Scope for a .500 Mag?

[DonD]

Anyone have a suggestion for the least expensive quality scope that will stand up to the shock of the .500?

I am NOT looking for junk stuff, won't last. In many cases you get what you pay for but some brands charge you a lot for their name and others less expensive do just as well.'

I'm really not looking for a hunting setup, just something I can mount on my PC Model 500. No drilling or tapping needed, already there, massive base mount included with the gun, can play around with it off the bench and if I get bored, take it off and use the iron sights w/o any change in zero. Thanks, Don

 

[ruggyh]

The only scope I have any success with holding up on X-frames is the 2.5x8 Leupold. I now use three rings when installing.
Several have made it past 6000 rounds mark.

The only brand name scope I have not tried are the Nikon's.

None of the bargain optics have made it past a full cylinder of rounds.

 

[Fishinfool]

Another Leupold recommendation. Not that much more $ than others, reliable in the extreme, and if it breaks, you send it back on their dime for a quick repair or replacement, no questions asked. None of the 10 -12 week wait, original owner, must include a return shipping or "service fee", copy of your sales receipt, etc. BS others sometimes make you go thru.

Might want to look at Warne quick detach rings. I have used them on several high powered rifles, and they have stood up to their recoil, and always maintain a reasonable zero when removed and re-attached. The key to repeatability with these rings is to make sure the recoil lugs on the bottom of the rings are seated solidly forward against the lugs of the picatinny / weaver bases before you tighten everything down. Then index the removal levers in a certain position. When you remove and re-install the scope, slide it forward until the lugs mate against each other, then tighten the levers to their previous position. Some guys like to line the inside of the rings with double sided sticky tape to prevent the scope from moving in the rings under recoil.

Larry

 

[colt_saa]

Is there such a thing as a "least expensive quality scope"

On my 12" Encore I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 2-6

On my 10 1/2" I use a 2.5-8 Leupold VX3

Those are the only two of my 500s that I have ever scoped and those are the only scopes that have ever been on them.

I have put several times the ammunition down range with the Encore. We cut that chamber about 4 months before S&W started shipping 500s.

 

[DonD]

The only scope I have any success with holding up on X-frames is the 2.5x8 Leupold. I now use three rings when installing.
Several have made it past 6000 rounds mark.

None of the bargain optics have made it past a full cylinder of rounds.

Not surprised at failures of bargain optics. 6000 rds??? Thought you were a serious shooter but 6K is a great deal of shooting.

If you don't mind me asking, where do you shoot in notoriously gun unfriendly bay area? Don

 

[DonD]

Is there such a thing as a "least expensive quality scope"

I hear you. What I was trying to get at is that I had no interest in paying a handgun scope equivalent of a Schmidt & Bender, Leica, Meopta, or Nightforce as the scope would be part time amusement at the range.

Some optics snobs look down their noses at top end Bushnells for example yet the best Bushnells are winning a lot of long range precision rifle events at half the price of the biggest names. Don

 

[cal50]

I used a Leupold FX Scout scope on my 500. If the eye relief works for you its a good option. I used QD rings so its quick on or off if needed.

 

[ruggyh]

Not surprised at failures of bargain optics. 6000 rds??? Thought you were a serious shooter but 6K is a great deal of shooting.

If you don't mind me asking, where do you shoot in notoriously gun unfriendly bay area? Don

I shoot at the Metcalf Shooting ParK run by Santa Clara County.

 

[Officerblue]

If you can afford to shoot a 500 magnum and own 500 Magum, spend the extra money and get a high quality scope and good quality scope rings with a good mount. You wouldn't put cheap tires on a Corvette? Just my 2¢

 

[DonD]

If you can afford to shoot a 500 magnum and own 500 Magum, spend the extra money and get a high quality scope and good quality scope rings with a good mount. You wouldn't put cheap tires on a Corvette? Just my 2¢

My 2014 Stingray has only 5800 miles, don't need new tires. Just kidding you. Your points are valid. Don

 

[sw282]

l have a Leupold 4x EER on my 460 PC frame.. Never a problem.. And a 2x Leupold EER on my 629 PC Comped Hunter.. No problem with it either...l bought bot of mine ''used'' off the net. GB and ebay are a good source . Great thing about Leupold is they are guaranteed ''lifetime''.. No warranty cards to hassle with.. lf it breaks you send it back and they will fix it.. No questions asked... Matters not if you are the first or fifth owner..l am usually able to save 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a new one buying used