416 Scope

[RStien321]

I am looking at scope options for a potential 416 purchase that will be used for large plains game, and hopefully a buffalo or lion hunt down the road. I have a Leupold VX-5HD 2-10 that is without a home and was wondering the general consensus on a the scope for the intended purpose. Is 2x too high of low end zoom for buffalo? Any input would be welcome.

 

[cpr0312]

I'd say that scope should do just fine! I hunted buff with a 2X scope and shot my bull at 40 yards or so, no problems

 

[Buckdog]

the leu you have is a nice scope but not ideal IMO for a 416rem DG gun setup. More ideal would be a 1-6x or 1-5x a long eye relief version if you can get one and mount it QD rings with back up iron sights. And a lighted crosshair or dotted cross hair even better. If they are not out of your price range the Swarovski 1-6 with the lighted cirle dot are awesome and come in an EE configuration. I shoot a custom 416 rem with just such a set up and love it the red circle dot on a black buff really stands out and makes life easy specially for follow up running shots.

 

[Dr Ray]

I am looking at scope options for a potential 416 purchase that will be used for large plains game, and hopefully a buffalo or lion hunt down the road. I have a Leupold VX-5HD 2-10 that is without a home and was wondering the general consensus on a the scope for the intended purpose. Is 2x too high of low end zoom for buffalo? Any input would be welcome.

Swarovski z8 w the illuminated Cross hairs.
I think I got the model right.
Anyway 1-8 magnification

 

[Hank2211]

If you feel like buying a new scope, you have an excuse. A scope that starts at 1x or a bit higher will generally be a slightly better bet for dangerous game. But your 2x shouldn't be a problem, especially for buffalo and lion, where while you might get close, you won't try to get as close as to say, an elephant.

Illuminated reticles seem to cause controversy with some of the more luddite types here, but especially for buffalo, where you may be looking for black crosshairs on a black body, illumination can be an enormous advantage. Having said that, in good light and with most older buffalo being grey rather than black, you should be fine without it.

So I'd say it comes down to what you want to do!

 

[TOBY458]

I used a Leupold 2-7×33 on my buffalo hunt in Australia. It worked perfectly, and should still give plenty of magnification for PG out to 300 yards or so.

 

[Divernhunter]

That should work but if you get a different scope be sure it is a Leupold or Nightforce.

 

[Shootist43]

I have a Nikon 1-4.5 Monarch African with a German #4 Reticle on my 416 Rigby that was going to be my Buffalo Rig if I ever do it. Although I must say that I like the idea of a laminated dot in conjunction with the cross hairs.

 

[CAustin]

I have a VX6 1-6 on my 416. Your scope should be fine!

 

[cpr0312]

I used a Leupold 2-7×33 on my buffalo hunt

Same exact scope I used, worked great

 

[cagkt3]

I recently put a Sig Sauer Tango6 1-6x24 on a 416 Rem. Have yet to shoot anything but paper, but I like it so far