That is true of most double rifles worth owning, being shot by those who know their rifle! However, long range bullet placement is not the only reason to have a scope on any rifle! They gather better light, than the naked human eye, when the light starts to fail, or before it improves in morning. In addtion to that, it lets one see the tiny twiggs between you and your target, so you don't deflect a bullet cuaseing a wounded animal to deal with. It lets you slip a bullet through a small clearing in the bush, to collect the heart or brain when nothing else is visable.

With a double rifle, the role of the scope sight is reverse to it's use on a bolt rifle. On the double rifle the scope is the secondary sight, used for special ourposes, so is only mounted in QD rings, and bases, to be attached only when needed. On the bolt rifle the reverse is the case, with the scope being the primary sighting system, with the irons as a back-up, in case the scope goes south! Both sceenarios are valid!

I agree, that I wouldn't mount a scope on a 500NE, or 577NE double rifle. Eventhough the pros for the scope, under some conditions, would be just as valid on those as on the smaller rifles. Just not enough to justify the bother to install. On a 9.3X74R, 375HH, 450/400NE,or the verious .450s they are a fine, and useful addtion. Then you have people who simply cannot see iron sights, and have no choice!