Author Topic: Scope for Redhawk (Read 1732 times)

dougk · « **on:** July 19, 2005, 11:56:50 AM »

I am looking to scope the blued Redhawk with 7.5 inch barrel. I have a Leupold 2x on another gun which works great BUT I think the scope is too small for the .44 mag. I am looking at the option of using the Leupold 4x handgun scope. The bigger scope will look better on the big gun... I am all about looking good :-D Does anyone have any experience with the 4x Leupold scope?

Burris is not an option in that their customer service organization has gone out of their way to excel at being one of the worst in the industry.

Thanks Doug

BCB · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2005, 01:38:26 PM »

dougk,

I didn't realize that Burris had become so "user unfriendly". I have had nothing but good dealing with them, but then I only ever had to deal with them 1 time. It is strange, but I dropped my SRH and it landed right smack on the Burris 2x-7x scope and bent the tube and actually shifted the back lens. I sent it back for an estimate as to the repair charge. They sent it back to me REPAIRED---NO CHARGE.

That 2x-7x Burris 'scope has taken 1000's, and 1000's, and 1000's and 1000's of heavy 325 grain cast bullet loads with no problems what so ever. Recoil is such that the Redfield rings can't be tighten enough to not allow the 'scope to move after several hundred rounds. Point of impact changes very slowly as the 'scope moves ever so slightly. But that ain't the 'scope's fault. That would be my 'scope of choice again.

By the way, I own 11 other Burris 'scopes so I sure hope their service department doesn't go bad...But then again, I have never had problems with my Burris 'scopes...Maybe I'm just lucky???BCB

TScottO · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2005, 02:21:35 PM »

I wouldnt recommend a fixed fourX scope for a hunting handgun. Unless you are steady as stone when holding the gun you will struggle keeping the sight picture open as well as staying on target.

If you want a bigger scope so your gun will look more aesthetically pleasing to your eye I would recommend the Bushnell variable power handgun scope. Bushnell is the brand JD Jones recommends for his hand cannons. If they will hold up to his guns your 44 magnum will be a cinch. The Leupold variable is a better quality scope than the Bushnell but the price is much more excaudated. At least going with a variable you can keep the aesthetics you want while retaining the ability to shoot at lower powers.

Be Safe,
Scott

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2005, 03:06:17 PM »

I happen to think the Leupold 4X pistol scope would work great. I switched my red-dot off my S&W500 MAG and installed my 4X Leupold on it. I had it on my Contender 44MAG. I did not have a problem with the sight picture.

poncaguy · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2005, 04:10:25 PM »

Burris is the better handgun scope for the money...........

dougk · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2005, 03:52:30 AM »

Let me clarify...

THe Burris Customer Support (accessed via email) is the worst in the industry, it is because of that very negative experience I will run from Burris products. Prior to this experience I was seriously looking at the Burris 2-7x handgun scope.

I have no experience with the Burris Service Department.

Now the Ruger Customer Service Department that handles the Redhawk is tops in the industry.

I was considering the Bushnell Elite but like the Leupold warranty. So it might be the Leupold Variable handgun scope. But boy are they proud of that scope...

Doug

Bullseye · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2005, 07:29:39 AM »

Now back to the question that was asked, I would personally stick with a 2x. I do not like the 4x's because they magnify every little twitch and shake I make when shooting offhand. A 2x is plenty enough magnfication for accurate 100 yard shooting which is about the limit of that gun and round in my opinion. If I go to a higher magnification than 2x I go to a variable scope so that I can still turn it down for shooting offhand, but the variable scopes get big and heavy on a handgun.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2005, 08:47:53 AM »

A Leupold 2x sounds like the best bet for you...I agree with TScott and Bullseye...I would not go with a 4x unless you are planning on shooting 75 or more yards...If you find a deer inside 15 yards you may have a hard time "finding" it in the scope...The same thing happened to me when I had a fixed 4x scope on my slug gun and a whitetail walked by at 10 yards...I just couldn't get a bead on it and by the time I did the thing had high tailed it out of there...

rickyp · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2005, 08:55:00 AM »

how about a nice T/C 2.5-7 scope? I now have 3 of them one is lighted and love them.
I normally keep them on 2.5 but I can always go up in power if needed and T/C has a great service department.

redawg · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2005, 11:41:37 AM »

I agree with the others who recommended against a fixed 4x. The field of view is much narrower, and I'd worry about "finding" a close deer like WNY Whitetailer describes. I've got an Elite 3200 that is a good scope, but suffers from a narrow field of view even on 2x. I think I've seen where it's f.o.v. on 2x is 20' or 21' @ 100 yards, which is on par with some of the fixed 4x scopes I've looked at. Most variables, with the exception of the 2-7 Burris already mentioned, have a narrower f.o.v. when set on 2x or 2.5x than a fixed 2x scope. If you want a scope that has an objective lens bigger than 20mm, Bushnell makes a 2x32mm Trophy and Weaver makes a 2x that has a 28mm or a 32mm objective lens. As for the Elite, they do carry a lifetime warranty and they also will allow you to return the scope for a refund within 1 year from the day you buy it. So if you just don't like it after you buy it, you can send it back to Bushnell and get your money back! HTH!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:48:17 PM »

My question to all of you that recommend agents a 4X on a handgun. Why would you not be able to find a deer 15 yards away from you? You all have me baffled here, I can pull my handgun up with my Leupold 4X and be right on target without having to search for my target up close. If anything I have found on the 2 X scopes is that you get blackout. For those of you wondering what that is, it is when you look through your scope and all you can see is black, until you get your sight picture. With my 4X Leupold, I don't have that problem.

As far as not being able to hold your handgun still with the 4X scope, you are doing the same with a 2X scope, but you don't see the movement is the only difference. That movement is always there but just magnified by the higher power scope. What I see is a lot of you need to practice with your off hand shooting.

Gregory · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:52:56 PM »

Quote from: BCB

dougk,

By the way, I own 11 other Burris 'scopes so I sure hope their service department doesn't go bad...But then again, I have never had problems with my Burris 'scopes...Maybe I'm just lucky???BCB

I must be the unlucky one, I've owned just two 2-7X Burris scopes and one failed after ten shots on a 44 Mag TC Contender. Burris repaired it but I lost confidence in it. Sold both of them off.

I use Nikon 2X scopes (have three of them) on my handgun barrels now. Nothing against the Leupold's (I've had a 2X and 4X) but I find the Nikon brighter and has a slightly larger FOV. Never a problem with any Leupold Nikon, or Japanese made Tasco scope I've owned.

BrianU · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2005, 01:14:37 PM »

Not unless you plan to shoot from a rest, the 4X Leupold is not very practical. I have a 4X Leupold on a Remington XP-100 and it is a typical Leupold, outstanding. It also has only a 9 foot field of view at 100 yards. It is not something you will throw up and use the scope to find what you are wanting to shoot at in the woods. It is more like spot what you plan to shoot at and then looking along side the gun, line it up with your target and then look through the scope. Not a problem when hunting groundhogs from a rest, but not something I would want to carry after deer in the woods. Of course, if you hunt from a stand then this probably is not an issue. I have used a 2X Leupold on a T/C Contender .375 JDJ and it worked much better.

Brian

BCB · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2005, 01:21:04 PM »

dougk,

I didn't mean to push Burris on you. I have had very good luck with them and we will let it stand at that.

I guess during my Burris rant I sort of lost track. I would highly recommend a 2x-7x of what ever make you prefer. The 2x is great for quick locations and shots at deer up close or in brushy areas. It will focus at full arms length. The higher powers are good for the bench work, although I have had the crosshairs on a deer with the 'scope on 7x. I never got the shot off because the deer simply would not stop walking and the distance was at least 60 yards.

Regardless, I think I would opt for a variable 'scope. Good-luck...BCB

redawg · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2005, 04:40:26 PM »

I guess I should clarify what I meant by "finding" the deer. I meant that for a close shot, it could be difficult to find a good aiming point. It could be pretty hard to pick a spot to aim for when all you see is fur. I just assumed that this is what WNY Whitetailer was talking about.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #15 on:** July 20, 2005, 08:59:22 PM »

The 2X Leupold atop my FA 454 Casull has been to the shop three times and it has not cost me a penny. I'd like a tougher scope but hey, ya can't beat the customer service! :grin:

rickyp · « **Reply #16 on:** July 21, 2005, 02:15:37 AM »

Quote from: Dusty Miller

The 2X Leupold atop my FA 454 Casull has been to the shop three times and it has not cost me a penny. I'd like a tougher scope but hey, ya can't beat the customer service! :grin:

If that scope has been in the shop 3 times it has cost you quite a bit of money and time once you figure in the time to mount it sight it in then it broke you ahd to remove it and package it up and pay to ship it to them then once you get it back you had to remount it and resight it in you did this 3 times . it just did not cost anything to have them fix it for you

dougk · « **Reply #17 on:** July 21, 2005, 09:41:17 AM »

Do you remember that line from TopGun "Couger was number One But he messed up he's out" Well that applies to Burris.

Now I am looking at the variable power scopes from Nikon and Bushnell (Elite 3200). I agree the Leupold 2x is a great scope but I am looking for a scope that is a little bigger. At this time I can not shell out the extra $ for the Leupold.

Is there any reason to stay away from the Bushnell or Nikon?

As always the advise and insights are great on this board....

Thanks,
Doug

poncaguy · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2005, 02:38:17 PM »

I still think Burris is the way to go, I have a Burris that is at least 25-35 years old, 2x, that I used on my Contender 14" 45-70 and 357 Max. Still is an excellant scope. It also has an AO......never have seen that before on any 2X scope. Anyway, thats why I ordered a Burris 2X for my 15" Encore 7mm-08 (no AO on it though.....darn it!). I just don't have the dough for a Lupie..........I'm happy with my Burris, Mueller,Nikon and Bushnell scopes...all have served me well and continue to do so.

Catfish · « **Reply #19 on:** July 22, 2005, 07:07:31 AM »

Doug,
I don`t think a 4x fixed on a deer handgun is a good idea. They just lack field of vision for fast shots. I`ve used 2X Leupolds for years and recently picked up a 2 1/2 x 8 Leupols and have 2 more ordered. The one I have is on a 14 in. .222 barrel and the ones comming are for a .500 S&W and a .454 Red Hawk, my deer guns for this year. Carry on 2 1/2X and if you have the time and a rest crank them up.
Like you I`ve had 2 Burrius scopes. A 3 x 9 and a 1 1/2 x 4. The 3 x 9 shot a pattern, not a group on 9x. I could shoot sub moa on 3x but the groups were 10 in. appart at 100 yrds. The 1 1/2 x 4 would adj from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2. I`ll never buy another Burrius eather. I`ve got about 30 Leupold scopes. Bought my first 2 in 1968. Traded one off on a gun and still have the other. I keep hearing that Leupold has great customer service, but I`ve never had cause to use it.

.358buddy · « **Reply #20 on:** July 22, 2005, 07:29:52 AM »

I have to say that I have had only one occassion to deal with fixing my Burris scope. I broke it, they fixed it without charge inside of two weeks and that includes shipping too Alaska! I deal with people and companies
every day. We all have bad days and days where we are less than we should be. Personally ,I lock the door and go shooting.

I have and hunt with both Leupold and Burris in every magnification they offer. I have the very same gun setup you are talking about and will
only use the 2.5 regardless of the maker( Burris or Leupold). I break clay birds at 200 yards with the setup. The reason for the 2.5 is I only use the setup for close shooting. Anything above that power and I see to much for close in shooting. Longer range guns may require better magnification.

Be careful and check twice

Bullseye · « **Reply #21 on:** July 22, 2005, 08:05:29 AM »

Thanks for your concern Redhawk1, but my offhand shooting is just fine. :grin: You are right, the shake is there no matter which scope you use and you are also right in saying it is just magnified more with the 4x. That however is the problem for me. The more shake I see the more I get the impression that I am not holding the gun steady and it ends up messing with my mind. The shake is less noticable with the 2x and it does lead me to overcompenste trying to hold the crosshairs where I want them. Anyone that shoots a handgun offhand without any shake is ready for competition.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #22 on:** July 22, 2005, 09:21:35 AM »

Quote from: redawg

I guess I should clarify what I meant by "finding" the deer. I meant that for a close shot, it could be difficult to find a good aiming point. It could be pretty hard to pick a spot to aim for when all you see is fur. I just assumed that this is what WNY Whitetailer was talking about.

You are correct sir...

Let me clarify one thing...I meant to say feet and not yards...Between 15 and 30 feet all you see is fur. I prefer a 2x over a 4x and that deserves no more explanation than that. Besides...Opinions are like you know what...Everyone's got one. If someone doesn't agree with yours then just ignore him. I do just that same thing and it works great.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 22, 2005, 10:43:29 AM »

Quote from: Bullseye

Thanks for your concern Redhawk1, but my offhand shooting is just fine. :grin: You are right, the shake is there no matter which scope you use and you are also right in saying it is just magnified more with the 4x. That however is the problem for me. The more shake I see the more I get the impression that I am not holding the gun steady and it ends up messing with my mind. The shake is less noticable with the 2x and it does lead me to overcompenste trying to hold the crosshairs where I want them. Anyone that shoots a handgun offhand without any shake is ready for competition.

I think even the pro's shake.

I did however take my 4X Leupold off my 500 MAG and reinstalled my Ultra-dot. With the heavy bullets I am shooting, at further distances I ran out of adjustment. I guess that's the price I pay to shoot 575 gr. bullets. :-D

dougk · « **Reply #24 on:** July 22, 2005, 11:30:58 AM »

I agree the 2x is all I will need. But the Leupold 2x is too small. I need that big scope on the big .44 mag. Now if I had a .50 like Redhawk1 I dont know what I would do, as there is not scope big enough for that BIG BIG revolver.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #25 on:** July 23, 2005, 01:29:58 AM »

Hey there Doug...Don't worry about the looks...Worry about the scope performance...That's what really matters anyway, right? Bushnell makes a 2-6x32 Elite scope that is a little longer and may be to your liking...Check it out.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 23, 2005, 01:43:26 AM »

Quote from: dougk

I agree the 2x is all I will need. But the Leupold 2x is too small. I need that big scope on the big .44 mag. Now if I had a .50 like Redhawk1 I dont know what I would do, as there is not scope big enough for that BIG BIG revolver.

I have never worried about how a scope looks on a handgun. You need to see my Ultra-dot on my 500MAG. (Like putting a sight on a tank). :-D But the function is great. I do have a couple of 2X6X32 Bushnells on my 454 Casulls. I have one on my Freedom Arms and one on my Ruger Super Redhawk. So the Bushnell is a good scope to look at also. So trying to make a handgun look good is OK, but the function is what is more important.

WNY_Whitetailer, if you are getting animals into 10 to 15 feet, why use a scope at all? If I knew my shots would be that close I would either go iron sights or a red-dot. But that is just me.

I do like the red-dots, because they work great out to 100 yards and just as good extremely close up.

dougk · « **Reply #27 on:** July 23, 2005, 09:23:42 AM »

Rwdhawk1 your right, but I have decided to make the Redhawk look "Sick" (meaning look good). A rational person would put on the Leupold 2x which is the perfect power for handgun hunting. But I'm not being rational... So I'm looking for a variable scope, luckly I have a few months. I hope to find a used Leupold variable power scope.

Doug

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 23, 2005, 10:59:26 AM »

dougk, well when you decide, let us know. I am very curious to what you go with.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #29 on:** July 23, 2005, 12:03:30 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

WNY_Whitetailer, if you are getting animals into 10 to 15 feet, why use a scope at all? If I knew my shots would be that close I would either go iron sights or a red-dot. But that is just me.

That was a fluke when the deer came in that close...I set up for longer shots than that. But as you very well know, deer seldom do what we expect them to do. Besides, the 4x scope I was talking about was on my 870. That was one of the first seasons that I had hunted whitetail and I was just told what I needed and I bought it. A couple of seasons under my belt taught me that I should buy what I think I need and not what others(friends) tell me I need.

I do have a red dot on my Super Blackhawk Hunter and that is the way I like it. Besides, I use a revolver to get up close and personal. I have no business trying a 100 yard shot with this gun. I am not nearly that good. My shots are going to be archery distance...35 yards max...At least for now. I have given thought to picking up another revolver...Perhaps a S&W 460 when they finally hit the market. Then maybe I'll look into a nice 2x or variable scope. All in due time...Now to get down to fertilizing that money tree...