44 Mag shooters. What power scope should I get?

[tom turner]

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.

 

[venomballistics]

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.

 

[Rule3]

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.

 

[moxie]

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

 

[scooter123]

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.

 

[dirty gary]

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

 

[Mule88]

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.

 

[amazingflapjack]

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.