Creating a 9.3x62 do it all

[Scrumbag]

Hi folks,

With the latest visit to the opticians I have finally accepted that my astigmatism is not getting any better so I will have to submit to putting glass on my 9.3x62.

So, I have a few questions.

Bases: Do I do for -

Talley (Not always a fan of how Talley rings seem to go together but I could be convinced otherwise)
Leupold -Looks quite elegant but you are tied into Leupold
Weaver / Picatinny bases - Quite flexible but perhaps a bit high to look over for irons
Picatinny Rail - Not elegant and as the rifle will be used for driven boar I'd rather have the action a bit more "open"

Optics - Got 3 optics in mind

3-9x36 Swarovski L - Good for walking around woods or stalking plains game
8x56 Swarovski Illuminated - Will be used for pigs / sitting up for deer at night / dusk
Aimpoint 9000L - works with conventional mounts and great for driven boar (Though could get the H30L if thought to be much better) or do I go for a single point mount and an H1 micro o the front brigde?

So folks, give me the benefit of your wisdom on mounts and changes in optics.

Scrummy

 

[Dirtdart]

What is the make/model of your 9.3x62 ?

 

[Scrumbag]

It's an FN Commercial round bridge...

 

[Dewald]

For what it’s worth, both my FNs carry 3-9x40 Zeiss scopes on Leupold rings and basis. They are not unsightly, reliable, and you can put rings high enough on so that you do not need to drift out your rear sight to fit the scope. That will have to happen with the x56 Swarovski though.
This should give an idea.

 

[cmk]

I agree that a picatinny rail may not be the most elegant solution, so separate bases is what I would choose. Don't have any Mausers, so I can't give any recommendation though...

As for the 9000L - if you already have it, or if cheaper than the H30 - stick with it. An Aimpoint rep told me the same a few years back. The difference is not that big. Can't compare it to the Micro though, as I have no experience with it.

However, I sometime later got rid of my 9000L for the very reason of astigmatism, slight near-sightedness (myopia) and age, since the 'dot' seemed more of a 'cloud' to my eyes. Be sure to try before you buy.

/cmk

 

[Hogpatrol]

Picatinny rail if the scope you choose needs a lot of fore aft movement, Burris rings with the inserts. I do not like Talley or Warne rings or any other brand that splits in the middle vertically. Have seen too many of them crush scope tubes and cause problems with making adjustments.
I was at the range a couple days ago fighting a nice Vortex scope with Warne rings. Spinning the turrets cause no movement in elevation or windage until the rings were loosened to the point of not holding the scope securely. Had the same trouble with Talleys on a CZ.

Scope choices? Chevys, Fords, Toyotas, Mercedes, Lexus. Money buys you low light. Spend as much as you can. I shoot long range and know a lot of others that do the same. I've shot through them and don't believe their worth the premium and you won't see a Swarovski on any of those rifles. Flame suit donned.

 

[Scrumbag]

Hogpatrol, rail in some ways make sense but I'd rather keep action open. (I had a bad experience with a mauser 98 ejecting and flicking the spent case back into the action). Hence current preference for weaver / pic bases on top of each base

 

[Scrumbag]

I agree that a picatinny rail may not be the most elegant solution, so separate bases is what I would choose. Don't have any Mausers, so I can't give any recommendation though...

As for the 9000L - if you already have it, or if cheaper than the H30 - stick with it. An Aimpoint rep told me the same a few years back. The difference is not that big. Can't compare it to the Micro though, as I have no experience with it.

However, I sometime later got rid of my 9000L for the very reason of astigmatism, slight near-sightedness (myopia) and age, since the 'dot' seemed more of a 'cloud' to my eyes. Be sure to try before you buy.

/cmk

Hi cmk, I think you see my issue. I also like the idea of keeping the action a bit more open. I tend to shoot with glasses on and a buddy has a 9000L on his 375H&H so not too bad for blurring

 

[Hogpatrol]

Hogpatrol, rail in some ways make sense but I'd rather keep action open. (I had a bad experience with a mauser 98 ejecting and flicking the spent case back into the action). Hence current preference for weaver / pic bases on top of each base

Gotcha. Wasn't aware of that issue. Single bases would work, just have to make sure you can get your eye relief set properly. Some of these new scopes have very little tube exposed so moving them back could be problematic. I have a few rifles set up like Dewalds only with Burris Signature rings with inserts. That way I can move the rear base screw for windage adjustments without bending the scope tube. The inserts act like a pillow block bearing. Another advantage of the Burris rings are the inserts come in different thicknesses so the scope can be kept as close to mechanical center as possible or if there is a need for long range, can allow the turrets to give more travel.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I agree that a picatinny rail may not be the most elegant solution, so separate bases is what I would choose. Don't have any Mausers, so I can't give any recommendation though...

As for the 9000L - if you already have it, or if cheaper than the H30 - stick with it. An Aimpoint rep told me the same a few years back. The difference is not that big. Can't compare it to the Micro though, as I have no experience with it.

However, I sometime later got rid of my 9000L for the very reason of astigmatism, slight near-sightedness (myopia) and age, since the 'dot' seemed more of a 'cloud' to my eyes. Be sure to try before you buy.

/cmk

Have you been checked for cataracts? I had them and when I looked at the red dot , it was blurry, like a star. Cataracts removed and it returned to be a dot.

 

[Scrumbag]

Have you been checked for cataracts? I had them and when I looked at the red dot , it was blurry, like a star. Cataracts removed and it returned to be a dot.

Have an eye check pretty much every 12 to 18 months as a strong paternal history of glaucoma... and I'm in my mid-30s so I damn well hope not!

 

[Hogpatrol]

Have an eye check pretty much every 12 to 18 months as a strong paternal history of glaucoma... and I'm in my mid-30s so I damn well hope not!

I had narrow angle and had both eyes blasted for pressure relief valves. Good to go now. At least that's what they tell me.

 

[Scrumbag]

Dewald, that's good to see.

Must admit I have a folding "Express V" for the barrel and have a replacement Dumoulin 3-position horizontal safety to swap out for the current flag safety. How do you find 250 Savage? (I have an FN Commercial action with a 257 Roberts Lothar Walther Barrel...)

 

[mark-hunter]

Hi Scrummy,

Just few question to get idea:
1. How did you get the suggested list of optics? (already available, or planning to purchase)
2. Which rifle do you have in mind?

 

[Scrumbag]

1. How did you get the suggested list of optics? (already available, or planning to purchase)
- The 2 scopes I have, the aimpoint was planning to purchase. Anything you'd recommend changing?
2. Which rifle do you have in mind?
- Rifle is a round bridge FN Commercial in 9.3x62

 

[cmk]

Have you been checked for cataracts? I had them and when I looked at the red dot , it was blurry, like a star. Cataracts removed and it returned to be a dot.

I have not done any checks. The astigmatism has been there for as long as I can remember, and it is not something that is bothering me at all in daily life. My near-sightedness is not a great problem either. Actually, I'm now in my mid-40's and I've stopped using glasses since a few years. I guess age is balancing it out. In a few years I will be needing reading glasses however, as it is getting harder to focus on really close objects.

I believe I would be able to use a red dot sight if/when I get glasses again.

 

[mark-hunter]

1. How did you get the suggested list of optics? (already available, or planning to purchase)
- The 2 scopes I have, the aimpoint was planning to purchase. Anything you'd recommend changing?
2. Which rifle do you have in mind?
- Rifle is a round bridge FN Commercial in 9.3x62

Ok. Got the idea! 8x56 for twilight, and 3-9 for general daily use! Wise choice!
Piccatiny rails or weaver I would not put, for classic type rifle like yours. Doesnt look good.
So, some other more classic solution remains. With talley and Leupold I have no experience, so can not comment on them.

To keep the look and quality, my choice would be German claw mounts of reputable maker.

 

[cmk]

Another option could be to have a lower powered scope for general hunting, e.g. a 1 or 1.5 - 6 x, instead of the 3-9 and the red dot.

 

[Scrumbag]

Ok. Got the idea! 8x56 for twilight, and 3-9 for general daily use! Wise choice!
Piccatiny rails or weaver I would not put, for classic type rifle like yours. Doesnt look good.
So, some other more classic solution remains. With talley and Leupold I have no experience, so can not comment on them.

To keep the look and quality, my choice would be German claw mounts of reputable maker.

You might have a point. I shall see what the smith recommends. I have found a 'smith that did similar work recently

 

[Scrumbag]

Another option could be to have a lower powered scope for general hunting, e.g. a 1 or 1.5 - 6 x, instead of the 3-9 and the red dot.

That might be an option, something like a 1.5-6x42 or Kahles make (made?) a 1.6-8x42 which strikes me as a very flexible scope...