Author Topic: Looking for a handgun scope??? (Read 3686 times)

m-g Willy · « **on:** March 17, 2012, 04:44:23 PM »

I need info on a decent handgun scope forv a 44mag.
I tried a BSA a few years ago and it didn't last through the sight in.
Maybe 12 shot and it was done!
So now I'm thinking about another scope.
I would like a low powered scope that can take the recoil of a 44mag.
I seen a lot on E-bay but never heard of a lot of them.
So if you got a good scope let me know the make .
Or if you have a piece of crap then let me know what to stay away from.
Thanks for any info.

eye shot · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2012, 05:03:59 PM »

Burris

damienph · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2012, 07:20:57 PM »

I have an older Leupold 2x M8 on my Super Blackhawk and it has held up to hundreds of pretty stout handloads. If you watch the optics section in the classifieds on this forum they can occasionally be found for $150 or so; almost always less than $200.

Since I am basically cheap, I have a fair amount of experience with "budget priced" handgun scopes:

I have two Simmons Prohunters, one 4x on a 10" .30 Herrett Contender and a 2x that was on my .30 Carbine Blackhawk. Both are still functioning fine after a few hundred rounds each. Neither of these rounds are heavy recoilers though.

I currently have a Swift 1.5-4x on the .30 Carbine Blackhawk because I got a heck of a deal on it. haven't shot it much but seems to be ok so far. I have two other Swift riflescopes and they both have held up well.

I have a 2x Barska that I bought "on sale" from Midway a few years ago for under $50. I bought it to try on my .30 Carbine Blackhawk to see if I really wanted to scope it or not; first shot the "Barska" logo flew off the turret adjustment cap. In all, I fired 36 rounds through it and even though it did maintain zero, I replaced it with the 2x Simmons (then the Swift) because I was somewhat concerned about what might fly off of it next.

I also had a 2-6x Bushnell Trophy (the older gloss finish - not the new matte one) that was a good scope, except my nephew has it on his Super Redhawk and I don't think that he intends on giving it back.

I have never tried NcStar, BSA, or Tasco pistol scopes. The Burris that a previous poster mentioned is a good scope, as well as Nikons and older Redfields, if you can find them, but I don't consider them cheap scopes.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2012, 02:14:28 AM »

As for scopes, I used the Leupold, Burris and Bushnells. I like the Bushnells the best. But I no longer use scopes on my handguns, I went to Ultra-dot's, and never looked back. For me it is either iron sights or red-dots. (Ultra Dot).

jlwilliams · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2012, 03:43:36 AM »

I see a lot of used TC branded scopes. No idea who actually made them. They turn up cheap enough and were originally made for the TC Contender pistols so I imagine they can take some recoil. I have one but have yet to put it on anything.

Catfish · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2012, 07:41:33 AM »

I buy only Leupold scopes. I have used most of the other brands out there and had problems with them all. I put my first 2X Leupold on a Handgun in 1968. It was a High Standard Dura Matic and I killed alot of squirrels with it.

Ladobe · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2012, 10:05:40 AM »

Overall best of the best for the stouter handguns IMO, including the real handcannons that far exceed, some that quadruple the recoil of a 44MAG...

1. Tasco Pro Class with their etched converging fine dot reticle and 30mm tube. Lightning fast target accusation, excellent for running shots hunting and for target shooting. Were available in 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 6X, 1-4X etc. I only have a 6X left out the many I've owned.

2. Simmons Gold Medal, specifically the 2.5-7. All mine are gone now, but they could handle almost any cartridge.

Both long discontinued, but they come up for sale now and then for far less than they cost new. The TPC's usually way less and usually no more than $150, some $100 (were $350-$400 new, a high price at the time). A company in FL services and refurbishes them now days, sometimes have some that find their way back into the mainstream.

Otherwise the older Burris models were a favorite, and I've owned many of them over the years. My favorite of all of them was the 2-7 and the 10X Target (old models, not the newer ones). Still have an early 2-7 that's seen uncountable rounds fired on several handcannons and is still as good as new.

Thompson Centers handgun scopes are also well made and can take a lot of punishment.

I never cared for the Leupold's except their 4X, a little less their 2X because of my uses. Their variable is the only scope I even blew up on a handgun, and not on that big of a handcannon in comparison to others I had.

Lots of folks love the Bushnell's, never had one myself.

Have tried lots of other brands, didn't like them for various reasons, they didn't live with me long and were never bought again.

Just long personal experience as a very serious handgunner from the mid 60's FWIW.

irold · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2012, 02:20:55 PM »

I have Leopolds and Bushnell Trophys. The Trophy was on my 460 Encore barrel , it held up to nearly 300 rounds fired through out the summer before I sold the barrel. It still works fine. The Leopolds are great , seems they will hold up to anything. ( I'm sure at some time or another someone has gotten a bad one ) I was looking at the new Nikon EER scopes ( 2X only ), they seemed very clear , and had great eye relief. If I'm in the market again, I may try one. As Redhawk stated , for hunting a red-dot is hard to beat. May want to consider one, depending on how your gonna use the gun.

regards , irold

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2012, 12:26:26 AM »

back when i used and hunted with scoped handguns i had many. Out of all of them the standout to me was the 2x leupolds. Never had a lick of trouble with them, they had forgiving eye relief and eye placement and were hell for stout.

m-g Willy · « **Reply #9 on:** March 19, 2012, 02:43:55 PM »

Thanks for the replies.
Seems like sticking to the big name makers is the best bet.
And then Redhawk1 throws a wrench into the works with the red dot!
Hmm???

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2012, 04:36:46 PM »

Quote from: m-g Willy on March 19, 2012, 02:43:55 PM

Thanks for the replies.
Seems like sticking to the big name makers is the best bet.
And then Redhawk1 throws a wrench into the works with the red dot!
Hmm???

You will love them, fast to acquire target, and get back on target for second shot. you can keep both eyes open and see everything going on.. I used scopes for over 15 years on handguns, but now I use nothing but Ultra-dot red-dots or open sights. Red dot low light and you don't have to try to find the cross hairs. Come to the dark side..

atitagain · « **Reply #11 on:** March 19, 2012, 04:52:21 PM »

The red dots really are nice. They might take just a little getting used to.
But once you get the hang of it, they are great.

S.B. · « **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2012, 06:17:34 AM »

And the Ultra's really shine at dawn and dusk, when I see most of the whitetails I'm going to see!
Steve

Cheesehead · « **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2012, 07:56:43 AM »

I have a Nikon on my Encore pistol. It is chambered in 6.5x55 and the recoil is up there. Hundreds of rounds later, the Nikon continues to perform.

Cheese

tom548 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2012, 03:21:29 AM »

I purchased A TC. scope 30 years ago and mounted it on a Ruger BH 357/44. It has had 500 rounds that are near max load and couple thousand .357 and .38 rounds. I have never had the scope caps off after it was sighted in. The scope is antiquated by today standards but works fine. I am not sure if they still sell them or if they are as good. I purchased it because it had a life time replacement.

ole 5 hole group · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2012, 03:49:41 AM »

I've got Leupolds and never had any problems. Now if you're going to consider red dots, you might want to look into the heads-up display vs. the tube types. I use the Leupold DeltaPoint and Aimpoint Micro red dots. The DeltaPoint weights a half ounce, so depending upon your mounting base, you can go pretty light and modifying holsters to work with the set-up usually isn't that difficult.

Leupold, Aimpoint, JPoint and Burris heads-up reflex red dots will hold up to as much recoil as you'll be able to withstand.

S.B. · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2012, 09:13:27 AM »

tom548, what kind of handgun have you mounted this on? What's a 357/44?
Steve

Hook686 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2012, 03:17:18 PM »

I use the Pride Fowler scope made for the .44 magnum. It has worked well with my S&W Light Hunter and Desert Eagle.

http://www.rapidreticle.com/Main/ScopeItem.aspx?ID=7&grpID=7

tom548 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 24, 2012, 11:04:16 AM »

S.B. Sorry for the slow reply. Yes the TC scope was on a Blackhawk .357. I had the 9mm cylinder reamed by Bob Booth to accept the 44 mag necked down to accept .357 bullets. I think the Bains and Davis 44/357 is a lot like it. Booth called his the 357/44 Bobcat.

yooper77 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 28, 2012, 10:30:50 AM »

Quote from: m-g Willy on March 17, 2012, 04:44:23 PM

I need info on a decent handgun scope forv a 44mag.
I tried a BSA a few years ago and it didn't last through the sight in.
Maybe 12 shot and it was done!
So now I'm thinking about another scope.
I would like a low powered scope that can take the recoil of a 44mag.
I seen a lot on E-bay but never heard of a lot of them.
So if you got a good scope let me know the make .
Or if you have a piece of crap then let me know what to stay away from.
Thanks for any info.

I can only recommend Leupold scopes they are by far the best of the best.

I picked up a lightly used silver Leupold FX-II 2x20mm handgun scope off gunbroker for $135.00 shipped, which goes $350.00 MSRP.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/280774/leupold-fx-ii-pistol-scope-2x-20mm-duplex-reticle-silver
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/large/280/280774.jpg

I didn't want silver, but for the price I couldn't pass it up, so there are deals are out there just takes luck and lots of patients.

yooper77

asquires2 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 03, 2012, 12:44:27 PM »

Ive got Burris scopes on my Encore and Tenders and either Burris Fastfire or Ultra Dot's on my revolvers. you cant go wrong with a red dot on your revolvers.

jem44357 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 03, 2012, 09:46:08 PM »

Leupold all the way. I double charged my 30-30 Contender and blew it up. I mailed the tiny bits and pieces of my brand new 2.5 x 8 LER to them with a letter explaining what I had done. They sent me a factory blemish no charge. The President of Leupold even called me to ask if I was alright.

Jim

gate · « **Reply #22 on:** July 06, 2012, 11:04:56 AM »

got 2 simmons 2.5 7 and a 2x6 both is junk.. ncstar is junk... bushnell's trophy is a good scope fore the price... been eyeing a burris 2x7 local dealer had one ... my 35 rem eat the t/c scope!!! thanks WORM

Junior1942 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 06, 2012, 12:09:49 PM »

Quote from: eye shot on March 17, 2012, 05:03:59 PM

Burris

My scope choices are #1 Leupold; #2 & #3 = tie between Burris and Nikon. Any other brand is a gamble, IMHO. Those three preferred brands have stood by their product with me. As the old saying goes, You pays your money and you takes your chances. But not with Leupold, Burris or Nikon. You pays your money, and their products work or they fix them for free.

HappyHunter · « **Reply #24 on:** August 13, 2012, 03:16:18 AM »

I prefer Leupold 2x on my 44 and 41mag wheelguns

Also like the Bushnell Elite 3200 2-6 power on my 15 inch Encore in 25-06.

These scopes have lasted my years and hundreds of rounds.

barber · « **Reply #25 on:** August 20, 2012, 06:01:35 AM »

I had 2 Bushnell TROPHY red dots and a TRUGLO red dot and neither lasted more than a few shots on my Contender .44 mag, In fact the TRUGLO company told me nnot to use them {after I ruined one}, But I have a BUSHNELL HOLO Sight that I've used for 100:s of shots and it is fine, Just wish it was mmore than one power.

chewie146 · « **Reply #26 on:** August 31, 2012, 01:15:04 PM »

I have a weaver 2.5-8X28 silver scope with the duplex crosshairs. It was on my dad's .44 for about 250 rounds before it sat on my TC contender in .357. So far everything's good and it can be had for between 150 and 225 bucks, depending on sales, etc. I like it. I don't use anything over 2.5 power, but 8x does work. Eye relief changes through the power range, though. I believe burris has one that's 2-6 that's supposed to not have any change in eye relief through the ranges. How that works, I don't know.