Current state of Dangerous Game optics?

[BeeMaa]

So they also have qd mounts that mount DIRECTLY to the action

The CZ550 allows the rings to mount directly to the action because there are dovetails in the double square bridge.

The Win M70 style requires mounts on top of the (round) action to be an adapter between the action and the rings.

It just depends on the rifle and action you choose.

 

[steve white]

Honestly I would prefer 1.5-6x42 as a good DG scope. Reticle of your preference.
Bapu

I agree with one caveat....find out in advance what is the actual measurement. Some "1x" are actually 1.4, etc. So what is the actual magnification if it says 1.5? Closer to two? Best to look through all contenders.

 

[DelRock83]

This would be another common (probably the most common) option and it adds front and rear mounts to the top of the action. Shown is a Winchester M70 with mounts on top of the action that mate to QD rings. It does introduce one more possible point of failure (the action/mount adapter) but they have also proven very reliable when attached to the proper torque and Loctite is used.
View attachment 712124 whenever I get a rifle with NO ring mounts factory-installed I use red loctite to mount them to the action ONLY ....for the rings and other stuff that may require loctite I use the blue except when I'm lapping barrels then I use green

 

[Nyala23]

CZ, Sako,Ruger all have integral bases on come models though usually proprietary rings are necessary. Alaska Arms makes great rings that are qd for the Ruger! The mounts on Rigbys are bulletproof but they damn well better be!

 

[Nyala23]

On a DG rifle I prefer a two piece base. I want no obstructions over the action as a rail might make to a reload. That’s actually a reason a red dot on the front bridge is advantageous

 

[Tiger2001]

Its been discussed on the forum before, but we still seem to have a very limited selection of low power scopes with eye relief that is suitable for the heavy recoiling rifles. Ideally I would like a low power 1-4 or 1-6 variable that will handle recoil, has a German no4 reticle and 4-5" of eye relief. Euro glass and illumination of the reticle would be a bonus. I cant find much on the market today that meets this criteria. Anyone have any suggestions?

Trijicon Accupoint with the illuminated post. You can still find them for sale at MidwayUSA.

 

[Lancaster]

Don’t forget to look at Schmidt & Bender… I mounted a Zenith 1.1-4x24 on my 404Jeff and it works great!

I have one for sale if anyone is UK based and looking

 

[Lancaster]

Two swaro's that I have and which, for me, make sense for general hunting are

Z8i 1 - 8 x 24
Z8i 2 - 16 x 50

The blaser products are also worth a look for those with blaser rifles, but they are a bit heavier than their swaro equivalents

Looking on the table in front of me I also have

a strike eagle 1 - 6 x 24 - though I don't rate it very highly (possibly because I dislike the reticle)

a vortex 1 - 4 x 24 - which is OK

A Schmidt and Bender 1.25 - 4 x 20 which is also OK

If you can find one the Swaro comes in ‘EE’ model meaning Extra Eyerelief

 

[DelRock83]

On a DG rifle I prefer a two piece base. I want no obstructions over the action as a rail might make to a reload. That’s actually a reason a red dot on the front bridge is advantageous

That's were I got confused earlier in the discussion I was thinking about PICATINNY rails...because a local gunsmith had advised me against spanning one across a big bore action because that space is paramount for loading, feeding, ejecting, and malfunction clearance for such hefty bullets

 

[Tex .416]

Oh no I'm not too concerned about weight matter of fact I would welcome it in a rifle of such caliber but not so ridiculously heavy because I still have to carry it I'm not boasting or bragging but I've carried 20 pound machine guns up and down mountainous terrain on deployments but hell I'm NOT the physical specimen now that I was back then lol I just want the set up to make sense

The Nightforce NX8 1-8 weighs. 17.6 ounces / 499 grams

NX8 - 1-8x24mm F1

Explore precision optics trusted by the world's best hunters and tactical shooters. Nightforce riflescopes offer unmatched clarity, durability, and accuracy.

www.nightforceoptics.com

The Swarovski Z8i 1-8 weighs 18.2 ounces.

Z8i 1-8x24. L 4A-I - SWAROVSKI OPTIK

www.swarovskioptik.com

The Trijicon Accupoint 1-6 weighs 19.2 / 544 g

https://www.trijicon.com/products/details/tr25-c-200089

The Schmidt & Bender Exos 1-8 is 19.4 ounces

https://www.eurooptic.com/schmidt-bender-exos-1-8x24-fd7-rifle-scope

So the Nightforce actually is the lightest by a wee bit of the four.

 

[BeeMaa]

The Nightforce NX8 1-8 weighs. 17.6 ounces / 499 grams

NX8 - 1-8x24mm F1

Explore precision optics trusted by the world's best hunters and tactical shooters. Nightforce riflescopes offer unmatched clarity, durability, and accuracy.

www.nightforceoptics.com

The Swarovski Z8i 1-8 weighs 18.2 ounces.

Z8i 1-8x24. L 4A-I - SWAROVSKI OPTIK

www.swarovskioptik.com

The Trijicon Accupoint 1-6 weighs 19.2 / 544 g

https://www.trijicon.com/products/details/tr25-c-200089

The Schmidt & Bender Exos 1-8 is 19.4 ounces

https://www.eurooptic.com/schmidt-bender-exos-1-8x24-fd7-rifle-scope

So the Nightforce actually is the lightest by a wee bit of the four.

True, but most hunters prefer second focal plane over first.

 

[Tex .416]

True, but most hunters prefer second focal plane over first.

Just guessing that "most hunters" have no idea of the difference between SFP vs FFP, much less the best uses of each or how to fully utilize different reticles.

I have both, use both, neither is better. They are different tools with different strengths for different uses.

Several manufacturers have come up with some ingenious designs for reticles in FFP LPVO's that have made them very fast and easy to use on 1x.

 

[BeeMaa]

Just guessing that "most hunters" have no idea of the difference between SFP vs FFP, much less the best uses of each or how to fully utilize different reticles.

I have both, use both, neither is better. They are different tools with different strengths for different uses.

Several manufacturers have come up with some ingenious designs for reticles in FFP LPVO's that have made them very fast and easy to use on 1x.

Fair enough, but there are still a good number that do know the difference. And those that know will reap the benefits.

In truth, I'm seriously considering going to an AimPoint T2/H2 RDO as my primary for DG. Not dead set on it, but it's close. That would leave the FFP/SFP argument in the dust.

 

[ZG47]

Its been discussed on the forum before, but we still seem to have a very limited selection of low power scopes with eye relief that is suitable for the heavy recoiling rifles. Ideally I would like a low power 1-4 or 1-6 variable that will handle recoil, has a German no4 reticle and 4-5" of eye relief. Euro glass and illumination of the reticle would be a bonus. I cant find much on the market today that meets this criteria. Anyone have any suggestions?

Nickel. If you can afford it.

 

[Rafiki]

Adding some photos that illustrate the problem with the optica 6

View attachment 559147View attachment 559148

That is one butt ugly scope.

 

[bowjijohn]

I use red dots and FFP scopes

I’d not entertain a SFP scope