Oleg Volk
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If so, what kind of scopes is generally used?
Are scopes ever used for hunting dangerous game?
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Yes they are actually more common than iron sights in today’s DG hunting world.
A good DG scope is something in the 1.5 to 5 or my favorite the 1.75 to 6
You will also see some fixed power scopes in the 2.5 to 3 range.
I find anything over about 1.75 to be a hindrance at close range on fast moving targets.
The scope needs to be solid with a longer eye relief for hard recoiling rifles.
You hear about guys using fixed 4 and 6 power scopes on their "DG" rifles but just like you can use iron sights on a Prairie dog shoot it definitely isn't the best for the job. And in DG they can get your sorry butt maimed or killed in a tight spot.
A good DG scope is something in the 1.5 to 5 or my favorite the 1.75 to 6
You will also see some fixed power scopes in the 2.5 to 3 range.
I find anything over about 1.75 to be a hindrance at close range on fast moving targets.
The scope needs to be solid with a longer eye relief for hard recoiling rifles.
You hear about guys using fixed 4 and 6 power scopes on their "DG" rifles but just like you can use iron sights on a Prairie dog shoot it definitely isn't the best for the job. And in DG they can get your sorry butt maimed or killed in a tight spot.
griz
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Lots of people use scopes fpr dangerous game. Since game is only dangerous at close range, a low power scope is called for. I've never shot a scout scope set up, but something on the order of 1 to 2 power is very quick, just as fast as a red dot sight to me. To my mind a low power variable turns the rifle into an all around tool, since you can crank it up to about 5X and reach out as far as most people can shoot.
I use a low power scope for almost all my shooting
1.5 X 5 is fine for a lot of shooting, even long distance shots .
Most guns are way over scoped in my opinion.
For anything other than target or sniper , a low power scope is fine for me.
I am currently using a Bushnell Holo sight on a 44 mag with a 7 in BBL.
It is fast and accurate. I don't hunt "dangerous" game too often anymore, it has become too expensive. But I still hunt deer, and at times the shots are fast and furious.
1.5 X 5 is fine for a lot of shooting, even long distance shots .
Most guns are way over scoped in my opinion.
For anything other than target or sniper , a low power scope is fine for me.
I am currently using a Bushnell Holo sight on a 44 mag with a 7 in BBL.
It is fast and accurate. I don't hunt "dangerous" game too often anymore, it has become too expensive. But I still hunt deer, and at times the shots are fast and furious.
Vern Humphrey
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The prejudice against using scopes for dangerous game dates to the 1950s, the hey-day of African hunting for Americans. Professional hunters, like Harry Selby didn't like them because they were used to using iron-sighted "heavies" (often double rifles) and didn't trust the relatively fragile scopes of the day.
Nowadays, there are plenty of high-quality scopes that will withstand the rigors and recoil of dangerous game rifles -- though as others have mentioned, low power is recommended.
Nowadays, there are plenty of high-quality scopes that will withstand the rigors and recoil of dangerous game rifles -- though as others have mentioned, low power is recommended.
Trijicon
Check out the "scopes" offered by Trijicon. They are "well-made", using an extreme understatement, and are made in a vast aray of styles.
I have the ACOG for my rifles, specifically a 4X. Even though the trajectory aspects are specifically for .223/5.56, when sighting for short range hunting at close range, the trajectory is a mute point, as one can simply use the cross hairs as would be for any other fixed power scope. How cool is that?
Doc2005
Check out the "scopes" offered by Trijicon. They are "well-made", using an extreme understatement, and are made in a vast aray of styles.
I have the ACOG for my rifles, specifically a 4X. Even though the trajectory aspects are specifically for .223/5.56, when sighting for short range hunting at close range, the trajectory is a mute point, as one can simply use the cross hairs as would be for any other fixed power scope. How cool is that?
Doc2005
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I agree with Vern and Cyanide that a low power variable is the best possible scope for all possible situations except some very limited special use applications. Ones that are almost never necessary in the world of big game hunting.
To me the low end qualities of a scope out weigh the high end qualities big a wide margin. I can shoot at long range with a 4 or 6 power scope any day and be deadly accurate with it. But you can't press a 4.5 X bottom end into service at close range on a moving target in the thick timber it just doesn't work.
Keep those scopes turned down boys if you need magnification you'll have time to turn it up if you need a scope fast and close you won't have time to turn it down. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys blow shot opportunities because they had their darn scope turned up while walking around.
Now there is one hunting situation where I feel a scope, any scope is a danger to the hunter and his party and that is hunting elephants in tight (also known as jesse) cover. Especially cows in a herd where it isn't uncommon for an enraged 8,000 lb + cow to silently appear in full charge at ungodly close range. When you are suddenly forced to shot an elephant at 30, 20 or 10 feet you need all the field of view you can get and you don't have time acquire anything in a scope it's a right now shot that has to be perfectly placed. The price for less than perfection often times is death for you or a team member. Elephants and especially cows are nothing to mess around with. The only proper sighting system for that application is a good shallow V express sight or a ghost ring, they are the fastest system for this application no two ways about it. This is also where a properly fit and sighted double rifle is worth it’s weight in gold.
If you just had to have an optical sight something like a red dot would be the ticket. I have a rule of thumb however, if it has batteries or an on off switch it doesn't go on my DG rifle. PERIOD
To me the low end qualities of a scope out weigh the high end qualities big a wide margin. I can shoot at long range with a 4 or 6 power scope any day and be deadly accurate with it. But you can't press a 4.5 X bottom end into service at close range on a moving target in the thick timber it just doesn't work.
Keep those scopes turned down boys if you need magnification you'll have time to turn it up if you need a scope fast and close you won't have time to turn it down. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys blow shot opportunities because they had their darn scope turned up while walking around.
Now there is one hunting situation where I feel a scope, any scope is a danger to the hunter and his party and that is hunting elephants in tight (also known as jesse) cover. Especially cows in a herd where it isn't uncommon for an enraged 8,000 lb + cow to silently appear in full charge at ungodly close range. When you are suddenly forced to shot an elephant at 30, 20 or 10 feet you need all the field of view you can get and you don't have time acquire anything in a scope it's a right now shot that has to be perfectly placed. The price for less than perfection often times is death for you or a team member. Elephants and especially cows are nothing to mess around with. The only proper sighting system for that application is a good shallow V express sight or a ghost ring, they are the fastest system for this application no two ways about it. This is also where a properly fit and sighted double rifle is worth it’s weight in gold.
If you just had to have an optical sight something like a red dot would be the ticket. I have a rule of thumb however, if it has batteries or an on off switch it doesn't go on my DG rifle. PERIOD
I think your question has been adequately answered, however, if I were going actually hunt one of the big four. Elephant, Buff, Rhino, or Lion in heavy cover I would buy a suitable double that fit me like a hand tailored suit of clothes. I would do it in the traditional way, at close range with the iron sights. Because it was probably my "once in a lifetime hunt," I would do it up right. That's just me, but I've had that as a fantasy for a long time.
Regular shooting of plains game, of course I would put a scope on my .375 or take my .376 Scout, which has the low power Leupold already mounted. YMMV
Regular shooting of plains game, of course I would put a scope on my .375 or take my .376 Scout, which has the low power Leupold already mounted. YMMV
MCgunner
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I find a 1.5x scope much quicker than irons on target. Of course, my eyes aren't great, bifocals and all. I have my 1.5x4.5 mounted on a .22 right now, though. I guess it's for killer rabbits like attacked Jimmy Carter once.
One reason I like my 2x10 Weaver on my .308 is how quick on target it is on 2x compared to 3x of a typical 3x9. I don't hunt anything more dangerous than hogs with it, though. Most dangerous thing around here is rattle snakes and water moccasins. You can just avoid the gators. You might not see the rattler.
One reason I like my 2x10 Weaver on my .308 is how quick on target it is on 2x compared to 3x of a typical 3x9. I don't hunt anything more dangerous than hogs with it, though. Most dangerous thing around here is rattle snakes and water moccasins. You can just avoid the gators. You might not see the rattler.
MCgunner
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It could be argued the "traditional way" would be with a knapped flint spear head on an appropriate length spear...
I don't think I'd look too good, though, in a loin cloth.
Vern Humphrey
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I thought sure the rabbit had him.
I could visualize his headstone:
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Mc Gunner,
Yes, if you have vision troubles a low power scope is a fine alternative to irons in DG hunting.
In general some of the problems with a scope in my above mentioned circumstance are the following.
Scopes can be affected by dust, rain, sun reflection and eye relief. Also when you throw up a scope at it takes the brain a spilt second to go from normal 1 times vision to even a small magnification factor. And finally no matter how small the magnification is on your scope, when you look through a scope at an elephant at touching range you can't see the whole animal in your field of vision.
Therefore it may take a moment to realize what part of the animal you are looking at causing a slight delay to adjust your point of aim. You simply don't have time for this in a close range "oh crap" in the jesse situation.
I recommend to hunters who have failing eyesight to use a large ring aperture with a white line front post ghost ring for elephant hunting. They seem to work much better for people with poor eyesight than a regular rear vee front bead set up.
In DG hunting you may go your whole life without facing a charge with buffalo or bull elephant. If however, you are hunting cows in thick cover like the Zambezi valley you can count on getting charged at close quarters several times during a hunt.
I've never had to shoot a charging elephant, I've come close once. But I have had to run for my life on several occasions. So I know what it's like to get charged by one or in one case multiple elephants. While this all sounds interesting in print I can promise you that elephant charges are about the most terrifying thing a human can experience on this planet. elephants are big, silent and faster than you can imagine and if they do get a hold of you there is a 99.9% chance of you getting very dead very fast. This is why I am adamant about using the right sighting system for this VERY specialized and rare hunting situation.
Also in elephant hunting in general your shots will be under 50 yards and under 25 yards in most cases making a scope somewhat of a burden in my opinion.
For hippo, buffalo, rhino and especially leopard and lion I'd say that a proper scope is a better choice for most hunters. I use either depending on the condidtions.
Yes, if you have vision troubles a low power scope is a fine alternative to irons in DG hunting.
In general some of the problems with a scope in my above mentioned circumstance are the following.
Scopes can be affected by dust, rain, sun reflection and eye relief. Also when you throw up a scope at it takes the brain a spilt second to go from normal 1 times vision to even a small magnification factor. And finally no matter how small the magnification is on your scope, when you look through a scope at an elephant at touching range you can't see the whole animal in your field of vision.
Therefore it may take a moment to realize what part of the animal you are looking at causing a slight delay to adjust your point of aim. You simply don't have time for this in a close range "oh crap" in the jesse situation.
I recommend to hunters who have failing eyesight to use a large ring aperture with a white line front post ghost ring for elephant hunting. They seem to work much better for people with poor eyesight than a regular rear vee front bead set up.
In DG hunting you may go your whole life without facing a charge with buffalo or bull elephant. If however, you are hunting cows in thick cover like the Zambezi valley you can count on getting charged at close quarters several times during a hunt.
I've never had to shoot a charging elephant, I've come close once. But I have had to run for my life on several occasions. So I know what it's like to get charged by one or in one case multiple elephants. While this all sounds interesting in print I can promise you that elephant charges are about the most terrifying thing a human can experience on this planet. elephants are big, silent and faster than you can imagine and if they do get a hold of you there is a 99.9% chance of you getting very dead very fast. This is why I am adamant about using the right sighting system for this VERY specialized and rare hunting situation.
Also in elephant hunting in general your shots will be under 50 yards and under 25 yards in most cases making a scope somewhat of a burden in my opinion.
For hippo, buffalo, rhino and especially leopard and lion I'd say that a proper scope is a better choice for most hunters. I use either depending on the condidtions.
MCgunner
Member
ROFL at Vern's post.
Well, not that I'm ever going to Africa or Alaska for hunting. I mean, I can barely afford gas to get down to my place to hunt deer. But I find it faster to not have to search for a front sight in a rear notch and focus on target/front sight even with good eyes like I once had. LOL I do like a ghost ring aperture type sight, have that on a lever gun in .357 magnum and it works really well. The front sight sort of centers itself, unlike trying to use an open sight.
I've seen elephants at the zoo, before. But, if I were going to actually HUNT one, perhaps an aperture would be the way to go on those things. Your points seem sound. I'm sure the field of view is sorta filled by one of those things even on 1.5 x.
I do have a set of Millet "scope toppers", think they're called, on my .308. What they are, are iron sights atop the scope rings for last ditch use if the scope is fogged from wet/cold weather or breath or something and back up if I were to drop the rifle. The sight radius is awfully short, but I can hit at 100 yards with 'em fairly well and a big animal at close range wouldn't be hard at all. The big trade off with 'em is you have to lift your cheek weld off the stock to see 'em. But, I got 'em to put on a Contender and wound up not using 'em, so I stuck 'em on the .308. Figured they MIGHT be useful someday, never know, and no use lettin' 'em sit on a shelf.
Well, not that I'm ever going to Africa or Alaska for hunting. I mean, I can barely afford gas to get down to my place to hunt deer.
But I find it faster to not have to search for a front sight in a rear notch and focus on target/front sight even with good eyes like I once had. LOL I do like a ghost ring aperture type sight, have that on a lever gun in .357 magnum and it works really well. The front sight sort of centers itself, unlike trying to use an open sight.I've seen elephants at the zoo, before.
But, if I were going to actually HUNT one, perhaps an aperture would be the way to go on those things. Your points seem sound. I'm sure the field of view is sorta filled by one of those things even on 1.5 x. I do have a set of Millet "scope toppers", think they're called, on my .308. What they are, are iron sights atop the scope rings for last ditch use if the scope is fogged from wet/cold weather or breath or something and back up if I were to drop the rifle. The sight radius is awfully short, but I can hit at 100 yards with 'em fairly well and a big animal at close range wouldn't be hard at all. The big trade off with 'em is you have to lift your cheek weld off the stock to see 'em. But, I got 'em to put on a Contender and wound up not using 'em, so I stuck 'em on the .308. Figured they MIGHT be useful someday, never know, and no use lettin' 'em sit on a shelf.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Fionn MacCumhail, my pre-64 Model 70 in .30-06 wears a Redfield peep sight nestled under the objective lens of the scope. Pull the scope off and you have a fine set of irons.
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