Handgun Scopes

Lefty26 · 01-16-2005, 01:39 PM

I just purchased a S&W 629 classic in .44 mag. I want to put a scope on it for hunting but I was unsure of which scope would be best. Anyone have any suggestions for a good scope for this gun?

Ruger-Redhawk · 01-16-2005, 02:33 PM

I would stay with one around the 2x.I bought a Leupold M-8 2x20mm EER.It was 220.00 everywhere I checked. Mine is the matte silver.The gloss is right at 200.00. I wanted a matte black. Apparently Leupold doesn't offer it in that model.I was going to get the 4x. I was advised by many get the lower power scope.I'm sure some of the other scope makers handgun scopes are good.I primarily use Leupold's.You bought a nice gun.Buy a good quality scope.You'll be glad you did.

Ruger Redhawk

johnch · 01-16-2005, 06:02 PM

I have used and like Burrs 2x (I have it on a Ruger redhawlk 44mag) and a Bushnell 2x32 ( I have it on my Ruger Super Redhawlk 454)
I use a Millit 30mm red dot most of the time on both (extra Ruger rings let me have both sighted in and change with no loss of zero)

Nunk · 01-16-2005, 06:06 PM

Have a Nikon Monarch 2X20 scope on my Taurus 970 .22LR
Have an Ultra Dot on my Ruger Super Redhawk

Love both of them!!

SCbowhntr · 01-16-2005, 08:19 PM

lefty,
I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 2-6X32 on my 629PP and I can't say enough about it. For the money, it is the best handgun scope I have. The clarity and light transmission are impressive...I would say this scope is on par with my Burris but about $70-80 cheaper. Just my 2 cents.

T/C fan! · 01-17-2005, 03:04 PM

I'd go with a 2X or a variable with the the lowest setting being 1.5 or 2X. Off-handed, anything over 2X is very hard to hold steady. But if you have a good rest, a variable can come in handy for those longer shots. Nikon, Leupold and Burris all make a quality handgun scope. If you're thinking of using a red dot, take a look at the Leupold Gilmore. It'll cost you a little more, but its head and shoulders above some of the cheaper red dots.

Ifly · 01-17-2005, 04:23 PM

I like Burris handgun scopes..got a Burris 2-1/2x7 on my 629 .44mag. and 7-30Waters 14" Contender.

Lefty26 · 01-19-2005, 06:57 AM

Would a red dot be better than a traditional scope? I have shot hand guns with scopes before and had trouble finding the target in the scope. It seems like it would be easier to aquire the target with a red dot, are there any drawbacks to the red dots.

rick_reno · 01-19-2005, 08:18 AM

I use Leupold 2x on handguns. The only concern I'd have with a red dot on a pistol you're describing is there is more to go wrong. I have them on my 22's and they work great.

graveyard zombie · 01-19-2005, 11:26 AM

I have to agree with T/C fan, anything over 2x is hard to hold steady at least for me. I hunt deer with a contender in 44 & 357 caliber and I replaced my 1.5x on my 44 mag with a red dot scope and I love it. I then decided to put one on my 357 barrel as well. I've taken one deer with the 44 and two with the 357 mag and think they work as well as the 1.5x if not better for my hunting purposes. But if you go red dot, do at least invest in one of considerable quality. My brother-in-law went the cheap route ($16.99 from Homier made in China) and it cost him the biggest buck he has seen in his 30 years of hunting. I think with scopes and their optics that you do in fact get what you pay for.

Good luck which ever way you decide to go.