Hello everyone, I'm new to handgun hunting (bow & shotgun mainly) and greatly appreciate not only this site, but the wealth of information placed here by the more "seasoned" members. Without your input, I wouldn't have made the wise decision to invest in a new Ruger 44 Mag. S/Steel Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter 7.5 as my first hunting handgun. Thanks! And, because you cannot just have one (you've taught me well) I've also just purchased a (really well used) Super Redhawk 7.5 to see if the double cylinder would be just as much fun and/or more preferable. While I wait for a week or so (Maryland handgun law) to play with the double cylinder, I thought I'd ask weather anyone has purchased, has used, or plans to install a Leupold VX-3 scope on any of their handguns and if so, is this scope worth all the money ($525-550) and why you think it is or is not. I want to be able to make accurate longer range kills and can only afford to buy high end things like this once so I'd appreciate guidance regarding the pros and cons from those of you with hands-on experience. Thank you all very much.

I have those scopes on the majority of my guns. They are a little big for the forward mounting on the Ruger Hunter but they are a great scope. The only guns that aren't currently wearing the 2.5x8 are single shots that were scoped years ago or guns that don't have scopes.

I personally do not use variable scopes on revolvers. I prefer 4X Leupolds, but have used many 2Xs in the past. With a 44 mag revolver I feel limited on effective range to 100-125 yds ---just MHO. At that range I do not need more magnification than a 4X. The fixed power scopes are also much smaller & lighter than the big variable.

At the risk of starting a "big debate" I will mention another personal opinion. You mention the desire to make "accurate longer range kills." While the higher end of the variable scope may let you see the target (or animal) a little better, you also must consider the inherent accuracy of the firearm. I have owned numerous Ruger revolvers and have never had one with which I could group shots at less than a couple of inches or so at 100 yds. If the firearm is not capable of putting the rounds closer than that, I do not need the additional magnification. Thus, I would suggest that you consider the smaller & lighter (and less expensive) fixed power scopes for your revolvers.

The Leupy is a great scope, my only complaint is the size. The Bushnell and Weaver are more compact and a good value as well. If new to handgunning with optics I might suggest an UltraDot to begin with and then decide if you need the magnification. JMO.

I have a VX3 on my 7mm-08 lone eagle, it's the bee's knee's in handgun scopes. I actually bought the gun at a gun show just to get the scope, but i kinda like the combo. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

I own a couple of the 2.5x8 and think they're a great scope,but i would have to agree with Gary thats a lot of scope for the hunter. If it were me i would lean towards the 4x Leupold, like wtroper said it's a smaller, lighter scope. The only thing you would have to get use to is the field of view on the 4x, is small,but with practice it's not a problem.

Good luck

Thank you all. Might the VX-3 be better suited for the Super Redhawk that I'm waiting on instead of the Bisley Hunter. It's my understanding that the SRH is capable of handling the more powerful Garrett loads, but maybe these loads still won't be enough to kill sufficiently at 150 yards? Or is it just the guns (bisley hunter and/or super redhawk) themselves that are good, but just not capable firearms (as far as accuracy is concerned) at these distances?


I appreciate everyone's input.

Leupold and Weaver, I have found to be the most reliable.

The SBH can handle the Garrett 310's but it takes the SRH to handle the 330's. The 2.5x8 is better suited to the SRH because you're mounting the scope over the frame vs. in front of it as on the SBH.

Thanks Gary. Would adding one of Jack Weigand's Scope mounts (WEAV-A-TINNY)to the SRH be of any value?

Dawg,

It is not only the "power" of the bullet, and the inherent accuracy (or lack thereof) of the firearm to consider, but very importantly --- trajectory. With the heavy 44 cal bullets (300+ gr) the velocity is less and the drop is going to be even more. At 150 yds or more, the drop on the bullet will be signicant. Unless you will spend a lot of time (like Ernie & others here) doping out the trajectory of your load for that revolver, one gets to "guessing them in" at that range --- or at least I do. I do not mind guessing them in on my steel targets, but I do not like to do so on a game animal.

Dawg,

Like the rest have said, The Var X 3 is a Great scope but mite be a bit much on a wheel gun for your first time out...I have them on all my guns ,but most I shoot are T/C single shots and love em for long range. I only have few wheel guns that wear 4x leupold and they seem to fit the bill better, FWIW,JMO...

I don't think it's too much on a wheel gun depending on where it's mounted. The big advantage of the VX-3 is that at 2.5x the sweet spot is a lot larger than on the 2 or 4x - this helps the beginner. It also depends on where & how you hunt. If animals are basically in the wide open then a 2x is plenty. If they are in cover then 2 or 4x may not be enough.

For a revolver, I have used either the 2x or 4x Leupolds, or the Bausch & Lomb (now Bushnell) Elite 2X6 variables, as they are smaller than the VX-3. I like the VX-3 on my single shots; the larger size balances with them nicely.

As for field of view, once you get experienced with using a scope on a handgun, it shouldn't be an issue.

One drawback of a higher powered variable is it may tempt the user to make those longer/marginal shots.

Agreed, and another drawback may be lost confidence as the shooter sees all the shaking that doesn't show up on 2x ;-)

Thank you Gentlemen. I've certainly learned a great deal from all of you.

I have one on my SBHH. Great scope! Honestly, it stays in the 2.5-4X range since I've never gotten to the point where I feel comfortable shooting past 50 yards at an animal. I would suggest shooting from a rest for two reasons, already mentioned. 1-it's going to be front heavy due to the mounting position on the gun and (2)the scope will show you how much you shake during shots. I have a BFR that will wear that scope soon and I'll go back to iron sights on the SBHH til I decide what I want to do with it.
have fun!

I only have the VX-III on one revolver, due to size. For me it only works on a FA83, with 7 1/2" barrel. I usually use it on low power, but on occasion its nice to be able to take a rest, crank up the power, and accurately take 100 yard shots. I would usually use a single shot for those shots tho.

It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn from posts and question of others. Just want to say TNX.

I had the VX3 on a 460 smith and wesson before I sold it. (Biggest mistake of my life). Leupold is all I use now. I like the variable power cause the 460 IS CAPABLE of 200 yard shots. I was able to hit milk jugs with ease at 150 yards. Don't know that I could do it without the extra magnification since my eyes aren't what they used to be. Like others have stated, if I were limited to 100 yards max, I don't think I would use the variable power.

And you said you can only afford to buy something like this once -- Trust me, you won't need to buy another one unless it is for another gun!

Buy quality the first time, and don't worry about having to replace it. I don't think there are many guns out there that can damage a Leupold. I have full confidence in them.