Everyone seems to mistake the mounting of a scope sight on a double rifle as a bad thing! It isn’t a bad thing, but it is done for a different reason or reasons, than it is done on a bolt rifle! This is especially true of the large bore doubles. Nobody thinks twice when mounting a scope on a 460 Wby Mag bolt rifle, which is made for the same purpose as a 470NE double rifle, the hunting of dangerous game. On the 460 Wby Mag the scope is mounted most times permanently, and though it has iron sights sometimes, they are not easily uncovered for use. Nobody bats an eye, when someone walks into tight bush with a wounded Lion, buffalo, or elephant using this scoped rifle. But walk into the open veldt with a double 470NE with a scope mounted, and people look at you like you are crazy.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with mounting a scope on a 470NE double rifle, however, it is done for different reasons than it is for a bolt rifle. On a bolt rifle the scope is the primary sight, and the iron sights are back-up, while the double rifle is mounted with express iron sights as primary, and the scope is mounted for special purposes.

The DGR, properly set up, should have both types of sights on them, but the scopes on both should be mounted on the rifle in quality Quick detach rings, and bases. Besides being a help to those who have bad eyesight, and scope will allow the shooter to thread a shot through a small hole in cover to the vitals of his target for that all important first shot. If he is carrying a double barreled 470NE rifle, and such a situation presents it’s self. The scope can be mounted easily, to make the shot. That is the place where the secondary sight system is a desirable feature. OR, if they happen to drop their double, snapping off a front bead, and are miles from his other rifle, he can simply mount his scope, and continue his stalk.

The idea that, somehow, mounting a scope sight on a brand new double rifle, is comiting some classic sin, is simply close minded, and ignorant, no other way to say it.
To me simply because the double rifle of large chambering is basically designed to keep you from being killed while taking on dangerous game, one should, IMO, take advantage of everything he can to make that rifle as efficient, as is possible! Being able to take one sight off to use a better one for a special purpose, simply makes sense. Following up a wounded Buffalo, with the express sights, is the norm, but what of when the light starts to fail? What, prey tell, is wrong with mounting a light gathering scope so you can see your target better. Or the critical first shot on a dangerous animal like a lion that just happens to be at 100 yds, or is on bait, at twilight. That scope may mean you take your trophy, and avoid a very dangerous follow-up because of a slightly off center first shot!