Optics On heavy Hitters

Hey guys I have a .458 build thats getting finished in the next month or so. Of course i put express sights on it, but i also put the leupold quick detatch mounts on it as well. So my question
for you guys is What Kind of optics should i put on it? I am thinking the Leupold VX-II in 1-4x20 or the VX-III 1.5-5 Or the Nikon African Hunter 1-4 x20 with german #4 Retical
Let me know what you guys think. I would think about putting a $1,000+ scope on the gun but as most of you know, I probably won't even have to use the scope for Cape buffalo.
So let me know what you guys think.

Hey Duckman90,
You won't go wrong with any of your choices. I would lean toward the VX-III myself, though. Another choice to look at is a Weaver. They are making a quality low power "DG" variable version now too. I have a Swarovski 1-4 x 20 on my .416 Rigby and love it. A little "pricey" though. A friend has the Leupold VX-II on his .416 Rem. Mag and has had no issues whatsoever.

I use the 1-4 VX-3 on my 416 and it works great I have also shoot a friends 470 nitro with that same scope on it. The bigger guns tend to have a hard slow push that is fine for most descent scopes I would even check out the vortex scopes if your on a budget the only rifle I have ever had that would damage scopes was a 300 ultra wildcated out to a Tejas it seemed to always shift zero after a few rounds because of the hard and fast jolt to the scopes. I think a good set of rings is key and maybe even have your gun smith drill and retap your action to handle bigger screws for your base

My opinion is a little different. First I would not use Leupold QD mounts if you intend on removing the scope as they are not all that good at returning to zero. Spend the extra and fit EAW or Recknagle swing off mounts. They much quicker to use and work reliably.

As for the scope, and do believe that for buff you should have one, I would fit something that has really good eye relief. On my 416 I am using a Leupold 2.5 - 8 x 32. With about 4-5" of eye relief (depending on the power setting) you are pretty safe from getting hit with the scope even from the most awkward shooting positions.

I also found that I was hunting buff that due to the thick cover the light conditions were not that great and having a slightly bigger objective lense made looking through bush and trying not hit any branches a little easier. Also the slightly higher magnification helped, and should a shot present itself in more open country where you are unable to get closer then the higher magnification will help you place the shot more accurately. In fact while I was hunting another client from another camp lost a buff because his bullet hit a branch and expanded and then failed to penetrate the buff to put him down.

Yes, I now there are probably lots of buff taken with open sights, but from what I experienced you would definitely have less shot opportunities then with a scoped rifle. That is why I hinged my bets and set up my rifle that was able to use both.

I am far from an expert, but as it turned my thinking was correct as ended up shooting the buff at about 15 paces with open sights.

Your scope choices are all good, and so also Rich's 2.5-8x32, but dump the the Leupold mounts. Warne also makes very strong QD mounts for the big thumpers.

Thanks guys! I had no idea that the leupold mounts were so bad. I gues I am going to have to get some EAW mounts. I opted for the Nikon Monarch.....For the simple reason that it had a cape buffalo on the side of it... I couldnt tell a difference between the quality of the glass between it and the Leupolds. This rifle is giong to be a buffalo slayer, at least until i can get a .450/400 Double rifle . What are your guys favorite bolt action big bores?

Originally Posted by duckman90

Thanks guys! I had no idea that the leupold mounts were so bad. I gues I am going to have to get some EAW mounts. I opted for the Nikon Monarch.....For the simple reason that it had a cape buffalo on the side of it... I couldnt tell a difference between the quality of the glass between it and the Leupolds. This rifle is giong to be a buffalo slayer, at least until i can get a .450/400 Double rifle . What are your guys favorite bolt action big bores?

Thats the same scope I have on my CZ .404 Jeffery, but with the Warne mounts. Like the scope a lot.

Originally Posted by sestoppelman

Thats the same scope I have on my CZ .404 Jeffery, but with the Warne mounts. Like the scope a lot.

You know i am thinking about using this rifle on deer in kentucky this year since i can't get to Africa for the next few years. Has the scope held up ok to the recoil and dust and what not of your safari's?

Neither scope nor rifle has been hunting yet, only to the range.

Not a 458, but I use a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 with Warne mounts on my 375Ruger.
I highly recommend a larger objective than 20.

Over the years I've whittled down to a 'one rifle hunter'. I use my .375 CZ, with different hand and factory loads, for everything. I use a Lynx 4-12x42 for long(er) range shots and Lynx 1-3x20 in the thick stuff. Both on Warne QD CZ mounts. Good hunting with your new combo.