Optic for .404 Jeffery - Variable Scope vs Red Dot

[IA1865]

I came into possession of a vintage .404 Jeffery that I plan on using for cape buffalo on my next trip to Africa. Wondering about the best optic to use for this given its intended purpose. I currently have a S&B Stratos 1.5-8x42 that I'd been planning on putting in Recknagel pivot mounts, with the idea that I'd be able to get a more precise first shot and then remove to use irons if needed while also being able to have a magnified optic for any PG species that pop up while we're walking around. I've been seeing some guys using the aimpoint ACROS on dg rifles however and am now exploring that idea. The rifle was re-stocked in the past so I'm not overly concerned about keeping originality, just want a solid working rifle with interesting history. One big pro of the Aimpoint would be that I don't have to modify the bolt at all while the S&B would add some weight to keep recoil down on a relatively light rifle for the caliber.

Would love to hear any opinions / experiences.

 

[BlueFlyer]

What are you going to do about the safety? The original safety will not work with a scope.

 

[IA1865]

What are you going to do about the safety? The original safety will not work with a scope.

Installing a 3 position safety along with a recoil pad.

 

[AimSmall]

Looks pretty huntable, as is

 

[Tucketed]

Nice rifle, I have a 1-6 on my 404 works nicely but I also love Aimpoints

 

[BlueFlyer]

I would set up for both and then decide once I know the terrain to be hunted. Scope for open country and the red dot for thick cover.

 

[dogcat1]

Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10x42 or Z8i 1-8x24 , both are illuminated.
My "go to" on my 404

 

[deewayne2003]

Beautiful rifle!.... I especially love the cocking piece sight.

Personally I would removed the blade rear sight from its dovetail and install an adapter that would allow you to mount an RMR sight with QD mount.

This would allow you to use the RMR and if something happened to it, you could QD it off the rifle and still have your back up rear iron sight on the cocking piece.

 

[IA1865]

Looks pretty huntable, as is

I've also considered leaving as is (+ recoil pad, I'm not a masochist). There's a romance to leaving the metalwork the same as it was when it left W. J. Jeffery ~100 years ago.

 

[Tex .416]

Beautiful rifle.

 

[BlueFlyer]

W. J. Jeffery ~100 years ago.

That puts a totally different perspective to the discussion, including the safety.

 

[RR 314]

If you must upgrade, utilize the sight a deewayne mentioned. Man, if the recoil bothers you I would go with a PAST etc. as well if you can make LOP work. At least shoot it first sans a pad. Best idea is to tell your PH to get CLOSE!

 

[GuttormG]

A peepsight is very"accurate", and it would be a shame to drill&tap this nice original gun!

 

[RR 314]

Granted, I missed the restocked part in initial perusal. Have at a quality pad.

 

[uplander01]

I wouldn’t do a thing to that rifle, practice with irons and hunt hard, get close, enjoy it as a classic.

 

[IvW]

Aimpoint

 

[CZDiesel]

Leupold Fire Dot if you scope it

 

[IA1865]

If you must upgrade, utilize the sight a deewayne mentioned. Man, if the recoil bothers you I would go with a PAST etc. as well if you can make LOP work. At least shoot it first sans a pad. Best idea is to tell your PH to get CLOSE!

I've shot it without a pad just using the hard horn buttplate that was on there, it's by no means unshootable but definitely not something I want to have a prolonged range session with. And given that it's been re-stocked (safari accident in the 70's in Kenya) I don't have any qualms about tossing a decelerator on there.

 

[IA1865]

Leupold Fire Dot if you scope it

I already have the Schmidt & Bender with great illumination if I choose to go with a scope.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Beautiful rifle!.... I especially love the cocking piece sight.

Personally I would removed the blade rear sight from its dovetail and install an adapter that would allow you to mount an RMR sight with QD mount.

This would allow you to use the RMR and if something happened to it, you could QD it off the rifle and still have your back up rear iron sight on the cocking piece.

This^^^^^
It’s too nice to drill.
I’ve done similar to a 92 Winchester carbine, though mine needs an Allen key to remove the base..
Gumpy