@bigger is better
That is a subjective question that each has to answer for themselves.
Let me ask you a couple things to think about?
1. How small are your groups at 50 and 100 yards using open/metallic sights? If you can group 2 shots each from each barrel at 100 yards within 8", a scope may cut that in half or more.
2. How far do you intend to shoot at game with your double? As 50 yards, unless you are near blind, a 1 or 2 MOA size dot on a reflew sight should be sufficient.
3. If however you want to stretch out your rifle's range to 100 yards or more, a small, 1-4x or 1-6x scope would be handy.
4. Scoping a double will make it handle like a fence post in most cases. Try this our with blue painters tape wrapped a few times around the area on your double where a scope would mount. That should protect the finish. Then, carefully mount the scope and rings on the double with a few more wraps of painters tape. Shoulder and reshoulder that rifle and scope. Take if for a walk around your backyard. Does it still feel like magic between your hands? If so, scope it!
5. I recommend quick release mounts and rings. Then you can turn your fine handing double into a long range fence post when and only when needed.
6. Quick release mount such as the ERA pivot (side swing) are wonderful with a price to match! Claw mounts the same-same... Other systems may not be so quick on a double since a barrel will probably block the turning of a ring mounting lever.
7. Per JJ Perodeau, adding a scope may change the regulation.
For a long time I wanted the same but I finally realized that most doubles other than the out of production Blaser S2's are not well that accurate and tightly regulated that a scope will provide much benifit vs the weight and reduction in handling.
I settled for a Trijicon SRO reflex sight. Others select the smaller RMR or the newer fully enclosed reflex sights. I also lihe the Aimpoint H1 and newer H2 and similar sights. These are a little bigger than the aforementioned Trijicons.
Below are couple threads worth reading.
Red Dot and RMR Sights for Dangerous Game Rifles
Above photos are Trijocon SRO on Heym 88B
I have been contributing information concerning Red Dot and RMR Sights for Dangerous Game Rifles on a couple of other threads that some AH members may have missed. I figure that this information warrants its own thread, so here you go!
Warning, this isn’t an article about every sight available. I am not a professional writer, as evident my often lack of editing! Nor do any manufacturers send me stuff to use so that I will give them free advertising. Rather, this is...
There is a lot of discussion about using a riflescope on a dangerous game rifle (DGR) for close shooting. The options are instead using metallic sights, or a red dot reflex sight. The following are my observations based on substantial shooting experience and a couple trips to Africa. I am still learning Africa hunting but will share what I've learned about optics.
I have Trijicon SROs and RMR models mounted a third of the way down the barrels of doubles and a bolt action rifle. These are exponentially better than metallic sights for anyone who needs reading glasses. I remember Jack...
