Author Topic: Scope selection for .44 mag.  (Read 783 times)

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Offline luke6417

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Scope selection for .44 mag.
« on: November 18, 2009, 02:36:37 AM »
I bought a .44 mag barrel yesterday from Jeffery8mm (seems like a nice guy by the way).  I am considering either a low fixed power or even a red dot.  I plan on using this for shots in the 30 to 40 yd range with a maximum of 100 yds.  Any suggestions?

Offline BrianB

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2009, 03:35:57 AM »
I have been really happy with the 2 Nikon 4X40's that I have for shorter range guns, like your .44.  Both are pre-Monarch, meaning they are Monarch quality, and have excellent clarity and light transmission. I have seen them on Ebay (used) for about $125.

Right now, I'm seriously eying a new Nikon 1X4 African (I think that's the name). One of the models is in the $270 range. They are small, nitrogen filled, about 95% light transmission and I want one REALLY bad.

Lifetime Guarantee.  They aren't kidding. A scope I bought for my dad about 18 years ago developed a windage adjustment issue.  I called Nikon a few months ago and they said send it, no paperwork or receipt needed. It came back in about three weeks with new seals, refilled with nitrogen, windage fixed and elements cleaned...no charge whatsoever.

I have been disappointed with every scope I have purchased that was cheaper.  The only other glass I have been happy with is Leupold, but they have just priced themselves too high for what you get, in my wallet's opinion.

Offline Default

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2009, 03:44:03 AM »
I traded for a Ruger target grey a while back that came with a compact Bushenll banner 3-9x40 and its on my 44 now and hasnt had any problems , well other then this weekend when the scope base loosened up a bit but that wasnt the scopes fault .. Point is after its was bounced loose from many miles of rough riding in the gun boot of the four wheeler in the mountains, with the base retightened, the bushnell was back up and running just fine...

I have been really happy with the 2 Nikon 4X40's that I have for shorter range guns, like your .44.  Both are pre-Monarch, meaning they are Monarch quality, and have excellent clarity and light transmission. I have seen them on Ebay (used) for about $125.

Right now, I'm seriously eying a new Nikon 1X4 African (I think that's the name). One of the models is in the $270 range. They are small, nitrogen filled, about 95% light transmission and I want one REALLY bad.

Lifetime Guarantee.  They aren't kidding. A scope I bought for my dad about 18 years ago developed a windage adjustment issue.  I called Nikon a few months ago and they said send it, no paperwork or receipt needed. It came back in about three weeks with new seals, refilled with nitrogen, windage fixed and elements cleaned...no charge whatsoever.

I have been disappointed with every scope I have purchased that was cheaper.  The only other glass I have been happy with is Leupold, but they have just priced themselves too high for what you get, in my wallet's opinion.
   Though if the Bushnell hadnt have just been laying around i would have probably placed my loved 4X nikon on it. So I'm with Brian in his line of thinking and Nikons have always done right by me and my shooting... Nice to hear good things about their customer service too ;)


       Default
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States when men were free." ~Ronald Reagan

THE QUICKEST WAY TO ENSLAVE A PEOPLE IS TO DISARM THEM ~ George Mason

Offline canon6

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2009, 03:45:16 AM »
I ,plus several others on this forum, have had great luck with the Simmons 2.5 x20 shotgun scope for the type of application you envision.It allows you to mount it flush with the end of the barrel.Becuase of this you can mount it lower, with no hammer extension. Below is my 30-30 with the scope attached.  hth   Doug
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Offline Default

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2009, 03:49:27 AM »
Doug,

  That little simmons must have some serious eye relief  ;D

  Kinda like that.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States when men were free." ~Ronald Reagan

THE QUICKEST WAY TO ENSLAVE A PEOPLE IS TO DISARM THEM ~ George Mason

Offline canon6

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #5 on: November 18, 2009, 03:54:12 AM »
Default, according to Simmons it is 5.5 inches.  I have the same scope on three different weapons .You might think I actually like them  ::)         Doug
a armed man is his own master

Offline wreckhog

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #6 on: November 18, 2009, 05:37:40 AM »
The Simmons 2.5 x 20 shotgun scope is a decent $20 scope, and maybe even a decent $50 scope. Very compact. A bit finicky on eye relief (it demands a certain amount and don't wiggle your head too much) and not all that bright. I like it for paper, but prefer a better scope for the field.

Probably be fantastic on a kid's gun.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #7 on: November 18, 2009, 05:46:11 AM »
If you can find one, CDNN was out of stock last I checked, now they don't list it at all.  :-\

Tim
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Offline spikehorn

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #8 on: November 18, 2009, 09:36:59 AM »
Tru Glo 2X red dot
308 win                 45-70                       12ga         
30-30                    223 stainless steel   20ga TDC
44 mag                  Tracker II 20ga        20ga
45-70 Manlicher     20ga USH                28ga
                                                              410ga

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #9 on: November 18, 2009, 10:54:06 AM »
Any of the 2.5 power scopes work great for close, fast snap shots.  1.5 is even better, I have 5 of the Simmons and 6 Weaver 2.5's and a Redfield 2.75 power.  Some of my variables start with 1.5 and I have an old Weaver 1.5 as well.  Red Dots work great also and I have 2 of the Tru-Glo 2X that are cool. 8)  DP
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Swampman

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #10 on: November 18, 2009, 11:00:18 AM »
The Nikon Prostaff 4X or the 2-7X32 are the best IMO.  Walmart or eBay are good sources.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline Tallwalker

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #11 on: November 18, 2009, 12:30:47 PM »
While I like my Nikon 2-7X scopes, I find the crosshairs too fine for fast, up close shooting. I find that the crosshairs blend too easily with the dark, and varied backgrounds in the woods. They are great for field shooting from a stand, etc.  With My visionI've had good results with both the Weaver 1-3X, and 1 1/2-5X shotgun scopes for that kind of shooting. I have a friend that has shot a lot of game with his Handi 45-70, and he swears by his Leupold 2.5X. He says that eye relief isn't critical, and it certainly has been a rugged scope for him..... He is a very, very "frugal" guy so I know he wouldn't spend the extra money if he didn't think he was getting very good perfomance.

Offline Swampman

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #12 on: November 18, 2009, 12:32:04 PM »
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
919th Special Operations Wing  1983-1985 1993-1994

"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline spikehorn

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Re: Scope selection for .44 mag.
« Reply #13 on: November 18, 2009, 02:05:06 PM »

 Red Dots work great also and I have 2 of the Tru-Glo 2X that are cool. 8)  DP
[/quote]
 I just put one of these on a Tracker II 20ga. I love it and shot a 3/4" group with lightfields at 65 yards.
308 win                 45-70                       12ga         
30-30                    223 stainless steel   20ga TDC
44 mag                  Tracker II 20ga        20ga
45-70 Manlicher     20ga USH                28ga
                                                              410ga