Whitworth Express

[Custom]

I know there are several on the forum that have these rifles, so I am looking for some wisdom. I just picked up a nice one in 458 wm and am probably going to pick one up in 375 as well. My question is this: I am planning to mount a leupold 1.5-5 with illuminated reticle on the 458. I want to put it in Warne Maxima QD rings. I am sure that that scope will function in low rings, but will that put it too low with the express sights? No one locally has the Warne rings for me to play around with, so I have to order them on the net. Any advice?

 

[sestoppelman]

If you mean will the scope contact the sights, not likely as its a pretty short scope I think. As for seeing the sights in the scope? You wont notice it. I would be more concerned about the bolt handle contacting the scope bell. You will likely have to just try it and see. I have had to jack up a couple of scopes lately due to contact with the bolt handle.

 

[Custom]

Thanks, Sestoppelman. It was really a question of seeing the sights in the scope. Hadn't thought about the bolt handle. So, if you were going to guess, would you guess low or med rings?

 

[sestoppelman]

If I had to guess, I would opt for medium to start with. I would rather have a little clearance than be dragging the handle on the scope. The Whitworth has a fairly straight comb stock. I have an old .375 Whit, veteran of 3 safaris, bought in 1984. Its a fine rifle.

 

[Custom]

Thanks. This one is in great shape and the wood on it is gorgeous. Someone already did a really nice glass bedding job and put a nice Timney trigger in it, too. Haven't shot it yet, though. Waiting to get a little weight on it before I pop off one of those 458 rounds!

 

[Custom]

For anyone who cares, I ordered the medium Warne QD rings and they are perfect. I don't believe the bolt would have cleared with low rings.

 

[sestoppelman]

For anyone who cares, I ordered the medium Warne QD rings and they are perfect. I don't believe the bolt would have cleared with low rings.

Good to hear. I am glad to be right once in a while!

 

[35bore]

Good to hear. I am glad to be right once in a while!

We are all entitled to a once in a while... :laughing::laughing::laughing: Personally I have always used medium rings (never owned low, even with the 1.5x5) it doesn't put the scope that much higher and you avoid seeing the sights. Never had any issues with the bolt handle either. Guess if the bolt handle was an issue a guy could do a cut away bolt handle like Ruger does, just remove some of the meat of the handle that is coming into contact with the bell of the scope.