Scope for Heavy Recoiling Contender

[DLBlack]

I'm asking a scope question on here because I'm interested specifically in scopes for Contenders.  Does anyone have experience with the Simmons 2-6 handgun scope on a heavy recoiling Contender?  I'm looking for something for a 45-70 w/Muzzle Tamer.  I've got a Weaver 2X on another revolver and really like it.  I've also got a Bausch and Lomb 2-6 but the eye relief is longer than I want.  Looking at specs, the Simmons has a little shorter eye relief than most variables.  Comments/suggestions?  Thanks.

[kynardsj]

Bushnell Elite 3200 2x6 if you can find one. It's on my SuperBlackhawk Hunter right now but was on my 12 inch 460 S&W Mag Encore before that. Very clear, lots of eye relief and no problems at all.

[parisite]

I've read reviews on Midway USA's site about the Simmons 2-6 power handgun scope and I'd be leary of putting it on a 44 Mag caliber or higher recoil. Simmons has a good warranty, but warranty work is a big hassle. I have the Simmons 2-6 power on my 14" 223 Contender and it performs superbly, but for big recoil I'd use something else. Just my take on it.

[sirsloop]

Get a used Leupold M8 EER 2x or 4x scope.  They are a discontinued model, but are built like tanks.  Mine has held up well so far on my .500 S&W Magnum, and they come with a bulletproof warranty (har har har).  Ebay/gunbroker!

[rdlange]

Google "Elite deal gunstuff".  I've gotten several used Leupold M8 4Xs and Burris 'mini' scopes in great shape for good prices, off the forums listed.  Better than ebay.
 
some older Burris handgun scopes are AO..!

[jbj-displays]

Had the Simmons on 411JDJ for 7 shots
You may want to try the T/C variables since they have a shorter eye relief and are tough. I have one on my 375JDJ without brake. The Bushnell variables both have a longer eye relief and are the same if you ask me. The older Burris 2.5x7 have a shorter eye relief too and have a larger field of view. If you did not want a variable the 2x Bushnell has a nice eye relief and I have had them on 460's and 500's for years and have zero trouble. The Weaver variables are also longer in eye relief too.
Justin

[Ladobe]

The Simmons 2.5-7 Gold Medal red ring was a scope that could take the pounding of even "real" handcannons.   Long discontinued, might come up used rarely.  No other Simmons before or since can match that particular model.
 
Best of the best to handle the biggest handcannons by design... better than any name brand handgun scope is the Tasco Pro Class 30mm scopes in fixed and variable.  Also long discontinued, but they come up for sale used far more often than the Simmons, and for hundreds less that what they cost new during their production run.   A company in FL still services/refurbs them.
 
The early model Burris scopes stood up well to handcannons... later ones are iffy from what I've heard from others.
 
TC's scopes also got the job done for all but the heaviest hitters.  No idea if their current models are as good as they were, but they'd be a strong choice.
 
Current made scopes you might consider - Burris, Leupold, Busnell or Nikon and hope for the best.   I blew up a Leupold on a handcannon.
 
A 45-70 w/tamer is not as hard hitting as some others... but I'd want the TPC, Simmons GM, TC or an older Burris scope on it, and at least three rings (my harest hitters had 4).
 
FWIW-YMMV
 
 

[irold]

 I once had a 2-6 Trophy on a 15" Encore , 460 barrel ( untamed ).  Never had a handgun recoil like that one did.  And I'm NOT recoil shy !!  It was on for one summer for load development, nearly 300 rounds....took it off and sold the barrel.  It still works fine.  Maybe it was a fluke....I have the 2X Leo on a Ruger , Super B.H. Hunter ,  really like it.  Looked at a new Nikon 2X , nice eye relief ... factory rep was there , said with their warrenty...if it breaks , send it back and they send ya a new one , no questions asked.   For what your doing....I'd probably look for a good used Leopold 2 or 4X , put it 3 burris sig Z rings and go shoot ! 
 
regards , irold

[The Old Redneck]

I have a 4 X Leupold on my 45/70 barrel and never had a problem.

[DLBlack]

Thanks for the suggestions.  It sounds like I may be just as satisfied, or more so, with a few of the older models from the bigger names.

[luckydawg13]

Bushnell Elite 3200 2x6 if you can find one. It's on my SuperBlackhawk Hunter right now but was on my 12 inch 460 S&W Mag Encore before that. Very clear, lots of eye relief and no problems at all.

i have a bushnell elite 3200 2x6 0n my 454 good scope

[cwlongshot]

I have also had a couple "kickers" in the contender... 14" 357 Herrett, 12" 45/70 and 14" 375 Winchester.

I have destroyed a Bushnell, 2x6 in the 375Win and a Simmons on the Herrett. The reticule would not adjust after less then a box of shells!!

I also had problems with zero shift because of scopes moving. Three rings cured most of this. On the Herrett, I sheared the screws off the base, drilled and re-tapped to #8 screws and had it happen AGAIN! This time I was able to remove and re installed with an extra screw forward and epoxy! Yes I epoxied the base to the gun!! No more problems!!!

As for the actual scopes.. Burris, Tasco world class (Etched Xhair) and Leupold are the only ones tried that did not give an ounce of problem. I also agree with Ladobe, those Tasco 30MM are tough scopes!! Mine was used on a couple handguns and never a lick of problem.

Good luck,
 CW

[giddens1972]

SSK reccommended the Elite 3200 2x6, when I inquired about a good scope for my 358JDJ.  This was quite a few yrs ago, so I don't know if they still have the same quality...but I would say if SSK reccomended it you probably wouldn't go wrong.