Just had a 20" built with a PROOF barrel and we went 1-10". Seems to really like 190's and there were also some 208's that it digested well.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
Have had NF for years and just put up a Vortex. The Vortex glass is nice, was able to get good repeatability out of it on a box test. I'd say the big issue is if you think the added 5x will really be needed? Either way, good choices.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
Jetboil is a pretty solid system. Agree on the piezo, I think most of them fail in cold weather, it seems a fair bit of the other manufacturers do as well.
Good luck.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
The inside of your bolt carrier, where the bolt lives, is chrome lined and your brush will likely not harm the interior. If you are using good cleaning solutions and need to get it all cleaned out you should be fine.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
Figure out where you are going to be using and how you will be using a spotting scope most often, then drive the decision from there. If possible try and get behind both in the field.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
All good choices. If you go with one of the above platforms you can purchase extra 200PL Quick Release Plates, which you can add to a spotting scope or anything else to make for an easy switch.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
It is pretty amazing and the prices are, as Jason points out, very attractive to hunt in Africa. We used miles and cash to purchase airfare and once you are at your outfittters you are pretty much set. Good luck on the quest.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
The 2.5 to 10 is a good choice and will give you plenty of power in an optic. I run a similar length rifle barrel on one of my weapons and have the NF 2.5-10x32 and it is plent out to 600.
Hope this helps.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
Good info given by Hairball, check the weight rating prior to buying. Remember it is just not the weight of your rifle, but the mount and the HOG/PIG saddle too.
Be safe,
FourNineThree
With a locker full of GAPs, and now one Spartan Precision Rifles build, I'd lean towards GAP. That said, I only have experience with GAP and not Beanland. Good luck on the purchase, whichever way you go.
Be safe,
FourNineThree