Scope or red dot suggestion for deer hunting.

[armenius]

I plan on hunting this year using my S&W 57 or Super Redhawk and was seeking input from more experienced hunters.I killed a deer several years ago using open sights on my 4 inch Mod 29 and another with the scoped Super Redhawk.My eyes have aged quite a bit and I would like to hear from a few successful hand gunners .

 

[MOONDAWG]

At hand gun hunting ranges, 50 yards or less, I prefer red dot optics.

 

[vic3620]

I've done both, the red dot does a good job and is not as bulky sitting on top of the revolver.
In my opinion you can also acquire the target faster with a red dot.

Vic3620

 

[SteveA]

I've used iron sights for many years but a couple of years ago I picked up a Bisley Hunter. I started with a scope which got wrecked on a hog hunt. I then switched to a 30 mm Ultra Dot. I practice at 100 yards and have no problem whatsoever hitting targets at that range. Certainly not as precise as a scope but for a handgun, more than adequate, with the added benefit of low light capability. If shots are kept to a reasonable range, the dot is fine.

 

[venomballistics]

The dot.
You waste no time getting in the scopes bubble.
Recovery for a quick follow up shot is dead on the heels of irons.
They concede some speed to iron, but make it up is precision.

 

[Brian41]

I use a red dot that Gilmour/Leupold made some years ago. Pricey but replaced a Tasco that fell apart on a hunt that made the gun unusable. I wouldn't go cheap on one again for hunting.
I've made shots out to 50 yards with it and about my limit. I might use a scope with some magnification if I was shooting further though.

 

[scooter123]

J Point Reflex on a direct J Point Mount. Spend 5 minutes carving a bit of additional clearance on a standard leather holster and you have a holster for it that isn't a costly custom.

For the full report see the following link.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/155300-purchased-2-more-j-point-reflex-sights-range-report.html

 

[msinc]

In terms of deer hunting my experience has been that you are better off with a scope. Here is why...deer mostly move in the very early morning and in the very late evening. You will find yourself needing an optic that gathers light and helps you see better at peak hunting times when the ambient light is low. Sorry guys but red dot sights simply do not do this. They might be fast to acquire the target and they might be simple to use but they will not gather and enhance the available light. When you are hunting it is not a rush to get on target and shoot in most cases. You will be sitting, waiting in ambush for the most relaxed take your time accurate shot you can get. There are not too many successful deer hunters that run thru the woods and shoot rapid fire at deer they jump. You can do it and you might kill one. Like I always say, you can drive your car with your feet if you want to, but that don't make it a good idea!!!
The best advice I can give in regards to glass...buy the absolute best you can afford. Cheap optics that don't give you a good bright clear image at dusk or dawn are useless for hunting and they usually wont hold zero either. You need good quality optics that enhance your ability to see a deer in very low light conditions. One other thing...a lit reticle can sometimes help if it is a good one that you can turn way down to almost no glow because a bright red light in your eyes at dusk will hurt not help your eyes that have adjusted to the low light conditions of the hunt.

 

[scooter123]

Without light amplification electronics there isn't any optical device on the planet that will INCREASE the amount of light available. That "light gathering" is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. What the large diameter high end optics do provide is LESS reduction in the TRANSMITTED light so they will seem brighter in a side by side comparison to a smaller/cheaper scope of the same magnification.

My experience is that red dots and reflex sights are effective at ranges out to about 40 yards, beyond that the magnification provided by a quality scope is an asset.

 

[mr-mom]

I've used the red dot optics out to 50-60 yards on a Model 629 with no problem whatsoever. Find a good holster, practice with what you decide upon, and have fun!
Dave
SWCA #2778

 

[PA Reb]

Personally, I'd use a laser before the red dot if its legal in your state.

 

[ironhead7544]

Pick the one you shoot the best with. I like the Leupold 2X scope myself. Dont go cheap on the red dot. IME, if it has a one year warranty, that is about all it will last.

 

[Shootbrownelk]

Try an Eotec 512 or Vortex makes a red-dot that comes with a 2x magnifier. Good warranty on the Vortex...lifetime.

 

[DeadAye]

I use and like the dot.
OTOH - If you forget to turn it off it won't work the next morning.
ALWAYS have a fresh battery with you!