Author Topic: Trying to zero in my .357 Handi... (Read 1203 times)

PhillB · « **on:** May 24, 2011, 11:59:06 AM »

Tried out a plinking load in the Handi today. I'm using a reflex sight but I think I need a scope instead. I have macular degeneration and when I tried to center the red dot on the white target center I couldn't see it. I was shooting from about 30yds using what I hope will make a good plinking load. I think I need to put the reflex sight on one of my handguns and a scope on the handi.

Since the .357 is strictly a plinking gun shot at max distances of 50 to 75yds do you think a 4x scope will be enough? Here's my target from today. I had 3 fliers at first while I was changing the reflex sight display. I ended up using the display that had a circle around the red dot and just tried to center the black bull within the circle. Not as precise as the smaller dot but I couldn't see it.

Datil · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2011, 12:04:33 PM »

I have bad eyes But use a 4X scope on my Handi 357 Maxie. works good for me.
Good luck Datil

petemi · « **Reply #2 on:** May 24, 2011, 12:18:53 PM »

I've got a bad right eye. In a few days my new glasses will be here and I'm taking the 3-9x50 off my Maxi and putting a 4x32 Scout mount on it. We'll see what happens.

Pete

bikerbeans · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2011, 12:25:17 PM »

Phil,

I have a fixed 4 power scope on my 357 Maxi and I can shoot right at 1" 3 shot 100 yard groups with hornady 180 HP/XTPs. The gun does just about as well with 158 grain HP/XTPs and I have been getting close to a 1" group with 200 grain FNGC cast lead. At the distance you intend to shoot a 4x scope is more than plenty.

BB

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2011, 01:04:44 PM »

I have a 2.5 power with a circle X cross hair on my 357 Max. I have used both 2.5 and 4 power scopes plenty. The size of game you are going after becomes a factor too. I like to use as low power as I can get by with, especially if I have to hold the gun with no rest. Like I said, I have used 4X a lot and I feel it is a good choice for general hunting and shooting. I presently have a 2.5 power scope on, but I know most of my shots are going to be inside of 50 yards.

Good Shooting And Good Luck

garbhead · « **Reply #5 on:** May 24, 2011, 02:55:14 PM »

If you shoot that well at 90 ft, I wouldn't change anything

45-70.gov · « **Reply #6 on:** May 24, 2011, 06:43:17 PM »

before you take it off.....try this

keep both eyes open......and shoot fast

don't sit and stare and let your eyes wonder apart

just throw up and shoot...won't know till you try it

PhillB · « **Reply #7 on:** May 24, 2011, 07:58:34 PM »

Quote from: 45-70.gov on May 24, 2011, 06:43:17 PM

before you take it off.....try this

keep both eyes open......and shoot fast

don't sit and stare and let your eyes wonder apart

just throw up and shoot...won't know till you try it

I always keep both eyes open using a red-dot or reflex sight. If I move the sight off the white center to the black I coulc see it fine. I only put the reflex sight on the Handi because I had a new one laying around. I'm pretty much set on trying a scope on the Handi. If a scope doesn't make much difference in group size, I'll put the reflex or a red-dot sight back on and save the scope for my next Handi. You can't just own one Handi from what I've seen on here.

Or I could just print targets that don't have a white center in a black bullseye.LOL

briannmilewis · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2011, 08:05:54 PM »

"You can't just own one Handi from what I've seen on here.

"

Huh! One Handi? Impossible!

oldsoldja · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2011, 12:56:15 AM »

Quote from: 45-70.gov on May 24, 2011, 06:43:17 PM

before you take it off.....try this

keep both eyes open......and shoot fast

don't sit and stare and let your eyes wonder apart

just throw up and shoot...won't know till you try it

Thats how i always trained the kids to shoot, panic shoot. Get good enough for head shots in a panic shoot. Like in the movie Glory, faster, faster, faster!

Buckwheat Jack · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2011, 02:23:48 AM »

Depending on how bad your macular degeneration is, a scope may or may not help. Macular degeneration effects the central portion of the retina, and the center of you vision. I would give it a try on a borrowed gun before investing money.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2011, 04:40:14 AM »

Quote from: briannmilewis on May 24, 2011, 08:05:54 PM

"You can't just own one Handi from what I've seen on here. "

Huh! One Handi? Impossible!

good you understand how it works
you won't have to take the red dot off

just get another handi to try with a scope

shvlhead.45 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2011, 05:23:16 AM »

I zero all red dots, whether holographic or tube type with a "6 O'clock" hold. Point of impact isn't too high for snap shooting bad guys or general hunting needs and if a more precise shot is required I use a good rest and return to the "6 O'clock" hold.

What works for me may not work for others, just putting the idea out there in case it's useful for you or others.

r/shvlhead.45

45-70.gov · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2011, 05:30:15 AM »

Quote from: shvlhead.45 on May 25, 2011, 05:23:16 AM

I zero all red dots, whether holographic or tube type with a "6 O'clock" hold. Point of impact isn't too high for snap shooting bad guys or general hunting needs and if a more precise shot is required I use a good rest and return to the "6 O'clock" hold.

What works for me may not work for others, just putting the idea out there in case it's useful for you or others.

r/shvlhead.45

i never understood the ''6 0'clock hold thing

seems like the size of the clock and disdance would affect shot placement

but if that works for you......GOOD

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2011, 06:07:07 AM »

Change your targets.
With red dots and reflex sights I like a small cardboard (brown) square, easier on the eyes. Works on almost any background.

I have a Trijicon Reflex sight on my .357 Handi, and a Leupold 4X rimfire special on my 30-30 barrel. I have to admit the 4X rimfire scope is easier on my old eyes.

shvlhead.45 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2011, 08:20:45 AM »

.45-70.gov,

Here is a very good explanation of the six o'clock hold: http://glocktalk.com/forums/blog.php?b=6

Additional information on "6 O'clock hold" here: http://www.bing.com/search?q=six+o%27clock+hold&form=QBLH&qs=AS&sk=&pq=six+oclock+hold&sp=1&sc=3-15

With a rifle/carbine mounted red dot I zero with a six o'clock hold at 100 yd, hold dead on at 200 yd, and stack the dot on intended POI at 250 yd plus. I don't use red dots on center fire rifles chambered for bottle neck cartridges that I intend to use over 200 yd except for my M4gery. The red dot is best used at 100 yd or less. Scopes are more precise and work better in low light conditions, red dots work best at fast target acquisition in good light and don't show the shake when shooting off hand. I use a red dot on my .45-70 Handi hog gun, my .22 rim fire rifle, and a holographic on my M4gery in 5.56. When I get around to it one will go on my .22 pistol as well.

r/shvlhead.45

45-70.gov · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2011, 08:39:25 AM »

thanx for the link
puts it in easy to explain terms
i like the first sight picture

i like ''plain ''sights....no white dots or white outline to distract me

maybe i shoult reconsider.......6 oclock at point blank....my hold at distance

i never fired a red dot over 100yards

gcrank1 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2011, 12:19:21 PM »

4X used to be considered a fine varmint scope; my 'quick' scopes are old El Paso Weaver 2.5 and 3X, lots of view and I can usually shoot with both eyes open too. Shot some cloverleaf groups at 50yd. not long ago with the 38-55 and 45-70 so there isnt any question about how they aid my accuracy. With your eye condition I hope you can find a solution and keep on shooting. Big Kudos for staying in the game!

ratdog · « **Reply #18 on:** May 30, 2011, 05:05:18 AM »

your groups look like mine .mine shoots the 38 spl better than the 357 jacketed bullet s in mine .i use a scope no six oclock hold. going to try some different loads soon.my high point carbine shoots 9mm better with open sights going to try different bullets?

giddens1972 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 30, 2011, 05:57:05 AM »

I'll tell you something about dot sights...and I don't think anyone else brought this fact up. You will loose a dot on something with a white background. In IPSC shooting we call it dot wash. There are a couple of places that I shoot that has a white sandy range and using an open gun is sometimes hard there with the sun and sand mixed...you loose your dot a lot. I don't know if has anything to do with how human eyes distinguish color differentials or what, but it happens. With your MD that probably makes it worse.

John

PhillB · « **Reply #20 on:** May 30, 2011, 09:44:45 AM »

Quote from: giddens1972 on May 30, 2011, 05:57:05 AM

I'll tell you something about dot sights...and I don't think anyone else brought this fact up. You will loose a dot on something with a white background. In IPSC shooting we call it dot wash. There are a couple of places that I shoot that has a white sandy range and using an open gun is sometimes hard there with the sun and sand mixed...you loose your dot a lot. I don't know if has anything to do with how human eyes distinguish color differentials or what, but it happens. With your MD that probably makes it worse.

John

Thanks for the info John, I've never heard that before. It doesn't matter cause I put a 4x scope on the rifle and it made a world of difference. I will keep the reflex sight for my handguns or a .22.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 30, 2011, 02:16:19 PM »

Object lesson is, keep at 'whatever' as long as you can, you never know what the next day ( or minute) may bring.