By Mike Schoby
There are times when you want to zoom in on an animal 300 yards away with a magnified optic, see every hair, find the perfect spot and squeeze off a measured, precise shot. There are other times, say when a Cape buffalo is boring down on you, closing the distance from 10 yards to ass-stomping range, that an accurate, but instant shot is required. One single optic isn’t ideal for either scenario. Obviously, a non-magnified red dot, which is perfect for stopping a charge animal or hitting running game, is not ideal for long-range work. Conversely, a magnified optic, even a low-power variable optic, isn’t as quick or as instinctual for the close in work.
So what to do?
I was pondering this while setting up my Sauer rifle for a Zambia safari. I wanted a mid-range magnified optic, as some of the hunting would require precise shots. We were possibly doing some hippo and croc hunting, and brain shooting either species requires one to essentially hit a golf ball-sized target from 50 to 100 yards.
But we would also be hunting buffalo and possibly elephants. Both of which can turn into a charging situation where a fast-moving, close shot is required. For this scenario, I would prefer a red dot over either a low-powered variable scope or iron sights alone.
Reptilia’s Dual-Optic Setup Solution
I decided to piggyback an Aimpoint ACRO on top of a Minox 1.5-8x riflescope, creating the perfect multi-species Africa setup. I have done this before and used a separate ring with a pic rail on top, but there were some downsides. The ring I used was not very well built, and one the screws stripped out of the cheap, soft aluminum. Also, by adding a pic section then a pic mount to the ACRO, you are raising the sight above the scope nearly half an inch.
A little research found the ideal solution that solved all problems. The Reptilia ROF-90. Reptilia makes a whole suite of super-high-quality mounting solutions and accessories. All made in the USA and to demanding specs. The ROF can be utilized in a couple of ways. If the primary scope is mounted with Reptilia’s high-quality AUS or Geissele Super Precision mounts, simply remove the top ring and replace it with the ROF-90 ACRO cut base.
It should be noted; Reptilia not only offers the ROF cut for the Aimpoint ACRO and Micro sights but also for Trijicon RMR/SRO, Steiner MPS and Leupold Delta Point Pro. However, if you are not using the AUS or Super Precision base mount you will need to add a lower ring to the ROF. Luckily, I had enough extra tube length on the Minox to mount the ROF with a separate ring, as the Sauer uses proprietary quick-detach rings.
The Safari Setup
The ROF-90 is designed to mount a sight at 90 degrees, or in the 12 o’clock position. It is also offered in a 45-degree version. On light-kicking carbines this can work fine, however on harder-kicking, dangerous game rifles, I don’t like rolling the rifle and canting it out of my shoulder pocket, so I prefer the 90-degree version.
Available hard anodized in black or Flat Dark Earth, offered in 30mm or 34mm variants.
Price: $115
Pros: Super high-quality, and made in the USA, the ROF-90 comprises a solid mounting solution for dual-optic setups.
Cons: If you can’t use the ROF in conjunction with the AUS mount you may not have enough tube length to use with an additional ring.
