I figured this was the best place to post this as more 44 Mag folks here than elsewhere on the forum and I got it so I could shoot heavier loads than out of my 629. So it is related to reloading.

I just picked up a Ruger SBH with 7.5" barrel. I want to scope it. I have only tried a scope on a handgun once, a 22 and it was "over scoped" with a 4x power.

I was thinking just a simple fixed 2x ?? I doubt I will be shooting much past 50 yards. I don't want a Red Dot.

What say ye all?

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Still Running Against the Wind

Heavier loads? WHAT, are you going over to the "Skip Side"?



Never had a hangun scope. I do have a set of safety glasses that have an upper "tri-focal" though. It puts my focus at front sight distances and really helps these older (not as old as yours) eyes focus on that ole front post better!

Dale53 has shot a bunch of handguns with scopes, if he doesn't show up here soon, send him a pm. Great fellow.

This one came with rail on it, so it had a scope at some time. I would rather have the stock, standard Ruger rings but the rail gives a bit more adjustment.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I've done a bit of shooting with a Nikon Monarch 2x20 EER scope on my 620. BTW, this particular model features 1.75X magnification so it's not a true 2X scope like the newer Nikon Encore.

IMO a 2X scope is a nearly ideal scope for 50 yards if your intent is to achieve Hunting level accuracy. There is ample magnification to shoot groups around 3 inches at that distance and they are relatively compact and light in weight. The only downside is that if you are shooting for pure precision, it's a bit lacking in magnification. An NRA 25 yard slow fire target looks pretty darned small at 50 yards in the reticle and you REALLY have to concentrate on getting the sighting dead perfect.

To sum it up, 2X makes shooting a 3 inch group at 50 yards duck soup if your load and gun are up to it. However, if you want to try for groups of an inch or less you'll probably want a bit more magnification.

PS; I can give a hearty thumbs up for Nikon's handgun scopes, the clarity is nothing short of perfect and mine has held zero perfectly. However, I'll also warn you that you need to snug the mounts down good and tight, on my first outing I shot the rear mount loose after 46 or 47 rounds downrange.

It took a while but I found a 1x Tasco world class with a 30mm tube that I mounted on my 29-3 with 10 5/8" barrel. It has a great field of view and is easier to keep moving gamein the cross hairs .

I have a 2X on my 629-2.

For Pete's sake, what you need is a 6-24x50 with a 30 mm tube. After all when you see that trophy buck you want to make sure you can see which tick you're going to aim at don't you?

Seriously, a 2 power should do you well just get the best you can afford. Leupold or Nikon EER would serve you very well.

Pecos

If it is merely a hunting weapon I wouldn't exceed 2x, like you are already thinking, for shooting off handed. I've got a 2.5-8x on my 629 which works well for standing as well as on the bench with the magnification turned up.

I have found that a 2x is plenty. anymore than that I can see the crosshairs move everytime my heart beats, especially if there is a big buck in the other end of the scope.

vic3620

My old Bushnell Phantom was 1.3x, more than enough. 2x is about as high as you can go unless you're unhumanly steady. The real issue is eye relief, and the need for a pistol specific scope. My experience was with an old semi-auto and then with a 617. Its interesting, but without a good rest it sure seems to make your shakes look awful. Consider buying the scope used if you can find it. You've got less invested that way, and there's a very good chance you won't like the end product.

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Dick Burg

Look at the Bushnell Elite 3200 2 - 6x. It maintains a constant eye relief throughout the power range and holds up well. We sell a lot of them at the shop where I work.

Have a 2X EER Leupold on my 8 3/8" 629 Classic and feel that is good enough for the 50 yard maximum shots my woods provide.

You raise a very important point. I would also like to be able to see groups on targets (the majority of shooting will be at paper) so would a variable be a better choice? I guess I am worried that the higher magnification will be difficult to sight and keep steady. As mentioned, the slightest movement and and the the crosshairs are all over the place.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I us a 4X on a 629

The distance is much further but, when shooting rifle there are times when my 3X9 scopes won't let you see the group. Such as when shooting at a black centered target. I suppose you can use shoot and see or a sighting in target, one with mostly white on it, and do better.

Since the wife and I have started to shoot more long guns, we have been using a spotting scope. A cheap one, Barska, was like $60. Clear enough to see anything out to the maximum at our range.

This should be a fun endeavor. Personally, I have started to buy the best optics I can afford at the time. I now have two Leupolds and Nikons. If you are going to keep it, put the best optics on it you can afford.

Just suggestion.

If you are shooting supported on the bench with a rest then I don't see why you couldn't have any power you want. I had a 2X on my 6" 629-6 with a Weigand base and standing I could just keep the cross hairs from swimming in front of my eyes. I went to a red dot and found it to be SOOOOOO much easier to focus the dot on the target and squeeze. I know you said you don't want a red dot though. Just offering my experience from having done both.

I have a Red Dot on a AR. But to be honest, the dot is to small(cranked all the way up) and I have a bit of Red/Green Color Blindness. In full Sunlight it is hard for me to see. I can get on target but I also want to see what I hit or missed.

The problem you had is what I experienced also, but it was a 4x scope so I figured it was the power. I suppose I can get a variable power but will end up spending more than the gun.

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Still Running Against the Wind

With the risk of sounding like I'm pushing a red dot, have you tried a prighter model? Or even a different style like an Aimpoint over an Eotech or a C-More? I gave up the scope since it just didn't work for me and I didn't want to only be able to shoot well from a rest. And the thin black lines in it were just plain hard to see in the bright sun. It was like trying to look down a dark tube with bright sun everywhere else. As an alternative thought, what would you think of trying a fiber optic set of sights? That might be easier for your eyes to see instead of the mild orange front sight insert in the thin white outline of the rear sight blade.

2x Leupold if you are just starting.....

I've found the best way to see the hits on target is to spend a bit of money on the shoot-n-c stickers. Now, 50 yards is a long poke even with a 2X scope and to be honest it's a long poke with even a 10X scope if your shooting a small caliber. I'd suggest you look into a spotting scope and a cheap benchtop tripod for it.

As for shooting for groups, I've been considering the purchase of a Nikon Encore 2.5-8x28 EER. The problem for me is the cost, it's a 310 dollar scope and likely another 60-80 bucks for mounting rings. I can buy a lot of ammo for near 400 bucks. At 2.5X the magnification should be low enough to allow decent stability in the field with some type of improvised support and you can dial it up to 8X when shooting from a proper benchrest. Basically, I'm at the point where I want one but not enough to actually go out and purchase it.

1. Shooting at non-moving paper from a bench? The best optics scope you can afford . . . but then it begs the question . . . why not just use a rifle?

2. Shooting at non-moving paper standing, unsupported? Different story. 1x power at the most, or a red dot. Less (magnification) is more!

3. Shooting at game in the field? Totally different! That's when the red dot rules supreme. That's what I'll be using when the sun comes up tomorrow morning. M29-5/holosight/300gn.bullet.

had I not purchased a gun with one pre installed, I'd likely STILL look upon a red dot as a gimmick not worthy of sharing space with a proper arm.
History thought otherwise and forced me to give one an honest run. Now I recommend them in roles like this. They just cover the real world shooting situations better than traditional scopes most of the time where handguns are concerned.
they are nearly as quick on target as open sights. they allow you to track movement better than any sight and lend themselves very well to finely placed shots well beyond 50 yards ... well .. beyond 150 really if you can find some good solid rest.
about the only thing a traditional scope can do better is off in the next area code where the little extra precision can help you get them there ... provided you have the time to use that precision, like on still targets.
I'd gravitate to a red dot in the role described ... dont be so quick to write em off.

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it just needs more voltage

I tried a 2x Leopold mounted on a different gun at the gun shop today. It was fine, but as stated would not show much on a target. I do use Shoot/See targets at times with my Savage 223 Rem Varmint with 4-20 x 50. I can see the wings on the gnats with that.

Looks like I will need a variable 2 -4 or 2-6.

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Still Running Against the Wind

EER for sure. 2X is max, but I'd want less if I can find it.
Here's a good deal on a 2X Nikon. I had one and loved it.
Nikon Riflescope 2x20 Encore EER Handgun Scopes Nikoplex Reticle Silver - Natchez Shooters Supplies Riflescope 2x20 Encore EER Handgun Scopes Nikoplex Reticle Silver
How's this for a 1.3X Bushnell Magnum Phantom:
Bushnell Magnum Phantom 1.3X pistol scope new in worn factory box with papers | eBay

FYI, I have 3 of my revolvers equipped with J Point Reflex sights and think that they are a fantastic Field Sight. However, at 50 yards for punching paper this old fart needs the help of a bit of magnification. Problem is that 50 yards out that target looks TINY and I just can't see as well as I used to. Yeah, I can get on paper with it but the targets just aren't worth taking home and showing off. For me, I find that reflex sights are good for punching paper out to 35 or 40 yards, beyond that I need a bit of optical help. Those recomending a red dot or reflex may want to consider that the OP may be in the same position in regards to vision as I am.

Have several scoped handguns, all different magnification/brands. Most comfortable and personal favorite is a Thompson 1.25-4 x 28 on a Magnum Research BFR in 45-70. Its designed for the heavy recoil of some Contender rigs, and it does well on the BFR. I use the 1.25 nearly all the time, but have grouped 2.5in at 100 yrds using about 3x.Whatever you decide, the mount is vital (SSK T'*** is probably as good as it gets). Remember everything must be TIGHT

I really like the ultra dot red dot scope for deer hunting when I use a scoped revolver. Very fast to pick up your target, I like the 30 mm tube instead of the one inch however.

I have one revolver with a scope. it is a 629-6 PC Hunter that has the scope mount cast into the barrel; it is a 7 1/2. I like red dots, but with a 44 mag, I need something that I can see the realistic distance I will use it, which is 100 yds or less, typically. I found a Nikon LER 1 1/2 power pistol scope on ebay. I initially bought it for, among other reasons, it's extremely long eye relief, something to keep in mind, because the eye relief can vary greatly from one scope to another. This scope and gun make a great team, and they make me look good! From the rest, it is rifle accurate, making it a whole lot of fun for me to shoot. We have a Nikon camera as well, and I am really impressed with their products, as well as Bushnell. Go safely. Flapjack.