Poll: Red Dot vs Scope for Handgun Hunting

[GR8_Outdoorsman]

I'm curious what the consensus among others is out there regarding the use of a red dot site vs traditional handgun scopes.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I have both but prefer the Red Dot.

 

[Nowata]

short range weapon(revolver)-short range sighting system(red dot). My Bisley Hunter wears a 1.5moa red dot

 

[woodperson]

All I have is the Red Dot. I like it fine. For me a scope would be harder to shoot because it magnifies the wobbles and causes more pressure.

 

[750k2]

I've used both and prefer red dot.
Even a 2x scope seems to much for hunting to me.
Plus the dot is much faster.

 

[Paul D Heppner]

Dot, green would be better. The red fades out too easily, especially on snow, and the polarizers are a pain.

 

[Snake45]

Out to 50 yards or a bit more, a dot.

If I had a "handgun" capable of reaching out to 150 or more, definitely a scope.

Frankly, on real handguns, I just prefer iron sights, preferably the old S&W Red Ramp/White Outline sight picture. :wink:

 

[shooters49]

I use Red Dots

 

[SweetWilliam]

I voted for scope. I had a Redhawk with a Burris scope on it & that combo worked good. To bad I needed some cash at the time. Wish I still had it.
My question is for everyone with the red dots, have you had any problems with them breaking or not holding zero from the heavy recoil?

 

[tookalisten]

I have a scope on my sbh hunter; but if doing it again, I would probably go red dot.
Just cannot see in that scope in low light conditions.

 

[SteelShooter]

Reflex Lens for reactive hunting, scope on single shot long range pistols in various calibers with custom barrels (1MOA or better accuracy), need the higher power scope.

 

[22/45 Fan]

For long range and for deliberate shooting as in varmint hunting, a scope is superior. For shorter range and/or the need to shoot quickly, a red dot is much better. The red dot has non-critical eye relief and aligns immediately.

 

[Pal Val]

Tried both. I ended up going back to the scope. I realized that the light-gathering characteristic of the scope helps in getting a good aim in low light situations. The dot is easier to see, but harder to aim when all you see in the lens is gray shadows.
Just my personal preference.

 

[Ferdinand]

If I plan to be without the benefit of a rest, I'd go with a dot. Rested, I'd take a scope. 2X Leupold is pretty fast to get on target. 4X and up allows more precision if time permits.

 

[barber]

I like the Red Dot, and have NO problems in low light. I use the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 , which replaced my Bushnell Holosight.

 

[Fletchman]

I use a burris 2x handgun scope on my Ruger Redhawk 7 1/2 inch. Mostly for deer hunting but for close range elk would be a great gun as well. I went with a scope as the Burris was on sale and deer season was upon me. I had no experience with reflex sights and didnt have time to research and shop for one.
The scope is great for deer but I do want to get a Reflex for pig hunting. I want a Trijicon RMR when I save up enough "rathole money". They are expensive but have heard nothing but great things about them. I have a wiegand "wiegetany" rail for mounting. It's a no drill system that uses the front and rear sight for securing.

 

[bearskinner]

scopes are by far better, especially from 40 yards out. open sights under 40 yards. you can lay prone and easily pick off an animal at 100 yards with a 4x or variable scope on a revolver with medium power. on a single shot with practice out to 250 yards plus with a quality scope.