Which scope for a Model 70 in 416 Remington?

[Ruraldoc]

Am going to Africa for Cape Buffalo and will neeed a scope for a new to me Safari Express in 416?

What do people here use in that situation?

 

[TucsonFX4]

There are many options. Do you have a budget? I have not been on a DG hunt, but I have a Swarovski z6i 1-6 EE on my m70 375. It is a fantastic scope.

The options are only limited by your budget. In general, a 1-? power is good for that caliber and purpose. It isn’t uncommon for folks to use a 2-? power either, but you don’t need big magnification for that caliber or hunting purpose. Stick with a good brand (over a good warranty). A good warranty doesn’t help in the middle of a hunt, and it’s especially less helpful if something dangerous is looking at you.

 

[Louis Toadvine]

This is a super generic answer, but I'd say any low power variable scope from a reputable manufacturer with minimum magnification of 1x, an illuminated reticle, decent eye relief (>3.5in), mounted in quick detach (QD) rings.

On this site you'll see or hear about lots of .416 (and bigger) rifles mounted with a Leupold VX3 or VX5 in 1-5x, Swarovski z6i 1-6x and z8i 1-8x, Leica Magnus or Amplus in 1-6x, Trijicon Accupoint in 1-6x, and there are comparable 1-Xx scopes from Zeiss, Schmidt & Bender, Steiner, Kahles, etc. Talley, Warne, and Leupold QD rings are often mentioned.

Swarovski did make a 1-6x with extended eye relief (EE) for heavier recoiling rifles, but I believe they are no longer in production. They occasionally pop up for sale but are usually sold at a premium. Many on this site with more experience have proclaimed it as the best dangerous game scope ever made.

 

[YancyW]

On my M70 in 416 rem I have a VX6 1-6. It worked very well for me on a DG hunt in Zim last summer.

 

[BourbonTrail]

I have a 1-6 Meopta Optika 6. It works well but it’s chunky/heavy. Great Illuminated #4 Reticle though, with very clear glass.

 

[Ruraldoc]

Budget of 1500 usd.

 

[Berettaco]

Swaro Z6i 1-6

 

[Ruraldoc]

I like the weight and specs and price of the Meopta Optika 6 but wonder if the huge rubber power adjustment assembly on the ocular portion of the scope would make me use high rings to clear the bolt handle.

 

[Inline6]

Swaro Z6i 1-6

What this man said, I have a VX6 on mine. The glass is lacking compared to my European glass. It will get the job done, you have a much nicer image with the European glass IMHO.

 

[BourbonTrail]

Optika 6 with medium rings

If you can swing it, get a Swaro. I couldn’t, so I got the Meopta.

 

[358 Norma]

Budget of 1500 usd.

With a $1500 budget I would definitely look at what I put on my 416 Remington for my 2024 Buffalo Hunt, a Leopold VX6 1-6x24 Patrol model with fire Dot!

 

[rgsiii]

I have been in situations using too much scope magnification to be able pick out a target easily. I would go with an illuminated reticle in something that starts out at or near 1x to optimize your field of view.
I have an older non illuminated Leupold and various German scopes that fit the bill.
I have gotten on Meopta kick and was going to get a Meostar R2 1-6x24 with a 4C reticle for a buffalo hunt next year. I was told by Meopta that it was discontinued. I don't if there will be a replacement.
It seems like everyone from Alabama is going buffalo hunting. LOL

 

[PARA45]

Trijicon 1-6x24 is a great scope and you’ll have $$$ left for ammo.

 

[Gemsbok45]

I have used that same rifle with the Leupold VX-3 but now I use a NightForce NX-8 1-8.

 

[BeeMaa]

I wouldn't look at a specific scope, I would look at the features you most desire and then see what scopes fit into your budget.

In general, for a DG scope it's desirable to have the following...
1. Near 3.5 - 4" of eye relief
2. True 1x low power setting
3. Illuminated reticle
4. Lowest mounting possible, preferring QD
5. Best possible glass you can afford

Meeting those criteria with a $1500 budget would put you into a Leupold VX-5HD or maybe (with a little more money) a VX-6HD. Trijicon Accupoint 1-6x24 is another great option as well.

 

[VINOYASADO]

Hi guys, would a VORTEX Strike Eagle 1-6 x 24 BDC3 stand and support a .416 Rem Mag?

 

[TucsonFX4]

Hi guys, would a VORTEX Strike Eagle 1-6 x 24 BDC3 stand and support a .416 Rem Mag?

I would say yes, but with an asterisk. I own a few lower end Vortex scopes. They serve their intended purpose, and I have not had one fail on me. I do know they fail, and tend to fail at a much higher rate that better brands.

Everyone has to make their own hunting choices, but for me they are not a brand I would trust my life with. They stand behind their product and will replace it if it breaks.

 

[Inline6]

Hi guys, would a VORTEX Strike Eagle 1-6 x 24 BDC3 stand and support a .416 Rem Mag?

Have an F1 on an AR, 223 and 300BO. I like the scope, would not run it on a heavy recoiling rifle. Especially one that would be used for DG. If you want to step up to their razor line, different story.

 

[ActionBob]

Budget of 1500 usd.

That points you direct at the Leupold VX 6 illuminated. Or a Trijicon 1-6 or 1-4. I just bought a Trijicon 1-6 at DSC for under $1k. Personally I prefer a standard duplex reticle with the small illuminated dot vs. the Patrol with the circle. Keep your sight picture clean. You will really appreciate the illuminated dot on a black buffalo in shadows.

 

[Ruraldoc]

Am looking at a Trijicon 1-6
Have enough points on my Cabelas card to pay for it.

There are not many other suitable scopes available at Cabelas/Bass Pro for me to use my accumulated points with them.