hey redhawk, the only thing i can tell you about the 4x versus the 2x, is that i have an encore pistol, 7mm-08 with the 4x, target aquisition(sp?) is strange, this is my first scoped pistol, and the salesman tried to persuede my to the 2x, i dont know if this is why but it has taken some getting used to, its like everthing you see in the scope moves around funny when you can see the same things around the outside of the scope. i don't know if that makes sense or not but thats how it seems to me with the long eye relief[&:]

Eithere of the scopes you mentioned should serve you well. I sold many Burris scopes when I was a dealer and they are famous for thier handgun or LER scopes. The 2X will give you more field of view and less of the moving around mentioned above. I always recommended the straight 2X to my customers but after you get used to useing them the variables are not to bad. I always prefered Fixed power scopes over variables because when they first came out which I am sad to say I remember, the variables were not very dependable and changed point of impact as you went from one power setting to the next. Thats not true anymore but I still like the fixed power scopes best. Good Hunting.

It was explained to me that you have a better field of view with the 2x.Plus the higher powers show allot more movement.It would be one thing if you had a steady rest for all your shots. I really can't see a variable scope for a handgun. The fixed in my opinion is better.On my SRH 454 Casull I have a OLD Redfield 2.5x power handgun scope. It's all I need.

Ruger Redhawk