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OK Hive Mind... 416 Rem Mag Scope |
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noddah
Optics Apprentice Joined: September/06/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 129 |
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Posted: September/06/2005 at 00:14 |
I am getting a 416 Rem build together. This rifle is to be used for dangerous game. (1) Brown Bear (2) Cape (3) Whatever.. My past experience has made me fall in love with both S&B and Zeiss but I am split among the below. (Two are illuminated one ain't)
All these I know are top shelf... So which scope should I jump to?
1. Zeiss 2.5-10x50 Daivari VM/V 30mm / http://www.riflescopes.com/products/5216259908/zeiss_2.5-10x 50_daivari_vm_v_30mm_rifle_scope.htm
2. Schmidt & Bender 2.5-10x56 Zenith http://www.riflescopes.com/products/9427FDZ/schmidt_bender_2 .5-10x56_zenith_30mm_riflescope.htm
3. Kahles 2.5-10x50 European 30mm http://www.riflescopes.com/products/51623/kahles_2.5-10x50_e uropean_30mm_riflescope.htm |
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ranburr
Optics Master Joined: May/16/2004 Status: Offline Points: 1082 |
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How about something along the lines of a 1-4x24?
ranburr |
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Brady
TEAM SWFA - Admin Casino Cruiser Joined: May/20/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1844 |
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You may want something with a little less power. Something that could go down to 1x or 1.5x Dangerous game isn't called dangerous for nothing. I know I wouldn't want a big heavy over powered scope with a bear running at me. But that's just me.
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noddah
Optics Apprentice Joined: September/06/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 129 |
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I agree that works in Africa.. but there ain't always daylight in Alaska.
For instance:
Moose (Alaska) had a shot at 200 yards into a wooded area with cover and no passing light. I had to pull the magnification back to 3-4 with a 50mm scope (3-12) to make it out through the scope. |
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tbone1
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/31/2004 Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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I agree with ranburr and Brady on this one for several reasons. First I don't think you really need a scope for super low light while hunting dangerous game with the exception of Leopard or Lion over bait. Second, like Brady said you don't need much magnification when hunting dangerous game just in case one decides to charge. Third, these animals are extremely large and even at several hundred yards you will be able to see them well enough for good shot placement with a low magnification scope. Fourth, the 416 is not a long range rifle. I would say the maximum range of a 416 is probably about 250-300 yards (Sighted at 200 will drop about 10" at 300). A 416 doesn't have enough trajectory to confidently place a shot at 400 yards. If you are dead set on the three you mentioned, I would probably choose the Zeiss 2.5-10x50 non illuminated simply because it is a very light compact scope that has tremendous performance for its size. I personally think that illuminated reticles are unneccesary and are not very useful especially in a scope with a first plane reticle.
I am considering a 375 H&H or 416 so I've been thinking about this as well and I will give you some recommendations.
A S&B 1-4 x20 or the new Zenith 1.1-4x24 would be a great choice. Probably the best choice for hunting in close cover and in the unlikely event of a charge (even better would be iron sights in the event of a charge). The Zeiss available in this class is a Vaipoint 1-4x24 and as I said I don't personally like relying on illuminated reticles and batteries.
If you want more magnification and better low light performance then I would recommend a 1.5-6x42. To me it is the perfect comprimise. It can go down to 1.5 when hunting in close cover and would be adequate in the event of a charge. It can go up to 6x which is more than enough for dangerous game and other large game at any range you would want to take one. And even at 6x it would have super low light performance if you ever decide to hunt a large cat over bait or a brown bear in fading light. (Remember a 6x42 would yield the same exit pupil that an 8x56 would). Also they are compact, light, and are not bulky. There really aren't many drawbacks with a 1.5-6x42.
Now which one, a S&B or a Zeiss. To me that is the hardest thing to answer. Like I said I own both and love both. I had a Zeiss VM/V 1.5-6x42 until I traded it to SWFA on a VM/V 3-12x56. I love the 3-12x56, but I have always regreted trading that 1.5-6. It was super bright and very compact, but I thought I wanted more magnification. S&B offers a standard 1.5-6 and one in the Zenith series as well. To me the only disadvantage to the S&B is the weight. They are significantly heavier than the Zeiss, but they are probably one of the most rugged scopes available today. On a 416 I don't know if weight should be a consideration or not. Optics are too close to call, they are both superb. I just bought a Swarovski 1.5-6x42 not because I prefer Swarovski but I got a deal to good to pass up. I haven't compared it to my Zeiss or my S&B 3-12x42 yet, but I'll probably save it for a 375 or 416 in the near future. I am not trying to talk you out of a larger scope if you have already decided thats what you want. I'm just trying to give some extra info to help you decide what suits you the best. I hope this helps. |
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koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13182 |
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A classic low light setup is something along the lines of 1.5-6x42. You might to get one of those with an illuminated reticle if low light is truly a major concern.
Kahles, Zeiss, Swarovski and S&B all make scopes in this configuration. I think S&B has the most eye relief in this group (about 3.75", I think). It is still not what I would consider enough fro a gun with that kind of kick.
Personally, I think a lower magnification variable would be a very good choice. Trijicon Accupoint 1.5-4x24 would be a very good choice due to good glass, long eye relief and a highly visible reticle. IMO, this one is easily among the best dangerous game scopes in the world. Burris Signature Safari 1.75-5x32 scopes are also very well suited to this application due to centrally illuminated fastplex reticle and long eye relief. Leupold low magnification scopes are good as well. Sightron makes a 1.5-6x42 with 1" tube and 1.5-6x50 with a 30mm tube.
European glass is excellent, but none of the ones that I've seen has a whole lot of eye relief. ALso, on a rifle that kicks quite that much mechanical durability is paramount and Burris, Leupold, Sightron, Trijicon are not any less durable than top European makers.
Ilya |
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tbone1
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/31/2004 Status: Offline Points: 195 |
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Noddah, you must have posted your reply as I was typing mine. Now I think I understand your situation a little better and agree in that situation and in Alaska a little more low light performance scope could be useful. Even more than before, I think a 1.5-6x42 would be perfect. It will do everything you might need it to do in Alaska and Africa. Even in that situation put it on 4x and it will be just as bright as 50 or 56mm would be.
My point is that you want your scope selection to be as versital as your rifle selection. I'm assuming by your original post that the whole point of using a 416 in the first place was because of its versitality. It would be fine for moose and brown bear in Alaska (although unnecessary) but would be perfect for buffalo in Africa if you decide to go. The 1.5-4 would be fine in Africa but limited in Alaska. The 2.5-10x56 would be fine in Alaska but limited in Africa. The 1.5-6x42 would do both equally as well just like the 416 will. |
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noddah
Optics Apprentice Joined: September/06/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 129 |
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I like your idea of the 1.5-6x42...
I will research and take a look at them... probably jump back on the S&B bandwagon. |
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