Author Topic: Fixed power preference: 2x or 4x for Encore .44 (Read 850 times)

Blunderbus · « **on:** May 12, 2005, 02:13:55 AM »

I am favoring a fixed-power scope for my Encore 12-inch 44 magnum barrel. Primary use will be for deer hunting. I'm favoring either Burris or Leupold ... leaning to Burris.

I understand that variables are versatile, but putting that aside, which of the two fixed powers mentioned -- 2x or 4x -- have any of you found to be the most useful for this particular caliber in actual hunting situations?

Blunderbus

flyfisher · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2005, 02:50:18 AM »

I have a 14" .375 Win. barrel with a fixed 2x bushnell on it. I love it for the woods of PA. I personally prefer the 2x over a 4x, but if you are going to shoot in more open areas and are guaranteed a rest, I'd go with the 4x. All of my shots are reasonable close, and the 2x is really easy and fast to see through for moving shots.

I have a Burris 3-12x, but no Leupolds on the pistols so I can't really comment on the Leupolds (although I have several Leupold rifle scopes). Been very happy with the Burris, but also very happy with the Bushnell. Totally your choice...both brands have good track records.

Duffy · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2005, 01:12:08 PM »

2X Leupold. A 2X can be held good enough for a off hand shot if needed. A 4X is fairly tough off hand. There's quite a few good scopes on ebay also.

Possum · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2005, 06:50:13 AM »

I have all variables on my hunting pistols. I would go with the 2x power for woods hunting and 4x for field. I am always turning my variables down to 2x-3x to see in the woods.

I am shooting a 44 with open sights and am amazed at how accurate just plain ole iron sights can be.

armory414 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2005, 07:23:18 AM »

For hunting in dense cover here in Ohio, I actually decided to go with a red dot scope. I rarely get to take a shot past 75 yards, and when a deer is farther than that and it is open, it is usually in a field and running full bore where I won't take a shot anyway. The red dot is on a 15 inch Encore .44 mag. On my 10 inch Contender 44 mag I just use the iron sights.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2005, 08:16:58 AM »

Either the 4X or 2X will work well for you on the 44 MAG. I prefer the 4x though. And a Leupold.

MnMike · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2005, 07:35:18 PM »

I am still using iron sights (with fiber inserts) on my .45 Win Mag (about the same as your .44. I am thinking of going to either a 2X or a red dot. I use mine for woods hunting (40 yds. or so - longer ranges, I change caliber). I am leaning to the red dot for faster target acquisition.

mike

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2005, 03:05:05 AM »

Forgot to add that I have a Leupold 4X EER on my 10 inch 44MAG Contender.

Gregory · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2005, 11:26:58 AM »

All three of my Contender handgun barrels are topped with Nikon 2X scopes.

Leupolds are great scopes and I've had both their 2X and 4X models. For a 44 I think a 2X is all you need. I chose the Nikons over Leupolds because the Nikon seems slightly brighter and has a larger FOV.

I've picked up used Nikons on ebay for $100-$110.

sk330lc · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2005, 01:22:45 PM »

Blunderbus,

I just mounted a Luepold FXII 4x On my 12" 44mag encore. So Far I love it . It is Kinda hard ta hold freehand. But off a rest it is awsome . I hunt in Ohio in the thick stuff also .. I don't feel I'll have a problem with it... The man reason I went with the 4x was, I do have a few stands I can make shots out to 100 yards or so.. thought the extra magnification would help...

Big Gun · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2005, 01:32:32 AM »

I had a choice of a 2x or a 1.5 - 4x for my 44 Mag (I already had both scopes on hand) - ended up putting the 1.5 - 4x on it. Using a 2x at 100 yds is just not enough magnification for me - the cross hairs cover too much and I end up "guessing" if I am aiming right on the kill zone. Good luck.

Blunderbus · « **Reply #11 on:** May 20, 2005, 06:27:24 PM »

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

Blunderbus

Catfish · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2005, 03:20:29 PM »

I`ve hunted with .44`s for years but always used iron sights. I`m setting up 2 different gun for deer hunting next year. a Ruger Red Hawk .454 with a 2x Leupols for a walk around and drive gun and a .500 S&W with a 2 1/2 to 8 Leupold for a stand gun. What ever you do get a Leo.