Scope or Red dot for double rifle

[Philip Glass]

It depends on where the red dot is on the rifle. On my .500 NE I don't need to raise my head to look through the red dot.

My 9.3x74R was designed to use with a scope. So, when I got measured we raised the comb height enough so I would not need to raise my head.

The Kahles is so small it is about the same as looking through iron sights.

 

[Frederik]

Red dot vote for me just sexier than a scope and works better too.

 

[The Engineer]

I forgot to mention, one of my main concerns with a scope on a 470 double rifle is you have not had a real scope cut over your eye until you have one from a dangerous game cartridge.

 

[375FLM]

Tom,
Some good advice here already, so I'll not repeat any of it. I use a Trijicon on my 470s, both of which are fitted to me. Old eyes and fine iron sights are a bad mix for me now, go figure. There are many great Red Dot type sights out there to choose from. I recommend any quality sight that does not have to be fiddled with, a 470 is a fine Dangerous Game caliber, so get a sight that turns on with a single easy touch. If not, you may have to work to turn it on, when you need it most, or be forced to turn it on and leave it on. Some sights may power down after a certain time to conserve battery life, be aware. I would use the same argument for sight adjustments (illumination level) if that is an option, simple is better for dangerous game. Don't leave home without spare batteries if your sight requires them, you may not find any when you are afield.

On my last DG hunt, one of the guys in camp commented that he hated the look of any modern sight on a double rifle, certainly understand that position. His argument was that none of the old timers used them, so no one else should. My counter to that argument, the old timers hunted for a living in many cases, most worked to improve their craft just like hunters today, had this type of sight been available back in the day, many would have used it.)

Good luck with your rifle.

 

[Foxi]

"His argument was that none of the old timers used them"

I swear to you, if these things had existed back then, they would all have had it on them.
What gets better with age, certainly not the eyes.

 

[Monsai52]

I'm sorry if this question is slightly OT. I've never used a red dot, but have used ghost rings and peeps. Is there a significant advantage to a red dot over a ghost ring maybe like the one NEGC offers?

Best regards,

 

[Scrumbag]

Doctor mount and Leica red dot.

This is a good recommendation. I like my Leica on my 9.3. Very quick indeed

 

[Tom Y. Hanssen]

For a .470 NE I'd go with a low profile 1 MOA red dot like Trijicon. If you had a .450/400 I could see putting a scope on it, but in my opinion a .470 NE is up close and personal DG rifle.

I don't know where you are located but if the rifle is not a Heym with red dot accommodations already made, you could send the barrel to JJ for him to get a groove for the red dot milled on the rib and he will also sell you the Trijicon (they are hard to find at times).

Thanks for the input. I am located in Norway, so I will have to find a gunsmith here to help me

 

[Tom Y. Hanssen]

Thanks all for a lot of good input. After searching for different red dot sights I think I will go for the Leica Tempus ASPH as this sight seems to have the crispest and best red dot due to aspeherical lens. Now I have do decide on eiter 2.0 or 3.5 MOA for the red dot. What do you recommend and why?

 

[Scrumbag]

Tom,

I have the Leica and went for the 2MOA. In my view, the dots always appear bigger than stated and given the lots of brightness levels with the Leica, you might as well have the precision. You can also make the dot appear bigger by setting it "too bright" and having it flare some.

Scrummy

 

[Tom Y. Hanssen]

Great, thanks for input

 

[Scrumbag]

Great, thanks for input

Welcome!

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

I would definitely go with the red dot. I would only buy one that you do not have to remove from its base to change batteries. Removing may mean re-sighting! Another point is will you have the small torque driver with you when the battery fails?

 

[Tanks]

I would definitely go with the red dot. I would only buy one that you do not have to remove from its base to change batteries. Removing may mean re-sighting! Another point is will you have the small torque driver with you when the battery fails?

The batteries are supposed to last 2 years for Trijicon. That being said, all the batteries for my optics get replaced prior to the hunt, so it is not an issue. It is part of being prepared. And I do have all the tools I need to service my optics and firearm in the daypack that I take to the car along with spare batteries.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Hi Tanks, I replace batteries in all of our red dots usually about 1 March. We have Leupold, Trijicon & Kahles. I guarantee you we will have at least batteries fail us on at least 1 unit every year. On rifles that do not require sight removal no problem. On others I will have to fire at least 1 shot to confirm zero. Due to ammunition cost her in Zimbabwe it hurts a bit. I do like the 2 MOA dot the best.

 

[Tanks]

Well, PH usage and hunter usage are two different things though. I prefer the 1 MOA. I can understand confirming zero and ammo cost. I was told factory .500 NE was $30 a round when found in Zim. My PH was happy when 19 softs and 12 solids dropped out of my ammo case as I was leaving

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

I seldom use a red dot. The wife uses her double no red dot or she uses her .404j with. The others are client rifles and most clients opt for a scope, so they do not get that much usage. I suspect part of it is either the sights do not turn off when not in use or we get OLD batteries here. I think your PH would really struggle to buy .500 for $30.00 a round. I would guess closer to $50.00, but who knows. I am sure he wishes you had a bigger hole in your bag.

As long as your prepared that what counts. Old Mr. Murphy has a wicked sense of humor!

 

[Tanks]

I think everyone of the CMS PHs use a red dot, I will replace the battery on mine prior to leaving here in July and confirm zero, though it never has changed. But, as you said - Murphy.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

As you know almost all red dots use 2032 batteries. I can only speak for myself, but it is a gift that we can all use. As I said our batteries leave a lot to be desired. My own experience over here is the Varta brand is head and shoulders above the rest. I opened a pack of Duracell D cells yesterday, I thru 3 out of 8 were "flat". 2032s, AAs, AAAs. always needed.

 

[Tanks]

Yeah, I left behind all my batteries, medicines, first aid items and even a pack of duct tape.
Just kept a few Imodium, Advil and band aid to use during flight home if needed.