Author Topic: Scout scope on a Handi .357 (Read 1124 times)

petemi · « **on:** February 27, 2008, 09:04:59 PM »

Tim, TIM!! Come on up out of the basement. I need Professional Help! I've got a .357 barrel on order from NEF, and it should be the old open sight one. Because of my ancient eyes, I'm thinking I might want to try a Scout scope on it. What do you recommend for the mount and scope; keeping in mind I won't be using it for 300 yard elk! Also, I'm running into the end of my play money. Thank all you guys for any advise you can offer, Pete

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2008, 09:26:47 AM »

See the scout mount ideas in the FAQs and Help sticky, the Weaver 92A mount works perfect, I used a Weaver 2x28 scope on mine, works great as far as mounting and FOV, haven't shot it yet though, and I think I'll drill and tap at least one more hole since the barrel only has two.

Tim

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2008, 09:30:28 AM »

Use a Weaver #92A base for the T/C Contender. The radius on the bottom doesn't match the Handi barrel, but is close enough. 2 of the screw holes in the base will match the holes in your barrel. You could glue it to the barrel with JB Weld, but the .357 shouldn't kick enough to loosen it. Pick up a 2x pistol scope and rings and you are there!

I have 2 set up this way, a .30-30 without the JB Weld, and a .45-70 that has JB. They work very well. The .30-30 shoots 1-1/16" at 100 yd. with my coyote load.

petemi · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2008, 09:45:50 AM »

Thanks guys, you're faster than a speeding bullet. Much appreciated. I think the JB might be a good idea. It'll be hanging off a saddle once in a while................Man....Six weeks is forever if you're waiting for a gun!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2008, 09:50:54 AM »

The JB might be ok if you want it on there permanently, but you or someone else might wanta use the barrel sights or a regular scope sometime if you sell it, something to consider, an additional hole wouldn't make much difference in that respect.

Tim

petemi · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2008, 11:43:24 AM »

Holy smokes Chuck, what is that coyote load? One and a sixteenth! I love it. Tim, I don't know if anyone ever told you, but you do nice work! I am so glad I found this site. Thank you, again. Pete

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2008, 11:47:02 AM »

Everyone contributes Pete, that's what makes this site so great.

I made a correction to both mine and woodchukhntr's posts, the Weaver 92A is the correct base, I trusted my memory again and I think he followed my lead!!

Thx,

Tim

petemi · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2008, 12:06:45 PM »

Tim, you're correct again. I would never do it on anything else, but JB on an 87 dollar barrel in a marginal caliber, why not. I can't drill and tap it, so it would cost me at least half that much again to have that done. This is not going to be a serious gun. Just something "Handi".

trotterlg · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2008, 01:11:00 PM »

Gluing a scope base on a rifle is just plain wrong. Larry

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2008, 01:28:35 PM »

Pete,

I don't consider any chambering in an H&R as marginal unless we're talking game taking capabilities, each has value, I'd consider epoxying a sight on a shotgun barrel, in fact I have, but to dedicate a nice $87+$15 fitting+$20=$122 barrel to a scout scope only just isn't right as Larry put it, but each of us has different values and preferences I guess.

Tim

trotterlg · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2008, 03:31:49 PM »

That scope won't just come loose, it will jump right off the barrel one of the times you pull the trigger, if you are at the range you will get laughed off the line for gluing a scope to a rifle. It isn't rocket science to drill and tap a couple of holes, do it right and you will be much happier. Larry

handirifle · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2008, 08:03:14 PM »

Tim
That Weaver 2X, is that a pistol scope?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2008, 08:58:48 PM »

Yes.

http://www.weaveroptics.com/pg8_9/pg8_9.html

Weaver 2x28

handirifle · « **Reply #13 on:** February 29, 2008, 05:02:08 AM »

Tim,
The first link (thanks by the way) shows the eye relief at 4.29", that can't be right. looking closer, so does the data on the Natchez link. Kinda odd.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #14 on:** February 29, 2008, 05:40:16 AM »

I dunno what it actually is, it's supposed to be 14"-29", they just dropped the 1 off 14", but it's perfect on the rifle, I think the 14" is a little longer than it really is, as near as I can tell, my eye is ~12½" from the rear lens, if I move back further, it doesn't change, but it I get closer, the FOV reduces.

Tim

http://www.binoculars.com/rifle-scopes/rifle-scopes/2x28silver.cfm

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #15 on:** February 29, 2008, 09:00:46 AM »

Quote from: trotterlg on February 28, 2008, 01:11:00 PM

Gluing a scope base on a rifle is just plain wrong. Larry

Why is it just just wrong? You might be surprised to find out what else is held together by glue. Actually, JB Weld was the highest strength epoxy I could find and the base has a lot of area. Locktite is used to secure screws. I used it on the .45-70 since there was only one screw on the rear sight base, and the .30-30 is held by 2 screws. Anyway it works so far and you can't argue with success! If it comes loose, I'll report it ASAP.

Petemi,

The load is Hornady's 100 gr. Short Jacket bullet with 16.0 gr. of 2400.

eskimo36 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 29, 2008, 09:24:42 AM »

I am a little late but my 357 with 2 screw mount in 2 different stocks.

trotterlg · « **Reply #17 on:** February 29, 2008, 09:26:53 AM »

In any industry there are acceptable standards, I can tell you for sure that gluing a scope to a rifle does not qualify as an acceptable attachment method. Larry

petemi · « **Reply #18 on:** February 29, 2008, 10:38:32 AM »

The "B" threw me a curve for a minute, but I've got the "A" mount coming. No, I'm not going to JB it, I'll take Tim's advice and drill and tap the other screw. I'm still shopping around for a scout/pistol scope. Wife hasn't had enough overtime, so I can't be too spendy!! She probably needs another part time job to keep me going. LOOK OUT, HERE SHE COMES WITH HER TOMAHAWK!!!

petemi · « **Reply #19 on:** February 29, 2008, 10:44:15 AM »

Hey Eskimo, Ya done good! Right behind the shoulder. Nice rifles, nice shot.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #20 on:** February 29, 2008, 10:56:18 AM »

Pete, I figure it's better to have one more screw for events we don't control, those where Murphy gets involved, two screws is more than likely plenty for "normal" use, but since the base doesn't match the barrel perfect like the standard base does on the barrel swell, one more screw isn't gonna hurt. It may be a good idea to bed the base in JB, but use a release agent on the screws and barrel so it can be removed if ya want.

Tim

petemi · « **Reply #21 on:** March 01, 2008, 02:38:24 AM »

I'm going to try it as it comes. It will be bumping around on a horse and in a pickup if it loosens up, I'll go from there. It is going to be something that probably will spend a lot of time with me, so I'll know if I'm having problems. Earlier when I said marginal, I didn't mean the rifle or .357 cal. I meant for anything deer size. I 'll use it mostly for when I'm working around the farm, to take out chucks, skunks, porcupines, coyotes etc. that I can't reach with my Blackhawk. (the revolver reaches, not the senior citizen behind it!).

coyotejoe · « **Reply #22 on:** March 01, 2008, 06:23:04 AM »

JB Weld is wonderful stuff. While I wouldn't trust it alone to hold a mount I think that in concert with a couple of screws it will definitely help out. And I'm surprised no one has mentioned how easy it is to remove. Jut heat the mount base with a propane torch until it starts to smoke and a light rap will knock the base off. Then rub the JB off the barrel while still hot, fine steel wool or a coarse cloth will remove every trace of epoxy and leave the blue looking like new.
I am temped to try a scout scope but with only two screws I would most certainly apply JB Weld as extra insurance.

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #23 on:** March 01, 2008, 06:35:51 AM »

I may JB my mount on the .30-30 in the future if it shows any signs of loosening up. I do think that Quick's idea of using JB to fill in the bottom of the base to fit the contour of the barrel is a great idea and would probably help the screws in holding the base more securely. Be sure to use the release agent!

Smoke Wagon · « **Reply #24 on:** March 01, 2008, 07:09:12 AM »

Seeing how were on the topic. What are the advantages of a Scout style scope, as opposed to a regular mount. Does it allow for faster targeting?

coyotejoe · « **Reply #25 on:** March 01, 2008, 01:37:27 PM »

Quote from: woodchukhntr on March 01, 2008, 06:35:51 AM

I may JB my mount on the .30-30 in the future if it shows any signs of loosening up. I do think that Quick's idea of using JB to fill in the bottom of the base to fit the contour of the barrel is a great idea and would probably help the screws in holding the base more securely. Be sure to use the release agent!

If you use a release agent the JB will fill the void to match the base to the barrel contour but will not in any way help secure the scope base to the barrel. Much better to thoroughly degrease both barrel and base, fill the base contour with JB Weld, set it on the barrel and run the screws in tight. Then clean up the excess JB. Then you not only fill the void but have some actual strength in that two screw mount. As I posted before, it is very easy to remove with heat, just heat it before you try to remove the screws. I've JB Welded many scope bases on many rifles, including some on which the base didn't really fit properly but the JB took out any wiggles and wobbles. In the cases where I have later removed a JB Welded base it has never been difficult to remove and clean up.

AKbuilder · « **Reply #26 on:** March 01, 2008, 04:19:10 PM »

I would recommend "stealing" a trick from trotterlg, do you remember the "trick" you used to hold the forearm on one .30 carbine barrel? Yes, the band. I would make one or two bands for the barrel and screw them to the scope base. Yes, JB if you think you need it to make sure the band is solid. Or make a scope mount from two blocks bolted together with a barrel channel cut on the seam.

Thanks,
Paul

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #27 on:** March 02, 2008, 07:51:37 AM »

Quote from: Smoke Wagon on March 01, 2008, 07:09:12 AM

Seeing how were on the topic. What are the advantages of a Scout style scope, as opposed to a regular mount. Does it allow for faster targeting?

I find that it makes for faster target acquisition. Also, it lets you carry the gun at it's balance point without wrapping your hand around the scope as well as the gun as the pictures show. I tried it and liked it. Others don't like it.