Buffalo Classic scope..

[knight0334]

If you guys were to put a scope on one of your Buffalo Classics, which one would you choose?

I'm part way into my winter project rifle and haven't yet decided on optics. 

Keep in mind these things.

1.  rifle being rechambered for 45-100 or 45-120 (haven't decided)
2.  bullet weights of 250-405grs @ 1200fps to 2400fps depending on bullet.
3.  ranges of point-blank to 500+ yards on ground hog.  (not afraid of hold over, seeing as I do it now with open sights).
4.  Receiver, forearm spacer and trigger guard being plated with silver
5.  barrel to be more than likely sent off for the Cerama-coat (spelling) and muzzle break.
6.  GunStocks Inc thumb hole w/target forearm.

I'd like the scope to be reliable for heavy recoil, somewhat match a silvery/bright finish, and allow for bullet drop at longer ranges.    Both form and function apply.

Suggestions on optics??

[pascalp]

If you prefer US made :
. Leupold Mark4 16x mildot. US and high expensive
or
. SWFA SS 20x mildot. US and "cheap"

My best choice :
IOR 16x MP8 . Not US, mid expensive.

I prefer fixed, mildot and better MP8 help for accurate hold over.
I own  all of them, IOR is for me the best.

My SB2 45-70 is fitted with an FXIII 12x42, Leupold Dot. Perfect for target at known range.

[Paul5388]

You have to watch that Pascal, he's probably using some weenie load with a silencer . . . and probably shooting everything into one hole!   

Seriously, I've seen some of his groups and they are usually quite impressive.  He has a good grasp of what's available on both sides of the "pond".  Since I don't do anything comparable to what you're proposing, I think he has some good recommendations that would work well. 

[bufflobob]

I recently put a Barska Tactical 4-16 x 50 on my BC, very happy with it. I like the non glaring -- green illuminated mildot reticle. Very clear and adequately bright glass. Scope is heavy, but that I also like that for this caliber's recoil, have yet to add any weight to the stock on my BC. I liked it so much that I bought another Barska for another rifle. It is the swat model  --- looks good so far, but I don't like the red illuminated reticle on it, maybe just me but I find that glaring in low light, such as hunting conditions. It however will probably be used for mainly target shooting and load developement.

So far the scope seems well made and sturdy, I also have a Leupold VXIII on a 338 WinM to compare to. The Barsksa has more features, and the price difference--- with pretty much same clarity. In fairness the Leupold does seem to be slightly brighter in low light- it's a 3.5-10 x 50, --- maybe partly due to less magnifacation.

The only thing I would recommend is to consider bedding - attaching the front cantilever of the scope rail, especially with this caliber and your possible rechamber considerations. I did that and found it wasn't a big deal. See thread below.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,108579.0.html

Happy hunting and shooting. --- Bob.   

[bufflobob]

Knight--- 
Should add the other Barska I picked up is for a Sharps 50-140 which I use both black and smokeless - it's recoil is right up there.      I don't trust light weight scopes for major recoil. Maybe sounds like sacrilage on a Sharps but eyesight just isn't that good anymore for peep sights. 

However I'm not sure I would suggest looking at their low end scopes - or anyone elses,  ---for heavy recoil rifles.

Keep us posted on your rechamber -- still looking at trying that myself, but would prefer the 45-110.  If you believe half the hype on Shiloh's forum -- usually a very accurate longrange cart. with some load developement, especially paper patch. Sounds like you have a good winter's project going there.

Bob.

[Dustyvance]

Just got a BC and its sporting a 3-9x50 Leupold. Over done?

[quickdtoo]

I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40 on mine, so I don't think a 3-9x is overkill!!

Tim

[handirifle]

Quick
I like that setup.  I wished I'd just changed the stock on mine and switched to the different sighting system instead of selling it off like I did.  I really DID think about exactly what you did. , but some choices we make.

Well I hope the next chance with the 38-55 works out as well.  In 4 more days I pick up the receiver and then get to send off for another 8 week wait for a 38-55 barrel.  and THEN to locate the stock set I want.

The good news is with the Win 94 BB I already have the 375 Win brass and a bunch of 38-55 brass plus dies etc for loading up.  So no waiting there.

Just will need to slug the bore and chamber, and pick which bullets to use.

I'd like to try BP only for this setup, but the smokeless bug might bite hard.

[Swampman]

I put a Leupold 2X7 32mm on mine.  It's all you need on the .45-70, or any of the others you mentioned.

[GregP42]

I have found it interesting what you guys have put on your BC's, I have been thinking of scoping mine, but not quite sure if I want to get that big long Leatherwood brass job because it looks so cool, or just put a 1.5-7 ER type scope on it. I still have awhile before that project comes up on the burner, too many others in front of it right now.

Greg

[handirifle]

Yea those long scopes are sexy looking with that long barrel.  Look like it's a 100yr old setup.  I am going to experiment with a couple ifferent ideas when I'm able to get mine all together.

I know what you mean about a lot of projects.  I have one rifle in the shop and three others that need to be zeroed after barrel swaps (Savage), a 223, 243, and 338-06.  In fact I still need to load more for the 338.  Need to load up some of Mac and Quick's loads.

[handirifle]

I put a Leupold 2X7 32mm on mine.  It's all you need on the .45-70, or any of the others you mentioned.

Swampman, that big dia shortened barrel almost looks like a shotgun.  What length did you cut it to?

[quickdtoo]

Handi, I believe that's Swampman's .30-30...

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,113517.msg1098356050.html#msg1098356050