Optics questions

[bee-kay]

I have owned a few big bore revolvers and a TC contender as well, but I've never tried a scoped handgun.
I bought a .41 mag hunter model and with the integral scope rail and included mounting rings, it's just begging to be fitted with glass optics. But I don't have any idea where to start.
I see scopes from $75 - $1000+
What scopes in the $200 - $300 range are good for hunting and target fun?
I'm sure that a buyer gets what he pays for, as with all else.
I just picked that price range at random because it seems reasonably affordable.
Thanks in advance for any help

 

[pisgah]

My hunting handgun is a Bisley .45 Colt. I see this revolver as a very good 100-yard-or-less deer gun The sight I have on it is a Tasco ProPoint 1X26 red dot. Believe it or not, in spite of it having a 5 MOA dot that covers up a lot of target at 100 yards, I have shot coyotes at ranges close to that and the size of the dot seems to be no handicap. They're inexpensive, under $100, but mine has been in use for several years now, with 300-400 hundred heavy loads fired, and continues to perform perfectly.

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
For a scope,,, Leupold. Get a 2x or a 4x.
For a red dot,,, UltraDot,, Burris FastFire, or C-More.

I own MANY scoped T/C bbls,,, and several revolvers that are scoped as well.

 

[bee-kay]

Thank you very much for the suggestions
That's quite helpful

 

[Aqualung]

I have a scope on my Super Blackhawk. Its a Weaver 2.5x-8x variable.

My advice to give is to spend the extra money that a variable costs on a better-quality fixed-power in the 2x or 4x range. Getting higher up in power makes it difficult to shoot unless it's *securely* rested.

In the field, my scope stays at 3x or 4x.

Good luck.

Aqualung

 

[CraigC]

IMHO, the big variables are a waste, unnecessary weight, bulk and cost. A fixed 2x is plenty for a revolver and for that, I can only recommend Leupold or Burris. An UltraDot 30 is also a good option.

 

[daveg.inkc]

Burris makes one that has an anchor screw on adjusting. I like the 2x6 variable. Depends how far you shoot. I have my steel plates 200 yrds. Plus fast focus is nice.

 

[Domino300]

Be advised the scope will need Extended eye relief. I like a straight 2 X power.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

A fixed 2x handgun scope in your price range. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/170895/weaver-classic-pistol-scope-2x-28mm-dual-x-reticle-silver
or a quality reddot like an Ultradot. The 30mm is probably better, but then you would need different rings. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/845047/ultradot-red-dot-sight-1x-4-moa-dot-with-weaver-style-rings-silver

 

[waterboy452]

From my experience, I'd highly recommend a fixed 2 power Leupold. I had a Burris variable also, but prefer the fixed 2x on a scoped revolver. An Encore or Contender pistol would be more appropriate for a higher magnification scope, in my opinion.

 

[bee-kay]

Thanks for all the terrific information
I've been noticing a few Leopold M8- 2X scopes - Used for $150 or so. One of those may be a good choice

 

[Rumrunner]

I have a Nikon 2x on my Encore 44 and a Bushnell 2x6 on my Encore 223. Both very nice scopes. Weaver handgun scopes are also good scopes.

 

[wwb]

If you are not shooting off sandbags or a similar solid rest, 2X is as high as you want to go. For hunting, a red dot is the best way to go.

 

[jsh]

Handgun scopes are not for everyone.
For the most part you get what you pay for, and that is coatings for light gathering capabilities. An over cast or cloudy day or better yet that final few minutes of legal shooting time on an dark day will teach one a lot.
Some will say X brand, others Y and then Z is the best. Arm length is a fair bit of it. Ones eyes are another.
Most 2x are actually anywhere from 1-1.75 X, IMHO nothing more than a crosshair for reference.
A 4X has some magnification, which will magnify any and all movement,wether it is you, your rest or both. This will come along with another issue, finding the magic spot and not the black blob. Or worse yet sight-nothing-sight-nothing.
This is where a variable can come in handy IMO. Work up to what you can handle. Most folks will settle in and be happy at 4-5 X.
I won't name brands as that causes a rucus. But a 2-6 is a way more useful than the 3-9,2.5-8 and the 3-12.
Red dots have come a long way in the past few years. Be aware of what or sizes of dots you choose. What looks to be a small dot on paper will cover up a whole bunch of a deer.
I will throw this in as they are proven on heavy recoiling guns across the board, ultra dot. I have about a half dozen now. One I got from a gent that looks just terrible from ring marks, but was on several TC's and big bore revolvers. It is still going strong but I don't use it for hunting as I don't want it to fail at the wrong moment.
The other dot I have been using is the Bushnell TRS25. Have had one mounted on a 6" GP since they came out. Makes a handy rig.
FYI my 41 Bisley Hunter sports a 4x.
Jeff

 

[daveg.inkc]

A scope allows me to hit smaller targets at a longer distance. I was shooting my Single Six Hunter at fist size rocks painted white. 100 yrds. I could put a 2 inch group on them. But the small 30 gr bullet wouldn't knock them off. Least I had a gray spatter to compare

 

[jsh]

If you're single six will do that you better never sell it. You will have a hard time finding an FA that would better that.

Dave, you need to go North a few minutes and come and see what it will do on some steel targets. K32 to Stillwell road and your there.
Jeff

 

[daveg.inkc]

I set up rocks, these Hornady, 30? gr was smacking the rock, not knocking it down. I thought I was missing. I'd shoot a Shoot N C to check. Then walked to rock to find splatters. 2 inches apart. I put a rear peep 7/32",gold bead from Redhawk on my 6" SS Security Six. It needs sighted in. Last time with V notch rear, I was ringing my 100 gong. It didn't swing like Super BH made it move. I'd like to drive to shoot there. Let's GO!

 

[Prescut]

I have been on an intensive search for a couple of months. If you don't understand eye relief; STOP, until you do.

My issue is that I shoot extended arm with some heavy recoil revolvers.

When you use high magnification on a variable, EER drops from 18-20" down to 3 and 4"
That puts your face right behind the scope on a high powered gun. No extended arms!

My measured extended eye relief needed is 22" with extended arms.

I have found the Bushnell 3500 2-6 x 30 to have the best specs for EER on magnification.
The Leupold 2-7 is awesome, but they think 18" is max and you go down quickly from there.
I called them both on this issue and was met with agreement. Yuk!

This issue is why so many recommend fixed 4X. The magnification listed in the advertising is close to a scam in my opinion. It's not usable.

 

[bee-kay]

This is great info. This will get me started shopping at least.
A friend once told me that the main thing a scope is good for is that it makes you see how much your hand is moving around.
I really did best with a white dot and a v notch, but now my eyes don't focus as well as before.
With this Hunter model though, it lets me find out whether I like scopes, with minimum expense and hassle, so it seems like a good time to learn more.
I've never even checked Hickock45 to see if he has any scope stuff on there... I'm sure if he has a video it will be a good one.

 

[bee-kay]

I couldn't find any Hickock 45 scope videos, but I Just watched him hit a 230 yd gong 3 times of 6 standing with a 8-3/8" S/W .44mag.

 

[howl]

I would get either a red dot or a red dot. Or maybe a red dot. Burris FastFire III is a good one.

 

[steelshooterco]

Get the Leupold VX-3 Handgun 2.5-8x32mm, especially if you want to shot to 100 yds +

It will give you the option to start out at low magnification and as you get more familiar with it, allow you to add the power you will need for long range target or hunting.

I needed more magnification beyond what this would deliver and bought a Burris pistol scope with higher magnification, but it is not nearly as good as the Leupold, that is mounted on a 200 yd+ pistol. Will likley replace it with a Leupold rifle scope.