Scope & Reflex sight

[Gareth]

Following my last post, I wanted to update you on my progress, or should I say none progress made with the Iron sights, I approach a few gunsmiths. After being palmed off or redirected I ended up corresponding with an experienced gunsmith in the UK, the problem would be having to export the rile to the UK and the associated cost for a specialized courier was very high. I did a bit of ready up and came across hunters who have adopted a two sight approach for driven hunts in Europe. They top their primary optic with a red dot or reflex sight. The two scope approach allows the hunter to be prepared for all scenarios. If their allocated stand was in thick woodland and quick target acquisition would be required, they could use the reflex sight, or if their position was open terrain, they could revert to their primary scope. I thought this solution could work well for a DG game hunting. You do need to adjust your cheek wield upwards on the stock to use the reflex sight effectively. Has Anyone tried this before?

 

[Tanks]

... I thought this solution could work well for a DG game hunting. You do need to adjust your cheek wield upwards on the stock to use the reflex sight effectively. Has Anyone tried this before?

I don't want to have two different manual of arms on a firearm used for hunting. Also, for DG you are either in a blind for leopard/lion or up close and personal. Not to mention different calibers and/or loads. A 1.X-1X scope will do the job if using the same rifle. I think it would work for driven boars as well. On my last driven boar hunt in Poland I had a 1-6X scope and had plenty field of view at 1X.

For me it is one or the other, not both for hunting. Now, 3-gun competition with an AR sure, but the red dot is on the side then not on top.

 

[Gareth]

Thank you for your insight, so keep it simple, my scope is 1-6 power with QD mounts, and the reflex sight is on a QD base, so I have the option in selecting either.

I don't want to have two different manual of arms on a firearm used for hunting. Also, for DG you are either in a blind for leopard/lion or up close and personal. Not to mention different calibers and/or loads. A 1.X-1X scope will do the job if using the same rifle. I think it would work for driven boars as well. On my last driven boar hunt in Poland I had a 1-6X scope and had plenty field of view at 1X.

For me it is one or the other, not both for hunting. Now, 3-gun competition with an AR sure, but the red dot is on the side then not on top.

 

[Red Leg]

Following my last post, I wanted to update you on my progress, or should I say none progress made with the Iron sights, I approach a few gunsmiths. After being palmed off or redirected I ended up corresponding with an experienced gunsmith in the UK, the problem would be having to export the rile to the UK and the associated cost for a specialized courier was very high. I did a bit of ready up and came across hunters who have adopted a two sight approach for driven hunts in Europe. They top their primary optic with a red dot or reflex sight. The two scope approach allows the hunter to be prepared for all scenarios. If their allocated stand was in thick woodland and quick target acquisition would be required, they could use the reflex sight, or if their position was open terrain, they could revert to their primary scope. I thought this solution could work well for a DG game hunting. You do need to adjust your cheek wield upwards on the stock to use the reflex sight effectively. Has Anyone tried this before?

Looks and sounds insane. Particularly when firing a heavy recoiling rifle while managing two different head positions and cheek welds - and all during a high stress situation? No thanks. I missed your first post, so I do not know what your fixed sight issue might be, but a 1x6 power scope should cover any eventuality in any sort of cover.

 

[Gareth]

Looks and sounds insane. Particularly when firing a heavy recoiling rifle while managing two different head positions and cheek welds - and all during a high stress situation? No thanks. I missed your first post, so I do not know what your fixed sight issue might be, but a 1x6 power scope should cover any eventuality in any sort of cover.

My rifle doesn't have iron sights, I was looking to have express style iron sights installed, but I am yet to find a domestic gunsmith that can help me, I have my reflex sight, and my 1-6 variable powered scope on QD mounts. I read about people using them both, while the appearance is not in line with a traditional safari rifle. This type of set-up is very affective in 3 gun type competitions. I am much like yourself. I am not sure about shooting .375HH. How can you manage the recoil and effectively maintaining a sight picture with the higher cheek weld,

 

[Red Leg]

Where are you and what sort of rifle?

 

[Gareth]

Where are you and what sort of rifle?

I live In Eire, it’s a sako 75 stainless synthetic I picked it up SH it has very little use. The .375HH is a restricted caliber here so there aren’t many floating around.

 

[Red Leg]

I live In Eire, it’s a sako 75 stainless synthetic I picked it up SH it has very little use. The .375HH is a restricted caliber here so there aren’t many floating around.

Fine rifle. I can think of half a dozen guys just off the top of my head who could do that work in the States easily on a Sako. No sure what to advise you there. You might contact New England Custom Gun Service http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/ They are well enough known for their quality open sights that they may have a history and process for international work wouldn't cost more than the value of the rifle. They could certainly provide you with a quality set if you have someone locally who could at least install them.

Sorry about the dumb question about the rifle - the pictures loaded this time.

 

[norfolk shooter]

@Gareth Mate just stick with your 1-6x scope. If it hasnt got a illuminated ret think about getting a scope with one. On 1x mag you should be able to use it with both eyes open. That might take a bit of practise. As for mitigating recoil all I can say is you have to put trigger time in to get good with the bigger stuff. If I ccan be any further help give me a shout

 

[Tanks]

... I read about people using them both, while the appearance is not in line with a traditional safari rifle. This type of set-up is very affective in 3 gun type competitions. ...

Yeah, but they are using an AR in 5.56 not a .375 H&H. My AR with a muzzle break basically has no recoil to speak of and I have shot it in a variety of contortions to see the target around barriers. I wouldn't want to shoot a .375 H&H that way.

 

[Gareth]

Yeah, but they are using an AR in 5.56 not a .375 H&H. My AR with a muzzle break basically has no recoil to speak of and I have shot it in a variety of contortions to see the target around barriers. I wouldn't want to shoot a .375 H&H that way.

Due to the recoil, I mainly shoot my .375H&H standing, and I find the recoil manageable and can I produce decent groups. I haven't tried shooting the rifle with my head raised. I can't imagine it been a pleasant experience! I understand the 5.56 with a muzzle break allows you to tilt the AR and use a side-mounted reflex sight

if you have some spare time read the blog below
https://www.optics-trade.eu/blog/combined-use-of-a-riflescope-and-a-red-dot-sight/

 

[Gareth]

Fine rifle. I can think of half a dozen guys just off the top of my head who could do that work in the States easily on a Sako. No sure what to advise you there. You might contact New England Custom Gun Service http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/ They are well enough known for their quality open sights that they may have a history and process for international work wouldn't cost more than the value of the rifle. They could certainly provide you with a quality set if you have someone locally who could at least install them.

Sorry about the dumb question about the rifle - the pictures loaded this time.

The advantages of living in a country with a big game hunting traditional! Thank you for the recommendation. I already selected the express style sights and had a guy who was going to install them in Namibia this year. The pandemic put a stop to those plans, not being able to travel, etc. I tried to find someone with the proper knowledge in Ireland, but I am yet to find someone. I see by your photos you have hunted numerous buffalo, have you ever needed to remove your scope and rely on your iron sights? I understand the advantages of iron sights over optics, but I am not sure if hunter ever removes their scope or would have time to remove the scope if something happened.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Hi Gareth,
First of all, figure out what you want to do with the rifle and then choose a setup between the two. That setup is not practical at all. Go with one or the other.
What are you planning on hunting?
As has been mentioned by @norfolk shooter , the scope that you currently have on there with the 1-6x ability mitigates the need for the Reflex.
Don't get me wrong, I have both setups on some of my rifles, but each of those rifles have a specific job.

 

[Gareth]

@Gareth Mate just stick with your 1-6x scope. If it hasnt got a illuminated ret think about getting a scope with one. On 1x mag you should be able to use it with both eyes open. That might take a bit of practise. As for mitigating recoil all I can say is you have to put trigger time in to get good with the bigger stuff. If I ccan be any further help give me a shout

The scope has an illuminated reticle, I love the rifle, it's very accurate so every chance I get I am down the range practicing but I do need to dial the scope down to 1 try shooting with both eyes open!

 

[Gareth]

Hi Gareth,
First of all, figure out what you want to do with the rifle and then choose a setup between the two. That setup is not practical at all. Go with one or the other.
What are you planning on hunting?
As has been mentioned by @norfolk shooter , the scope that you currently have on there with the 1-6x ability mitigates the need for the Reflex.
Don't get me wrong, I have both setups on some of my rifles, but each of those rifles have a specific job.

I am planning on hunting Cape buffalo with the rifle, I have both the reflex and the 1-6 scope on QD mounts allowing me to interchange the optics, I am going to stick with the 1-6 scope its more practical than the reflex sight. I will keep the reflex sight as back up or If I wanted to use it for driven hunts I have the option. The form is great to get experienced people insights and views

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

The scope has an illuminated reticle, I love the rifle, it's very accurate so every chance I get I am down the range practicing but I do need to dial the scope down to 1 try shooting with both eyes open!

this is exactly what i was going to say
no need for reflex site if you have a 1X zoom on scope
just unnecessary!!!
practice with 1Xzoom at close range 50m and less, will be easy after a while
one eye or both eyes open makes no difference its just whatever you more comfortable with

 

[Bert the Turtle]

What does a reflex have to offer that a 1x illuminated circle dot doesn't?

 

[Gareth]

zero

What does a reflex have to offer that a 1x illuminated circle dot doesn't?

zero parallax and widest possible field of view

 

[Red Leg]

At 1x and an illuminated reticle, you can use that scope exactly like a red dot or reflex sight. Keep it at four power during your hunt, and should you have to follow-up, simply crank it down to 1x. Neither field of view nor parallax should be a real issue.

Spend some meaningful time at dry fire practice. Pick a target, rifle up, both eyes open, dot on the target, fire, and repeat. You’ll be fine.

 

[Tanks]

if you have some spare time read the blog below
https://www.optics-trade.eu/blog/combined-use-of-a-riflescope-and-a-red-dot-sight/

In IPSC matches they are quoting, in PCC division people are shooting 9mm. As mentioned before 3-gun is 5.56. Very low recoiling rounds.

With no cheek weld I think you are looking for some hurt on a .375 H&H. But, try it and see.