Scope opinions

Ok, I have the SBHH and now I need to scope it. With my situation my shots will all be under 100 yds for deer. With a 100 yard limit would you just go with a fixed 2x scope or would you go with a variable scope? Also I see some scopes have a BDC retical, would that be needed or will the .44mag not drop enough in a 100 yards to worry about it? I think I seen one load sighted in at 50 yards only dropped about 8.1 inches at 100 yards, i'm thinking just hold over a little. Thanks for any input and next i'll be picking your brains on scope makers.

I have a 4x on my Ruger Super Redhawk & have never needed anything more. I have variables on some of my single shots though. I am not a fan of the BDC reticles myself, but that's just my 10 cents worth. The classic crosshairs work best for me.

2x would work, but I prefer a 4x, and if you site your gun in zero at 100 yards (depending on load) you would be a couple inches high at 50 and a couple inches low at 125. This way if you had to stretch it a bit there would be less calculations.

I'd go with an UltraDot but if you want magnification a 2x or 4x would do fine. With a 100 yard zero most 44 loads will be around 2 to 3 inches high at midrange so no need for holdover or BDC.

I would go with a red dot like the Ultra Dot.

I wasn't that fond of the 2x power scope I first put on mine. The scope I use now is a Nikon Force XR variable power. It's got a BDC reticle, but I haven't used the holdover markings yet. Haven't shot far enough to really need them.

G19,

Are you planning on using the integral ring mounts for mounting? If so, I would lean towards a fixed power scope for a smaller, lighter version on the forward-mounted design.

That being said, I have a 2x Leupold on a Redhawk, and a Bushnell Elite 2x6 on a FA in .44. I like the magnification of the Bushnell when I want to stretch it out, and it's a smaller overall package than my Leupold or Burris variables.

4x Leupold is really hard to beat and they pop up every now and then for decent prices on the used market....For a bargain priced scope that performs exceptionally well, the 4x Weaver is great. Glass is VERY clear and they hold up very well on the FA guns. FA sold them for years and they were highly recommended by them for the heavy kickers.

Buy the 2x Leupold Gary has listed on here it is a good deal and lifetime warranty. As well as it may be one of the best handgun scopes you can buy.

BTW I have 2x scopes on my wheel guns.

Mine had a 2x Trophy
http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=972&ppuser=2724

2X, or the Ultra Dot.

That scope is sold...

4x Weaver........have them one both my Hunter models....love them!!

Thanks guys, seems like 2x or 4x is the way to go. Now I just gotta do some hard looking and try to get one ordered this weekend. Bass Pro has a six pay right now and they will send the scope as soon as they take out your first payment.

Keep looking around I just picked up a leupold scope,rings and a base for under $200. I have used weaver with no issues as well as bushnell trophy series.

I will add that if you're planning to take advantage of the Hunter design and think of using irons by tipping off the scope; be selective on scope length. Some scopes are to long to fit between the sights and will require higher rings than what is supplied. The fixed powered leupold's will not be an issue. The 2x Burris will require higher rings or remove rear sight. I think the weaver's require the same, but can't remember for sure. Dan B. should be able to confirm the weavers. If you require the higher rings, all you have to do is call ruger and tell them the issue; then just mail them yours and they will do an even swap.

Thank you for the heads up. I will have to keep this in mind when looking. If Ruger will do an even swap that won't be a bad thing either.

I have 2x burris on my redhawk and bisley hunter. Both have factory supplied rings with sights still on.

But is your iron sights zeroed or screwed all the way down? My Burris would fit with the rear sight bottomed out. I prefered having my irons zeroed.

Mine had to have the sight bottomed out w/a T/C 2X But not w/a Japanese made Nikon Monarch 2X if I remember right. I like the older Nikon's more than the present offering. Still looking for a used one to replace the one I sold. The new models seem to have a larger ocular housing. Friend just bought one for his Hunter but we haven't mounted it yet. I also have a Bushnell 2-6X Firefly. Great optic but it narrows the field of view.

Yep.....bottomed out. I started to post that but limited my typing on the phone lol. I never shoot unscoped so it works here.

As soon as I got my Hunter I called ruger and they swapped out the rings for extra high so I didn't have to worry about the sights. I prefer higher rings on handguns anyway.

I would go with the Bushnell 2 - 6 elite scope. For woods hunting I like 2x but the extra magnification will come in handy for smaller targets at longer range. My 44 mag sight in rule is 2 inches high at 50 yards = just a bit low at 100.

According to Leupold's site the 2x only has 1.7 actual magnification. It helps as far as just using crosshairs for a sight picture, but a red dot will be just as good. I recommend a good 4x or a variable. I have Leupolds and Bushnell elites but they usually stay around the 4x setting.