Author Topic: Handgun scope (Read 4561 times)

gunclub · « **on:** January 15, 2011, 04:22:26 PM »

Looking for a 2x power handgun scope with full length eye relief for a magnum pistol. What don you recommend?
Thanks Sam

c.r. · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2011, 04:58:24 PM »

I like my leupold M-8 model in 2x. this line of scopes is no longer cataloged, i believe they were replaced by the FX line.

Last i looked, the m-8's in 2x can usually be found for a reasonable price. $125-$150

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2011, 02:06:24 AM »

I am a Leupold fan, but there 2 x scopes are not what I would put on my handguns for hunting.. They will work, but black out is a common occurrence.. I opt to go with a variable power 2 X 6 by Bushnell. But then again, any more I don't use scopes on my handguns, I like the Ultra-dot's as I can get on target faster, and off hand shooting with a red-dot is a lot more doable. JMHO!

But if you are sold on a scope, look into a Bushnell.

irold · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2011, 02:27:39 AM »

All due respect to Redhawk......but I disagree . I've gone from 2-6 Bushnell to the 2X Leupolds. In the field a 2X is all that is necessary at handgun ranges. The speciality handguns are a different story....With these the extra range capability is there. I now have 2X Leo's on my hunting revolvers. I've read where people claim " things look smaller through a 2X"....On the Leo's, iffin you adjust the eye relief properly , it will give you 2X . You have to screw the eye piece out to get the 2X power. On the flip side , they're pricey ! But its a lifetime investment . OMHO........ regards , irold

Dogshooter · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2011, 03:13:49 AM »

What irold said. I had a Bushnell 3 x 9, I think it was a 4200 on one of my Performance Center 629's and while it was OK on the bench, I didn't care too much for it out hunting. I've gone back to a M8-2X's on all three of my scoped handguns. They are very easy to get on target with and are, IMHO, simple, but extremely rugged sighting systems that just work.

Rodent · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2011, 04:59:10 AM »

"But if you are sold on a scope, look into a Bushnell."

I totally agree with Redhawk1. I hunt with my pistols as well as shoot silhouette. I have found the Bushnell Trophy and Elite are perfect for both applications. My shots are anywhere from 25 yard out to 200 yards. For hunting, I keep the scope set to 4.

Tom W. · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2011, 05:07:08 AM »

I had a 2x Leupold and currently have a 2x7 Burris.... Like them both, but one day I'll have to try an Ultra Dot..

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2011, 05:53:05 AM »

irold, disagree if you like. I have shot, and have used handgun scopes for more years that I care to talk about. I have tried just about every handgun scope on guns from .22 LR to 500 Mags.. I have hunted a lot of game in every condition thrown at me.. I have used Leupold's 2 X, 4 X and 2.5X8 on just about every handgun I have owned. I am a Hugh Leupold fan, but from my experience, Bushnell's scope has work best for all my needs.. I have done long range handgun shooting as well as hunting with scoped handguns.. People have there preferences, and some people well defend there name brand, even if it is not as good as another scope..

Try this test with your Leupold 2 x, put a target out to 50 yards. Take your handgun and shot it 2 times as fast as you can and as accurately as you can, then see how well you do on accuracy, and how much time it takes you to pull off those shots accurately.. Now take a Bushnell scope and do the same test, I know from my experience, I am able to find my target quicker, and get better accuracy with the Bushnell scopes, and do it with a faster time. Which lead me to go with the Ultra-dots and iron sight as well as getting away from scoped handgun. Getting on target quicker has lead to more success in the field. Sometimes you don't get much time for a shot, and trying to find your game in a scope can cost you.

But the bottom line come down to this, what works best for you may not work as well for someone else..

gunclub · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2011, 08:22:23 AM »

Thanks for the replies I have a ultra dot match dot. It works well and I have a couple more pistols I want to put a scope on. Tomorrow I am going to shoot a friends 2x.
Thanks for the help
Sam

rybo · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2011, 09:39:29 AM »

When I first went to scope a revolver I put on a 2X Weaver because everyone said 2x was the way to go. I pretty much hate it. Although I highly recommend the Weaver, clear & crisp and has held zero from the start.
I just picked up a Bushnell trophy 2-6 and while I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, I'm pretty excited that I will like having the option to jack up the power.

Graybeard · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2011, 11:45:56 AM »

I've used the Leupold 2x with more or less satisfaction on a bunch of guns from revolvers to my TCs and they work BUT when the light gets low when a lot of the best hunting takes place they just don't pass enough light to get the job done.

I like the Bushnell 2-6 scope very much and feel it is the brightest of the variable handgun scopes. I liked the Burris 2-7 for the wider FOV but it's a lot heavier and not as bright or clear as the Bushnell in my opinion and for some reason Burris scopes in general have a lot of problems with floating trash and when it gets on the reticle it sure is a nuisance.

Toward the end of my use of scopes on handguns I picked up a Bushnell 2x28 finally and if ya want or can live with a 2x magnification then as far as I'm concerned it's THE scope to get. It is the only handgun scope I still own for those occasions when I want to scope my FA83. I no longer have any TCs and prefer revolvers with iron sights these days tho honestly I hunt so little now that it matters not to me. I tend to take a scoped rifle and an iron sighted revolver and use the revolver if I get a shot in my range with it or the rifle if not.

Once a great many years ago my best friend Billy Doss (deceased) and me were shooting and decided not to quit just cuz it was dark. We cranked up a truck and pulled it up and shined the lights out toward the targets and kept going. I was using a Leupold 2x and Billy a Leupold 4x. That 4x of his was useable for a good 30 minutes or more longer than my 2x before we had to use the headlights to see to shoot. Even then the difference was tremendous with the 4x having a major edge in the low light situation.

I still like the Leupold 2x but realize it's not a low light scope. I've shot a lot of game tho using one.

irold · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2011, 02:47:55 PM »

Redhawk1

" what works best for you may not work for someone else "

On that we agree

Graybeard ,

Are the 2X Bushnells still available ? Can't find any from any retailers , nor does the bushnell site show them. Believe I sold one a time ago...think I shuda kept it.

regards , irold

pbslngr · « **Reply #12 on:** January 28, 2011, 04:52:26 AM »

I have tried various 2 thru 4 power fixed scopes but always come back to the Bushnel 2-6x32. My favorite is the Elite 3200 2-6x32 with rainguard. Midway has a smokin deal on them right now. Regularly $299 they are on sale for $209. You can't beat em for the $. I ordered a new one in Matt silver to go on my new Freedom Arms in 260 Rem. Can't wait to go play with it. Hope for an Wyoming Antelope tag to use it on this year.
Have fun. Larry

Catfish · « **Reply #13 on:** January 28, 2011, 05:16:11 AM »

I`m a Leupold friend too.

temmi · « **Reply #14 on:** January 28, 2011, 11:29:06 AM »

a Leupold

gunclub · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2011, 02:55:27 PM »

Thanks for your help. I am ordering a Bushnell Elite 3200 2-6X32 handgun scope for Natchez. I am sure one day I will try a Leupold.

Thanks,

Sam

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2011, 04:11:36 PM »

Quote from: gunclub on January 31, 2011, 02:55:27 PM

Thanks for your help. I am ordering a Bushnell Elite 3200 2-6X32 handgun scope for Natchez. I am sure one day I will try a Leupold.

Thanks,

Sam

Wise choice... :-)

Capt Rick Hiott · « **Reply #17 on:** February 19, 2011, 01:12:07 PM »

How about the Nikon Encore EER 2.5-8x28 Scope.
Has anybody used one ? It has a 30" eye relief.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Riflescopes/8481/Encore-2.5-8x28-Extended-Eye-Relief-Matte-BDC.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.TechSpecs

I was thinking about one for my Taurus Raging Bull 454

Flynmoose · « **Reply #18 on:** February 19, 2011, 03:51:12 PM »

I like and use the Leupold 2X. But it would be to your
advantage to see what feels good to you. A good dealer
should have a few to look through. People at a range may
let you look through theirs.
FM

SlimL · « **Reply #19 on:** March 15, 2011, 06:26:53 PM »

I have always liked the Leupolds. But I use the 2.5-8. Never had a problem with them. Google up The Sample List for some good deals on used scopes. Their lifetime warranty is still valid. Slim

eye shot · « **Reply #20 on:** March 16, 2011, 07:19:04 AM »

I use Burris 2x7 and like the wide FOV.

41 magnum · « **Reply #21 on:** April 10, 2011, 05:59:57 PM »

Burris 2X here
or a T/C lighted reticle

I have found that keeping BOTH eyes open has helped with not only lower light situations but also following game and preparing for the shot thru an opening in the woods

Charlie-SA · « **Reply #22 on:** April 25, 2011, 12:02:06 PM »

I recently picked up a used Ruger Super Redhawk .44 Mag that had a Leupold M8 4X on it. Appears to be standard Ruger rings. Put the UltraDot MatchDot on my Taurus 608 .357 up next to it and noted that the UltraDot MatchDot would not fit between the rings on the Ruger SRH. If any of you are using a UltraDot MatchDot on a Ruger SRH did you get a ring that extends out from the Ruger mount point?
Curious in case I decide to switch.
Thanks
Edited to mention it is the 30mm tube 2,4,6,8 dot size model. The single dot Ultras look like they would fit.

odoh · « **Reply #23 on:** June 18, 2011, 02:02:56 PM »

Ruger doesn't produce 30mm extended ring ~ so presently it can't accommodate the MatchDot. You can use the Weigand picatinny/weaver base to do it otherwise get the single dot 30mm UD. Keep in mind that most mount producers (to include ruger) makes their rings significantly higher on the 30mm to position what they anticipate a large objective scope clearing the barrel on a rifle application, not a electronic sight on a pistol. The 1" UD fits nice and snug on the SRH w/oem rings that comes w/the piece. Still the 30mm FOV seems to appeal ~ to me at least.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #24 on:** June 18, 2011, 03:50:41 PM »

Like many of you I too have used many different models. My first choice is also Leupold.

I have had them on , semi autos, revolvers, both DA and SA, and single shots. Used for target, hunting big game and small game. Different scopes for different uses. By and large, I prefer fixed power, I don't want to be fiddling with a scope when hunting. The lone exception would be a varmint pistol. There a variable would likely be preferred as distances vary and higher powers for those long shots is a nice option.

For a big game handgun, I have three, one will very much surprise some, one is a 2X Leupold and close second a 1X Burris the last one, a 30mm Etched glass cross-hair..... TASCO!!! It's SUPER clear and brite. For me a handgun for big game is a close range proposition and used simply because the single plane of focus is preferred as a sighting system. For my target guns its a red dot 100% of the time, both on 22's and 45's for Bullseye shooting.

Good luck with your choice,
CW

S.B. · « **Reply #25 on:** June 19, 2011, 05:38:29 AM »

Hands down, Leupold!
Steve

sixshot · « **Reply #26 on:** June 19, 2011, 06:56:38 AM »

Fortunately mounts are no longer a problem, back in the 60's it was a real pain to get a scope on a sixgun. I've pretty much tried them all & for the most part liked them all. On my single shots I liked the 3X12 Burris, especially with the Peep crosshair (not a dot) but my favorite was the straight 5X they made. I used one a lot on a 338/284 Encore.
The 4X Leupold is another long time favorite & I its the only scope I own now, its on a Ruger 357 Maximum & I use it quite a bit on long range rock chucks. All my other sixguns wear iron sights, I like that best but again the Maxie is capable of working very well at long range & so it wears the 4X. The 2X6 Bushnell is surperb & I hear nothing but praise for the Ultra Dots but the one I tried was fuzzy, they told me it was because I wore glasses, hard to correct that!

Dick

Ladobe · « **Reply #27 on:** June 19, 2011, 06:59:24 AM »

Hands down the Tasco Pro Class. With their converging dot reticle and bright 30mm tube these scopes offer very fast target acquisition and stand up to the hardest recoiling handcannons.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #28 on:** June 19, 2011, 01:02:29 PM »

Quote from: Ladobe on June 19, 2011, 06:59:24 AM

Hands down the Tasco Pro Class. With their converging dot reticule and bright 30mm tube these scopes offer very fast target acquisition and stand up to the hardest recoiling hand-cannons.

As much as you all know I'm a Leupold guy. This Tasco Labode is speaking of, is the same one I am/was referring to earlier. It's a 30mm, labeled Pro Class. It has tapered cross hairs and a centered dot etched in the glass. NICE and clear with a LARGE field of view. I don't even know if they are made any longer. Mine is silver and 3X and I do very much like it! I would buy another in a second if I needed it!

CW