| Author | Message | ||
     Thumper74 |
I want to try my luck at handgun hunting next fall. Deer and boar. The gun I bought recently was a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44, 10.5" barrel. It's fine with open sights out to 20 yards or so, after that my groups get far worse. I'd like to get a 2x scope to be more effective, but there aren't a ton of options and I can only afford to do it the right way. Once. Any information would be greatly appreciated. | ||
| Ninefortheroad |
I have owned a TC 44 mag with a older fixed 3X Burris and it worked fine. I would go again with Burris or possibly Nikon/Leupold. As you probably already know, past 20/30 yards, a scope will help accuracy to the point that your skill level and practice will take it. | ||
| Just_ziptab |
The problem with scopes is that they also magnify your "shake". Just look down a highway with a pair of binoculars. On the other hand,you will concentrate harder to steady that shake. I like power and have nothing less than 4X Leupold EER's on my pistols....but it takes practice to be proficient......lots of practice. I also have Leupold 12X rifle scope on a .17 Remington Thompson/Center Contender. That is a "never miss" gun off a solid rest and not all that hard to handle offhand. The electronic sights might be OK too,but I'm not sure how well they work in bright sunlight. Click:http://ultimak.com/UnderstandingE-sights.htm | ||
| Reepicheep |
I love the Red Dot (not laser) site on my 10/22, and have long suspected it would work fantastic on a pistol. It's the preferred tool for bullseye shooters hitting within 1 inch at 50 yards. | ||
| Aesquire |
Nice link, thanks. I'm a big fan of Holosights. While teaching shooting I sometimes put the front lenscap on an illuminated reticule scope and get the student to shoot both eyes open. It's a good way to train not to squint/close the offhand eye. For hand guns, it's hard to beat the name brands, Bushnell, Leupold, Nikon, Weaver. I've not had good luck with BSA, and the reviews on Burris are mixed. They are an innovative company and I may yet buy their "Eliminator" ranging rifle scope, but it's not germane to your needs here. I've used a Barska on a rifle, and it's "ok" but the spotting scopes I can't even see through. But to be fair, I bought it to try the reticule, ( German style post ) and it was only $100. Cheap, Chinese, Useless, all mean the same thing. Leupold now owns Redfield ( who don't make pistol scopes IIRC ) both are made in the USA and both have excellent optics and coatings. Leupold is pricey, but lifetime. I've had folk tell me they honor the warranty even after being damaged by an IED. You might find the Redfield Counterstrike useful. No magnification, and a bit chunky, but solid. ( check local laws on hunting with lasers, first ) Weaver is now owned by ATK, and the quality is up, as is service. http://www.midwayusa.com/find?newcategorydimension id=11492 Since the magnification & eye relief YOU need are very personal, I strongly suggest you go to a store and hold the scope at your normal grip length, and scan around. ( I often target the critters mounted in most sporting goods stores, as well as ( scopes only, not mounted on guns ) the cutest cashier at the front of the store. ) | ||
| Ourdee |
I have been using an FM (famous maker) 2x20 pistol scope on a Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull. It has eye relief of 14-24 inches. It's holding up mounted in the Ruger factory rings. I don't like more than 2X on a pistol. I do use a 6X on my bow, but that is mainly so I can see where my arrow hit in Field archery without having to break out the binoculars. The truth is it only moves as much as your point of aim is. | ||
| Rick_a |
I could shoot roughly 3-4" groups with a 2MOA red dot sighted S&W 629 @ 100 yards. I like as little magnification as possible. These days I'm devoid of all red dots and have scopes only, having a 1x on the only scoped pistol. I can shoot 2" groups @100 yards with my AR pistol, but it feels like cheating. | ||
| Thumper74 |
I was actually considering a holographic sight on it. At the ranges I'll be hunting at, my issue isn't so much magnification, it's sight picture and target acquistion. Since the sights are black, I suppose I may try some fiber optic sights and see how I do. | ||
| Rick_a |
The only issue with holographics is that they are battery hogs. Modern Aimpoints have a battery life measured in years not hours when left on. Scopes only go dead when broken. Something to consider. | ||
| Teeps |
What's wrong with Iron Sights? The boar is not going to give you time to use a fancy optic device, when charging you down. | ||
| Rick_a |
What is wrong with iron sights on a pistol is that they can be a severe limitation, depending on an individuals skill, the sight radius, the intended distance, and the condition of one's vision. In general, one should be able to shoot within twelve inches out to the maximum desired range. Optics are faster than irons as long as a high magnification isn't used. If the threat is close enough that you're point shooting it won't matter anyway.
If that is the case it certainly can't hurt. | ||
| Aesquire |
The big trick seems to be both eyes open. An illuminated reticule can be a big help in low light, and hogs are often hunted near dark. Higher magnification can be a real hindrance to speed, so you have to make compromises to balance your purchase. Yep, batteries are going to die just when you need them. Yep, a holosight uses more juice. I like the type that turn off when you put the protective cover on them. The reason I like the kind that turn off automatically is, yes, I've had the batteries be dead when I got to the range, because I can be an idiot. The low power tube type scopes are mostly an improvement because there is a long virtual sight radius. With a 10" barrel you have a 14" sight radius? Like I tell people, a snubby revolver can be just as accurate as a rifle. Mount it in a vise, and the best poke one hole. The hard part is your problem, not the guns. a scope can fix that. Or, if you're like me, you can miss at 15 feet with a 12 ga. There seems to be a talent thing involved.  I often get to use clays multiple times. Trap in the snow makes retrieval easier. Merry Christmas. |
