Looking at scopes for a 9.3X62 bolt action. I can't see taking shots much longer than 250 yds or so. I am kind of thinking a fixed 6 or even 4x, but wanted some 24hr input.

Appreciated!

I have a Leupold VX II 2-7x33 w/duplex reticle on my 9.3. Pretty happy with the scope but, if I had to do it again, I would probably go with an SWFA SS 6x42 classic. I have an SWFA SS 10x42 on another rifle and really like glass and reticle.

I have a 6X42 FXIII Leupold w/ German #1 on mine.

Perfect scope for that rifle.

Kahles 1.5-6x42 on mine with the #4 illuminated reticle. Love it.

You don't say what you're hunting but for my 9.3 and for what I hunt, the 3X Leupold is perfect.

I used both a Leupold VX III 1-4X20 and a VX III 1.76-6X32 on mine. Usually keep the 1-4Xon 3X and second one on 1.75-6 on 4X. Never found the need for anything else.

Mine wears an FX-II 6X36 with LR reticle. It works pretty well.

Luckily with mine both the 250 Accubond at 2650 fps and the 286 NP at 2475 fps have the same point-of-impact at 100 yards, and are zeroed to be 2 1/2" high at that range. The zero is at 225 yards.

With that zero, they are never more than 3" above line of sight. With the 250AB the dots are on at 300 and 375 yards,the post at 475. With the 286NP the dots are on at 275 and 350 yards, the post at 425.

The only change I consider with that rifle is to go to a 4X with custom fitted LR reticle. With that rifle I am not concerned with being able to see a gopher at 500 yards, and might like the wider FOV of the 4X.

On that 7 1/2 pound all-up rifle I don't trust a variable.

Mine wears a SWFA 1-4. I like it.

On my CZ550 LUX I mounted a Leupold 1.5-5x with a Heavy Duplex in Talley rings and couldn't be happier.

StarchedCover

I shoot 320 gr PP Woodleigh Weldcores in my 9.3x62 at 2400 fps, the 1.5-5 Leupold is perfect for me.

It will kill hard out to 300 yards with ease.

I have a Leupold VX-2 2-7x33 with a heavy duplex on my Interarms Mark X mannlicher in 9.3x62 and would highly recommend it to any and all.

I guess I'm over-scoped. My 93x62 is topped with a Swaro PH 2.5-10x42 w/4a reticle.

My CZ wears a fixed 4x IOR/Valdada.

My CZ 9.3 has a VX2 3-9x40 with the #4 but I think the 2.5-8 would be great too. I put a 2.5-8 with the Post and Duplex on my 375 and think it's a good match. I really like the Post and Duplex allot.

My 9.3X62 CZ has a Leupold 3X "Big Bore" with post and duplex and I like it very much. I have used it to shoot water filled gallon milk jugs to over 300 yards and have not felt limited by the magnification or reticle at all.

(I'm starting to wonder if I shoot better with lower magnification scopes from hunting positions. Perhaps it is because my wobbles are less evident so I shoot with more confidence.)

I have a Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40 on my Ruger African!

Switched on and off over the yrs between a 2.5x20 Leupold and a 2-7x32 Vortex Viper. But my K4-1 Weaver just came home to roost and I picked up an FX-II 4x33 in the classifieds this week. Guess I'm going to try a 4x.

Mine wore a VX-6 1-6x24 Firedot #4.

DF

Certainly not if you're shooting 250 gr Accubonds at 2700 fps, nothing wrong with a little extra magnification, ain't a man here that can hit a damn thing he can't see.

Gonna have to try one of those 6's one of these days DF.

Once you go there, you'll be spoiled.

Your "good" scopes won't seem that good any more...

DF

That's it, may as well sell all my Night-Farces now.

NF is a different animal. It's a big, heavy target scope. I'm not saying a VX-6 is better than a NF, which is built like a tank and designed for LR target work. People say NF turrets are more robust and track better. Don't know, I don't twist that much.

For a hunting scope the VX-6 is really good, lighter than NF.

To me, VX-6 glass is better than NF glass.

I was thinking about your Tasco and other fine scopes...

DF

Caint bleve you'd mention my otascos on an open forum like this, that was another of our little secrets buddy.

And 10-4 on the Leupold [svelte], that and the glass is what I like about them most.

Whoops...

DF

A fixed 4x would be perfect IMO.

I shot my 9.3x62 at 300, it grouped pretty well.

It was wearing a VX-6 1-6x24 #4 Firedot. To me, the #4 covered up too much target for optimal groups. I know, it's not a LR round, but it could be in a tight shooting gun.

I sold that scope. If I was getting another VX-6 1-6x24, I'd get a Firedot duplex, not the #4. The VX-6 duplex is just about ideal, it's heavy enough to be seen in just about any light. Of course, there's the Firedot and the reticle is fine enough for LR shooting.

Other than being 30mm and larger than a 1.5-5 VX-3, it's a really fine scope and a good match for this round. I'd even install a CDS. At 6X with the CDS, I see no reason why longer shots wouldn't work. You can see a lot with that glass at 6X. With a decent trigger man, a 400-500 yd. target would be in considerable danger.

Df

I guess not. I'd still rather be a bit over scoped than under scoped.

And that is a heckuva awesome scope. I have one with the plain #7 reticle I think. One of my favorites.

Here's another "over scoped" rifle, a .375 H&H. It's the Victory 1.5-6x42 T*, but what a scope it is, hard to beat at low light on 1.5X.

It's around 6 oz heavier than a 1.5-5x20 VX-3, but worth the wt. at twilight. I have the VX-3 in QD's as back up. Makes for a lighter gun, 15+ oz vs. 9+ oz.

DF

gunner,

15.5 0z seems heavy, but your NF's start around 20 oz...

DF

I can see the moon in my 6X Leupold. Must not be underscoped!

LOL, ounces never mattered to me DF, specially when I'm wearing a 20lb pair of mud caked Lacrosse pacs!

It's because the moon is so small ;]

Anyone calculate drop and windage...

DF

'Cause you a Hoss...

Normal folk may be able to tell the difference between a 9# and an 8 1/2# gun...

DF

Wow! Thanks fellas for all the help. Much appreciated!

No, it's to intergalactic.

Yes, but even the normal man can take a good dumpo and lose 3 or 4pounds.

Sorry for the visual ;]

And that scope and caliber might just be perfect for rabbits! Well, maybe with a 286gr solid??

Sorta light, but maybe in a pinch...

DF

I've heard it said about certain individuals, following a good high, hot, hell of a lot and hold it enema, what was left of him would probably fit in a shoe box...

BTW, that's the formula for the old New Orleans Charity Hospital "4-H enema". Everyone knew what 4-H stood for...

DF

Damn, now I'm having a horrible visual.




















Thanks!

You started it...

DF

From scopes to scatological topics all in the same thread. Got to love the 'Fire.

Yeah, we don't drift off topic...

Not here...

DF

My minimum is a .375 H&H with 300 gr softs for the first shot,solids as back-ups.

Solids, definitely...

DF

I put a 4x Leupold on my CZ 550 American. I shot several feral cows with it at 15-120 yards. All required quick shooting, and it worked just fine. It's VERY fast up close in the brush. The only improvement would be an illuminated reticle, but Leupold doesn't offer that.


Okie John

I have a 3x on mine. Were I going to Africa, I would replace it with something in the 1.5-5 or 1.5-6 range.

Jack

Tim! Hadn't seen you around! How are you sir?

I have a 4x33 Loopy on mine.

Yup!! ..... I've used 4x Leupolds on several 375magnums and 35Whelens as well as 1.5-5s and 2.5-8s. All worked well and would be just fine on a 9.3.

2-8X42 Zeiss Conquest DL on my 35 Whelen, 2-10X42 Zeiss Conquest HD5 on my 358 Norma Mag. Lurk in the Cabela's bargain cave or watch Midway's clearance sales to catch these at great deals. I paid less than 7 bills each.

If I ever manage to get one built, it'll get a 3x Leupold...think it would be the perfect combination of function and looks.

I have a Leupold V3 on my 9.3

It's a 2.5-8 with a B&C retical that works great with this rifle

2-7, 2-8
I like to have option of zooming in if need to.

Nice lumber on that one...

DF

Beautiful rifle, Ted.

Thanks guys

I've only hunted it a couple days. It's way more than what a guy needs for killing deer that's for sure.

It will go with me on my next trip across the pond.

Leupys 3x big bore on my 700.

Leupy FXII 2.5 on the No.1.

Ted,
That is a beautiful rifle!




Jeff,
I'm doing good! How's life in 'sunny' Oregon?

I've a couple of 9.3x62's, and my current CZ550 has an older Nikon Monarch 4x40 on it which is perfect for me. I think a 6x would be equally good.

I had a 3-9 on a previous 9.3, and while it worked, I agree with others that it's hard to go wrong with the lower power fixed scopes.

I found a Leupold 6X42 on sale. Going to try that out, though I have seen mixed reviews. Will see how it goes.

Mixed reviews on the performance of the scope or the combination of the scope and the 9.3x62?

Some on the 'Fire are of the opinion that the Leupold 6X36 is a better scope all the way around?
As to the caliber, I hunt fairly open country, even for elk and moose. Really, I bought a 9.3X62 because I like the caliber-it isn't ideal for Idaho big game hunting.

Guess my Rifle Loony is showing.

The Firedot at 1X is about like an Aimpoint, etc. for fast operation under adverse light conditions.

A 6X glass with CDS isn't a bad LR setup for 4-500 yd. shots.

What scope offers both...?

DF

Agreed. I personally wish that more makers offered 'high end' scopes in 4X. I see that IOR has a 4X, but I don't know much about that company, though I hear good things?

Here's the German Prince shooting boar, using a red dot sight. He sometimes uses a scope.

The VX-6 1-6x24 duplex Firedot would cover all that pretty well, be more versatile.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/11/03/franz-albrecht-ottingen-spielberg-the-boar-terminator/

If you understand German, he'll teach you how to do it. His shooting skills are remarkable.

DF

He's "pimping" Aimpoint...

Check out his cap. Caption said he was sponsored by them.

Wonder if it's like Liberace, who made the comment, Baldwin was the best piano he was PAID to play...

Wonder if Aimpoint is the best red dot sight or just the best red dot the prince was paid to use...

DF

That 4X IOR is a nice scope although being steel it is a bit heavy. For me it was a toss up between it a the 4X Conquest. Went with the Conquest which didn't last 50rds on my 9.3x62. I picked up a 4X FX-II on the classifieds that is to come today.
I've got an FX-II 6x36 and it is a NICE scope but FOR ME it did not workout in the thick green foliage of our woods early season.
That VX-6 does look like the cats meow but unfortunately I've already sold my firstborn. LOL Server won't let me do videos.

That scope would work great at that range. I had a similar set-up on an old 375 I used to have...


I ran a leupold m8 4x for a while on my 9.3x62mm:


However, for actual hunting I've found the plain ol boring 3-9x40 to be the most versatile:

I think they would if people bought them.

Evidently high end 4X isn't where the market happens to be.

Us Loonies, notwithstanding...

DF

Run a plain Jane VX3 3.5x10x40 CDS on my Commercial FN based 9.3x62.

I've got a VX3 1.5x5 on my 35 Whelen M700 and a VXR 1.25x4 on the 35 Whelen 7600. Love them both. Can't beat them for that sorta cartridge in my opinion.

The SWFA SS 1x4 is a great option as well.

To me, the SWFA has too many bells and whistles, more tactical than hunting.

The 1.5-5 is always a good choice, seems to have a loyal following.

The VX-2 1-4 should be a good choice, although I've not examined that specific scope. I do know VX-2's are much better than the older II series, in fact pretty close to VX-3's.

DF

It's hard to pick scopes for others but for the most part being able to shoot with both eyes open and with illumination it's a great optic. I ignore everything but the center unless I'm looking for them.

Lots of good ideas out there, some I wouldn't have thought of. Well, I'm gonna try the Leupold 6X42 and see how it goes. If it doesn't work for me, I will probably go with something with a bit lower magnification.

340boy,

That scope will easy to move if you change your mind.

DF

True! I can also think of some other rifles in the safe that would do just fine with a 6X. It's always nice to have an extra scope or two around, anyway.

Have a Leupold 1-4x on my .460 Wby.

Great scope for your favorite wabbit whacker...

DF

Yup.

pm sent!

9.3x62 CZ AHR with VX-6 1-6x24. I've posted this one before. Some guns you just don't get tired of looking at...

DF

Whose rings are those?

Talley QD's for the CZ.

DF

That's a danged beauty!

Works for me! I've got a CZ 375 H&H and a Tikka 9.3x62 that I haven't scoped yet. I would think that would be a perfect scope for both rifles?

VX-6's are being phased out for the next model. They can be had in the $600-650 range. Once they're gone, bigger bucks for the new ones.

Firedot for a few more dollars. At 1X that may be a cool move.

As posted earlier, if you get the Firedot, skip the #4, go duplex.

DF

Thanks, how about some more porn...

BTW, shoots as good as it looks.

^^^^^^^ RIFLE PORN ^^^^^^^

And, thanks for the scope info. Will check the VX-6.

That rifle is too darned cool DF. The 9.3x62 is one cool cartridge.

And I have two of the VX6's with the #4. Not so much for the reticle but the CDS dials in Mils. Keeps all of the drop tables in the same format for me. If you didn't care DF is spot on, the regular FD Duplex is pretty good.

DF,
Very nice indeed. I love that stock.

It is a great stock, great gun.

I wasn't using it, made a trade deal with a good bro here on the Fire.

In the deal, I got a Bobby Hart built 7-08, dropped it in a Hunter's Edge, sold the original McM Hunter stock.

Now, I'm using that one, working up loads. New owner seems happy with this one. I still have my .375 H&H M-70 as my only "big" gun. It's SS/Tupperware, no problem scratching it up in the brush...

DF

DF is right again! The new owner of this rifle is very happy.

It shoots bug holes with some 286 gr factory ammo. Now all I have to do is figure out what I can hunt with it.

donsm70

Well it takes a 460 Weatherby to take down a jack rabbit so..........

With solids.

Yeah, a full house 9.3x62 may take a smaller jackwabbit.

Them critters is tough...

DF

I would have think ... just about anything you want. Imagine loading up some CEB Raptors ... talk about a lethal pill. See:

https://cuttingedgebullets.com/shop/cutting-edge-bullets/rifle-bullets?caliber=79

ftbt,

I guess great minds work along the same lines...

I loaded 235 gr. CE Raptors over RL-15, shot this group with the .375 H&H M-70 pictured earlier. Doubt I can duplicate it, for sure didn't shoot a 4th round into that group...



I think wabbits and most larger critters would bite the dirt, hit with that bullet.

I did try 135 gr. Raptors in my .308. Here's a link. That gun also shot impressive groups and terminal performance was equally impressive on a chest shot hog. Most of those run, this one hit the dirt, DRT.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/10328844/2

BTW, I don't generally chest shoot hogs, high shoulder or head.

DF

I've used two on my CZ550, a Burris Signature Safari 1.75X5 and a Kahles Helia 2X7 both with German post reticles. I hunt heavy brush and like the field of view and easy accusation of the scope with the German post reticle.

How did those two compare?

DF

In the last 40 years of gun building 2 shells I have admired because of their utility were never very popular. The 35 Whelen and the 358 Winchester.
in the last 6-7 years I am looking hard at the 9.3X62 and the 9.3X57 and i have to admit they beat the American shells.
I am just rambling a bit here. Nothing to do with the OPs question, but a good place to interject.
I find it interesting to look at load manuals and see what bullets are available for the .358size and for the .366 size. Most of the 35 cals are made to be quite "soft" for the reason of being marketed for use against the most hunted big-game in America, the white tail deer. Sure there are some very good tough 35s that are suitable for elk and big bears, but most are deer bullets.
When i look at the .366 size I see a full gambit from deer to elephant bullets offered.

I believe the one thing that has turned me to the German cartridges is the fact that even though they are not as prolific as they once were, the Mauser 98 actions are still the most used action for custom bolt action hunting rifles which my customers bring to me, and the 9.3X57MM shell fits into the KARs perfectly with no modification. The 9.3X62MM shell drops into the GEW length 98s just as easily in many cases, and in every case the 9.3X62 can be fitted to feed in GEW length actions with very little work on the feed lips. The 9.3X62 is a simple re-barrel job on about any 30-06 rifle too, so that endears it to many. Pretty close to 375H&H-flanged ballistics without the need for an expensive action.

The 9.3X57 out preforms the 358 Winchester across the board and the 9.3X62 is a superb cartridge and well accepted in Africa as well as everywhere in Europe that people can have hunting rifles.

I am not the only one seeing this apparently. Looking at reloading manuals I see a selection of bullets that are equal in numbers to the American 35 cals. I called the boys at Hornady and later at Nosler and they both tell me the 9.3 are selling as well as the 35s. Considering the many year long head start the 35s have over the 9.3s in this country, I find that to be an interesting fact.

I have been trying to get Green Mountain to make some barrels, but so far they have not done so they did tell me that they would do it for an order of 100 barrels, but I don't have that kind of money to spend. Shilen and Douglas both make that bore, and so do Pac-nor, McGowen and Lilja, but their prices are MUCH higher than GMs and in the rifles I have made with GM barrels in the last 10 years i have never been disappointed with the accuracy I get from their barrels. But I am beginning to think that customers in the future will simply have to pay the higher price for a barrel blank form Shilen, Douglas, Pac-Nor, McGowen, and Lilja.

Anyway, my 2 cents worth. May be overpriced.

But I am now a convert to the 9.3 bore size and I have made several rifles in both the 9.3X62 and the 9.3X57 and been well pleased with the performance i have seen. All the owners of thoes rifles are also delighted. I own a Ruger #1 in 9.3X74R and have seen the effects of the bullets on game for a few years now. Overall I have been very well pleased. The Speer Bullets are super "soft" and break up completely with very shallow penetration, but all others bullets I have used from Hornady, Barnes, Nosler, RWS and Norma have done jobs from good to outstanding. I have not used Woodliegh but I have 2 friends that do and they tell me there are as perfect as you could ask.

But to answer the OP.
I use a 1.5 to 5 power scope on my 9.3. It is what came on the gun, a Swarovski, but i would be happy with any clear scope that is rugged. Most of my game killed with this rifle was killed with the scope set at 2.5 or 3 power.

The Burris was the scope on the CZ for the longest. Think I took 8 deer with the setup. Had to change over as the Kahale's would not fit on a new CZ 6.5X55FS. The Kahles is a bit clearer, and easier to use at the range. The Burris is a tough scope, with posi-lock never had to reset after 6 years hunting. Both are now hard to find. In heavy cover I left it at 1.75X magnification.

Rabbits!!

A 9.3x62 is a little on the small side.

WOWZERS! Doesn't get much better than that. After a group that tight .... I would just stop .... nothing more to prove. (Thanks for recipe ... I have a bunch RL-15 .... just got to order some Raptors (ouch) and give it a try.)

Yeah, they not cheap.

But, how many do actually shoot at critters?

DF

Here she is, scoped:
Sako M85 9.3x62, Leupold FX-3 6X42
[img:center][/img]

True. We had a hunt in Africa planned that fell through after my wife came down with cancer. That's the reason I got the .375 and the 9.3x62 (trying to decide which one to take). I'll keep both of them (hard to find in LH) and hunt another time.

Nice 85, great wood.

DF

Very nice rifle! Looks Great!

Ssssssssaaaaaawwwwwweeeeeeeeetttttt!

That's a good one!

donsm70

Thanks, Fellas!

Squirrel gun,

not even big enough for bunnies eh?

Geno

PS, mine kicks hard enough for me, and I'm not goin' to Africa anytime soon. I think I'll stop at the 9.3 level.

You need to spend some time with gunner...

9.3's just a truck gun...

DF

Well, I would probably enjoy meeting the man in person...............

But maybe not his guns so much..............


I've seen the pictures.

Geno

A 9.3 is an Oklahoman .22LR.

😀

Especially around Heavener.

DF

LOL, we's humane hunters in these parts, BOOM...............skinned, cooked to a medium rare in one shot.

That's the nicest wood I've ever seen on a Euro gun 340, very nice, looks great!

Just add salt & pepper to taste.

Show nuff Elk, speaking of salt and pepper, all my African trophies landed here at the farm yesterday, got em all uncrated and in the house.

That put me in such a fever I loaded 15 lbs of Bison steaks in the marinade yesterday evening, took em out and grilled em a few minutes ago, ate about 5lbs worth and drank three beers between these posts!

Life is good Buddy.

Yes,it is!

Standby for a cell text pic Buddy.

I'm for sure not a big shot , but I put a VX-1 3x9x40 on my 9.3 x62 and it sure seems to be doing a dandy job . I'm sure some smart ass will say it's not good enough , that I need a much better scope with some special reticle to kill a buffalo at 125 yards . I'll just keep hunting with it .

Not a bad choice.

Elk's VX-2 1-4 is another good choice for a boomer.

DF

swarovski fixed 6x on mine, very happy with it and couldn't see changing it.