Author Topic: Hunting scope? (Read 942 times)

Bim · « **on:** February 05, 2005, 04:21:21 PM »

I want to get into hunting with a handgun. I just purchased a .375 Winchester barrel for my Contender. Now I need a scope. What would you guy's recommend? 2X, 4X or variable.
Thanks,
Bim

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2005, 04:24:36 PM »

You will get so many different answers in this department, and everyone will think theres is the best. I suggest you look at several and go with what you think will meet your needs.

Tom W. · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2005, 04:31:36 PM »

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2005, 08:54:34 PM »

Bim,
I prefer lower powered handgun scopes(2X or 3X) for my needs. With the lower powered scopes I don't find myself "chaseing" the crosshairs all over the target.
For shots at 125yds. or less, 2X works just fine for me.
Best,
TnNuc

Gregory · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2005, 02:28:13 AM »

Where I deer hunt shots are under 100 yds and I have Nikon 2X scopes on my Contender 357 Max and 44 Mag barrels. If I were hunting with a 375 Win and set up for long shots I'd be tempted to go to a Leupold 4X. I'll never buy another Burris 2-7X, I had two and one failed after ten shots on my 44 Mag.

Dogshooter · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2005, 04:36:56 AM »

All of my hunting handguns are scoped with variables. I seldom move the setting from the lowest power but have had a few occasions where I used the higher powers to better identify my target. Variables are just as good (sturdiness, clarity, etc) as the fixed powers but add the option for more magnification if you need it.

Bim · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2005, 05:13:35 AM »

Thanks for all the replies!
I had a Burris variable on my .17 rem contender and didn't like it. I like the Leupolds (I have one on my BDL) How are thier 2X's and what about the TC scopes?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 06, 2005, 06:47:48 AM »

I like Leupold, but the 2X EER scopes get a lot of black out. Other than that I like the Leupold.

southern utah · « **Reply #8 on:** February 06, 2005, 05:58:35 PM »

If interested I have a T/C blue 3x with illuminated retical. Can send pics
$125. shipped

Catfish · « **Reply #9 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:37:16 AM »

A handgun scope has a very small field of view as compaired to a rifle scope and it`s alot harder to find your target with one, there for the lowest power that will get the job done. I also am a Leupold fan. I bought 2 Burrius handgun scopes, a 1 x 4 and a 3 x 9. With the 3 x 9 the point of impact would move over 6 in. at 80 yrds. when change from 3x to 9x. I sold it. I mounted the 1 x 4 on my .500 S&W and it did not have enough adjustment to get it zeroed. I may try it on my .454, but if it doesn`t work there it will also be sold.
As for the veriables they are nice, but they are also alot larger and heaver than the fixed power scopes. I want to pick up a 1 x 4X variable power for my .500, it`s already heaver than I want to carry while walking. so I will use it for stand hunting only. I`ll be carring a .454 while walking and it wears a 2x scope.
If your just getting started useing a handgun scope definately get a 2x to start. And other thing, when useing a scoped handgun always shoot with both eyes open. focuse on your target with both eyes and then bring the gun down on the target. When the scope is right the target will pop into the scope. If you shot with 1 eye and look through the scope you`ll find yourself searching all over for the target.

LarryL · « **Reply #10 on:** February 08, 2005, 10:16:32 AM »

You don't say what or where you plan to hunt. If you are keeping ranges short, definitely stay with 2X or a variable with a low end mag.

I had a TC 2-7X scope on a .44 mag I had for NH deer hunting and rarely had it off the 2X setting. Even shooting target, I found the 7X hard to use. The exit pupil diameter was so small that it was hard to keep your eye in the field of vision of the scope. finally ended up selling gun and scope.

I now have a SRH .480 as my primary deer handgun. I started off with a no magnification Aimpoint red dot sight. Then, I switched to a 2X Burris scope. The 2X scope works fine, but even that can be marginal at really close range. I had a shot this year on a deer at under 20 yards. It was definitely a little tricky determining exactly where I was aiming since the scope field of view was only seeing hair. Had to go from eye to eye to be sure before squeezing it off.

Bottom line... If you are hunting open woods or fields where ranges could go out well past 100 yds, maybe a variable would be a better choice. If you expect any closer range shots, I would absolutely recommend you don't exceed 2X as your low end magnification. You might also try to find a shooting buddy that already has one to try out. Nothing better than doing some shooting with one at different distances to see what you like best.