Still Using 4x32?

[Mackensen]

I was out with an acquaintance the other evening and got no end of earache from him over the Zeiss Diatal-C 4x32 "museum piece" as he called it on my elderly .308. I love it for woodland roe and fallow because it is light, low over the bore, crystal clear, bombproof (never had to adjust it in years), has a wide field of view and I can see the target all the way through the shot and follow-through. I also like to stalk in close and have never taken a beast more than about 130 yds away, so it does me fine. Then I thought about it and realised that its a good while since I saw another one on a stalking rifle. So, am I the only one left? My Dad and his pals used nothing else 40 years ago - in the woods and on the hill!

Anyone else still using one or is it really me who is the "museum piece"? (I'm not anti big scopes - I've got a Pecar Champ 6x45 on my HMR!!!)

 

[cjm1066]

Started with a 4x, then using more magnification was frowned on.


I now use 6x or more to match the binoculars.


But the eyes have aged since I started, my advice would be 6x or more.


But the important thing is what works for you, a combination that works is priceless, if it isn’t fashionable today it likely will be tomorrow.

 

[roe man]

Hi there Mackensen, no your not the only one left, I have a swarovski Habich Nova 4 x 32 light, its acurate great stability and high precision quick to take off with the Apel mounts, I want to sell it if you know anyone who is interested or I would swap for Swaroski binoculars. Don't think they are that old.

 

[Mackensen]

cjm - I know what you mean - my eyes are fine (I'm 61) my arms just aren't quite long enough to read the paper! I love my 6x Pecar on the .17 too, for rabbits etc, but the old Zeiss is staying on the old .308 for the time being ...

Roe Man - you've made my day although the chap I was with me told me "I couldn't give a 4x32 away to a serious stalker these days". But I'm sure there will be a wise buyer out there for your Swaro Habicht, though!

 

[Brithunter]

Well I also have some similar scopes like a Khales 4L2, Pecar 4x36 and a rail mount Zeiss 4x32....

 

[dodgyrog]

I have a couple of rail mounted Zeiss scopes in 4 power with No 1 reticule - hard to fault them for woodland stalking.

 

[Border]

I have a S&B 4x36 on my 22LR, it used to be on my 308Win. Light, clear bombproof optics, point and shoot. I have a 4x on the 22LR, a 7x on the 308, a 2,5-10 on the 6.5x55 and a 3-12 on the 222.
Atb Toby

 

[Moonraker68]

Interesting thread. I'm in the process of swapping rifles. I'm buying a s/h varberger 6.5x55, which comes with apel mounts and a lisenfield 1.5-6x42 scope. I was concerned that the mounts won't be high enough for my S&B 8x56, but I might now leave the lisenfield in place; the body is a bit tatty, but the optics are very clear.

 

[Brithunter]

Interesting thread. I'm in the process of swapping rifles. I'm buying a s/h varberger 6.5x55, which comes with apel mounts and a lisenfield 1.5-6x42 scope. I was concerned that the mounts won't be high enough for my S&B 8x56, but I might now leave the lisenfield in place; the body is a bit tatty, but the optics are very clear.

Actually the Lisenfeld are good scopes. Have used a 3-9x42 for years and in 2009 acquired a 6x42 and last year another 3-9x42 that has never gotten fitted and due to the "troubles" I might have to sell this one to help with costs Just be aware that Lisenfeld came with 1" and 26mm tubes. The one I have sitting in the cabinet is a 1" tube the two on rifles have 26mm tubes.

My Zeiss I have never fitted as yet but it was destined to go on the Mannlicher Shoenauer. The scope needs a service as the elevation turret is seized ...................................... Ahhhhh well I USED to have a 4x32 Zeiss in it's leather AKAH case but it appears that Mr plod liked the look of it and it's gone along with the 3-7x35 Pecar as I said I have never had it fitted to a rifle but it's gone. They left other scopes like the Lisenfeld, the Khales 4L2, Zeiss Jena ZF6/SC and Tasco Titan 3-9x42 .

 

[HOWDAH]

Scopes !

Just a quick question, anybody still shoot with open sights these days.

 

[Moonraker68]

Brithunter, I've been told that the Apel's are 30mm; if not, then I guess I'll be selling my S&B anyway! I looked into the cost of switching rings on Apel mounts a few years ago, and it was more cost effective to buy another scope.

 

[Brithunter]

Just a quick question, anybody still shoot with open sights these days.

I try to and in fact have several rifles equipped with sporting aperture sights:-

and was trying to get better with them but needed more practice . Witht hat in mind I have a couple of .22's fitted witht hem:-

I have a P-H 17 to fit this Supersport five as well although it's not fitted in the photo as thatw as taken not long after acquiring the BSA. The sight came along later. BSA drilled and tapped their actions to accept such sights as it was considered quite normal to use such sights back then.

However on taking let days/outings and mentioning that you will be using iron sights the reaction is not good from most stalkers/keepers.

 

[Brithunter]

Brithunter, I've been told that the Apel's are 30mm; if not, then I guess I'll be selling my S&B anyway! I looked into the cost of switching rings on Apel mounts a few years ago, and it was more cost effective to buy another scope.

Check your PM's....... might be of some use.

 

[Moonraker68]

Brit, no pm's received yet. I've empied my inbox jusyt in case it was full.

 

[HOWDAH]

I try to and in fact have several rifles equipped with sporting aperture sights:-

and was trying to get better with them but needed more practice . Witht hat in mind I have a couple of .22's fitted witht hem:-

I have a P-H 17 to fit this Supersport five as well although it's not fitted in the photo as thatw as taken not long after acquiring the BSA. The sight came along later. BSA drilled and tapped their actions to accept such sights as it was considered quite normal to use such sights back then.

However on taking let days/outings and mentioning that you will be using iron sights the reaction is not good from most stalkers/keepers.

Would be fine with me, i would actually encourage the skill, you will still have to pass the 3 shots in a 4" target at 100 meters tho........

But thats not a problem with decent apature sights.

 

[Brithunter]

Brit, no pm's received yet. I've empied my inbox jusyt in case it was full.

Ok have re-sent it.............. Hope it helps.

 

[Brithunter]

Would be fine with me, i would actually encourage the skill, you will still have to pass the 3 shots in a 4" target at 100 meters tho........

But thats not a problem with decent apature sights.

Actually I have the correct Parker-Hale 6E aperture for the BSA but it's fitted to another of them. The Redfield's have better adjustments being 1/4 min clicks and I picked that one up new in the box. Also have a couple of Lyman apertures too.

 

[Selous]

Just a quick question, anybody still shoot with open sights these days.

Yes on my shotgun!!

 

[Conor1]

I have a Hensoldt 4x30 on an old Mauser. Still crystal clear

 

[bogtrotter]

I try to and in fact have several rifles equipped with sporting aperture sights:-

and was trying to get better with them but needed more practice . Witht hat in mind I have a couple of .22's fitted witht hem:-

I have a P-H 17 to fit this Supersport five as well although it's not fitted in the photo as thatw as taken not long after acquiring the BSA. The sight came along later. BSA drilled and tapped their actions to accept such sights as it was considered quite normal to use such sights back then.

However on taking let days/outings and mentioning that you will be using iron sights the reaction is not good from most stalkers/keepers.

I have had a few clients use iron sights, not that many in recent years I must admit, preocedure exactly the same as for someone with a scope, you go to the target if you can put the bullet in the kill zone you go stalking if you can't you don't .