Optics??

[MJO]

I have a SRH 44mag 7.5".  I am considering hunting deer, and I am going on a hog hunt in TX in Feb.  I've been shooting open sights and do fairly well, I can hit a paper plate 5+/6 at 50yds standing two handed.  My eyes are getting bad, especially my right/dominate eye.  I am thinking I might need a scope or a red dot type optic?  What do you think?  Is one better than the other?

thank you,
MJO

[odoh]

Have both and for hunting prefer the Dots ~ amplication characteristics of a scope takes me a tad more time whereas w/the dots, both eyes open is intuitive . . . for me anyway ~

[Bigeasy]

Use both, but I like the red dot sights for use on a big game hunting handgun.  Perfect for 75 yard and under shots.  The Burris Fastfire ll is a good sight, small, reliable (I have one on a AR-15, one on a Super Blackhawk), about $200.00

Larry

[EdK]

Agreed red dots are great for hunting at ranges where an individual would have done as well in their younger days or perhaps when speed of acquisition is an issue. Field of view is pretty good. I like scopes too but reserve them for single shots as I find them as slow as or maybe even slower than a rifle to get a good picture and I find I need a good rest for anything over 2x.

[mb4859]

What about the Holo sights?  I looked at a Contender in a pawn shop with one.  I was wondering if any of you have tried one on you Contenders and how you liked it. 

[ccoker]

I am not as experienced as some of the others here for hunting with a handgun but have tried both scopes and several red dots and prefer the latter

I don't personally like red dots that are auto sensing for how bright it is and much prefer to be able to set it where I want it

my quest for the ultimate setup ended with an Smith PC 44 with a 6.5" barrel and an Aimpoint Micro T1
I like the Micro because it's very small, tough, can run 5 years on one battery in continuous use and is NVG compatible for hog hunting at night

I have killed a few hogs with it now and trust the setup 100%

[barber]

I have a Holo Sight on my SRH, and I think it's great.

[Catfish]

I personally don`t like the dots, but I started shooting scoped handguns in 1969 and was used to them before the dots ever came out. If you go with a scope I would recomand a 2X Leupold, but if you can stand a floating dot they work well also. Try both before you buy, if you can.

[Tonk]

Ccoker.......I like the looks of your set up! I may very well get the same thing for my .460 Smith & Wesson. Now what power is the magnification?

[ccoker]

it's an aimpoint T1, no magnification
just a great little red dot

[California Mark]

Is that for a Picatinny-Style Mount?  If so, does it move in the weaver mount?  I have an Ultradot that I love.  With that said, I do like your set-up.  The one thing I like about the Ultradot is the one I have goes to 2MOA.

Thanks,

Mark

[Larry Gibson]

I have a Burris FastFire mounted on my Ruger Bisley .41.  It makes for a very compact optic sight and is quick and accurate to use.  I slightly modified the shoulder holster I carry it in and the sight is protected and I don't even notice any additional bulk.  I flattened on the bottom a thin Weaver base and then D&T'd the top strap.  I can also remove the FF and still use the iron sights without having to remove the base.

Larry Gibson

[ccoker]

That's a nice setup Larry!

[coop2564]

Another vote for the fastfire ll

[prairiedog555]

In the case of using a scope on a handgun, how much eye relief do you think you need.
I see most advertised at 11-12 in but some, like Leopold at 17-19in.?

[Curtis]

I shoot a Contender with various barrels.  On my calibers that will only see bench time I can somewhat tolerate the shorter eye relief scopes.  On any that are going to see time in the field, I like a more generous eye relief.

Bear in mind that a on a variable power scope when you change magnification then eye relief, field of view or both are likely to change.  Different brands behave differently in that respect.  Some give up FOV to maintain eye relief and some try to maintain FOV somewhat at the expense of eye relief.

Curtis

[jhalcott]

 For close running game a red dot or aim point is better than a scope unless you have a LOT of experience. A MOVING target will be almost impossible to keep in the crosshairs. A sight that allows you to keep BOTH eyes open will prove to be a better one. I use a scope on a super black hawk for stand sitting when deer hunting. I use a lot of scoped handguns for varmint hunting.These are T/C's and bolt actioned single shots. They have been used for deer hunting, but I don't hunt deer the way most hogs are hunted!

[jpred1]

I tried most of all the above . For 70 yds or less the Holo sights are fine, but for my application of stand deer hunting with good props and possible long shots , a 2.5-8 power variable has fit the bill perfect. I wasted some dough before figuring this out. Leopold in 32mm in my final choice.The scope in pic below was a leopold 4x fixed in 28mm and has been sold for the above scope mentioned.

[Lloyd Smale]

cookers choise is hands down the most rugged dot sight made. Its probably the only one id trust a once in a lifetime hunt to. That been said my first choise for a handgun optic is a 2x leupold.

I am not as experienced as some of the others here for hunting with a handgun but have tried both scopes and several red dots and prefer the latter

I don't personally like red dots that are auto sensing for how bright it is and much prefer to be able to set it where I want it

my quest for the ultimate setup ended with an Smith PC 44 with a 6.5" barrel and an Aimpoint Micro T1
I like the Micro because it's very small, tough, can run 5 years on one battery in continuous use and is NVG compatible for hog hunting at night

I have killed a few hogs with it now and trust the setup 100%