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Scope for heavy recoiling rifle

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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Scope for heavy recoiling rifle
    Posted: June/16/2004 at 19:36

I am planning to build up a dangerous game rifle (don't ask me why since I have no use for it other than pride of ownership).  I am considering 375H&H, 376 Steyr or 375 Remington Ultra Mag.  I've heard that the kind of recoil these cartridges generate can kill most scopes out there.  I am thinking of putting either a fixed 4x or a low range variable (1.5-5x or thereabouts).  I've had different scopes recommended to me: Leupold VX-III 1.75-6x32 and 1.5-5x20, Burris Signature Select 1.2-5x32, etc.  Someone also mentioned that Burris 4x26 compact is very durable and has good eye relief.  Weaver Grand Slam 1.5-4.5x32 seems to have a good reputation.  Is one of these scopes better than others? Any other recommendations in the $400 and under range?

Thanks.

Ilya

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akpls View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote akpls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/17/2004 at 10:38
I have the 1.75-6 Vari-X III on a .450M bolt gun that has held up fine.  I also have the Weaver Grand Slam 1.5-5 on the Marlin 1895M (also .450M) that has held up equally well.  The eye relief on the Vari-X is a bit better though.  I can find very little difference optically between the two, but if you're one that "creeps" up on your scope you may want the Leupold.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/29/2004 at 09:42

My first pick would be:

Burris Signature Select "Safari" 1.75-5x32.....$419.95  It was designed and built to be a heavy recoil, dangerous game scope.  It even has an additional 3/4" eye relief to help ya out.

 

For close-in shooting and dangerous game, nothing is faster and safer than the LRS Fast Plex™. If you should lose battery power the reticle reverts to standard black.

 

Battery Life
Medium Power High Power
50 - 60 hrs 40 - 50 hrs

 

 

 

Leupold 1.75-6x32 VX-III.....$399.99

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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/29/2004 at 11:18

Thanks, I tend to creep up on the scope a bit, so Burris is probably a better choice.

Now, I just need to build the rifle.

Ilya

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tbone1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/29/2004 at 13:40

I just read an interesting article on this very subject.  The article is titled "Who builds the toughest scopes"?  It talks alot about different manufacturers and which scopes can withstand up to certain calibers.  They explained that certain scopes would start to break up within the first few rounds and others that break up over time.  They give some opinions on which scopes to use on 375s and up.  I thought the article was very interesting and I think you might as well.  It is in "Rifle" magazine July 2004.  I picked it up a few days ago at the book store.  Good Luck.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/29/2004 at 13:57
I am subscribed to "Rifle" and I read that article.  I was just looking for some additional opinions.  I have a lot of respect for John Barseness, but more information is always a good thing.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ConradCA Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/02/2004 at 01:32

You do not need to worry Leupolds breaking on heavy recoiling rifles. They are

build to withstand the recoil.

 

Dangerouse game rifles use low power scopes because they offer a wider field of

view. This simplifies the problem of picking up a charging animal so you can shoot

it before it kills you.

 

I like the following scope: http://www.riflescopes.com/products/LEU54906/leupold_vx-iii_illuminated_1.5-5x20.htm

 

The circle dot reticule is perfect for quick shots at close moving game.

 

Conrad

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hangfire Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/04/2004 at 21:35
The 376 Steyr is not in the same recoil class as the others, but in a very lightweight rifle will still give a scope a bit of a workout. I think most any of the scopes you mentioned would be fine. I have a 1.5x-5x Leupold and a fixed power Burris and both work fine on 45-70 class recoil, if that helps.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/04/2004 at 23:26

Even high quality scopes, purchased new, can be off, that is- require a trip back to the factory because they will not hold center. In a heavy this is the first consideration. Is the scope holding zero? Suprizingly the hardest guns on scopes are semi-auto types, especially on full auto, when the bold returns home, it is like hitting the scope with a hammer. A light AR or a CETME with a high torque angle to the bore line will sort scopes out fast. Another consideration is the need for bench resting the gun. High power scopes (above 4X) can show better groups but the 25 lb. bag of lead shot between your shoulder and the stock may not last long enough to complete the task. Are you also using iron sights? How big is the target? What is the cone of fire for the kill zone on the target you are using? I have found a 2X7 Leopoldt compact to work fine on a variety of heavies, providing field of view at the 2 setting some benching at 100 on a 416 Rem Mag I shoot regularly for hunting. Also used are Leo's quick release mounts to get at the irons if the need arises.

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