Scope or Open Sights for Elephant

[edward]

Well I am practicing with open sights, so far so good. I actually really like shooting off the sticks with it. It is just different because I'm used to longer ranges.

@edward that 454 going all the way through is pretty impressive.

the punch bullet is a penetrating fool.

 

[JamesJ]

Which one do you shoot better? Choose that one.
Disregard any info from anyone who has never shot an elephant and anyone who has only shot one in a high fence.

Low power scopes or red dots 1-1.5 even 2x are faster and more accurate than most irons and the guys behind them.

Some very good advice on this thread from keyboard bwanas. Shoot the one you shoot better, don’t romanticize it. Your job is to accurately place a bullet. Use the most effective means at your disposal.

 

[MartyJ]

When I travel, I always take a Blaser rifle. I state that because JamesJ made a good point about people who pontificate but who've never shot an elephant.
I shot an R93 in 416 Remington and used it in 2003 to take my elephant in the south Dande area of Zimbabwe. The scope mount is quick detachable. I used open sights on the elephant, but a scope for everything else.


Sent from my SM-G930T using AfricaHunting mobile app

 

[WAB]

I shot my bull in the Kalahari thorn scrub. One day we tracked that bull for 25 km. Two days later we were on him again and closed the deal after a 12 km jog/walk. One thing I learned snaking through that thorn scrub, less is more. No scope, no sling, no pack. We were shooting inside 20 yards.

 

[WAB]

 

[WAB]

I use Weaver Style Leupold QRD (or QRW I always forget) mounts. These two targets were shot at 50 yards alternating between iron sights and scope. The top target with iron sights the bottom with the scope.

 

[WAB]

Which one do you shoot better? Choose that one.
Disregard any info from anyone who has never shot an elephant and anyone who has only shot one in a high fence.

Low power scopes or red dots 1-1.5 even 2x are faster and more accurate than most irons and the guys behind them.

Some very good advice on this thread from keyboard bwanas. Shoot the one you shoot better, don’t romanticize it. Your job is to accurately place a bullet. Use the most effective means at your disposal.

I had no idea there was elephant hunting in high fence areas, is that actually a thing?

 

[LivingTheDream]

@WAB I have heard that actually is a thing in some places. I hunted in Zim so it wasn't an issue.

Since I started this thread 2 years ago, thought I would follow up for anyone who is wondering...killed mine open sights.

 

[meigsbucks]

As I don't have a desire to hunt elephant, so this is more for my edification than anything else. Also to throw a wrench in the works... What about a peep (ghost ring or receiver) sight? They are quick and easier to see than a blade rear sight. Match that with a fiber optic or white front bead? I noticed Heym has an option for them on their doubles.

 

[WAB]

I have a barrel mounted ghost ring on my .375 and a traditional express sight on my .458 Lott. I like them both. I think I prefer the ghost ring. Speed and accuracy is similar. It’s very telling to shoot them at 50 and 100 off sticks. At 50 they are just as accurate as a scope (see the targets above). At 100 there is a noticeable difference with the scope being much more accurate. This may be due to my skill level (or lack thereof) more than anything.

 

[Dr Ray]

Low power scope for clarity particularly when in thick scrub or bad light. It will enable you to place shots better.
Open sights may be slightly faster in finding the target but the low power scope will enable you to see more clearly.