What one scope could you hunt anything with….

[CBeck]

This isn’t about brand so much as specs. 1.5-9, 2-10, 3-9, illuminated reticle, 32mm, 40mm, 44mm?

I’m thinking about a 2 rifle battery to hunt the world….first rifle is a .375 and using some @Philip Glass logic I opted for a broader magnification range and did a 1-8x24…one rifle to do it all if need be. Good advice thanks Phillip.

The 2nd rifle is a 280ai (yes I already know it’s not a common caliber)….it currently wears a 3-9x40 non illuminated. After putting the 1-8 on the 375 I think I like the illumination. Is it needed on plains game, red stag, white tail, boar, pronghorn, caribou? Can’t hurt right?

So if I’m going to replace what is the perfect magnification for a stalking rifle that could be used from say 350 yards in? This isn’t for 1000 yard hunting.

I’ve spotted a light weight 1.5x9x32 but I’m thinking with modern optics why not higher top end magnification? I understand exit pupil, etc, but modern good glass, I don’t find the objective diameter to be critical.

Also, I don’t want to go over medium rings….I don’t want a huge objective or adjustable turrets…it needs to fit on a blue walnut rifle.

So, give me your opinions….

 

[Deepfork]

Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8x36. I run three of them, I need a scope to check the same boxes you do. Its perfect for what I do in most situations. Here it is on a "blue walnut rifle". 303 yards and a heart shot, you can see the entry.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Any 3-9x quality scope is fine for plains game 30 to 300 yards. I'm not into lighted or Christmas tree reticles. Keep it mounted as low as possible, especially if the rifle has classic European comb. I prefer quick detach rings and a good set of iron sights for backup or hunting in conditions unfavorable for scopes (rough terrain, rain, snow, etc). The 3-9x on my plains game/deer rifle typically stays on 4x while I'm hunting. I often turn it to 9x to size up an animal spotted and unaware. 9x is also good for range work. Recently I acquired a 30mm tube 1-4x for my DGR and very pleased with clarity and large field of view. It might work well for stalking plains game if accompanied with good binoculars.

 

[mark-hunter]

For Africa, on 375:
Swarovski Z6 1.7-10x42 illuminated reticle.
Subject widely covered here for African conditions, cover majority of situations.

For Europe and elsewhere, up to 300 yards, on 280 AI:
Swarovski Z8 2.3-18x56, ballistic turrets, illuminated reticle.
56 mm to have maximum light transmission - as in Europe day hunt is allowed 2 hours after Sunset.
European hunts can cover various Alpine hunts for Chamois or Ibex, and shot over 300 m can be expected. Thus a bit more power on scope, and ballistic turrets. 2.3x power will give reasonable wide field of view for driven hunts popular in Europe.

Of course, it does not need to be Swarovski, other brands with similar specs can be used.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

For the 280AI, what about the Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50?

 

[V.Veritas]

How about Z6i 2.5-15X44MM? It still has a relatively small objective that can be installed in low rings, plenty magnification for a long shot, illuminated reticle.

 

[KJE81]

I have decided on a Swarovski z8 1,7-13,3x42 for my do it all rifle to hunt the world. That was the most versatile scope I could find and even thought I will be using Recknagel swing mounts I dont really like the idea of having more then one scope, this can do it all I think.

 

[Sika98k]

Two scopes come to mind that imho cover nearly all the bases. As mentioned earlier the Swarovski 1,7-10x42. The is also a similar offering from Meopta, the R2 in 1,7-10x42. Both scopes have illuminated reticles, something that these days once you’ve used one you are sold on them.

 

[Sabre]

I enjoy more magnification. For an all around, do-all, rifle scope I would prefer something with like 3-15 or 4-20. I don't care much if it has 40-44 objective, I prefer not to go smaller or larger of that, but would compromise on that if need be and it still worked on the intended rifle.

I am noticing a trend of ring makers to focus a lot more on 30mm+ rings and cutting back on 1 inch scope rings, so if possible it might be wise to avoid a 1 inch tube.

I enjoy a simple dot in the center illuminated reticle when done right, however this is somewhat hard to find because a lot of scopes that cost good money can't pull it off well, which is always shocking to me.

Scopes come down so much to personal preference that what one person thinks is perfect, another thinks is the worst thing ever.

 

[Kevin375]

If I have to keep only one scope, It will be my Leica Magnus 2.4-16x56 with its BDC turret. It has a huge field of view at the lower magnification, an incredible glass for low light conditions and also a very good after-sales service just in case. I had a little problem with its illuminated reticle and despite the warranty was off, Leica repaired it for free.

 

[bowjijohn]

One scope?

It would be a toss up between

Z8i 1-8x24

Or

Z8i 2-16x50

 

[62flint]

I just purchased a nightforce nx8 2-20.sitting on a 6.5prc I hope it will be my go to lighter game rifle.
I have a Leupold 1-4 cds scope on my 375hh. Thought about getting a 2-8/10 scope for it with Talley qd rings.
I also have a 4-32 nx8 on a 300win mag. That I can use for most anything.
I guess what am saying is. I think the scope needs to be matched to the rifle and cartridge.
I wouldn’t put a big scope on my 375hh. It would work but just wouldn’t look right to me
Hard to drive finishing nails with a 8 pound sledge. Can be done but it’s tough.

 

[KJE81]

Steiner has a 1-10 scope that might be interesting, no personal experience however.

Ranger 10 1-10x24 | 1-10x24 | 3010900204

www.steiner.de

 

[nomspc]

This isn’t about brand so much as specs. 1.5-9, 2-10, 3-9, illuminated reticle, 32mm, 40mm, 44mm?

I’m thinking about a 2 rifle battery to hunt the world….first rifle is a .375 and using some @Philip Glass logic I opted for a broader magnification range and did a 1-8x24…one rifle to do it all if need be. Good advice thanks Phillip.

The 2nd rifle is a 280ai (yes I already know it’s not a common caliber)….it currently wears a 3-9x40 non illuminated. After putting the 1-8 on the 375 I think I like the illumination. Is it needed on plains game, red stag, white tail, boar, pronghorn, caribou? Can’t hurt right?

So if I’m going to replace what is the perfect magnification for a stalking rifle that could be used from say 350 yards in? This isn’t for 1000 yard hunting.

I’ve spotted a light weight 1.5x9x32 but I’m thinking with modern optics why not higher top end magnification? I understand exit pupil, etc, but modern good glass, I don’t find the objective diameter to be critical.

Also, I don’t want to go over medium rings….I don’t want a huge objective or adjustable turrets…it needs to fit on a blue walnut rifle.

So, give me your opinions….

I like the way you think. I had a Swaro 1-8 on my .375 on my last trip to the RSA, and used that versatile combo to take 2 buffalo, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, nyala, impala and kudu.

I’m also a big fan of the 280 AI. Mostly I’m using a Leupold VX6 HD 2-12X42 with a CDS dial, zeroed at 200. So the drop at 300 is 6”, at 350 about 12”. Past that I’m dialing, but rarely. Illumination, ideally a central dot, is a must for me. For DG, all I want to see is the dot. For elk, as an example, I like the option; depends on light, weather, many variables.

 

[Raven]

Sometimes the price is important. My friend bought a March 2.5-25x42 and was very pleased. But now he takes care of this scope and rarely takes it hunting. It's very funny.

My choice of a relatively inexpensive, but high–quality and time-tested scope that is suitable for various hunts is the Leupold VX-6 2-12x42.

 

[ActionBob]

How about Z6i 2.5-15X44MM? It still has a relatively small objective that can be installed in low rings, plenty magnification for a long shot, illuminated reticle.

This right here!

 

[Challer]

Z8i for all
0.75x6 if you do more than a little close in work (makes a huge difference)
1x8 otherwise
2-16 for the rest. I’ve never done much over 250m other than range work and generally much closer to 150m.

I also use rail mount versions exclusively.

 

[WI-2021]

Two scopes come to mind that imho cover nearly all the bases. As mentioned earlier the Swarovski 1,7-10x42. The is also a similar offering from Meopta, the R2 in 1,7-10x42. Both scopes have illuminated reticles, something that these days once you’ve used one you are sold on them.

I like the idea of this magnification range and considered both of these scopes for my 16.5" .308 deer rifle. It seemed ideal for a Wisconsin Whitetail rifle where most shots will be between 25-100 yards with possibly poor light, but still suitable for the occasional shot across a farm field. In my mind, that versatility also makes it a consideration for a .375.

I found that I couldn't bring myself to drop the $2600 on the Swaro, and have never seen a Meopta in real life. My local gun shop did have same GPO scopes in stock though and I ended up with a Spectra 6 in 1.5-9x44. It has the illuminated reticle with basic mil holdovers. I wanted illumination, and the holdovers are nice for longer range target shooting without cluttering up the reticle.

I haven't had the opportunity to compare the GPO back to back with a Swaro yet, but it's certainly not bad optically. It is a bit bigger and heavier than the Swaro. It's also about 1/3 the price for a very similar feature set, so it deserves mention for those of us on a budget. There's a pretty fair chance I'll buy another for the .375 Ruger build I'm working on.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

1x6 or 1x8 would be plenty for me.

 

[Philip Glass]

This isn’t about brand so much as specs. 1.5-9, 2-10, 3-9, illuminated reticle, 32mm, 40mm, 44mm?

I’m thinking about a 2 rifle battery to hunt the world….first rifle is a .375 and using some @Philip Glass logic I opted for a broader magnification range and did a 1-8x24…one rifle to do it all if need be. Good advice thanks Phillip.

The 2nd rifle is a 280ai (yes I already know it’s not a common caliber)….it currently wears a 3-9x40 non illuminated. After putting the 1-8 on the 375 I think I like the illumination. Is it needed on plains game, red stag, white tail, boar, pronghorn, caribou? Can’t hurt right?

So if I’m going to replace what is the perfect magnification for a stalking rifle that could be used from say 350 yards in? This isn’t for 1000 yard hunting.

I’ve spotted a light weight 1.5x9x32 but I’m thinking with modern optics why not higher top end magnification? I understand exit pupil, etc, but modern good glass, I don’t find the objective diameter to be critical.

Also, I don’t want to go over medium rings….I don’t want a huge objective or adjustable turrets…it needs to fit on a blue walnut rifle.

So, give me your opinions….

Thanks! Either of the two scopes I mention in the DG scope video I did recently will fit your criteria. The VX6 2-12x or the Z8 1.7-13x. Both will easily hunt the world.