I have a 4X Bauch and Lomb on my 7.5 SRH. It is amazingly accurate from a vise. Very good over a rest, and pretty darn good free hand.
(The more the gun depends on me, the worse it gets!).
I have it set 2" high at 50yds from a vise.
My best real world shot group at 100yds, was 3 shots into 3". That was two hand hold, sitting position, elbows on my knees. (Like In my stand). Thats as good as my rifles in such a hunting position.
I have taken many deer out to right at 100yds with it easily.
Admittedly, they were standing still. Im not good enought to sling lead
that far trying to lead an animal, and adjust for drop!
The weight, and position of the scope make it one super steady, gun, with low recoil.
I have owned 3 other 44 hunting guns.
A 8" Dan Wesson 44, with a barrel mounted scope.
It was very nose heavy, awkward and balanced like a holding a out a 5lb hammer by the handle. I hated it.
I also owned a super 14 Contender 44.
Again, it was ill balanced. The muzzle just seemed to wag alot.
I sold a 8 3/8" 629 for the same reason. Just seemed to wag back and forth. Came up like a machete, not a hunting gun.
Bottom line, when I first shot the SRH, I was in love.
Its ugly as homemade sin, but it grows on you.
The mass is OVER my hand, not out front. Balances perfectly.
Undo the knobs, and you can take off the scope without screwing up
its placement. At least it hasn't on mine yet.
I was so impressed, I bought a 480 SRH as well.
I prefer the matte grey finish for meat gathering.
My one complaint bout the 44 SRH, is that finish CAN
reflect alot if you arent careful.
I definatley have to have a scope outside of about 40yds. I don't see how any further, you can see the vitals good enough, 'cause the sight covers up so much. Not to mention sorting out the image through low light.
I just dont have the peepers for it I guess.