Which scope for a .357 Carbine ?

[chrome]

My .357 Carbine is being shipped back to me from Remington with the new barrel fitted.

Now for a scope. The rifle will be used mostly in a back up role. So finances wont allow me to spend alot for optics.
I'm looking hard at the Pentax 2-7 x 32  http://swfa.com/Pentax-2-7x32-Gameseeker-II-Rifle-Scope-P48567.aspx

Or the Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5 x 32 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/748138/bushnell-banner-rifle-scope-15-45x-32mm-wide-angle-multi-x-reticle-matte

The Pentax has a $25 rebait so price is about the same.

[revbc]

This one will fit lower and give hammer clearance, ocular end not as large.

http://swfa.com/Weaver-25-7x32-Classic-V-Rifle-Scope-P3050.aspx

[rdlange]

I like fixed power scopes for my Handis.  In the last year I have found 3 Leupold M8 4x compact scopes for under $150.  Latest one was $125 locally.  Several versions and the 28mm objective is the only one I DO NOT recommend.  I favor them over other scopes.

I also like the older Simmons 4x Prodiamond with the screw type ocular bell, NOT the new ones with the quick adjust LARGE ocular bell... jmho.

[chrome]

Didn't think about the rear end size. I've got a Weaver on my Ruger 77/22 and love it.

[hoytcanon]

The Nikon P22 scopes work really well for pistol caliber's in Handi rifles... the BDC 150 has soft ware that works particularly well with a .357... and it is a tight, compact package and very well made... best of all it is on sale! See link below;
http://swfa.com/Nikon-2-7x32-P22-Riflescope-P51919.aspx
 

[twoshooter]

I have to say that my favorite scope for most of my handi's is the Master series Simmons, the fixed 4X shotgun scope. I is surprisingly clear, a glutton for punishment, mounts out of the way with no problem, and runs about $65-70 + tax etc. I only put bigger stuff on long range (150yds +) rifles. Most of my shooting is cast bullets and 125 yards or less. That is about the limit of effectiveness on a std 357 anyway.

[quickdtoo]

This one will fit lower and give hammer clearance, ocular end not as large.

http://swfa.com/Weaver-25-7x32-Classic-V-Rifle-Scope-P3050.aspx

That's a nice Japan made scope, I have one on my 35 Rem Handi mounted in extra low(discontinued) Burris Zee rings, Natchez has the scope for $149.95 and about $12 shipping IIRC.

Tim

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=WE849399

[Ranger99]

I put one of the Nitrex 1.5-5x32 on the one
I bought a little while back, and it worked
out really well.  Took a deer with it, and
made a better shot than I thought I was
capable of. Great scope for 120.00

[quickdtoo]

There are a couple great Leupold fixed power scopes in the Optics Classifieds here, they'd be one of my first pics for the 357.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/board,241.0.html

[cwlongshot]

My first choice is always Leupold...  You can buy used and stay within your budget. Don't worry about used and Leupold IF you have ANY problems Leupold will fix for the cost of shipping back to the factory.

If you want new, you can still look at a few Leupolds that will be within your budget but you will nood to do your homework to find a sale.

Nikon's have been well received as have the new Redfield's.

I have had a few Simmons and Tasco scopes and they have been good to me. But the used Leupold/Nikon is head and shoulders better in clarity, definision and briteness.

The focus adjustment/ Ocular ends diameter is important on the Handis because of its hammer. The Leupolds and Nikons will allow lo mounting for good shooting ergonomics.

My own Maxis (Close as I have to a Magnum) have worn a Red dot, (Zero magnification) a Leupold M8 3X, a Tasco 4X tactile and a Redfield 2x7x32









Good luck,
 CW

[spikehorn]

The Simmons pro diamond 4X32 (not the master series) can be mounted ahead of the hammer in low rings.

[Monteria]

I prefer a Nikon Omega 1.65-5 on Handy's especially shorties and youth setups. I tried a whole bunch of others before settling in here and beginning to replace everything else.

It is a little larger than I wanted, but the benefits far out weigh that one drawback. They are crisp and clear with smooth positive adjustment, and a long eye relief perfect for mounting the ocular bell low in front of the hammer spur. And they can be had for about $140 as seconds.

This is my shorty 45/70. I also have one on both of my Max's, my K-Hornet, a shorty 30-30, a youth K-Hornet and a youth shorty 30-30... Each one with that exact setup.

[geartow]

I like the tasco

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/tasco-world-class-rifle-scope-ba1545x32-32mm-tube-matte-proshot-reticle-p-80467.html

[petemi]

I have Bushnell Banner fixed 4x32s on all my pistol caliber Handis.  They mount fairly low and work well at the ranges expected of the rifles.

Pete

[tturner53]

Well I don't have a .357 barrel, yet, but do have a Marlin .357. It wears a Bushnell fixed 2.5. Around $30 at WallyWorld IIRC. It's a big scope, big as many 3x9s, but what a clear view. And the field of view is huge. Perfect for moving targets. It was on a 30-06 for a while, no problems at all. Not compact or neat looking, but a great hunting sight. It's a Sportview, cheap as heck, but works great. I don't know if they still make 'em. For some reason I like low power fixed scopes. KISS I guess.

[8uck5nort]

I'm a redfield fan so my 357 max/mag and 44 Mag wear redfield revolutions 2-7x32 and my 500 S&W has nikon 3-9x40 XLR with steel rings to give me generous eye relief and the rings offer survivability of the scope itself during recoil. The 500 S&W has already eaten one Bushnell Banner scope.
 
Redfields are owned by Luepold and have a lifetime warranty. Not the cheapest, but affordable for the quality you get IMHO.

 

[dpe.ahoy]

I have several Weaver K-2.5's on some of the shorter range rifles as well as 35 Rem and 444 Marlin.  They work well as will several of the scopes mentioned here.  DP

[hoytcanon]

I have this Mueller 2-7X32mm Multi-Shot on a Handi 30/30 shorty... it is a super scope... very bright and clear with a perfect short range reticle that can still reach out there when it needs to... very tough scope to boot.
http://muelleroptics.com/mu2732igr#more-93 

[Flynmoose]

+1 on the Redfields. I am a recent convert, bought three and really like them. They are bright, made in Oregon and affordable.
FM