Using irons

[MS 9x56]

Other than PH’s how many clients use iron sighted “vintage” rifles on safari? I know Americans have an affinity for scopes but is this percentage worldwide?

 

[JimP]

You will find that most will move from iron sights to scopes as they get older and it is next to impossible for them to focus on three things at once.

I'm in that boat. I like iron sights but trying to focus on the rear and front sight with a point on a animal is next to impossible.

 

[Randy F]

You will find that most will move from iron sights to scopes as they get older and it is next to impossible for them to focus on three things at once.

I'm in that boat. I like iron sights but trying to focus on the rear and front sight with a point on a animal is next to impossible.

+1

 

[Red Leg]

At 68, I regrettably agree with the above whole heartedly.

There are also economic, responsibility, and practicality issues.

In Africa, a drop of blood equals a trophy fee. I have spent a lot of time shooting with iron sights, but being 80% certain of making a shot and 99% certain is a meaningful difference when my target has a price tag of many hundreds or thousands of dollars.

With respect to responsibility, when hunting dangerous game, the client’s single most important responsibility is to put that first bullet in exactly the right spot. Do that, and everyone goes home safely. Botch that shot, and the odds of someone getting hurt go up dramatically. The good news is it likely won’t be the client, because the PH will do everything in his power to prevent him coming to harm. But if he or the tracker is gored, it is the client who has to live with it the rest of his life.

Finally, with our relatively short hunts these days, a scoped rifle increases dramatically the likelihood of successfully achieving a multi-species wish list. If the client is experienced and is no longer interested in filling the crate of his trophy shipment, or if he has the luxury of time, a nostalgic Safari built around a Leespeed and a double makes sense - bearing points one and two in mind.

 

[mikecatt13]

At 68, I regrettably agree with the above whole heartedly.

There are also economic, responsibility, and practicality issues.

In Africa, a drop of blood equals a trophy fee. I have spent a lot of time shooting with iron sights, but being 80% certain of making a shot and 99% certain is a meaningful difference when my target has a price tag of many hundreds or thousands of dollars.

With respect to responsibility, when hunting dangerous game, the client’s single most important responsibility is to put that first bullet in exactly the right spot. Do that, and everyone goes home safely. Botch that shot, and the odds of someone getting hurt go up dramatically. The good news is it likely won’t be the client, because the PH will do everything in his power to prevent him coming to harm. But if he or the tracker is gored, it is the client who has to live with it the rest of his life.

Finally, with our relatively short hunts these days, a scoped rifle increases dramatically the likelihood of successfully achieving a multi-species wish list. If the client is experienced and is no longer interested in filling the crate of his trophy shipment, or if he has the luxury of time, a nostalgic Safari built around a Leespeed and a double makes sense - bearing points one and two in mind.

Spot on IMO.

I can absolutely see myself wanting to to take some animals with my double and irons while my eyes are young, but that will come with STRICT range limits. Luckily, my wife wont let me leave her home while I go to Africa so a scoped R8 will be close at hand if a dream animal comes out and those ranges for the irons arent realistically attainable. But at least the first couple safaris and any DG hunt it will have at least a red dot on it for the reasons quoted

 

[curtism1234]

I have a iron sight 375 I have no intention of scoping. Next time I'm taking that with me in addition to my scoped rifle. I just want to take something with it - classic cartridge, classic rifle, and traditional iron sights (that i have been shooting for 25 years). That being said, its staying at camp until the couple must-have animals are down. No sense chasing close clear shots for 2-3 days and running out of time

 

[Rare Breed]

I love the red dot Holosun scope I just got for my new Rizzini 470 Double Rifle. I called them up and bought a custom rail from them that neatly fits. I can instantly with a flip of a lever detach the scope for the iron sights then reattach the scope and still maintains zero. It does not get better than that IMO

 

[Tanks]

One thing to consider for those with old eyes. I am a competitive handgun (USPSA/IPSC) shooter. I can not see the front sight clearly though, it is a blur.

Solution: Shooting glasses with a very minor correction on the dominant eye.

I use plus1.75 for reading though I still have 20/20 vision for distance. I use 0.75 lens on my dominant eye and clear lens on my other eye. As I shoot with both eyes open the brain adjusts and I can see the front sight and still make out the target.

Currently I have glasses from Hunter's HD Gold. ( Hunters HD Gold - Safety Protective Eyewear, Available in Rx, Lenses Made in USA! ). I have the aviator style for rifles/shotguns and the cooler looking Archer model for handgun. A bonus is that they automatically adjust to light so need only one pair of lenses.

 

[Shootist43]

I have Iron Sights for most if not all of my larger bore rifles. However, they are also equipped with scopes and QD rings. Several things need to be considered prior to me using Irons, namely the distance at which the shot will be taken, the terrain i.e. more open than brush or woods, and the size of the game being pursued. BTW "ghost rings" only.

 

[mdwest]

I used to love shooting irons.. and for a long time refused to put any sort of optic on several of my guns (lever actions, AR15's, .22's, etc)...

Unfortunately, 20/20 vision gave way a few years back.. and some sort of optic now adorns EVERY long gun in the safe with the exception of my shotguns (the shotguns have lost their gold beads though and now all sport hi vis fiber optic front sights)..

My 375 and 416 both sport low power variables (1-4x and 1-6x).. both have very nice irons on them and QR rings for any possible "oh shit" moment.. but if I am honest with myself.. If I ever am in a position where I need to participate in chasing a wounded buff into the bush in the future.. I dont see myself removing the optic.. I'll likely just make sure the optic is cranked down to 1x and that the illuminated reticle is properly set for the light conditions.. I think that will be significantly faster for my eyes to pick up theses days rather than a front sight post... My .585 will never see a hunt.. its a "fun gun".. It doesnt have an optic yet.. but will likely get a Trijicon RMR or some other red dot as opposed to a low power variable..

 

[BeeMaa]

I have a iron sight 375 I have no intention of scoping. Next time I'm taking that with me in addition to my scoped rifle. I just want to take something with it - classic cartridge, classic rifle, and traditional iron sights (that i have been shooting for 25 years). That being said, its staying at camp until the couple must-have animals are down. No sense chasing close clear shots for 2-3 days and running out of time

Why not put QD rings on the 375 and take just one rifle?
Classic hunt up close and personal...pop it off.
Need more range...put it back on.
And you will always have the "right rifle" with you.

It just gives you options.
But this is Burger King and you get to have it your way.
Either way, good luck with the hunt.

 

[curtism1234]

Why not put QD rings on the 375 and take just one rifle?
Classic hunt up close and personal...pop it off.
Need more range...put it back on.
And you will always have the "right rifle" with you.

It just gives you options.
But this is Burger King and you get to have it your way.
Either way, good luck with the hunt.

I have neck and shoulder problems. Carrying an 8 1/2 or 9 pound rifle (depending on which stock i put on) all day and week (whether sling or hands) is at or already past my ability. Scoped would be pushing 10 pounds or so.

MY 308 is scoped at 7 1/2 pounds. Makes walking around a lot easier for me. I still want to use my 375 though.

I have been looking at the Browning xbolt 375. Its much lighter and would work with a scope. Not as nostalgic as a model 70 but it would work great