great light transmission, as well as an illuminated reticle. I agree that a 30 mm tube and moderately sized front objective is imperative to maximize light transmission, while maintaining a relatively trim profile. A 40-44 mm front objective would be ideal.

You might want to take a look at Leica

While I was originally looking at the Leupold VX-6 2-12x42 with an illuminated FireDot reticle, and I still think it would be a great choice, Red Leg's suggestion to look at Leica got me looking in that direction, and I found the Leica ERi 2.5-10x42 with the 4A reticle. The light transmission specs and eye relief would make this scope ideal for a leopard blind at fading light.......

Europtic has an unbelievable price on these scopes right now at $999.00 USD. I've looked at these scopes before, but I forgot about them until just now. I may just pick one up......

http://www.eurooptic.com/leica-er-i-25-10x42-4a-55020-rifle-scope.aspx#tab-2

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Steve, just to be clear. Certain areas still allows Leopard to be hunted at night. Night Vision would be first prize here, like the one we have in camp. Can't remember if I got to show you.
This will allow you to take your time on the shot. The apparatus that I use, slips over the front of your rifle scope, effectively turning your own scope into a night vision capable unit. You still see your exact recticle.

Regarding optics, we discussed this during 2015 in camp. Leica.

 

[Red Leg]

Hmmm - Have you guys considered using a spotlight? Just asking. Curious, is the "slip over apparatus" night vision or infra-red?

I have two of the Leica's and I am super impressed.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Hmmm - Have you guys considered using a spotlight? Just asking. Curious, is the "slip over apparatus" night vision or infra-red?

I have two of the Leica's and I am super impressed.

It's night vision with a pin sized infra red laser of 850N.m. As far as I remember, an animal can only see infra red up to 750N.m, but don't quote me on this.
If possible, I would try and use the night vision with only the moonlight. I would not take a chance with the infra red, unless turned up real low.
I have to add that the night vision that I use is very high tech, Russian made, that I picked up in Germany about 3 years back. You can identify animals quite comfortably out to 300yds.

 

[sandman0921]

I have two of the Leica's and I am super impressed.

Red Leg,

That's good to know because I just ordered the scope I referenced above. I hadn't seen it for anywhere less than $1400 USD, so when I saw it on Europtic for $999.00, I took the plunge as I will be needing a scope soon for my rifle. I have a few Leupold and Swarovski scopes for my various rifles, so I am very familiar with their characteristics, but I've never owned a Leica riflescope. I have one of their rangefinders and love it. Glad to hear you like the Leica scopes

 

[CAustin]

Headed off to hunt spots in July! I'm using a Luepold VX 6.
Power?Objective size?Reticle??
Is your hunt expected to take place after it gets dark?

Good luck with your hunt!! I, too have "spotted fever". My cure is about 90 days away in Zim. I should be back before you leave, maybe if all goes well I will have some tips for you.

Shoe dog
I will not be hunting at night but first and last light. The VX-6 has a custom dial system that is calibrated the the performance of the bullet your using. It has good light gathering quality but it is by no means night vision.

 

[Red Leg]

Red Leg,

That's good to know because I just ordered the scope I referenced above. I hadn't seen it for anywhere less than $1400 USD, so when I saw it on Europtic for $999.00, I took the plunge as I will be needing a scope soon for my rifle. I have a few Leupold and Swarovski scopes for my various rifles, so I am very familiar with their characteristics, but I've never owned a Leica riflescope. I have one of their rangefinders and love it. Glad to hear you like the Leica scopes

That was a steal - just did the same! Appreciate the heads up.

 

[sandman0921]

Ha! I know it was a good price. Glad to help. I love helping other people spend their money.......