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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Big Bore Rifles

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hoppdoc
.400 member


Reged: 02/03/06
Posts: 1791
Loc: Southeastern USA
SHOULD ELE "STOPPING RIFLES" BE SCOPED??
      #54568 - 10/04/06 08:35 PM

Many hunting friends have low power scopes on their Big Bores(.45+calibers) and specifically so if used for Ele hunting.If hunting ELE close range and charged is that scope a liability? Multiple scope issues can arise- off zero, reticle failure,visual blurring, magnum eyebrow, restricted field of view.etc---.The benefits are better low light vision,more accuracy,more focus on the kill zone of the animal, etc.

Should a 45+ caliber Big Bore Ele/Buff close range "stoppers" have a scope or these guns best be restricted to open sights? It could be a matter of survival.

Forum members, Any recommendations?

--------------------
An armed man is a citizen of his country, an unarmed man just a subject.


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Boomer
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Reged: 13/04/05
Posts: 144
Loc: The Hudson Bay Coast, Canada
Re: SHOULD ELE "STOPPING RIFLES" BE SCOPED?? [Re: hoppdoc]
      #54570 - 10/04/06 10:21 PM

No one else has bitten yet, so I'll take a stab at this despite the fact that I've never even seen a wild elephant. Don't you just hate guys who are quick to voice opinions on subjects they have no knowledge of.

My first reaction is to say no scope on a rifle which would be used for elephant, but there might be some exceptions. In a hunting situation, certainly the use of a scope should present little problem for the initial shot. If the rifleman has lost the visual acuity to see both front and rear sight, a properly mounted low power scope might be better option for him. In any case the scope should be in QD mounts, so that it can be removed quickly without tools should it become damaged, or should the rifleman anticipate very close action. My own rifle wears a scout scope, so scope eye will not be a problem for me.

In the case of a guide or PH, who is responsible for the safety of his clients, I would suggest he leave his scope at home.

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jro45
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Reged: 25/12/03
Posts: 192
Loc: DE, USA
Re: SHOULD ELE "STOPPING RIFLES" BE SCOPED?? [Re: hoppdoc]
      #54571 - 10/04/06 11:31 PM

If I were going elephant hunting I would not want a scope on my rifle. I've never been DG hunting. The price is getting way to high.

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zimhunter
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Reged: 05/02/04
Posts: 388
Loc: Southern Arizona
Re: SHOULD ELE "STOPPING RIFLES" BE SCOPED?? [Re: hoppdoc]
      #54590 - 11/04/06 02:09 PM

Have shot 3 Eles. One each with 375,416Rigby,470NE. The bolt guns were scoped the 470 not. Doesn't make much difference to me. At Ele distance either one is OK.

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DUGABOY1
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Reged: 02/02/03
Posts: 1340
Loc: TEXAS USA
Re: SHOULD ELE "STOPPING RIFLES" BE SCOPED?? [Re: Boomer]
      #55010 - 17/04/06 06:39 AM

In reply to:

My first reaction is to say no scope on a rifle which would be used for elephant, but there might be some exceptions. In a hunting situation, certainly the use of a scope should present little problem for the initial shot. If the rifleman has lost the visual acuity to see both front and rear sight, a properly mounted low power scope might be better option for him. In any case the scope should be in QD mounts, so that it can be removed quickly without tools should it become damaged, or should the rifleman anticipate very close action. My own rifle wears a scout scope, so scope eye will not be a problem for me.

In the case of a guide or PH, who is responsible for the safety of his clients, I would suggest he leave his scope at home.




I believe the above opinion is not far from what I myself would have said! I've done some Dangerous game hunting in Africa, as well as in Alaska, and Canada. I also have a lot of experience with DGR rifles, single shot, bolt and double rifles for some of the largest chamberings used on big animals. Haveing said that, I don't see why BOOMER'S opinion would be any less valid than mine! To me his explanation, is nothing more than the use of common sense!

Many find scopeing a double rifle to be herecy, but I say if your eyes require the use of a scope, it would be stupid not to use one, especially when dealing with dangerous game. As BOOMER says, that scope should always be in quality QD Rings, and bases! Close in, the scope isn't needed by even the blindest person who could shoot well with a scope. A low powered scope, however, zeroed with both eyes open for shooting gives up nothing, in field of vision, to iron sights .

IMO, if it fits your needs, use what ever sight you want, and don't worry about the hard heads, who tell you there is only one way!

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..........Mac >>>===(x)===>
DUGABOY1, and MacD37 founding member of DRSS www.doublerifleshooterssociety.com
"If I die today, I have had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"


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500grains
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Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Re: SHOULD ELE "STOPPING RIFLES" BE SCOPED?? [Re: hoppdoc]
      #55032 - 17/04/06 02:46 PM

I wonder how much real ele hunting those guys with scopes do. Some fellows need a scope because their eyes are bad. But on a stopping rifle, a scope will be a hazard no matter what your eyesight. Scopes simply have no place for shooting charging game at 7 yards.

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hoppdoc
.400 member


Reged: 02/03/06
Posts: 1791
Loc: Southeastern USA
Re: SHOULD ELE "STOPPING RIFLES" BE SCOPED?? [Re: hoppdoc]
      #55042 - 17/04/06 05:51 PM

My concern with scopes would be the possibility of shift or zero and other issues that could be catastrophic on DG at close range. Had an elk at 50 yards and missed him clean only to find out later my scope zero moved when I slipped earlier!! This was NOT a hard fall, but just a bump to the 338WM rifle. Would this have mattered at 7-10 yards with an Ele? I don't think I want to find out.

I have had scopes suddenly start printing erratically with a reticle failure on a 416.They do that on big recoiling guns.

I just don't know if I could trust my rifle saving my arse with a scope or similar visual aid on a big bore close range thumper. KISS is my motto. If it gets down to my LIFE or DEATH that scope may become a liability IMHO.

--------------------
An armed man is a citizen of his country, an unarmed man just a subject.


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NE450No2
.375 member


Reged: 10/01/03
Posts: 942
Re: SHOULD ELE "STOPPING RIFLES" BE SCOPED?? [Re: hoppdoc]
      #55050 - 17/04/06 08:58 PM

I would not want a scope on a rifle while hunting elephant...
However since you will probably shoot "other stuff" with you elephant rifle having a scope in quality QD mounts is not a bad idea. Put the scope on when you need it, take it off when you do not.

However if I needed a scope even for close shooting because of my eyesight I would use a 1 to 4x without hesitation.

My British 450/400 3 1/4" double is with JJ Perodeau being fitted with a 1-4 S&B in claw mounts.


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