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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 825
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
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Posts: 825 |
Hi Guys, just bought a bolt-action 375 H&H. I will be taking it to Africa next summer for Cape Buffalo. Any scope advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 347 |
Only Cape Buffalo?
If not, 2-10X
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 10,861 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2010
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Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,038
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,038 |
I use the Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36mm on my 375 H&H for Steenbok up to Buffalo.
Frank
"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money."
Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 35,900
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 35,900 |
Get a Schmidt& Bender.
I'll take a fixed power Leopold over their variables on a 375 any day of the week.
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 5,562 Likes: 6
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 5,562 Likes: 6 |
I put a Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x36 on my Ruger Alaskan in 375, lots of eye relief.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,189
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 8,189 |
I put a Leupold VX-6, 1-6x24, 30mm tube with firedot reticle, on my .416 Rigby It worked well.
donsm70
Life Member...Safari Club International Life Member...Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Life Member...Keystone Country Elk Alliance Life Member...National Rifle Association
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 78,307 Likes: 2
Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 78,307 Likes: 2 |
^^^^^^^^^^^ This......duh.
"...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,170
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,170 |
VX3 1.5-5x20 is the obvious choice.
If it will fit the action the 4x33 fx2 is pretty nice choice for person who likes the simplicity of a fixed power. It seems to get over looked in favor of the 2.5X, maybe because people feel the forward bell won't leave enough scope to mount on a 375. It fits well enough on my 375 Ruger.
4x is low enough power that I can shoot both eyes open, so it will work up close and its enough scope for me to ring a 6" gong at 300 until recoil tells me to stop.
The collection of taxes which are not absolutely required, which do not beyond reasonable doubt contribute to public welfare, is only a species of legalized larceny. Under this Republic the rewards of industry belong to those who earn them. Coolidge
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 42,662 Likes: 12
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 42,662 Likes: 12 |
He posted over on the Big Bores and this is what I wrote: Good evening. I am sure you will get a ton of responses but it boils down to how much you want to spend. For Cape buffalo, THE scope in my view is the Leupold 1.75X6X32 (E) with a heavy duplex. Buffalo at 25 yards and a kudu at a lasered 352. j
A good principle to guide me through life: “This is all I have come to expect, standard lackluster performance. Trust nothing, believe no one and realize it will only get worse…”
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,375 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,375 Likes: 2 |
I've used open sights for buff, I've used 3-10 x 50. A scope is handy peering into the shadows tracking them during mid day in the thick jess bush and other thick stuff.
20mm leaves a FOV a bit too restricted for my taste. 32mm is fine. I always thought a red dot sight would be good, but never wanted to do the durability testing to get the confidence that it would not crap out at the wrong moment.
"The Democrat Party looks like Titanic survivors. Partying and celebrating one moment, and huddled in lifeboats freezing the next". Hatari 2017
"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." Han Solo
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17,491
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17,491 |
I tend to be a fixed, 4x power scope guy on my hunting rifles. A 'long ranger' might get a 6x, and that is 'plenty big power' to me. So 2.5X has never felt like a handicap or left me wanting on my 375 and my M70 wears one with the Burris label presently. I have Weaver 2.5xs on the lighter 9.3 and 45-70 Ruger #1-S and prefer that version of a 2.5X scope over the bigger Burris, or the Leupold 2.5X which is on a Marlin 45-70. (The Leupold has the smallest FOV among the three.)
Sometimes, the air you 'let in'matters less than the air you 'let out'.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 224
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 224 |
I put a Leupold VX-6, 1-6x24, 30mm tube with firedot reticle, on my .416 Rigby It worked well.
donsm70 I put one of these on my Sako .375 and I really like it
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 825
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 825 |
Guys, thanks for the input. I really appreciate it
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,565
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,565 |
VX3 1.5-5x Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x VXR 1.25-4X
A fixed 2.5X wouldn't bother me a bit....
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,689
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,689 |
I've got a nice VX-II 1x4 Leupold for sale. It's matte with a duplex.
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 197
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 197 |
vx3 1.5x20
Big medicine for Cape Buff.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 96
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 96 |
Swarovski 1.7-10x42 z6i would be my first choice.
Jay Wiggins
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,114
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,114 |
I have the Swarovski PH 1.5-6x42 on my DG rifles (.416 and .375) with crosshairs, and an illuminated circle with red dot reticles. They have served me well, but are no longer in production. I have also employed the Swarovski Z6i 1.7-10 x 42 with the same reticle with good results. The lower power of the magnification range is far more important than the upper power when hunting buff. The illumination really stands out, considering the hide of the buff is basically black. i highly recommend an illuminated reticle.
While I have never personally used the 1.5-5x20 VX3, it has an excellent reputation and is, I believe, available with an illuminated reticle. If you consider the Swaro too bulky or too expensive, the VX3 will do just fine. By comparison, I would expect the Swaro to provide a better image in low light conditions. If leopard is on the menu during the same hunt, I would definitely choose the Swaro if you intend to hunt leopard as well.
Give the Meopta line a look. They used to make a 1.5-6x42 with an illuminated reticle and 30mm tube at a "reasonable" price. I don't know if it's still in production, but I have some experience with Meopta optics and they are first rate.
Do not neglect the mounts! You need QD mounts so you can use your iron sights if need be. I have tried multiple varieties of QD mounts and have settled on the Recknagel mounts from Germany as my first preference.
Enjoy your hunt!
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Joined: Feb 2013
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Leupold is making a fixed 3X out of their custom shop...I have one NIB with a heavy duplex. Been thinking of mounting it on my Montana .375. Might be a good choice. Bob
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