Combo plains game and DG scope

[jimbo1972]

Thoughts on 2x12x42 vs 1x6x24 for a combo plains game DG Scope? This will be on a 375 H&H Blaser R8. Either one will be a Leupold VX6HD with Fire dot. DG will be mostly Buffalo

 

[375Ruger416]

Facing this exact same question myself. I’m planning on going with the 2-12 for versatility. I habitually shoot with both eyes open, which has me leaning this way.

Philip Glass’ videos and comments on this forum were convincing.

On the other hand, I’d think about your intended common use. If it’s primarily buffalo - 1-6, if it’s primarily plains game with the occasional buffalo (my situation, not 100% I will hunt buffalo) 2-12.

Good luck!

PS. What ammo are you using? I’ve only been able to source Barnes 300 gr TSX which has a good reputation, though there is also some Hornady DGX available in my area. Hopefully both shoot accurately enough.

 

[Scott CWO]

I have the same exact 2-12x42 on both of my 375 H&Hs and it works great for both DG and PG. I have a new NightForce NX8 1-8x24 on my CZ Lott that I just mounted and hope to shoot soon.

The Leupold scopes have been fine on my 375s but the Lott has been hard on Leupold 1-6x scopes.

 

[Ed Lally]

My first scope (in 1960) was a fixed 4X on a .308 and it was used in everything from raccoons near the chicken coop and woodchucks in the pasture to moose in Newfoundland and elk in Colorado. Thought that nothing could be better. My most recent scope is a Leupold VX35HD 1-5 on an R8 in .458 Lott which went to Zimbabwe for Buffalo. I found the 1X exceptionally quick and the 5X sufficient for longer shots at a few baboon. I don’t think you need the 12X to make good longer shots.

 

[RR 314]

There have been thousands of buffalo killed with 3x and 4x fixed power scopes. Therefore, the 2x is obviously a solid choice. That being stated, I really do prefer a true 1x and my go to is not Leupold as they don't offer a 1-8. The S&B Exos 1-8 has been my go to for the last 8 years or so. I truly do prefer a little more than 8X on a plains game set up, so given the options you designated, I would go 2-12. The chances of "needing" true 1x is somewhat remote, but I sure do like having it and not needing it.

 

[jimbo1972]

Facing this exact same question myself. I’m planning on going with the 2-12 for versatility. I habitually shoot with both eyes open, which has me leaning this way.

Philip Glass’ videos and comments on this forum were convincing.

On the other hand, I’d think about your intended common use. If it’s primarily buffalo - 1-6, if it’s primarily plains game with the occasional buffalo (my situation, not 100% I will hunt buffalo) 2-12.

Good luck!

PS. What ammo are you using? I’ve only been able to source Barnes 300 gr TSX which has a good reputation, though there is also some Hornady DGX available in my area. Hopefully both shoot accurately enough.

Right now going to be using 260 grain Accubond for Whitetails to get used to hunting with this Blaser. Probably go with 300 Tsx for Africa

 

[Datchew]

Even in a blind I rarely go over 6x inside 150-200 yards. Maybe 8x if it's low light.

To me, the 1x acting like a quick acquisition red dot is of more value than the extended magnification for distance in the scenario you describe.

For me, also r8, I have the vx6 1-6 for the 375 barrel and simply plan to take a 300wm barrel outfitted more for distance should the need arise

 

[Scott CWO]

My first scope (in 1960) was a fixed 4X on a .308 and it was used in everything from raccoons near the chicken coop and woodchucks in the pasture to moose in Newfoundland and elk in Colorado. Thought that nothing could be better. My most recent scope is a Leupold VX35HD 1-5 on an R8 in .458 Lott which went to Zimbabwe for Buffalo. I found the 1X exceptionally quick and the 5X sufficient for longer shots at a few baboon. I don’t think you need the 12X to make good longer shots.

I don’t have the numbers in front of me but I bet the field of view on the 2-12x42 is just as large as the 1-5x24 and there’s nothing bad about having the option of 12x magnification for sighting in and for a few longer shots.

 

[375Fox]

I had a vx3 1.5-5 on my 375 first for a few hunts then went to vx5 2-10. I prefer the 2-10 for the added flexibility if I need more power, but it usually sits at 5x. I haven’t seen any downside on the low power side. I’d go with the vx6 2-12 given your choices.