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Hi:

Well, here's my opinion. On Ruger's big-bore #1s (the Tropicals), resist the urge to scope it with hi-power magnification. Stick with low-power scopes like the 1-4x, 1.5-5x, or 1.75-5x. In the first place, except for load development, you really don't need the kind of big-ass objective bell these scopes come with, nor all that magnification. Secondly, a huge scope gunks up the balance and handling of the gun. Their size causes a bad cheek/stock weld because you have to mount them in higher rings. Lastly, if esthetics matter, to me these bigger scopes just don't look right hitched to the slim lines of a #1. A VERY compact 2x7 is the largest I'd go with.

Iron sights (peeps/apertures)? Well, as Holmes & I discussed in a separate thread on SSs, Brownell's catalog has a bunch. But only certain apertures will fit Ruger's integral quarter-rib mounts (unless you find a replacement q-r for it, like the Mould's q-r, which uses Weaver-style cross-slots). Frankly, none are all that impressive for one reason or another. Although I like the style and sturdiness of the XS "ghost ring," I'm going to try to work with the NEGC aperture made for Weaver-bases. We'll see.

Whatever you choose, Brownell's also carries NEGC replacement front sights for Ruger #1s & 77s - 5 sights in different heights. These sport an easily-seen 3/32 white bead. Some feel the 3/32 bead is too large for aperture use on big game beyond 100yds, but actually for most shots you're likely to take with iron sights, the combo of a good aperture and the NEGC front sight is probably fine for offhand shots out to 150yds (maybe 200yds) if you've practiced enough from decent field positions. Don't do all you're shooting off the bench.

I like the decelerators. My preference is for at least 1" thick in 300mags and up. They're offered in black as well as the more traditional big-bore flavor of red, which you see on British-style African rifles.

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.300 H&H.

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