Scopes for safari rifles

[Bert Reynolds]

Hi all. I’m having a pair of rifles built. One in 404 Jeffery and one in 8x68S. I’d like them matching models. I would like a 1.1-4 and a 2.5-10x42 Diavari, as I have a couple of Diavari’s and they are my favourite scopes. What other recommendations do people have?

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

leupold vx3 and up, great value for money, lifetime guarentee, rugged

 

[CBH Australia]

When I joined the Big Bore club people said a Leupold Vx3 1-4x20 I think it is.
I had a .458wm downsized to a .375 H&H

That's a solid entry level scope I was told

I really like my Ziess scope and my Kahles.

Someone is bound to suggest Leica here. I believe they are good all round but I have never handled a Lieca scope.

I find I do appreciate great glass when I get behind it. An extra thousand bucks might be worth it if you have the means and will get the use of it. It's cheap insurance for that hunt of a lifetime.

 

[BeeMaa]

I’ve become a fan of illuminated scopes, specifically the Swaro Z8i series. Makes finding the crosshairs much easier against a dark colored animal. There are several other less expensive options, but still high quality scopes. I’d consider the Leupold VX3 line the entry level.

For a DG scope, I would prefer a true 1x low range and mounted in QD rings. Shouldn’t need more than 4x or 5x at the high end. The PG scope should fit the caliber and expected ranges for the game. 2.5-10 or 3-9 are good options IMO for the 8mm. Again, I like these in QD rings but not completely necessary for a PG rifle.

Whatever you do, remember that the rifle and scope are a system or matched set with a purpose. Stay true to that purpose and you will be fine.

 

[Bert Reynolds]

leupold vx3 and up, great value for money, lifetime guarentee, rugged

Was just looking it vx5 in a 1-5 and one in a 2-10. Tempting

 

[Bert Reynolds]

I’ve become a fan of illuminated scopes, specifically the Swaro Z8i series. Makes finding the crosshairs much easier against a dark colored animal. There are several other less expensive options, but still high quality scopes. I’d consider the Leupold VX3 line the entry level.

For a DG scope, I would prefer a true 1x low range and mounted in QD rings. Shouldn’t need more than 4x or 5x at the high end. The PG scope should fit the caliber and expected ranges for the game. 2.5-10 or 3-9 are good options IMO for the 8mm. Again, I like these in QD rings but not completely necessary for a PG rifle.

Whatever you do, remember that the rifle and scope are a system or matched set with a purpose. Stay true to that purpose and you will be fine.

I have a z6 on another rifle and I like it. I was considering a pair of z6’s. A 1-6 and a 1.7-10. Both rifles will have recknagel QD rings. Both rifles will be near identical with the 404 being a bit heavier in the barrel and stock.

Cheaper options for scopes would be a pair of vx5’s or a pair of Leica ER5’s (old stock)

 

[jdemocko]

The Z6 is a performer as well. I have them on a 375 H&H and a 300 Win Mag. They worked well on dangerous game and plains game. I would recommend the illuminated reticle.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

As stated above, the scope and rifle are a system. The scope should suit the characteristics and purpose of the rifle. A 404 and and 8x68 have different t characteristics and purposes. They shouldn’t have identical scopes.

if it’s going to be used on dangerous game, I think it should have a true 1x on the low end.
I’ve got a z6i EE on my 404 and I think it’s perfect for a 404. Needs 1x on the low end and 6 is plenty on the upper end. I’ve got the 1.7-10z6i on my 30-06; it would serve admirably on an 8-68. Better low-light performance than the 1-6. If you want more magnification on the high end, a Z8 would work well but I don’t have need for more than 10x. If money is no concern, it won’t hurt to spend the extra on the z8.

I’d absolutely have an illuminated reticle. It has no downside other than cost and in the level of scope appropriate for your project, illuminated is probably going to be part of the deal anyway.

 

[chashardy]

Leupold VX6 HD 1-6X24 Firedot reticle. I put this scope on my 416 Rigby. The illuminated red dot is great for fast target acquisition especially against black hides of buffalo. Turned down to 1 power setting it works like having a RMR red dot sight. Very versatile.

 

[WAB]

I have a z6 on another rifle and I like it. I was considering a pair of z6’s. A 1-6 and a 1.7-10. Both rifles will have recknagel QD rings. Both rifles will be near identical with the 404 being a bit heavier in the barrel and stock.

Cheaper options for scopes would be a pair of vx5’s or a pair of Leica ER5’s (old stock)

Very good choice. Look at the Z8i 1-8x24 as well.

 

[WAB]

If you can find a Z6i ee 1-6x24 it would be perfect on that 404.

 

[JPmbogo]

I too am having a 404 jeff built on a magnum pre-64 Mod. 70 action. It is being built to shoot off-hand with express sights. If it goes to Africa, it will be used under a 100y at the big boys (or girls?). On another thread, there is a current discussion regarding scoping dangerous game rifles, in particular for use under 100y. My opinion is obviously, no. It might be okay if you manage a first shot kill, but what if Tembo or Mbogo gets pissed and comes after you? I don't want to be looking down a telescope with a live tank 10y away and headed in my direction! And remember, scopes in general did not come into general use until after WWII. The earlier African hunters managed quite well with open sights. Also, think Hemingway with his '06 with a peep sight - and he was shooting well beyond 100y.

 

[meigsbucks]

Although neither of your rifles are ”hard” recoiling, I like as close to 4” of eye relief as possible. I’d consider the Trijicon 1-6x and 2.5-12x as well as the Leupold VX-3 or VX-5 series scopes.

 

[Red Leg]

I too am having a 404 jeff built on a magnum pre-64 Mod. 70 action. It is being built to shoot off-hand with express sights. If it goes to Africa, it will be used under a 100y at the big boys (or girls?). On another thread, there is a current discussion regarding scoping dangerous game rifles, in particular for use under 100y. My opinion is obviously, no. It might be okay if you manage a first shot kill, but what if Tembo or Mbogo gets pissed and comes after you? I don't want to be looking down a telescope with a live tank 10y away and headed in my direction! And remember, scopes in general did not come into general use until after WWII. The earlier African hunters managed quite well with open sights. Also, think Hemingway with his '06 with a peep sight - and he was shooting well beyond 100y.

And smokeless powder didn't come into general use much before the turn of the century. I am not sure I understand your point. We also should remember that Hemingway also wounded game with his '06 as did many visiting sportsmen in those pre-trophy fee days between the wars. With one drop of blood equaling the cost of an animal recovered, I would suggest the average hunter going to Africa today, particularly for his first dangerous game animal, is best equipped with whatever rifle and sighting system assures him the greatest accuracy for the first shot. Everything is secondary to that first pull of the trigger.

 

[JPmbogo]

Then let me elaborate. At 100y or less, off hand, I can shoot an open sighted rifle just as accurately as anyone with a scoped rifle.

 

[JHM]

I have always believed that the Swarovski Z6i 1-6x24 or, even better, the current Swarovski Z8i 0.75-6x20 are great options for BG rifles.

However, in my last acquisition, looking for a little more versatility, I mounted a Zeiss 2.5-10x48 and, clearly, in short shots it is too much. Until yesterday, when I found this beauty gathering dust from a collector.

It is a Zeiss Diavari-C West Germany 1.5-4.5x18 with 1 ”tube and I think it is the perfect companion scope to mount on my Rigby 375 H&H alongside the 2.5-10x48 for its classic look, clarity and robustness.

For this reason, I think it is a perfect choice for BG rifles if you find a unit in good condition, in addition to what has been said, because it has a slightly longer tube that allows, in express rifles and some M98 actions, to mount the two rings in front adjustment turret and bring the scope further back.

Best regards, Jorge.

 

[Jeff 907]

There are so many quality options to choose from. Personally I default to Leupold for most my rifles. They’re light, rugged, and the warranty is a nice add-on. The VX-5 1-5 is what I run on a CZ 416 Rigby. It does what I need it to do. 1-6 Trijicon is on another option that works very well and can take me tripping in alders and still keep POI. Good luck on your search and I’d like to see photos of your completed matched pair.

 

[JHM]

Totally agree with Jeff.

Although I have not specifically tested that Leupold model, I have tested the VX-3 and it gave me a spectacular result giving it a really bad treatment and it never missed the point of impact so it is a really good alternative for BG hunting.

Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more difficult to buy optics directly in the United States from Europe and less and less Leupolds are seen in European rifles. A shame because they are scopes of an impressive quality.

Best regards, Jorge.

 

[Nevada Mike]

My .404J wears a Leupold VX6i 1-6X in custom QD rings. The .375 H&H wears a Leupold VX2 2-7X in Talley QD rings with a Leupold VX3 1.5-5X in Talley QD rings as a back up scope, and my 7mm Rem magnum wears a S&B Summit 2.5 -10X. I consider these scopes to be adequate to the job.

 

[Quaticman]

Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4 x 30 with the illuminated German # 4 reticle in the colour of your choice.