What scope for a 16x16/8x57JR drilling?

[dougk]

What scope should I use on a 8x57JR drilling?  The 8x57JR is in my mind a 200 yard max round http://www.sellier-bellot.cz/rifle-ammunition-detail.php?ammunition=12&product=207

it is 2 inches lower at 200 yards than the 8x57JRS when zeroed at 100 yards.

This gun will be used as an all around hunting gun (deer, hogs).

I am torn between using a Zeiss 1.8-5.5x38 or a Leupold VXII with 3-9x40 or a Zeiss 3-9x40.  Which one should I go with?

thanks

Doug

[Mike A.]

For the purposes you mention, I would go with the lower powered scope.  You don't need the high power (9X) at 200 yards, and you MIGHT need the low power (1.8X) for a moving target, or to just find the target in the thick stuff.

I use a Weaver V3 (1 to 3X) a lot for what used to be for me "iron sight ranges."  Since my vision has deteriorated with age, they aren't any more.  But 3X is plenty for medium sized game at 100-150 yards, and the 1X allows me to use the shotgun barrel if necessary, without dismounting the scope.

Actually I'd feel fine with a 1.5-5X or 1-4X, as well.

I assume that you know that your  8x57JR is theoretically quite capable of longer range shooting than 200 yards with the right loads, and are just proposing 200 yards as "the maximum likely range," or your own self-imposed limit.  Or have you targeted the drilling at longer ranges and found it wanting?

(I'd would be comfortable if most ordinary hunters imposed a limit of 200 yards.  IMO most of us, myself included, are not really 100% competent at much longer ranges!).

[Dalgo]

I think that the Zeiss 1.5-5 X 38 would be ideal. If it isn't too heavy.  I have a Leupy VX-3, 1.5-5 X 20 mounted on a 24" Encore barrel in 7mm-08. The scope weighs just 9 oz., and balances at the hinge pin. Although a little low in power for that caliber, the gun is reasomably light, and more importantly, a very balanced outfit. In a drilling weight and balance are very important to pointability of the gun. I also have a Leupy VX-2, deluxe lightweight AO 3-9 X 33. A very mediocre scope for the over $400 price tag. I originally had a Zeiss Conquest 3-9 X 40 mounted on the Encore.  An exceptional quality glass, especially at the under $400 price tag.  However, it is long, and heavy, at 15 oz, and I like the way the Leupy VX-3 balances better.  The quality of the glass is reasonably good. Other options would be a Leupy 2-8 X 36 at 12 oz, and the Swarovski Z3 3-9 X 40 (also 12 oz). Both reasonably compact, with the Swaro glass being the sharper of the two. The Zeiss 1.5-5 X 38 may be perfect for a drilling. Again, if not too heavy. Superb quality glass. Don't need a lot of magnification for the chores an 8-57 will be put to use for.

[AkMike1]

I'd be more concerned with what style of mounts to use w/o killing the classic good looks of a drilling. A set of claws installed will be costly.
 As far as a scope I'd go with a Leupy 1.5X5 or a 1.75X6.

[dougk]

The Zeiss 1.8-5.5 looks great only one small problem...  the objective bell is too long...   

[Drilling Man]

The Zeiss 1.8-5.5 looks great only one small problem...  the objective bell is too long...   

  And that's one big reason why i would choose the 3x9 Conquest!  The other is, those 3x9's are really GREAT at the lower light levelt that big game moves at!
 
  Put it in claw mounts, and you have one of the greatest combinations for a hunting gun you could ever want...  I know i love mine!
 

 
  DM

[dougk]

The Zeiss 1.8-5.5 looks great only one small problem...  the objective bell is too long...   

 
  Put it in claw mounts, and you have one of the greatest combinations for a hunting gun you could ever want...  I know i love mine!
 
 
  DM

DrillingMan unlike you some of us are not made of $$$$      

I am trying to save the $600 on having the scope mounted by using the mounts that came with the gun.  The optics in the vintage Weaver V7 that came with the gun are terrible without comparing it to the Zeiss or Leupold.  I put a Leupold Vx-3 1.5-5x20 on and it functions great.

Doug

[Drilling Man]

The Zeiss 1.8-5.5 looks great only one small problem...  the objective bell is too long...   

  Put it in claw mounts, and you have one of the greatest combinations for a hunting gun you could ever want...  I know i love mine!
 
 
  DM

DrillingMan unlike you some of us are not made of $$$$      

I am trying to save the $600 on having the scope mounted by using the mounts that came with the gun.  The optics in the vintage Weaver V7 that came with the gun are terrible without comparing it to the Zeiss or Leupold.  I put a Leupold Vx-3 1.5-5x20 on and it functions great.

Doug

  You don't have to be made of money, "IF" you just set up ONE drilling PROPERLY, instead of trying to buy up all the drilling in the state of Texas and make them all just "usable"!   
 
  DM

[dougk]

The Zeiss 1.8-5.5 looks great only one small problem...  the objective bell is too long...   

  Put it in claw mounts, and you have one of the greatest combinations for a hunting gun you could ever want...  I know i love mine!
 
 
  DM

DrillingMan unlike you some of us are not made of $$$$      

I am trying to save the $600 on having the scope mounted by using the mounts that came with the gun.  The optics in the vintage Weaver V7 that came with the gun are terrible without comparing it to the Zeiss or Leupold.  I put a Leupold Vx-3 1.5-5x20 on and it functions great.

Doug

  You don't have to be made of money, "IF" you just set up ONE drilling PROPERLY, instead of trying to buy up all the drilling in the state of Texas and make them all just "usable"!   
 
  DM

LOL

I am buying all the nice drillings in the US...    . 

[chefjeff]

My bud has similar rifle,it has claw mounts and an old Hensholdt variable with a small objective.Feels good at the shoulder,haven't shot it.

[pastorp]

dougK,

I wish you all the best in your quest..   I only need two myself. One to use and a backup..... 

At the moment I have three, but....

Regards,

[dougk]

Byron

thanks

I have 3 that I use on a regular basis depending on the application.  The Merkel 12x12/9.3x74r with Zeiss 2/4x scope is my hog gun, the Fortuna 16x16/7x65r with Zeiss 2-10 scopes is long range deer and hog backup, and the JP Sauer 16x16/7x57r with Leupold VX-3 2-8 scope is my all around gun for close range deer and hog if the opportunity presents.

The others are very fancy engraving and are currently being slowly brought online.

Doug

[pastorp]

DougK,

The fortuna sounds like all the drilling you need anywhere in the lower 48 states. If it's not too heavy that is. Is the 2x10 zeiss mounted in claw mounts? If so that's the one I would probably use. 

I would think that Merkle would be heavy and rather clubby.....But to each his own. 

Just one other though, better to just spend the money once and get it set up the way you want it than to half to go back & have it done right later @ 2X the cost. JMO

Regards,

[AkMike1]

Just one other though, better to just spend the money once and get it set up the way you want it than to half to go back & have it done right later @ 2X the cost. JMO
Regards,

But that takes all the fun and aggravation out of it!

[dougk]

DougK,

The fortuna sounds like all the drilling you need anywhere in the lower 48 states. If it's not too heavy that is. Is the 2x10 zeiss mounted in claw mounts? If so that's the one I would probably use. 

I would think that Merkle would be heavy and rather clubby.....But to each his own. 

Just one other though, better to just spend the money once and get it set up the way you want it than to half to go back & have it done right later @ 2X the cost. JMO

Regards,

Hey Byron,

All 3 of those drillings are setup the way I want, as is the Wolff 12x12/7x65r.  I am currently working out the kinks on a Funk 16x16/9x57R, a Funk 16x16/8x72r and a Meffert Dural 16x16/8x57jr.

All the guns except the Meffert have .22 WMR inserts.

Now some of these guns are for my children...

Along time ago I learned it is best to have the right firearm for the application and one caliber does not fit all applications.

Doug

[pastorp]

dougk,

With three barrels & a rimfire insert How can you not have the right firearm for the application? 

I think your overthinking all this.....JMO  Next you will be carring 2 or 3 drillings onstand..

Regards,

[Drilling Man]

  Hey Byron,
 
  I'm still trying to figure out how i managed to kill all the animals Doug mentioned, (and more) at long and short ranges, with just ONE drilling.  I guess mines "magic" ??
 
  I mean, i've even killed    with mine!  It has to be magic!! 
 
  DM

[dougk]

Im just following the 1932 brochure from Meffert about which cartridges to use.

Fur kleines Wild = small game

Fur Rehwild = deer

fur Reh and Rotwild = roe and red deer

Rot and Schwarzwild = red and black hogs (european ones)

[Drilling Man]

  It isn't 1932 any longer "Toto", and your not in Kansas either!  ha ha ha
 
  DM

[pastorp]

Sorry dougK,

I've killed almost all the native game you have available to you there in Texas with a 22lr. JMO but it's a matter of just putting the bullet where it needs to go than what the caliber is.

Of course if you just want to collect drillings thats OK, but don't tell me you need all that just so you have the right caliber for each animal you hunt.    you going to call a time out to go get a different gun.

 

Regards,

[dougk]

ok Byron,
here is the scoop but keep it to your self.   

My valmet 412s in 12/222 and my Valmet 412 12/30-06 will do everything I could ever want.  If pressed to one gun it would be the Valmet 412 12/30-06 or possibly the Valmet 412 12/243.

The Valmets are running over $1,000 for the combo guns.

Drillings are $900-$3,000.  Drillings are hand made and the engraved drillings have over an additional 100 hours of work.  So if I can pick up a fancy drilling fora reasonable price with extensive engraving I will do it. 

So you broke the code...   I am not really buying the drillings because I need the caliber, even thou I do say that     The real reason is that the drillings are terribly under valued att his time and in my opinion are great investments for the right drilling. I do plan to pass the drillings down to the kids...

For example, this 1937 Meffert Dural Hubertus Titan in todays dollars would be over $12,000. 

Personally I believe the drilling is the sleeper gun and if a few articles are written about the drilling the price on quality drillings will increase.

And your right the Fortuna from the commie period (1969) in Suhl with the 16x16/7x65r and Zeiss 2-10x50 scope will do it all...  But the Merkel in 12x12/9.3x74r with the Zeiss 2x and 4 x scope is is a close second... 


Here are some pics on the Meffert Hubertus Dural Titan

 

   

[dougk]

  It isn't 1932 any longer "Toto", and your not in Kansas either!  ha ha ha
 
  DM

Dang nap it DM,  and next your going to tell me there is no Santa..... 

[pastorp]

Your right dougK,

In todays dollars my T&S would cost $15,000 to have built....But of course it's used and in the present economy the market for guns in that price range is soft....If I was not trying to position myself to retire I would buy more too. 

Actually the gun that I really covet, and am constantly looking for is a nice condition Parker double in 16 or 20ga. When I find the right one, life will be complete..

Byron

[pastorp]

Oh by the way...I still believe in Santa too.    

Regards,

[Drilling Man]

  There's some funny stuff going on in here!  lol
 
  DM

[Dalgo]

How about the tooth fairy?

[dougk]

OK Dalgo,

your pushing it....

next your going to say the Easter Bunny does not exist.....

[Dalgo]

Hey, my grandkids are firm believers in the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny!

[Dalgo]

As for me......  well, I'm thinkin on it.

[dougk]

As for me......  well, I'm thinkin on it.

Have you come to a comclusion?