Scope turrets and scabbards.

[Buckshot85]

Elk hunt next fall is on horseback and the outfitter has scabbards.
Scope is a NF NXS on my .300WSM.
I have never done a hunt like this and have no idea how hard scabbards are on equipment. The outfitter only wants his clients to bring 3x9 scopes with low capped turrets. He doesn’t believe in shots passed 400 or dialing scopes. I get that, but I don’t own a scope like that. Both big hame rifles I have use exposed moa turrets. The other is a VX3i with zero lock on my Barret 30/06. Obviously the Leupold has lower turrets but was wanting to use my .300WSM but not at the cost of beating up the scope.
I could double cover the scope but not sure on the scabbard height either.
Any input would be great.

 

[PNWGATOR]

If your rifle/scope combo fits into the scabbard your scope will be fine. Chances are it might not. My rifles with a 3-9 SWFA or 6x SWFA will not fit in any of the three traditional leather rifle scabbards I own and they’re all different. Both rifles fit into the standard Trailmax Guardian scabbard and with a TON of room in the Trailmax Long Range Rifle Scabbard. Easiest thing to do may be to purchase one of the Trailmax scabbards and bring it with you.

 

[Bater]

I pack my rifle in my Kifaru gun bearer wether hiking, riding motorcycle or on horseback. Makes for quicker access if game is spotted while riding too. Seems this would solve your problem

 

[PNWGATOR]

Zero chance I would wear my backpack with my rifle in my Kifaru gun bearer while horseback.

 

[Bater]

To each his own

 

[PNWGATOR]

Agree. To me the risk vs reward is just not worth it. If it works for you, go for it.

Didn’t mean for my reply above to come across disrespectful, but see how it could be taken that way. Apologize.

 

[Tmac]

Scabbards and exposed dials can be an issue. You pull it out in a hurry, forget to check to see if the dial has been spin, and a miss ensues. I think this is a great excuse to buy a new scope, or one with dial locks. Sounds like the outfitter is going to limit you to a 400 max anyways.

 

[Buckshot85]

Both scopes have zero locks.
On elevation anyway. Could tape the NF windage.

 

[Deplorable77]

Put a gun sock over it before going into the scabbard of you're concerned about cosmetic blemishes.

 

[Buckshot85]

Put a gun sock over it before going into the scabbard of you're concerned about cosmetic blemishes.

It’s not the cosmetics I’m worried about.
it’s fitting into the scabbard without wedging it in and damaging the scope.

 

[Deplorable77]

Scope won't get damaged in a scabbard unless the horse falls and lands on it. I put electric tape over my exposed windage & illumination knob on my SHV to prevent dialing in the scabbard. Never had an issue, but I'm also using my own scabbards....ymmv...

 

[SkinnyPete]

Sounds like you and the outfitter need to talk.
If I am paying for a hunt, I want things ironed out before I even put down money.... It's a red flag, especially if a outfitter is telling me what equipment I am supposed to bring, instead of asking what I am most comfortable with.
IF you are OK with being told what to bring, I'm assuming a new scope is a small investment compared to a guided elk hunt.

 

[Buckshot85]

Sounds like you and the outfitter need to talk.
If I am paying for a hunt, I want things ironed out before I even put down money.... It's a red flag, especially if a outfitter is telling me what equipment I am supposed to bring, instead of asking what I am most comfortable with.
IF you are OK with being told what to bring, I'm assuming a new scope is a small investment compared to a guided elk hunt.

He knows all ready about the scabbard fitting my rifles. We talk quite abit. He has made it clear what he has and that he’s not going buy a different scabbard for my rifle. He knows what typically fits his rig and that is part of the low profile scope recommendations.
I, myself, never have used a scabbard and am not sure what expect.
I like the Trailmax after having looked at it. Guess I’ll give him a holler and discuss bringing my own.

 

[Outdoorsman12b]

If you don’t want to take your barret which I think is the easy button why not just swap scopes to your 300 wsm. Seems you have plenty of time to get that ironed out.

 

[tntrker]

If you both talk quite a bit and he has explained what he has and not willing to accommodate you, you have 3 options:
1) Buy your own Scabbard, which would be my choice. If you use a bi-pod, a lot of normal scabbards do not accommodate them as well, so you could get one that does both..
2) buy a scope that fits his accommodations
3) Change outfitters

 

[fattyboy70]

Not meaning to hijack the thread but we make custom scabbards for said applications ( tripod or not, silencer or not, turrets, etc). Been proven hundred of miles and some normal and extreme horse wrecks. PM me for more details

 

[Sako300]

Trail max scabbard, electric tape on turrets( easy to remove) and neopreme cover on your scope. Done many horse back elk hunts in wilderness with this system and larger scopes. No issues!

 

[Timnterra]

If it was me I’d buy my own scabbard and take the rifle and scope I want to take. If he isn’t okay with me bringing my own scabbard I’d find another outfitter. If he does a good job leave the scabbard with him as a tip then he won’t have to be a pain to other clients later.

 

[Bater]

DIY would fix this “problem” quickly...

 

[alecvg]

This is the #1 reason I don’t like turrets. I saw numerous hunters screw up shots because of turrets in scabbards when I guided. I’ve seen turrets screw more hunts up than help fill a tag across the board.