safari outdoor rifle scope specials

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Scopes for safari rifles

• Thread starter Thread starter Bert Reynolds
• Start date Start date Sep 29, 2021

Bert Reynolds

• Sep 29, 2021

Hi all. I’m having a pair of rifles built. One in 404 Jeffery and one in 8x68S. I’d like them matching models. I would like a 1.1-4 and a 2.5-10x42 Diavari, as I have a couple of Diavari’s and they are my favourite scopes. What other recommendations do people have?  

Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS

leupold vx3 and up, great value for money, lifetime guarentee, rugged  

CBH Australia

When I joined the Big Bore club people said a Leupold Vx3 1-4x20 I think it is. I had a .458wm downsized to a .375 H&H That's a solid entry level scope I was told I really like my Ziess scope and my Kahles. Someone is bound to suggest Leica here. I believe they are good all round but I have never handled a Lieca scope. I find I do appreciate great glass when I get behind it. An extra thousand bucks might be worth it if you have the means and will get the use of it. It's cheap insurance for that hunt of a lifetime.  

I’ve become a fan of illuminated scopes, specifically the Swaro Z8i series. Makes finding the crosshairs much easier against a dark colored animal. There are several other less expensive options, but still high quality scopes. I’d consider the Leupold VX3 line the entry level. For a DG scope, I would prefer a true 1x low range and mounted in QD rings. Shouldn’t need more than 4x or 5x at the high end. The PG scope should fit the caliber and expected ranges for the game. 2.5-10 or 3-9 are good options IMO for the 8mm. Again, I like these in QD rings but not completely necessary for a PG rifle. Whatever you do, remember that the rifle and scope are a system or matched set with a purpose. Stay true to that purpose and you will be fine.  

Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS said: leupold vx3 and up, great value for money, lifetime guarentee, rugged Click to expand...

BeeMaa said: I’ve become a fan of illuminated scopes, specifically the Swaro Z8i series. Makes finding the crosshairs much easier against a dark colored animal. There are several other less expensive options, but still high quality scopes. I’d consider the Leupold VX3 line the entry level. For a DG scope, I would prefer a true 1x low range and mounted in QD rings. Shouldn’t need more than 4x or 5x at the high end. The PG scope should fit the caliber and expected ranges for the game. 2.5-10 or 3-9 are good options IMO for the 8mm. Again, I like these in QD rings but not completely necessary for a PG rifle. Whatever you do, remember that the rifle and scope are a system or matched set with a purpose. Stay true to that purpose and you will be fine. Click to expand...

The Z6 is a performer as well. I have them on a 375 H&H and a 300 Win Mag. They worked well on dangerous game and plains game. I would recommend the illuminated reticle.  

Bert the Turtle

As stated above, the scope and rifle are a system. The scope should suit the characteristics and purpose of the rifle. A 404 and and 8x68 have different t characteristics and purposes. They shouldn’t have identical scopes. if it’s going to be used on dangerous game, I think it should have a true 1x on the low end. I’ve got a z6i EE on my 404 and I think it’s perfect for a 404. Needs 1x on the low end and 6 is plenty on the upper end. I’ve got the 1.7-10z6i on my 30-06; it would serve admirably on an 8-68. Better low-light performance than the 1-6. If you want more magnification on the high end, a Z8 would work well but I don’t have need for more than 10x. If money is no concern, it won’t hurt to spend the extra on the z8. I’d absolutely have an illuminated reticle. It has no downside other than cost and in the level of scope appropriate for your project, illuminated is probably going to be part of the deal anyway.  

Leupold VX6 HD 1-6X24 Firedot reticle. I put this scope on my 416 Rigby. The illuminated red dot is great for fast target acquisition especially against black hides of buffalo. Turned down to 1 power setting it works like having a RMR red dot sight. Very versatile.  

Bert Reynolds said: I have a z6 on another rifle and I like it. I was considering a pair of z6’s. A 1-6 and a 1.7-10. Both rifles will have recknagel QD rings. Both rifles will be near identical with the 404 being a bit heavier in the barrel and stock. Cheaper options for scopes would be a pair of vx5’s or a pair of Leica ER5’s (old stock) Click to expand...

If you can find a Z6i ee 1-6x24 it would be perfect on that 404.  

I too am having a 404 jeff built on a magnum pre-64 Mod. 70 action. It is being built to shoot off-hand with express sights. If it goes to Africa, it will be used under a 100y at the big boys (or girls?). On another thread, there is a current discussion regarding scoping dangerous game rifles, in particular for use under 100y. My opinion is obviously, no. It might be okay if you manage a first shot kill, but what if Tembo or Mbogo gets pissed and comes after you? I don't want to be looking down a telescope with a live tank 10y away and headed in my direction! And remember, scopes in general did not come into general use until after WWII. The earlier African hunters managed quite well with open sights. Also, think Hemingway with his '06 with a peep sight - and he was shooting well beyond 100y.  

Although neither of your rifles are ”hard” recoiling, I like as close to 4” of eye relief as possible. I’d consider the Trijicon 1-6x and 2.5-12x as well as the Leupold VX-3 or VX-5 series scopes.  

JPmbogo said: I too am having a 404 jeff built on a magnum pre-64 Mod. 70 action. It is being built to shoot off-hand with express sights. If it goes to Africa, it will be used under a 100y at the big boys (or girls?). On another thread, there is a current discussion regarding scoping dangerous game rifles, in particular for use under 100y. My opinion is obviously, no. It might be okay if you manage a first shot kill, but what if Tembo or Mbogo gets pissed and comes after you? I don't want to be looking down a telescope with a live tank 10y away and headed in my direction! And remember, scopes in general did not come into general use until after WWII. The earlier African hunters managed quite well with open sights. Also, think Hemingway with his '06 with a peep sight - and he was shooting well beyond 100y. Click to expand...

Then let me elaborate. At 100y or less, off hand, I can shoot an open sighted rifle just as accurately as anyone with a scoped rifle.  

• Oct 3, 2021

There are so many quality options to choose from. Personally I default to Leupold for most my rifles. They’re light, rugged, and the warranty is a nice add-on. The VX-5 1-5 is what I run on a CZ 416 Rigby. It does what I need it to do. 1-6 Trijicon is on another option that works very well and can take me tripping in alders and still keep POI. Good luck on your search and I’d like to see photos of your completed matched pair.  

Totally agree with Jeff. Although I have not specifically tested that Leupold model, I have tested the VX-3 and it gave me a spectacular result giving it a really bad treatment and it never missed the point of impact so it is a really good alternative for BG hunting. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more difficult to buy optics directly in the United States from Europe and less and less Leupolds are seen in European rifles. A shame because they are scopes of an impressive quality. Best regards, Jorge.  

Nevada Mike

My .404J wears a Leupold VX6i 1-6X in custom QD rings. The .375 H&H wears a Leupold VX2 2-7X in Talley QD rings with a Leupold VX3 1.5-5X in Talley QD rings as a back up scope, and my 7mm Rem magnum wears a S&B Summit 2.5 -10X. I consider these scopes to be adequate to the job.  

• Oct 8, 2021

Trijicon AccuPoint 1-4 x 30 with the illuminated German # 4 reticle in the colour of your choice.  

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Specialized Scopes: From Competition Shooting to Safari Hunts

Ever wondered how specialized scopes revolutionize everything from competition shooting to adventurous safari hunts? Dive into the world of precision optics with our exploration of specialized scopes and their game-changing roles!

In the realm of precision shooting and hunting, the journey from basic sights to the cutting-edge world of specialized scopes has been nothing short of revolutionary. These optical marvels have evolved to cater to several distinct needs, ranging from the high-stakes precision of competition shooting to the adventurous landscapes of safari hunts. As we explore the diverse applications of specialized scopes, it becomes evident that these optical companions are not just tools; they are instruments of accuracy, range estimation, and an enhanced shooting experience.

The Evolution Of Specialized Scopes

Competition shooting scopes, tactical/urban operations scopes, safari hunts scopes, long-range precision shooting scopes, varmint/pest control scopes, big game hunting scopes, crossbow/archery scopes, airgun scopes, hunting in low-light conditions scopes, precision rimfire shooting scopes, law enforcement/military sniper scopes, 3-gun shooting scopes, low recoil firearms scopes, hunting in mountainous terrain scopes, concealed carry scopes, suppressor-optimized scopes, precision shotgun shooting scopes, muzzleloader scopes, magnification range, reticle type, durability and construction, budget constraints, matching to intended use and shooting style, can i use the same scope for both competition shooting and safari hunts, how do i determine the appropriate magnification for my specialized scope, what are some common mistakes to avoid when mounting a specialized scope, can i upgrade my current scope to make it more suitable for specialized shooting.

Gone are the days when a simple reticle was good enough for all kinds of shooting. The current level of innovation in the optics industry has propelled us from those humble beginnings to a lust for today’s specialized scopes. The journey has been a dynamic shift between necessity and invention. As we unravel the layers of this evolution, we find that specialized scopes have transitioned from being mere aiming aids to becoming sophisticated instruments of unparalleled accuracy and purpose.

The evolution from rudimentary aiming aids to today’s specialized scopes represents more than just technological progress; it signifies a commitment to achieving perfection in every shot. In an era where hitting the mark was largely reliant on the shooter’s instincts, the integration of optics marked a significant turning point. The rudimentary reticles of yesteryears were the first steps towards precision, providing a basic framework for aiming. However, these early devices were constrained by their simplicity, unable to address the nuanced demands of various shooting scenarios.

As shooting sports and hunting practices grew in complexity, a chorus of distinct needs emerged from the landscape. It was no longer sufficient for a single reticle design to cater to all circumstances. Most marksmen now require specialized instruments that are finely tuned to perform harmoniously with different shooting styles and hunting terrains.

With the growing demands of marksmen and hunters, a new era of specialization dawned. The concept of a one-size-fits-all approach was cast aside in favor of crafting optical marvels that aligned precisely with specific pursuits. The creation of specialized scopes marked a leap forward in the art of shooting, where every detail was meticulously engineered to enhance accuracy and elevate the shooting experience.

In the competition shooting world, where precision is paramount, specialized scopes emerged as the preferred optics. These scopes embraced advanced features such as finely calibrated reticles, adjustable parallax settings, and minute windage and elevation adjustments. Each aspect was a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection, as marksmen demanded optics that could keep pace with their ambitions.

Similarly, the wilderness beckoned with its own set of challenges for hunters. From the vast savannas to the dense forests, each terrain required its own optical companion. Specialized scopes for safari hunts materialized as aids that could bridge the gap between calculated precision and the unbridled unpredictability of nature. They incorporated features like wide field-of-view optics for tracking games on the move and illuminated reticle scopes that illuminated the path during the dim light of twilight.

Categories Of Specialized Scopes

Competition shooting is a realm of precision where fractions of an inch can make all the difference. Specialized scopes designed for this purpose are engineered to take accuracy to new heights. These scopes boast precision-engineered reticle designs that go beyond simple crosshairs. They often feature more complex reticles like Mil-Dot or Horus-style reticles with subtensions for holdover and windage adjustments. This allows competitors to quickly compensate for external factors without manual calculations.

One of the defining features is adjustable parallax. By fine-tuning the parallax setting, shooters can ensure the reticle stays precisely aligned with the target at various distances, eliminating parallax-induced errors. The Tactical turret in these scopes is designed for rapid and precise adjustments, and they help shooters to easily compensate for windage and elevation on the fly. Clear optics are also paramount for this shooting category.

Brands like Vortex , Nightforce, and Leupold are known for their competition-oriented scopes. The Vortex Razor HD Gen II , for instance, is revered for its precise adjustments and reticle options. The Leupold Mark 5HD is also loved for its lightweight design and impressive optical performance, a popular choice among long-range shooters. These scopes excel in PRS matches and other precision shooting competitions. Shooters can engage targets at varying distances with calculated adjustments, all while maintaining rapid target acquisition.

Scopes designed for tactical and urban operations are the tools of law enforcement and military personnel. They’re built to endure rigorous conditions and provide swift target acquisition. These scopes are constructed to withstand shocks, impacts, and extreme weather conditions. They often come with robust materials and coatings to prevent scratching and maintain optical clarity.

Low-light visibility is crucial for urban operations. Illuminated reticles with adjustable brightness settings ensure quick target acquisition in dimly lit environments. Bullet drop compensators (BDC) are often integrated into reticle designs, allowing for rapid adjustments at varying distances. Quick-adjust tactical turrets enable shooters to make precise changes while maintaining focus on the target.

Brands like Trijicon, EOTech, and Steiner are known for their tactical offerings. The Trijicon ACOG, with its fiber optic illumination, is widely used in tactical scenarios. In practice, tactical scopes shine during law enforcement operations, military engagements, and urban combat scenarios. Their durability, low-light capabilities, and rapid adjustments ensure efficient target engagement and situational awareness.

Safari hunts take hunters into diverse and challenging terrains. Scopes tailored for these hunts combine wide field-of-view optics with specialized features for low-light conditions. Wide field-of-view optics allow hunters to track moving game without losing sight of their target. This is crucial in open landscapes where animals can suddenly change direction. Illuminated reticles are a hallmark, aiding hunters during dawn and dusk when visibility is limited. 

Durability is also essential to withstand the rigors of the wilderness. Rain, dust, and rough handling are common, making rugged construction a necessity.

Brands like Zeiss, Swarovski, and Leica offer scopes specifically designed for safari hunts. The Swarovski Z6i, celebrated for its clarity and versatility, is often favored.

Long-range precision shooting requires optics that can deliver clarity at extended distances and allow for precise adjustments. Advanced reticle designs, such as the Horus H59 or Tremor3, offer holdover and windage references, aiding shooters in making precise calculations for distant shots.

Precise elevation adjustments, facilitated by tactical turrets, ensure shots land accurately at long distances. Clear optics are essential for spotting impacts on distant targets. These scopes are used in various long-range shooting scenarios, from target competitions to tactical applications. Shooters engage targets at considerable distances, relying on advanced reticles and precise adjustments to achieve accuracy.

Brands like Bushnell, Burris, and Nikon provide specialized scopes for long-range shooting . The Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS II, celebrated for its advanced reticle options, is often chosen by precision shooters.

When it comes to varmint and pest control, the stakes are high, and accuracy is paramount. In this specialized category, scopes are engineered to provide sharp-eyed hunters with the tools they need to eliminate small and elusive targets from considerable distances. These scopes are a convergence of technology and skill, where each feature is tailored to enhance precision and ensure the successful eradication of pests.

A defining characteristic of these scopes is their medium magnification settings. Varmint hunters need to identify and engage pests that might be situated at quite a distance. The ability to zoom in with the needed magnification ensures that no detail is missed, transforming the hunter into a sharp-eyed predator.

One common feature found in these scopes is the Mil-Dot reticle. This specialized reticle design isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a tool for precision. Mil-Dot reticles are equipped with subtensions that allow hunters to estimate range effectively. This aids in making accurate shots on pests without the need for complex calculations.

Varmint hunters have come to rely on the Nikon Prostaff P3 Target EFR scope as an invaluable tool. When faced with elusive pests like rodents or small predators, this scope’s magnification settings, ranging from 3x to 9x, come into play. This magnification range allows for clear identification of targets at varying distances. 

In the world of big game hunting, adaptability and reliability are paramount. Every hunting environment presents unique challenges, and specialized scopes crafted for big game hunts are designed to conquer these challenges with a blend of versatility and power. One standout feature of scopes for big game hunting is their variable magnification. This innovation grants hunters the ability to seamlessly adjust zoom levels, catering to varying distances and terrains. From tracking game at a distance to quickly acquiring targets in close quarters, the flexibility of variable magnification is a game-changer for big game hunters.

Durability is another defining trait. Big game hunting often involves traversing rugged landscapes and braving harsh weather conditions. Scopes engineered for this purpose are built to withstand the rigors of these environments, ensuring that the scope remains operational even in the toughest situations.

The Swarovski Z5 epitomizes the essence of a versatile big-game hunting scope. With a magnification range of 3.5x to 18x and a 44mm objective lens, this scope adapts effortlessly to varying distances. Its durable build is a testament to its suitability for hunting in diverse terrains, whether it’s open plains, dense forests, or mountainous landscapes. 

Crossbow and archery pursuits are characterized by a unique trajectory that arrows or bolts follow. Scopes in this category are meticulously crafted to cater to these trajectories, ensuring that each shot hits its mark with utmost precision.

A pivotal feature of these scopes is the specialized reticle. These reticles are adorned with ranging markers that correspond to the trajectory of arrows or bolts. These markers assist archers in aiming accurately at various distances, eliminating the need for manual calculations and allowing for rapid and confident shooting.

Crossbow hunters, armed with scopes like the Excalibur Twilight DLX, venture into the field with the assurance of precision. The Twilight DLX’s specialized reticle markers align perfectly with arrow trajectories, enabling accurate shots across different distances. The scope’s parallax adjustments further enhance accuracy, ensuring that each shot counts. Whether it’s pursuing a game or participating in archery competitions, this scope is a trusted companion that empowers archers to excel.

Air rifles present a unique challenge due to their distinct recoil characteristics, demanding scopes that can handle this particular trait. Scopes designed for air rifles stand as a testament to engineering prowess because they can withstand the two-way recoil generated by these firearms.

The hallmark of the best air rifle scopes is their robust build, carefully crafted to endure the recoil generated. Unlike traditional firearms, air rifles produce a two-way recoil that can put strain on lesser optics. Specialized airgun scopes rise to the challenge with their durable construction, ensuring longevity and reliability over countless shots.

Airgun projectiles travel at considerably slower velocities compared to conventional bullets. This disparity in speed necessitates reticles with subtensions tailored specifically to the trajectory of airgun pellets. These reticles allow for accurate holdovers and elevation adjustments, compensating for the unique ballistic characteristics of airgun ammunition.

The Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40 AO is a staple in the arsenal of airgun enthusiasts. Its robust construction ensures that it can handle the distinct recoil of air rifles without compromising performance. The adjustable objective (AO) feature is a boon, enabling precise focus at various distances. What truly sets this scope apart is its reticle subtensions, which are meticulously calibrated for pellet trajectory. Whether engaged in backyard plinking, pest control, or competitive airgun shooting, the Hawke Vantage delivers accurate shots and unmatched reliability.

For those who relish the challenge of hunting during the enchanting hours of dawn and dusk, specialized scopes optimized for low-light shooting are a necessity. These scopes are meticulously designed to excel when light is scarce, providing hunters with enhanced visibility and accuracy.

The hallmark of these scopes is their large objective lenses. By gathering more light, these lenses effectively brighten the view through the scope, compensating for the diminishing natural light during the twilight hours. This increased light transmission ensures that hunters can spot and identify the game even in challenging lighting environments.

Illuminated reticles are another feature that sets these scopes apart. When the surroundings are dimly lit, an illuminated reticle acts as a beacon, providing a clear aiming point. This is particularly useful when targeting games during the transition from darkness to light or vice versa.

The Leupold VX-3i is a preferred choice among hunters who venture into the low-light challenges of dawn and dusk. With its 3.5x to 10x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens, this scope ensures ample light transmission, allowing for clear visuals even in the subtlest of lighting conditions. The Duplex reticle, a classic Leupold design, combined with the Twilight Max Light Management System, enhances contrast and extends hunting time into the magic of twilight.

Precision rimfire shooting demands exceptional accuracy, especially at shorter distances. Scopes engineered for these competitions are finely tuned to meet the stringent accuracy requirements of the sport. The standout feature in these rimfire scopes is their reticle subtensions, painstakingly calibrated to match the ballistics of rimfire ammunition. 

The Athlon Optics Midas TAC is a revered choice among rimfire shooters striving for perfection. With a versatile magnification range of 6x to 24x, this scope excels in various rimfire shooting scenarios. The reticle subtensions are designed to correspond perfectly with the ballistics of rimfire ammunition, facilitating precise adjustments for different distances. Whether engaged in competitive shooting or honing marksmanship skills, the Athlon Midas TAC ensures accurate shots and consistent performance.

In precision marksmanship, scopes designed for law enforcement and military sniper roles stand as pinnacle tools of accuracy and durability. These scopes are engineered to excel in high-stakes situations, where split-second decisions and pinpoint accuracy are paramount.

Accurate ranging is a standout feature in these scopes. Snipers must calculate distances to targets swiftly and precisely. To aid in this, these scopes often incorporate mil-based reticles or advanced range-finding reticles that ensure accurate measurements even in dynamic scenarios.

Scopes like the Nightforce Optics ATACR are the chosen instruments for elite marksmen. With a first focal plane reticle, shooters have the advantage of making accurate adjustments at any magnification level, ensuring consistency in calculations. The advanced reticle design assists in ranging and holdover calculations, enabling precise shots over varying distances. These scopes find their application in law enforcement operations and military sniping, where every shot holds significant weight and demands unparalleled accuracy.

The realm of 3-gun competitions is a thrilling fusion of speed and precision, demanding scopes that seamlessly balance lightning-fast target acquisition with accurate long-range shooting. These specialized scopes are meticulously designed to elevate the performance of shooters.

3-gun shooters navigate through an array of dynamic scenarios, requiring rapid adaptation to changing targets and distances. The customizable reticle stands as a hallmark feature of scopes in this category. These reticles are ingeniously designed with multiple aiming points, enabling shooters to engage targets at various ranges without the need for constant adjustments.

The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III is a preferred choice among 3-gun competitors. Its 1-10x magnification range strikes the ideal balance between swift target acquisition at short distances and the precision needed for long-range shots. The illuminated JM-1 BDC reticle offers instant aiming points for different ranges, facilitating quick target engagement. Furthermore, the tactile and audible turrets enable shooters to make rapid adjustments without breaking their rhythm. 

Scopes tailored for firearms with minimal recoils, such as pistol-caliber carbines, are engineered for compactness and lightweight design while retaining essential features for accurate shooting.

These scopes are designed to complement the lightweight nature of low-recoil firearms. Their compact and lightweight build ensures that the scope doesn’t add unnecessary bulk, allowing for easy handling and maneuverability. Despite their smaller scope size , they maintain features like clear optics and simple reticles. These aspects are essential for accurate shooting in close to mid-range scenarios, where the focus is on speed and precision.

The SIG Sauer Romeo5 red dot sight is a sought-after choice for firearms with minimal recoil. With its compact and lightweight construction, this sight enables rapid target acquisition without compromising the firearm’s balance. The red dot reticle offers a straightforward and effective aiming point, making it ideal for close-quarters engagements where speed is crucial. Whether mounted on a pistol-caliber carbine or another low-recoil firearm, the Romeo5 significantly enhances accuracy and speed, making it a valuable asset in fast-paced scenarios.

The rugged landscapes of mountainous terrain offer both allure and challenges to hunters. Scaling steep slopes, traversing uneven ground, and maintaining accuracy in demanding shooting angles require specialized scopes designed for these exacting conditions. These scopes are a culmination of engineering, focusing on lightweight construction, compact size, and rugged durability.

Scopes tailored for mountain hunting are constructed with lightweight materials, shedding unnecessary weight to enhance the mobility of the hunter. This reduction in weight becomes essential when ascending challenging slopes and navigating treacherous terrain. The compact size of these scopes ensures that they don’t become unwieldy burdens during the climb. A streamlined profile allows hunters to move freely through tight spaces without their equipment hindering their progress.

The harsh mountain environment demands durability. Scopes designed for this terrain are built to withstand rugged conditions, including exposure to rough surfaces, moisture, and unpredictable weather. This ruggedness ensures that the scope remains functional even when the conditions are at their most challenging.

In scenarios where concealed carry is paramount, such as self-defense or law enforcement, scopes must strike a balance between unobtrusive profile and aiming accuracy. These scopes are engineered to allow users to carry concealed firearms without compromising on their ability to accurately engage targets when necessary.

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 red dot sight embodies the concept of discreet accuracy. Ideal for handguns that are concealed in a holster, this sight offers a low-profile design and lightweight construction, ensuring that the firearm’s concealment is not compromised. The compact nature of the RMR Type 2 makes it a seamless addition to compact handguns, enabling comfortable and discreet carrying. Whether in self-defense situations or law enforcement duties, this reflex sight equips users with the tools to respond swiftly and precisely when every moment counts.

The integration of suppressors (silencers) with firearms has revolutionized shooting, offering noise reduction and enhancing stealth. Scopes tailored for suppressor-equipped firearms embrace the altered ballistics resulting from subsonic ammunition. These specialized scopes often feature reticle designs calibrated to compensate for the unique trajectory of subsonic bullets, ensuring accuracy and precision in suppressed shooting scenarios.

Suppressors alter the behavior of bullets by reducing their velocity to subsonic levels. This shift in ballistics necessitates scopes that can account for the slower bullet flight. Specially calibrated reticle designs allow shooters to make accurate adjustments, ensuring the bullet hits the intended target despite the altered trajectory.

Suppressor-optimized scopes often provide extra elevation adjustments to accommodate the bullet’s drop over the extended flight path. These additional adjustments enable shooters to fine-tune their shots, compensating for the changes in bullet trajectory that suppressors introduce.

The Burris Veracity 2-10×42 rifle scope exemplifies the precision required for suppressed shooting. Tailored for suppressor users, it features the Ballistic Plex E1 reticle, which takes into account the altered trajectory of subsonic ammunition. This reticle design ensures that shots remain accurate and on target, even in suppressed scenarios where noise reduction is paramount. With its 2-10x magnification range, this scope provides versatility for different shooting distances, making it a dependable choice for hunters and marksmen who prioritize both stealth and precision.

Precision shotgun shooting demands quick acquisition and tracking, whether in clay sports or turkey hunting . To excel in these fast-paced shooting disciplines, specialized scopes are designed to offer wide fields of view, low magnification, and illuminated reticles for swift and precise aiming.

The Aimpoint Micro H-2 red dot sight epitomizes the speed and accuracy required in precision shotgun shooting. Renowned for its compact size and clear red dot reticle, this sight facilitates target acquisition and tracking. It excels in clay shooting competitions, where shooters need to engage moving targets with split-second timing. 

Muzzleloader rifles offer a connection to the past, requiring specialized scopes that account for the unique ballistics of muzzleloader projectiles. These scopes are characterized by specialized reticle designs calibrated to the ballistic characteristics of muzzleloader bullets, along with features that enhance comfort and accuracy.

The Nikon INLINE XR BDC 300 muzzleloader scope caters to enthusiasts of this time-honored firearm. Its BDC 300 reticle is precisely calibrated for the trajectory of muzzleloader bullets. This specialized design ensures accurate aiming at varying distances, accommodating the nuances of muzzleloader ballistics. The scope’s generous eye relief further enhances safety and comfort during shooting sessions. 

Selecting the Right Specialized Scope

When it comes to achieving shooting precision and success, the role of a specialized scope cannot be understated. These optical companions are finely tuned instruments designed to enhance accuracy in specific shooting scenarios, ranging from long-range precision shooting to concealed carry self-defense. However, the journey to finding the perfect specialized scope is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Several critical factors must be carefully considered to ensure that the scope seamlessly complements the shooter’s intended use and shooting style.

The magnification range of a scope dictates its versatility in different shooting situations. For scenarios that demand rapid target acquisition and close-quarters engagements, a lower magnification range is preferable. On the other hand, long-range precision shooting necessitates higher magnification levels for clear identification of distant targets. Selecting a scope with an appropriate magnification range ensures that the shooter can confidently engage targets at various distances.

The reticle, or crosshair, is more than just a visual aid—it’s a critical component of accurate aiming. Different shooting disciplines require distinct reticle designs. A Mil-Dot reticle aids in range estimation, making it ideal for competition shooting and varmint hunting. Illuminated reticles are essential for low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk hunting. Choosing the right reticle type ensures that the shooter has the tools necessary to achieve precise aiming and hit the mark consistently.

The shooting environment can be harsh and demanding, ranging from rugged terrains to adverse weather conditions. A specialized scope must be built to withstand these challenges. Look for scopes with durable construction, shockproof features, and waterproofing . Rigorous field use requires a scope that can endure rough handling, recoil, and exposure to moisture without compromising its performance.

Specialized scopes come in a range of price points, and budget constraints are a significant consideration. While premium scopes offer advanced features and exceptional quality, there are also options that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank. It’s crucial to strike a balance between quality and cost, ensuring that the chosen scope meets the shooter’s needs and preferences without exceeding their budget.

Perhaps the most critical aspect of selecting a specialized scope is aligning it with the intended use and shooting style. A scope designed for long-range precision shooting might not be suitable for fast-paced 3-gun competitions. Understanding the demands of the shooting discipline and how the scope’s features cater to those demands is paramount. The right scope enhances the shooter’s strengths and compensates for the challenges inherent in their chosen shooting style.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some scopes can work for both competition shooting and safari hunts, it’s generally best to choose a scope specialized for each activity. Competition shooting scopes prioritize accuracy at different ranges and quick target acquisition. Safari hunting scopes focus on wide field of view and low-light visibility for tracking moving game. Using a specialized scope for each activity ensures optimal performance.

The appropriate magnification depends on your shooting style and target distance. For close-quarters or fast-paced shooting like 3-gun competitions, lower magnification ( 1-4x ) is suitable. Long-range shooting requires higher magnification (10-24x) for precise aiming. Consider the shooting scenario and choose a magnification range that allows you to clearly identify and engage targets at your typical distances.

Avoid mistakes like insufficient eye relief , improper leveling of the reticle, overtightening mounting screws, and not using proper torque values. Additionally, ensure that the scope is securely mounted to prevent shifting during recoil. Properly mounting the scope ensures consistent accuracy and prevents damage to both the scope and firearm.

While some scopes offer upgradeable features, it’s often more effective to invest in a specialized scope designed for your intended shooting activity. Upgrading may not fully transform a scope’s capabilities to match the demands of specialized shooting. Consider getting a scope specifically engineered for your desired shooting style.

Mike Hardesty is a published freelance gun writer. He also possesses specialized expertise in rifle scopes With dozens of articles and reviews published in Pew Pew Tactical, Snipercountry.com, and TTAG (The Truth About Guns), Mike is considered a firearms expert. His special area of expertise is handguns.

Mike is a long-time shooter. He has been punching paper targets, taking deer and other game and shooting at competitions since about 1975. Other related pursuits include reloading and bullet casting. He currently reloads for over 10 calibers, both handgun and rifle. His reloads, particularly for 9mm, were in great demand during the height of the ammo shortage among family and friends. He donated hundreds of rounds to informal shooting sessions. He was quoted as saying “I do not sell my reloads but I sure will help my guys shoot ’em for free!”. He has a few cherished firearms that he has inherited or otherwise procured — those are his favorites.

He earned  B.S. and M.S. degrees from Indiana State University in 1974-1975.

He’s a firearm experts and is the founder of mhardesty.com.

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• Hunting Rifles

Big caliber rifles for the hunt of your dreams-- whether on the hunt in the African plains on a safari, or in the Rocky Mountains of North America. Bolt action rifles are the most common for large animal hunting all over the world. Always "bring enough gun" to get the job done, and practice for the terrain you plan to visit. The classic rifle caliber for almost any situation is the 375 H&H, but we carry guns in almost every hunting caliber available, and as always- at great prices! 

Sig KILO8K-ABS, Rangefinder Monocular, 7Xx25mm, FDE, Circle, Duplex, Box + Milling Grid Reticles

Smith & Wesson 629 Performance Center 44 Remington Magnum, 7.5" Barrel, Two-Tone Stainless, Red/Green Dot, 6rd

Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan .375 Ruger, 20" Barrel, Hogue Overmolded Black Stock, Stainless Steel, 3rd

Savage 10/110 Bear Hunter 375 Ruger 23" Barrel, Stainless Steel,, , AccuFit Mossy Oak Break-Up Stock, 2 rd

Savage 10/110 Brush Hunter 375 Ruger, 20" Barrel, Stainless Steel,, , Synthetic, 3 rd

Savage 10/110 Brush Hunter 338 Winchester Magnum, 20" Barrel, Stainless Steel,, , Synthetic, 4 rd

Smith & Wesson 500 Hunter Performance Center .500 S&W, 10.5" Barrel, Synthetic Grip, Matte Stainless, 5rd

Browning X-Bolt Hunter 375 H&H Mag 24" Barrel, Satin Walnut Stock Blued, 4rd

Chapuis Armes Elan Classic Double Rifle, .470 NE, 24" Barrel, Ejectors

Chapuis Armes Elan Classic .375 H&H, 25.5" Barrel, Engraved, Box-Lock, Circassian Walnut

Chapuis Armes Elan Artisan Double Rifle, .375 H&H FL, 25.5" Barrel

Chapuis Armes Elan Artisan Double Rifle, .450-400 NE, 25.5" Barrel

Winchester M70 Safari Express Bolt 375 H&H Mag 24" Barrel Grade I Walnut Stock

Winchester M70 Alaskan Bolt 375 H&H Mag 25" Barrel Walnut Stock Blued

Seekins SP10 6.5 Creedmoor, 22" Barrel, Flat Dark Earth, 20rd

Chapuis Armes Elan Classic, .450-400 NE 25.5"

Chapuis Armes Elan Artisan Double Rifle 470 Nitro Express, 24" Barrel, Walnut, Engraved Silver Rec, 2rd

Remington Custom Shop 700 NA 338 Lapua, 26" Barrel Muzzle Brake, 40X Trigger, Tan Stock Black Webbing

Remington 700 SPS 375 H&H 24" Barrel, Sythentic Black Stock

Marlin 1895 Cape Hunter Package 45-70, 18" Barrel, Leupold VX3i Scope Super Low Mount System

Remington Custom Shop North American . 375 H&H, 24" Barrel, Tan Stock /w Black Webbing

Sabatti Classic Safari Big Five EA EDL 470 N.E.

Sabatti Classic Safari Big Five EA EDL 500 N.E.

Sabatti Classic Safari Big Five EA 500 N.E. Color Case Hardened

Sabatti Classic Safari Express, Double Trig, Extractors Only 9.3X74R

Sabatti Classic 92 EA Express, Double Trig, Auto Ejectors 9.3X74R

Sako 85 Hunter .375 H&H Mag 24 3/8 " Barrel 1/12 Twist

Sako 85 Brown Bear 375 H&H Magnum 21" Barrel 1/12 Twist

Ruger M77 Hawkeye African 9.3x62 24" Barrel Satin Blue Finish American Walnut Stock 3 Round

Sabatti Classic Safari Big Five .450/.400 Nitro Express, ExtractorsDouble Trigger

Browning X-Bolt Medallion Safari Bolt 300 H&H Mag 24" Barrel, Black Walnut Stock Blued Open Sights, 3rd

Browning X-Bolt Medallion Safari Bolt 338 Win Mag 24" Barrel, Black Walnut Stock Blued, 3rd

Browning X-Bolt Medallion Safari Bolt 300 WSM 24" Barrel, Black Walnut Stock Blued, 3rd

Marlin 1895 SBL Modern Lever Hunter MLH 45-70 18" Barrel Magna Ported Sniper Gray Cerakote, XS Ghost Ring Sight

Montana Rifle Co. Colorado Buck Edition 300 Win Mag, 24" Barrel Synthetic, Cerakote, Right Hand, Brake

Marlin 1895 SBL Modern Lever Hunter MLH 45-70 18" Threaded Barrel, Sniper Gray Cerakote, Black Stock, Light Splatter XS Ghost Ring Sight

Dakota Arms Model 76 African Custom 416 Rigby Upgraded, Color Case Hardening, Rings and Base

Dakota Arms Model 97 Long Range SS Hunter 300 Win Mag, 24" Barrel, Falcon Ceramic Coating, Swarovski Z6 1.7-10x42 Scope

Kimber Talkeetna Rifle, .375 H&H Mag 24" Barrel Kevlar Carbon Stock

Montana Rifle Co. American Vantage 375 H&H, Walnut, Blued, Right Hand W.Muzzle Brake

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• Observation & Sighting Devices

Rifle Scopes   Best Scope For An African Safari

• Thread starter superwolf
• Start date Jul 6, 2010
• Jul 6, 2010

I am building a Rem 700 Long Action in .416 Rigby primarily for an African Safari (Cape Buffalo mainly) I have planned next year. I am also planning to using this rifle for some Kodiak Brown Bear as well. I am undecided on what optics to get. Right now I am leaning toward a Zeiss 1.1-4x24 Victory Varipoint. I am curious to know from the guys that have been to Africa, what optics would be best?  

Gunny Sergeant

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari The Swarovski PH series is very popular.  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Swarovski Z6 1-6x24 series is what I have used. Also the 1.8-10 seems like a very good scope. The Zeiss will be fine also.  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Counter Sniper! Thise African snipers can be dangerous.  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari S&B Zenith!!!  

harleymann02

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari I would not risk my life with anything less than a Counter Sniper scope heck just look at some of these features all it lacks is Alien technology recovered from the Roswell Crash. Heck it can resist impacts of up to 5000 times the force of gravity which will come in handy in case a large asteroid lands on top of you. Forged and milled pure Titanium or T6061 aircraft aluminum bodies. Impact resistance to more than 5000 times the force of gravity. Lenses of utterly flawless transmissivity, composited to aspheric lens elements to eliminate chromatic aberrations with apochromatic lenses with Extra Low Dispersion Glass. Proprietary-230-+485°F degree stable pure optical glass 24 step vacuum Bertrillium-Zantitium™ multicoating, raises the light transmission coefficients to beyond anything achieved to date. Massive 56mm primary objective lenses offer nearly triple the light transmission area of lesser designs. Vacuum and lifetime sealed with a mixture of nitrogen and rare earth gasses. Vaporless, fogless, mirageless- unaffected by atmospheric ranges from below sea level to 5 miles above it. Waterproof for marine-ops, dustproof for desert warfare & ergonomically compatible with arctic gloves or desert heat. Revolutionary front and rear reticle focal plane design dramatically reduces parallax & provides an immovable reticle plane with variable power accuracy identical to fixed power designs. Selective ranging at power allows for 1 fourth to 1 milliradian ranging, zoomable as needed on FFP Models. Variable power illumination to the reticle-red and green and black  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari How do those small objective lense scopes stack up against the larger objective lense scopes when it come to real world twilight conditions?? Thanks, Tom.  

SAKOstalker

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari new S&B 1-8x24  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari My .375 wears a 2.5-8 Zeiss, and that has done very well for me. For your specified application I would likely go straight to one of the 1-4 category of scopes basically what your looking at.  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari What?! You can't take a push-feed on Safari! Sacrilege! You need a good Mauser or better yet a few nice double rifles for the boys to carry. (Sorry, I finished reading <span style="text-decoration: underline">Something of Value</span> not too long ago) Having not been on safari myself (on the Dark Continent), I would defer wholly to the judgments of those who have (a good forum to check out). In a fanciful moment I did once purchase a 458 Win Mag custom Mauser with a safari pedigree, and it came with not one but two 1-4x scopes -- a Redfield and a Zeiss -- on claw mounts. Could be like they say: two is one, one is none.  

• Jul 7, 2010

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Haven't been on safari, but what about an acog or something like that?  

THUNDERBOLT68

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari I would go SWAROVSKI Z6i 1.7 x 10 42 w/ CD-1 reticle I had bad experience with the 24mm objective when Brown Bear Hunting  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Two (2) Leupold FX2 4x retrofitted with a German #1 reticle one on rifle one in carryon just in case  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Night Force NXS 1x4 FC-2 reticle, I haven't ben on a dangerous hunt,but that is what this scope is made for, I love mine, it is fast, and if you have a little moon you can hunt this scope all night long, even with out turning on the lit reticle  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Swarokski 1-6 Z6i or a Tricon Accupoint 1-4 w/ triangle reticle  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LFOD1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What?! You can't take a push-feed on Safari! Sacrilege! You need a good Mauser or better yet a few nice double rifles for the boys to carry.</div></div> I concur! You probably want a scope for the bear because of how you will most likely hunt them but in Africa go open sights!  

sirhrmechanic

Command sgt. major.

• Jul 8, 2010

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Before I retired and became LEO in my hometown... I went after Cape Buffalo as a "guest" of US Embassy in Kenya. (It's who you know...) For M'Bogo (Cape Buffalo) used .458 built on Springfield '03 action. Not pretty, not expensive, but very functional and I would not have cared if the customs/airlines goobers stole it. Used Barnes Solids on handloads. I did not use a scope, nor would I have wanted one. Shot was in heavy brush at short range (<40 yds) in rotten conditions -- thorns and brush. Single head shot and buffalo dropped on the spot. For me a scope would not have been a plus. FYI, before the hunt, guide wanted me to hit a 3 x 5 card at 50 with the rifle. No problem w. open sights. It was his rule... no hit, no hunt. Be ready for a 'test' depending on your camp or guide. I later got my 960lb Moose w. same rifle, loaded down, at 120 yds, also with open sights. Heart shot. Still have the bullet from that one. I love good optics and use top notch ones in my current billet. But for that Africa trip, open sights were the rule. For that type of hunting, practice w. open sights and, unless your eyes don't let you use open sights, leave the scope at home. Just my $0.02. Cheers, Sirhr  

• Jul 9, 2010

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari I disagree with open sights comments.... Why do math the long way when you can use a calculator???? Why shoot irons when you can shoot with scope..... The lion I killed charged I ended his life 3 yards from me by putting bullet in nose. I was using scope... If you are shooting animals 50 yards and in irons could be fine. The chances you will be shooting game at 100 to 250 is great. I would not shoot at game with irons at that distance....  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Thunderbolt: I gladly run optics, especially as my eyes get older. But not under all circumstances and my Africa trip was one of those times. I am comfortable hitting vitals w. iron sights out to 100 yds. 150 with a rest. My buffalo was standing still and I had time to wait for an opening. My moose was 124 yards and I had 10 minutes to get into a sitting position, rest rifle over a log and wait for the perfect broadside shot. In either case, would a scope have been useful? Possibly, but I chose against and was glad I did. For Africa, I felt it was something else to get stolen or go wrong... perhaps not likely with a S&B or Leica... but I didn't have one of those. Were I going again... my eyesight at 45 isn't what it was at 35, especially close up. Rear sights are harder to acquire.... Sure, today I might pick a scope. And the reason I didn't take a scoped rifle for moose was we were in terrible raining/snowing conditions and my partner (with whom I shared the tag) had the scoped rifle. We had agreed that he would take any longer shots and I would be able to handle backups or snap shots or shoot if his scope had issues (we were using one of the experimental -- at the time -- Adirondak Optics video scopes loaned to us by Terry Gordon... so we didn't fully trust it. As it turned out, I got a 'long' shot while he was scoping a hollow about 50 yds away from me on the other side of a small ridge. His scope worked great, but he never got to shoot at a moose. And I still carry open sight rifle more than half the time during deer and all the time during muzzleloader season. Does it limit my shooting options to shorter shots? Yes, but on Vermont ridges, swamps, etc. my shots are almost all <50 yds anyway. Had I been faced w. a charging animal as you were, I doubt I'd have even used sights... more likely I would have made a snap shot. At 12 feet, I don't think I would have had the presence of mind to use a scope as effectively as you did. But having never been in that position 'for real' it's an academic question. Personally, I think I would have had more trouble acquiring through the scope but that's just me. Probably the best advice for Superwolf is to use (or not use) a scope as a matter of personal preference. There are good arguments for both options. Whatever you do, practice, practice. Not all shots will be simple, calm and un-dramatic as mine. If you can't use your gear under extreme stress as Thunderbolt was forced to do... remember M'bogo kills 200 people a year in Africa. Cheers, Pierce  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Sirhrmechanic, I do agree with what you are saying, I feel a person is limiting himself by not using a scope. I have to admit that I did turn the gun sideways when the lion was charging and looked down barrel to shoot the lion. So, I kinda used make shift irons. However, on the same hunt I shot several animals over 250 yrds. I use to have a double rifle with irons and shot my rhino with it, but that was less than 50 yrds. I have since sold it. In my humble opinion, When going to Africa A person even if he is going after one of the "dangerous seven" will be shooting more game at distance than up close. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WHEN PLANNING THE TRIP IS NOT THE EQUIPEMENT ( IE. CALIBER,SCOPE, RIFLE....) IT IS THAT YOU SHOULD SHOOT THE SET UP YOU HAVE CHOOSEN. I DO NOT MEAN OFF A BENCH EITHER. BUY SOME STICKS...( LONGRASS.COM ) IMHO.... HAS THE BEST AFRICAN STICKS. AND SHOOT OFF THEM.... TO MANY GUYS GO OVER THERE WITH BIG CALIBERS AND FLINCH ETC...AND WOUND GAME INSTEAD OF KILLING THEM....  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari Forget the rest, just get the best: http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/07/78000-bolt-action-double-rifle-marvel-in-metal/ Then practice, practice, practice.  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: harleymann02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would not risk my life with anything less than a Counter Sniper scope heck just look at some of these features all it lacks is Alien technology recovered from the Roswell Crash. Heck it can resist impacts of up to 5000 times the force of gravity which will come in handy in case a large asteroid lands on top of you. Forged and milled pure Titanium or T6061 aircraft aluminum bodies. Impact resistance to more than 5000 times the force of gravity. Lenses of utterly flawless transmissivity, composited to aspheric lens elements to eliminate chromatic aberrations with apochromatic lenses with Extra Low Dispersion Glass. Proprietary-230-+485°F degree stable pure optical glass 24 step vacuum Bertrillium-Zantitium™ multicoating, raises the light transmission coefficients to beyond anything achieved to date. Massive 56mm primary objective lenses offer nearly triple the light transmission area of lesser designs. Vacuum and lifetime sealed with a mixture of nitrogen and rare earth gasses. Vaporless, fogless, mirageless- unaffected by atmospheric ranges from below sea level to 5 miles above it. Waterproof for marine-ops, dustproof for desert warfare & ergonomically compatible with arctic gloves or desert heat. Revolutionary front and rear reticle focal plane design dramatically reduces parallax & provides an immovable reticle plane with variable power accuracy identical to fixed power designs. Selective ranging at power allows for 1 fourth to 1 milliradian ranging, zoomable as needed on FFP Models. Variable power illumination to the reticle-red and green and black </div></div> Not again...  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari open sights or an Aimpoint Micro-T. Never hunted cape buffalo, but it seems most of the kills are up close and personal from what I've seen  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THUNDERBOLT68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sirhrmechanic, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WHEN PLANNING THE TRIP IS NOT THE EQUIPEMENT ( IE. CALIBER,SCOPE, RIFLE....) IT IS THAT YOU SHOULD SHOOT THE SET UP YOU HAVE CHOOSEN. I DO NOT MEAN OFF A BENCH EITHER. BUY SOME STICKS...( LONGRASS.COM ) IMHO.... HAS THE BEST AFRICAN STICKS. AND SHOOT OFF THEM.... TO MANY GUYS GO OVER THERE WITH BIG CALIBERS AND FLINCH ETC...AND WOUND GAME INSTEAD OF KILLING THEM.... </div></div> And that is the best advice of all. A lot of the guides or camps will require a test/zero. Be ready for one. It would not be fun to get over there and 'fail' to be allowed to hunt. Cheers, Sirhr  

shooting4life

• Jul 10, 2010

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari I have a sightron siii 1.5-5x50. It came with a cz 550 I purchased. It would be great for low light hunting. Some great looking glass that would work well in low light. I think they discontinued this model a few years back. It would work very well in low light. However, I have never been on a hunt in Africa so take it for what it's worth.  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari The kind that doesnt fail.  

• Nov 2, 2010

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari I took a Trijicon 1-4x24 Accupoint to Africa, I could not have been more impressed with the scope. Great during daylight hours and I used it to on a night ration hunt where it was brilliant too. Highly recommended.  

Greg Langelius *

Resident elder fart.

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari I don't know, I've never been to Africa (they <span style="font-style: italic">eat</span> folks there...). But I <span style="font-style: italic">have</span> been on a two-way range, and I think there probably are some crucial similarities. My questions would be about the distances of shots and the urgency involved in obtaining an effective sighting solution quickly. When seconds count, I like the reflex sight without any magnification. I would carry a second rifle with magnifying optics for distance shots, where time is not so much of the essence. I like the reflex (dot) sight because I think it's the simplest and quickest means to acquire and resolve a good sighting solution while still using both eyes. IMHO, nothing works quite so well, quite so quickly, quite so consistently. If my fanny was on the line, and something big with muscles, teeth/claws/horns, and an attitude was pissed off at me, those criteria would be foremost on my mind. Greg  

Opticsspecialist

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari there are a few good options, Schmidt and Bender and Zeiss come to mind, personally i would take a Swarovski http://www.sportoptics.com/swarovski-z6i-EE-illuminated-rifle-scope-1x6-24-4I.aspx  

• Nov 5, 2010

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: razor100</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two (2) Leupold FX2 4x retrofitted with a German #1 reticle one on rifle one in carryon just in case </div></div> + 1  

broke_again

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">there are a few good options, Schmidt and Bender and Zeiss come to mind, personally i would take a Swarovski http://www.sportoptics.com/swarovski-z6i-EE-illuminated-rifle-scope-1x6-24-4I.aspx </div></div> I would say that this scope should be on your short list.  

Stewartgigi

• Mar 22, 2012

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari as said here, http://africafreak.com/blog/camera-equipment-suggestions-what-to-choose-for-your-african-safari , i think the selection begins with the type of photos one is willing to shoot.  

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: harleymann02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would not risk my life with anything less than a Counter Sniper scope heck just look at some of these features all it lacks is Alien technology recovered from the Roswell Crash. Heck it can resist impacts of up to 5000 times the force of gravity which will come in handy in case a large asteroid lands on top of you. Forged and milled pure Titanium or T6061 aircraft aluminum bodies. Impact resistance to more than 5000 times the force of gravity. Lenses of utterly flawless transmissivity, composited to aspheric lens elements to eliminate chromatic aberrations with apochromatic lenses with Extra Low Dispersion Glass. Proprietary-230-+485°F degree stable pure optical glass 24 step vacuum Bertrillium-Zantitium™ multicoating, raises the light transmission coefficients to beyond anything achieved to date. Massive 56mm primary objective lenses offer nearly triple the light transmission area of lesser designs. Vacuum and lifetime sealed with a mixture of nitrogen and rare earth gasses. Vaporless, fogless, <span style="font-weight: bold">mirageless-</span> unaffected by atmospheric ranges from below sea level to 5 miles above it. Waterproof for marine-ops, dustproof for desert warfare & ergonomically compatible with arctic gloves or desert heat. Revolutionary front and rear reticle focal plane design dramatically reduces parallax & provides an immovable reticle plane with variable power accuracy identical to fixed power designs. Selective ranging at power allows for 1 fourth to 1 milliradian ranging, zoomable as needed on FFP Models. Variable power illumination to the reticle-red and green and black </div></div> A mirage is caused by refraction of light through air of different temperatures...you can't control it or stop it because it is an inherent phenomenon that is independent of the scope... my .02  

Sniperprince

• Mar 23, 2012

Re: Best Scope For An African Safari The Best scope for Africa is to use the Giraffes neck and eyes =) haha .. jk!  

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Look Out! The Latest Binos, Rifles Scopes and Range Finders

There are excellent new binos, scopes and LRF’s for every budget and every hunting need on the market these days. Individual models are also becoming more specialized. Zeiss is bringing big European tubes to the U.S. market. Pulsar is giving hunters more options than a 2025 model car. And Swaro is making purely delightful binos. Here are a few of the best new optic options under the sun. — John Geiger, Managing Editor

Veracity PH Ups Game BURRIS Burris is improving its Veracity PH riflescope by adding three models that are shorter and lighter than the original. The Colorado company introduced the Veracity PH line in 2023. The scope has a dial-to-distance click-less digital elevation turret and in-scope display. The new 4-20x50mm, 3-15x44mm and 2.5-12x42mm models are designed especially for mountain rifle and carbine platforms and have improved ED glass and more reticle options. burrisoptics.com.

Range For Miles LEUPOLD Leupold’s new RX-5000’s Long Range mode lets you range to 5,000 yards — that’s nearly three miles — on reflective targets, 3,100 yards on trees, and 2,000 yards deer-sized game out of the box. To assist with using Long Range mode, the RX-5000 ships with an included tripod saddle and can be fired remotely using the Leupold Control app. On the app, you can use your RX-5000 to remotely drop location pins to your phone using digital maps like onX Hunt, Apple Maps and Google Maps. leupold.com.

Light, Affordable Spotter RITON The new 5 Primal 15-45×60 by Riton has a light, compact body. It takes less than 13 inches in your pack and weighs 2.75 pounds. The scope also costs less than $1,000. The spotting scope has an aluminum alloy body, is fully multi-coated and has a 110- to 44-foot field of view. The exit pupil is 1.3-4mm, and the eye relief is 20mm. Under $1,000.

Tenmile In First Focal Plane TRIJICON Trijicon is expanding its Tenmile HX series riflescopes to include a 5-25×50 first focal plane scope. The 5X magnification gives hunters a wide field of view or a high-magnification view of distant targets. It’s made with outstanding glass, highly repeatable adjusters, 80 MOA of adjustment and a purpose-built first focal plane MOA-based illuminated reticle, all inside a 30mm tube. MSRP, $2,190. trijicon.com

Big Tubes ZEISS Zeiss’ new V8 family of riflescopes comes in four models and features extra-large tubes at 30mm or 34mm. The V8 1.1-8×24 is made for fast target acquisition. The V8 1.8-14×50 and V8 2.8-20×56 have high performance in low light. And the V8 4.8-35×60 is for maximum magnification. Each has an extra- large eye box, a daylight-visible illuminated dot reticle, Schott FL glass and LotuTec coatings. zeiss.com/hunting

Calonox 2 Clip-On Thermal LEICA

The new Leica Calonox 2 series of thermal optics has an onboard laser rangefinder to increase ethicality and accuracy. The clip-on Calonox 2 Sight model offers a zeroing-free, plug-and-play solution that makes switching a thermal optic between rifle platforms easy and can be used during the day as well as in complete darkness. leica-sportoptics.com

Light and Bright VORTEX The company’s two Razr UHD 32mm bino options—8X and 10X—are light but powerful and clear. They’re built on a magnesium chassis and have a Schmidt and Pecham prism inside to make them compact and effective in low light. The 8×32 weighs 29 ounces and is tripod-adaptable. The UHD optics are the company’s top-of-the-line coating and treatment. vortexoptics.com.

LRF in Thermal Scope PULSAR The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 is a digital thermal riflescope equipped with a laser rangefinder. It has a 1.75x base magnification with digital zoom of up to 8x as well as groundbreaking HD thermal imaging, driven by an uncooled a-Si Lynred <35 NETD thermal sensor with an impressive 1024×768 resolution and 12μm pixel pitch level. The AMOLED 1024×768 display delivers clarity even in complete darkness. Eight different thermal color palettes, high zoom capabilities and an integrated ballistic calculator empowers long-range shooting. Check local regulations regarding possession of and hunting with thermal gear. $8,099 at pulsarnv.com.

A Pure Delight SWAROVSKI OPTIK Glassing can get old pretty quick if your binos are heavy or bulky. Swarovski’s new addition to their Pure line is anything but. The NL Pure 10×52 are designed with your hand in mind. They make it easy to enjoy a relaxed view for a long period of time. We experienced this on a recent red stag hunt where 99 percent of the time we glassed and 1 percent of the time shot. The NL Pures were delightlful. They also have a substantial field of view at 72 degree or 390 feet at 1,000 yards. $3,449 retail. Info at swarovskioptiks.com.

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• Leica M (Type 240 / 262)

M-P Safari winner on eBay, I hate you

By EdwardM February 10, 2016 in Leica M (Type 240 / 262)

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7 days... Auction ended late night in Moscow. My bid was winning all the time. Last 40 seconds. iPad lost internet connection. Its gone....

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Hi EdwardM, Take a look here M-P Safari winner on eBay, I hate you . I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

That is what automatic bidding is for. Set your max price and that is it.

the thing is that time was changing while the price was not refreshing. So, i thought im a winner till the last second. i know that we are not discussing prices here, but its gone for 6.5K USD which is reasonable price for like new camera + 35 summicron with the box and full set. 

cheer up - there will be more.

i think i shoud wait for new M and new Safari. Do you know when usually Leica introduce Safari edition after production of basic M model? 

Usually in recent years the appearance of a safari model are the distinct signs of Leica that a new progressive series will appear next.

why you love it so much?

unconscious attraction:)

Chuck Albertson

Call or email Mark at Glazer's Camera in Seattle - they have a Safari in the display case (they did the other day, anyway).

Steve Ricoh

I believe 'sniping' is the term used, you can't loose unless you're up against another 'sniper'. 

Herr Barnack

  unconscious attraction:)      

Same here.  When I got my Safari set, I could have gotten a black M-P instead.  Having always had black M cameras, the alternative look of the Safari was a visually refreshing change.  Black M cameras are beautiful, whether they are black chrome like the M4-P and M Monochrom or black paint - but the Safari M-P has a unique look.  While 1500 kits worldwide is not what I'd consider a true limited edition, 1500 in a world of billions of cameras does make it pretty rare.  

Of all the special edition M cameras (Hermes, etc.) and bespoke Leicas I have seen over the years, the Safari M-P hits the mark in terms of visual aesthetics in a way that the others don't. 

As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder; YMMV.

(waves to a fellow Seattleite)

I can check over lunch. I'm around 5 blocks from them where I work. A few weeks back they had a Safari... I'm betting they still do.

the reason why:

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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But in earlier times I too often waitet seconds bevore end of bidding and an other bidder was higher,, in stress I did bid one more time a too high non thougt over price and did pay toooooooo much for an item.

Today I got calmend down and decide to bid, what it's worth for me and good is.

If destiny decied item is not for me, so what?

....one more reason:

http://hiconsumption.com/2014/11/leica-m4-2-safari-prototype/

  Usually in recent years the appearance of a safari model are the distinct signs of Leica that a new progressive series will appear next. Kinda like the last tried offering a bit dated become bride...  

I find the Safari kit very beautiful and unique in its aesthetics. Love the green color. Like with other electronic products, I prefer to buy at the mature part of the cycle, when all sorts of problems and wrinkles have been figured out.

Plus if you want the 35 cron, it is a bargain.

"Original black button-rewind Leica M2. $22,000". Sold for $2,100. It's all about money laundering, or some crazy seller. Who cares?

I find the Safari kit very beautiful and unique in its aesthetics. Love the green color. Like with other electronic products, I prefer to buy at the mature part of the cycle, when all sorts of problems and wrinkles have been figured out.   Plus if you want the 35 cron, it is a bargain.   'dated bride' ?

Yes, the Safari kit Leica R3 with matching green lenses looks very good.

semi-ambivalent

I believe 'sniping' is the term used, you can't loose unless you're up against another 'sniper'.  

Sniping is the only time ebay is fun because the possibility of losing is ever-present. The last time I won on ebay I placed my single bid with 4 seconds remaining. That beats those willing to pay more than you but who aren't quick enough on the trigger. You just have to keep two windows open, one to watch the clock and bids and one with your bid submission already in and the second confirm & submit click ready and waiting. If your bid is still low and you lose, sorry.

Ebay's auto-bidding serves only to clear out the "low" bidders early on by letting everyone else know what the price is greater than and giving them time to re-submit something higher. This makes more money for Ebay and the seller under the guise of "convenience". With "sniping" having such a bad connotation I wouldn't be surprised if it was coined by ebay themselves.

  Yes, the Safari kit Leica R3 with matching green lenses looks very good. A few years ago I planned to buy a green used R3, but the built-in electronics might have been too old and risky. Had there ever been a green R6.2 kit, I would hardly be able to resist at a moderate price.   Green or at least dark operating elements on a Safari kit M camera, so you might think you could be as outdoor photographer better camouflaged than with silver blinking parts at the camera, chrome lenses and lens hoods. Form should follow function supported by a matching color design. Otherwise, it might rather be a nice fashion detail for the ultimately decisive personal taste.  

I like the M Safari kit as it is, both with silver or black lens, but that is a matter of taste. I don't consider it a fashion statement, but I do enjoy looking at it.

Look here: Leica M

The shutter release and the time dial aren't green but silver because the set has a silver lens. Leica was not cost coscious in the days of the R when the 3 lenses were green. 

Impossible to get defense interested in Leica photo products today, or there would be a grey one for Air Force and a blue one for the Navy in no time. Today it is more like: "Good after-noon, Sir!" ... "Well, the new Leica SA-FA-RI is so to speak the latest, the most ..."

Can't see the point of having one, since I don't spend week-ends in the country-side, on horseback or hunting, dressed accordingly. (I go sailing but a M9-E would give up soon on small boats and be in the way).

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VISM Safari Series 1.5-6X42 Illum. Rifle Scope VSAFS15642G

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Product Discontinued by Manufacturer

VISM Safari Series 1.5-6X42 Illum. Rifle Scope has been discontinued by VISM and is no longer available. Our product experts have helped us select these available replacements below.You can also explore other items in the Rifle Scopes & Accessories , Rifle Scopes yourself to try and find the perfect replacement for you!

Product Info for VISM Safari Series 1.5-6X42 Illum. Rifle Scope

Specifications for vism safari series 1.5-6x42 illum. rifle scope:, features of vism safari series 1.5-6x42 illum. rifle scope:.

• High Resolution Glass for Excellent Performance in a variety of conditions.
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• Large Target Style Turrets, protected by Turret Caps
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• VISM Safari Series 1.5-6X42 Illum. Rifle Scope

Riflescope Accessories

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Vism safari series 1.5-6x42 illum. rifle scope unavailable & discontinued models, list of unorderable models.