You are absolutely right, it’s almost always shooting position induced.Not over thinking it, but if never scoped before, you are likely worrying more than necessary. So many folks get scoped more from shooting position than mere recoil, like here in Alaska many folks earn a first shooting steeply up or downhill. Since you reference elk, you may end up with the rifle in such positions as well, where you would need to exercise proper caution between heavier recoil and steep angles.
Nice thing with many of the heavy hitters, if properly weighted, and even more importantly, shooting off sticks where your body moves along with the rifle to a greater degree than shooting prone off your backpack, its less of a concern and more of something to pay attention.
All that said, I love the Z81 1-8x24. Doesn't get you to 10x, but its a darn fine scope for dangerous game, and plenty magnification for elk.
One thing to look out for is a long enough scope tube to allow for proper eye relief with a magnum size action. I tried to put a z6i 1.7-10 on a Heym with Talley rings and you could not mount it as the length between rings is too far. Same with many Leupold and Zeiss. Long eye relief doesn't help if you can't properly adjust the scope in the rings.
Z6i 1-6x24 EE was especially good for heavy-hitting rifles, and it is such a shame they stopped producing it.I wish they still made that scope.
I am so confused. So the mounting area on the rifle, with a long/magnum action runs into the start of the bell or?One thing to look out for is a long enough scope tube to allow for proper eye relief with a magnum size action. I tried to put a z6i 1.7-10 on a Heym with Talley rings and you could not mount it as the length between rings is too far. Same with many Leupold and Zeiss. Long eye relief doesn't help if you can't properly adjust the scope in the rings.
You will be happy with the choice you made. Good luck.
I am so confused. So the mounting area on the rifle, with a long/magnum action runs into the start of the bell or?
I have them on two Rugers. Money well spent. Easy on and off. Just follow the directions while mounting. If you encounter any trouble, just call them. The owner is very responsivePlan on ordering some alaska arms quick disconnect rings for the new scope.
Spendy but seem like a great option. Any feedback?
I have never scoped myself and dont want to start! That being said I am probably obsessing to much about eye relief for a scope for my newly acquired 416 rigby.
For whatever reason I think I need 4-ish inches of eye relief as to not to add to my already terrible looks.
I would like to hunt a cape buffalo one day and also use the gun to hunt elk (yes I know its excessive for elk). Right now I am looking at vortex razor LH at 2x10 with 3.8 inches of eye relief with quick disconnects.
Thoughts are, I can carry the gun while hunting buffs on 2 power and then take the scope off after the first shot and tracking begins (I love shooting irons).
I could buy multiple scopes for different uses but this option seems to fit the bill for erything I would use the gun for.
For you buff hunters, where is the flaw in thought process? And is eye relief an issue I dont need to obsess about
Huh. I have a z6i on my model 70 in .375 and had no issues.He is talking about the length of the action being too long for some scopes. With the additional condition that the scope mounts are not prolonged backward to accommodate such scopes.
You can see an example of such a problem in the image. The scope is short, the action is long, and the mounts are the wrong ones, since the front mount base is too short. The objective bell and the eyepiece both collide with the scope mounts.
View attachment 773264
I have never scoped myself and dont want to start! That being said I am probably obsessing to much about eye relief for a scope for my newly acquired 416 rigby.
For whatever reason I think I need 4-ish inches of eye relief as to not to add to my already terrible looks.
I would like to hunt a cape buffalo one day and also use the gun to hunt elk (yes I know its excessive for elk). Right now I am looking at vortex razor LH at 2x10 with 3.8 inches of eye relief with quick disconnects.
Thoughts are, I can carry the gun while hunting buffs on 2 power and then take the scope off after the first shot and tracking begins (I love shooting irons).
I could buy multiple scopes for different uses but this option seems to fit the bill for everything I would use the gun for.
For you buff hunters, where is the flaw in thought process? And is eye relief an issue I dont need to obsess about
That's exactly what sits on my 416 Rem mag. And it will stay there!My suggestion would be the Leupold VX5-HD 2-10x42 with Firedot Reticle. I've used it for buffalo and plains game and it's worked wonderfully on my 458 Lott which has a good bit more recoil than your 416 Rigby. The 2 power is no problem for close work on buffalo and the option of 10 power for extended range is there if you need it.
My second choice would be the Zeiss conquest V6 2-12x50 with Illuminated Reticle if more powerful zoom is your top priority. Zeiss has awesome glass.
Either way I would suggest the illuminated plex reticle. I switched to these a few years back and they are awesome for buffalo in any cover and light conditions. Works great for all other plains game as well. If you don't want it you don't have to turn it on.
If the rifle fits you well getting scoped won't be any issue with either of these or any quality scope you decide to go with.
Good luck