Author Topic: Scope for .500? (Read 615 times)

oic0 · « **on:** November 28, 2011, 08:21:53 AM »

I put a cheap red dot on mine, but it appears to be beating it up since I can not get it zeroed. What would be a good cheap scope to put on the .500? I don't need much magnification. 2x, or 4x would work. I just want something cheap that can deal with the abuse. Emphasis on the cheap, I am broke.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 28, 2011, 09:42:22 AM »

This exact topic has been discussed before, search is your friend, please take advantage of the advanced option to find those previous discussions, lots of info shared.

The Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32 has been brought up many times as being a real good choice, it can be found on close out now for well under $100, other than it, most budget low power (2x or 2½x and 4x) shotgun scopes are very durable and reliable in comparison to their variable power versions. Don't be a cheapskate on the rings, good steel rings are required, I prefer Burris Zee or Signature Zee.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php?action=search

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,186047.msg1098918385.html#msg1098918385

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,187795.msg1098932167.html#msg1098932167

peterf225 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 28, 2011, 10:20:57 AM »

I have a new model Redfield 3-9x40 on my 500. I hunt with it on 3x but have the option of higher power. Its held up so far and I really like the scope for ~$160 brand new. Just my 2 cents.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #3 on:** November 28, 2011, 11:57:14 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on November 28, 2011, 09:42:22 AM

This exact topic has been discussed before, search is your friend, please take advantage of the advanced option to find those previous discussions, lots of info shared. The Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32 has been brought up many times as being a real good choice, it can be found on close out now for well under $100, other than it, most budget low power (2x or 2½x and 4x) shotgun scopes are very durable and reliable in comparison to their variable power versions. Don't be a cheapskate on the rings, good steel rings are required, I prefer Burris Zee or Signature Zee.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php?action=search

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,186047.msg1098918385.html#msg1098918385

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,187795.msg1098932167.html#msg1098932167

These are words of wisdom!

Your comment of "good and cheap" is not something anyone has accomplished... Pay some now or pay MORE later. Because you will be buying what you should have bought the first time AFTER spending the $$ on the junk... Just something to think about.

I like Leupold's. they will NOT let you down. Look used and spend the same $$ you would for a lesser scope.

I had what I considered a good ring fail on my own 500. The scope was a Leupold VXII 2x7x32 and it was fine, but the Leupold PRW rings are only supported on one side and this is a very serious flaw when mounted on a firearm with real recoil such as the 500 S&W.
Burris ZEE rings are a very good suggestion coupled with a steel base you would have a mount that would hold up to anything you should throw at it.
Guys here like and have has good results with the recommended Nikon scope. Its a good choice as is the new Redfield and Leupold line from VXI on up. There are a number of scopes that are good quality but are not handi friendly because of there design. These mostly are in the Bushnell line. There eye piece and adjustment ring is far too large and interferes with the hammer. Necessitating you to use high or extra high rings and these completely ruin ergonomics and good ergonomics are required to shoot accurately.

CW

kynardsj · « **Reply #4 on:** November 28, 2011, 01:03:53 PM »

Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9x40. It's what's on mine. Quality at a reasonable price.

keith44 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 28, 2011, 01:33:17 PM »

Ok all this leads to a question, related to the recoil level of the .500. I need a new scope for my .45-70, and I am curious how the recoil compares to the .500. I load 55.5 grains of 3031 under a 300 grain hollow point (Hornady bullet and load) The recoil will get your attention, especially off a bench, but it can be easily managed. Does the recoil from the .500 exceed the .45-70?? Would it be harder on a scope or about the same??

manatee1947 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 28, 2011, 01:35:21 PM »

4X fixed Simmons Pro-Diamond shotgun scope. The solid tube, fewer lens, make for lighter weight, fewer moving parts, less inertia to overcome, and coarser adjustments. They are designed for turkey guns, shooting 3 1/2 super mag loads, they work pretty well. They are about $65 at midway I think, you may find one as cheap close to you. It is also not necessary to use atomic level loads, unless maybe you are on a one shot grizzly hunt.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** November 28, 2011, 01:38:26 PM »

Quote from: keith44 on November 28, 2011, 01:33:17 PM

Ok all this leads to a question, related to the recoil level of the .500. I need a new scope for my .45-70, and I am curious how the recoil compares to the .500. I load 55.5 grains of 3031 under a 300 grain hollow point (Hornady bullet and load) The recoil will get your attention, especially off a bench, but it can be easily managed. Does the recoil from the .500 exceed the .45-70?? Would it be harder on a scope or about the same??

Velocity, powder, bullet and rifle weights are the variables to calculating recoil, simple to figure out quickly.

Tim

http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp

keith44 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 28, 2011, 01:58:25 PM »

Thanks for the link Tim. Seems the .500 recoils with about 6 1/2 pounds more free recoil than the .45-70. A real kicker, and definitely a scope killer.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** November 28, 2011, 02:00:39 PM »

Your load runs about 1850fps using Hornady data, that equates to 23.9 lbs recoil in an 8lb rifle, for comparison my 500S&W pushes a 350gr XTP over 2100fps, that's 32.3lbs in the same 8lb rifle. You can see where 500S&W hunting loads are equal to Ruger/modern rifle loads in the 45-70, 300gr at 2400fps which I've shot in one of my 22" 45-70 Handis using H4198 and 300gr Nosler PTs.

Tim

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_1_53/ai_n16866654/pg_2/?tag=content;col1

Monteria · « **Reply #10 on:** November 28, 2011, 02:32:44 PM »

CW, please explain "only supported on one side". PRWs are my go to. I have 6 or 7 pair, and I will continue to sware by them, but I would like to understand the issue in detail.

Oh, and to the OP, I have to agree that spending the money up front will save you in the end, but I have a Cabelas pine ridge 1X that seems pretty damn stout.
Steve

manatee1947 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 28, 2011, 02:52:28 PM »

This is like John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness

, I say unto you my son, where is the whitetail that thou seekest? that requireth 4000 foot pounds of energy ? Where is the hog, which our fathers slew in the sty with a 22LR, or with a butcher knife, that Hampshire, and Yorkshire, yea even an occasional Duroc, that turneth away '06 bullets like the armor of an A1 Abrams?? Did not thy fathers make near extinct the buffalo with a 50/70 or 50/90 black powder rifle ? Was not the 38/55 a good gun for black bear, yea even the 32/40 a model of accuracy and deadly on those same whitetails?? Turn ye therefore away from the the desire for power, for powers sake, that your rounds shall be many, and your recoil light, for straight is the path and precise is the drop that leadeth to venison in thy freezer, and pork in thy pantry, and thou shalt avoid the house of McDonalds forever. Amen.

keith44 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 28, 2011, 02:53:38 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on November 28, 2011, 02:00:39 PM

Your load runs about 1850fps using Hornady data, that equates to 23.9 lbs recoil in an 8lb rifle, for comparison my 500S&W pushes a 350gr XTP over 2100fps, that's 32.3lbs in the same 8lb rifle. You can see where 500S&W hunting loads are equal to Ruger/modern rifle loads in the 45-70, 300gr at 2400fps which I've shot in one of my 22" 45-70 Handis using H4198 and 300gr Nosler PTs.

Tim

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_1_53/ai_n16866654/pg_2/?tag=content;col1

Wow faster than I thought, I used 1950 fps for the .500. Still a scope killer

spikehorn · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2011, 03:10:42 PM »

+1 on the Simmons pro diamond, but spend a little extra and get the master series.

manatee1947 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2011, 03:21:46 PM »

Yup, that is what I have. I have a picture of mine and my 10 pointer on the handi success stories thread, I figure my 440 gr cast is at about 1300 fps, it went through both shoulders and 16" into very sandy soil. I can see no great purpose in going 48" into very sandy soil.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #15 on:** November 28, 2011, 04:19:04 PM »

Quote from: Monteria on November 28, 2011, 02:32:44 PM

CW, please explain "only supported on one side". PRWs are my go to. I have 6 or 7 pair, and I will continue to sware by them, but I would like to understand the issue in detail.

Oh, and to the OP, I have to agree that spending the money up front will save you in the end, but I have a Cabelas pine ridge 1X that seems pretty damn stout.
Steve

I can do better than that Steve... I have pictures!!

Here are the bent up recoil shoulders.

I think they will likely be fine for the majority of the handi cailbers out there. But calibers like 500, 45-70, 35 Whelen, 444, 454, 460 and 445, I would avoid them... Go with a WARNE or a BURRIS ZEE.

CW

Monteria · « **Reply #16 on:** November 28, 2011, 04:30:29 PM »

keith44 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 28, 2011, 06:13:09 PM »

Wow is right!! Brutal from the scope's point of view.

atitagain · « **Reply #18 on:** November 28, 2011, 07:47:22 PM »

So you want cheap quality?
Not often found in the same sentence when talking about scopes.
My best suggestion would be to look in the optic classifieds.
You can sometimes find some good quality scopes at good prices.

oic0 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 29, 2011, 08:49:05 AM »

I've been loading 36 grains of W296 behind a 460 grainer. Have worked up higher with no sticky extraction or flat primers, but why bother. Thats what? probably ~1800fps? I dont have a chrony

With a limb saver over the top of the factory squishy pad, its not too bad. Less painful than my friends mosin nagant with its metal but plate.

As for smaller lighter guns, my main deer gun is an 1894C, .347 magnum. I LOVE that gun. Its sexy, accurate, no kick, cheap to load for, and will kill a dear dead. It has a cheap holo sight on it and doesn't tear it up because its basically recoil-less. The .500 is just a fun novelty, but I would like it to be a useful novelty

hence the need for a scope.

parisite · « **Reply #20 on:** November 29, 2011, 05:03:24 PM »

My local smith put some good iron sights off a Rem. 700 on my 500 Handi for me. They do pretty good for my usage. Sure a lot better than the cheap plastic sights it came with.