Anybody have any experience/recommendations for optics for this gun? I have the 8.5" (with comp).
S&W 500 Optics
- Thread starter jscheck
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I have used the Leopuld 1.5 - 5x on my 12" Smith & Wesson and a 3 - 9x Burris on my T/C
I have been shooting the 500 S&W Magnum T/C since 2002. I no longer have a scoped Smith & Wesson but the Leopuld had been holding up just fine
I never owned one of the 8 3/8" Model 500s, but I have had a 3", 4", 5" , 6 1/2" and the 12"
I have been shooting the 500 S&W Magnum T/C since 2002. I no longer have a scoped Smith & Wesson but the Leopuld had been holding up just fine
I never owned one of the 8 3/8" Model 500s, but I have had a 3", 4", 5" , 6 1/2" and the 12"
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DonD
Member
What I thought Colt SAA was going to tell you is that only the most robust optics can stand up to heavy 500 Mag loads.
I had a Bushnell TRS-25 red dot that Bushnell said stood up to 3 1/2" 12 ga Magnum shotshells. Didn't stand up to the 500 at all. 4 rds of medium heavy loads left the objective lens looking like a fish that got the bends, about 45 degrees from normal and completely trashed. Don
I had a Bushnell TRS-25 red dot that Bushnell said stood up to 3 1/2" 12 ga Magnum shotshells. Didn't stand up to the 500 at all. 4 rds of medium heavy loads left the objective lens looking like a fish that got the bends, about 45 degrees from normal and completely trashed. Don
Protocall_Design
Vendor
I have a Burris Fastfire 3 on a M625 that works pretty well. A 45 ACP will tell you nothing about a 500 Mag, but in the literature that came with it, it says it will hold up to 1000 Gs. I can't imagine any handheld gun putting out that much recoil.
Also, I have shot Burris crosshair scopes on heavy 44 Mag revos for years and never had one fail. I would choose one of those over Leupold or anybody else.
Also, I have shot Burris crosshair scopes on heavy 44 Mag revos for years and never had one fail. I would choose one of those over Leupold or anybody else.
We use a 2.5-8x32 Leupold on our 460/8.375" but was advised that the 3.5" might break everything with stout loads.
Will take this out in the near future.
Leupold DPP and used a Trijicon RMR on the 3.5" with moderate loads and had no problems.
Pic with grips from earlier this year before several changes.
Decided to name those the "Rogue Wave", as when the hammer drops, it takes those on the firing line by SURPRISE.
Will take this out in the near future.
Leupold DPP and used a Trijicon RMR on the 3.5" with moderate loads and had no problems.
Pic with grips from earlier this year before several changes.
Decided to name those the "Rogue Wave", as when the hammer drops, it takes those on the firing line by SURPRISE.
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OP
Thanks for the replies! Going to Alabama in January and hog hunting is on the agenda!
I bought my 8 3/8" 500 wearing a 2x Leopold scope. I shot it for a while but to me a scoped hand gun is tough to shoot well without a rest.. I have scopes on my 2 XP100s but they both have bipeds. I seldom shoot my Contender which has 3 scoped barrels anymore. Though I have some, the long barrel & scope deal kind of defeats the whole purpose of a handgun IMHO
cmj8591
Member
I use a Burris, 2x20 in Weigand mounts. I've had it a long time and really hammered on it but it's as rock solid as the day I mounted it.
DonD
Member
I wanted to add to my earlier post.
I absolutely intended no negativity with regard to colt saa's remarks, he's an asset to this forum. After posting it, I could see why he might think I was being critical. Merry Christmas. Don
I absolutely intended no negativity with regard to colt saa's remarks, he's an asset to this forum. After posting it, I could see why he might think I was being critical. Merry Christmas. Don
OP
cmj8591 that looks like what I had in mind! Thank you!
Protocall_Design
Vendor
Also, keep to a low power of magnification. When I'm shooting 200 yards, I only go to 4 power, although the scope can be dialed up to 7. The reason is field of view. If you get over 2 power on a close animal, you can have a scope full of fur, and not know where you're at on the animal. Also, it becomes more difficult to see through the scope the higher the power. Oftentimes 1 power (no magnification) is plenty because the red dot or crosshair makes a well defined aiming point.
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3rdgeargrndrr
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I mounted a nikonforce on a 460sw. Helped tremendously to develop loads for it.
Similar to what protocall design alluded to, high magnification makes eye alignment difficult and I prefer iron sights.It turns the firearm into a dedicated hunting firearm and decreased utility for me overall so i pulled it.
Similar to what protocall design alluded to, high magnification makes eye alignment difficult and I prefer iron sights.It turns the firearm into a dedicated hunting firearm and decreased utility for me overall so i pulled it.
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S.B.
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