Hi folks, just joined today.

I'm wanting to put a scope on my Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter (.45 Colt).

Why, because my 51 year old eyes are no longer up to iron sights for distances beyond 25 yards if that. I have never had a scope on a handgun. I plan to hunt feral hogs primarily, but would consider it for whitetail deer as well. I plan to both stand hunt and stalk. I have a Ruger Blackhawk 5 1/2" BBL (.45 Colt) for up close work.

My reading has said:
1. Choose a red dot instead of an magnified optic for low light.
2. Don't get a red dot because it magnifies your tremble more than a standard optic.
3. Choose a fixed power over a variable because it magnifies your tremble at higher powers.
4. Choose a variable over a fixed power because you will wish for a more precise shot placement and light gathering ability.
5. Choose a scope with a great warranty (e.g., Burris, Nikon & Leupold).

I have currently down-selected to the Burris 2-7X-32mm (200298).

What do y'all recommend?

I personally would not recommend the 2x7 Burris for you. I would suggest that you consider a 2X for a starter. You can always upgrade if you feel like you need more magnification later. My personal preference is the 2X Leupold.

Even though most of my personal revolvers now wear 4X Leupolds, I started (many years ago) with 2X scopes.

I also disagree with some of the things that you state that you have read. My personal opinion is that a red dot minimizes your "shake" moreso than a scope does. They are also easier to use (because of no magnification and bigger field of view). I have found those with the smaller dots adequate for shots at game animals out to 100 yds. Thus, I would suggest, if possible, shoot someone's handgun with a dot sight before you make your decision.

The higher the magnification the more you will see your wobble. A red dot has no magnification, so it will show the least amount of wobble. I would suggest the UltraDot, but if going with a scope you should also look at size and weight. A variable scope will be heavier than a fixed and often larger. The scope location on the Hunter is over the barrel and I wouldn't want to hold any more weight out there than necessary for any period of time.

The 2-7X would be a good scope. Spend a bunch of time on the bench to learn how to shoot the handgun...which will work out the bugs in eye to scope alignment and body to firearm comfort. Then get to the field positions and shoot a LOT. You will learn to shoot with the wobble and minimize it over time.

Personally, I have two Hunter model guns. Both wear Weaver fixed magnification optics, a 2X and 4X. I have an extra 2X in the cabinet if you are interested.

2x leupold forsure. Doesn't magnify to the pint where your hand shake would bother you. Just a good all around scope..

I favor red-dots or holographic sights for handguns to minimize the parallax effect promoted by extended eye-relief optics. Very few of these sights offer magnification, probably because it reintroduces parallax. You might be stuck on the idea of a magnified scope...but let your 51-year old eyes at least TRY a red-dot or a HWS. The dot in these sights offers a much more specific place to aim as compared to open sights. Borrow a friend's before you decide against 1X magnification.

Ive got a few years on you and know what you mean about eyes so.
My personal favorite is 4x as it lets me see the target way better than a 2x or a dot and I have both.I have never felt over scoped with the 4x ,but have wished for more magnification before
with the dot and 2x. 4x allows me to[ pick the spot better]
I. M. H. O .
Try the one ragged hole peep on your open sighted guns as it helps a lot,allowed me to kill my buck this year at 60 yds 5 1/2 in Bisley .45 colt.

2 power Leupold, or The Ultradot,and your worries are over.

This is what I am going to put on my Blackhawk Hunter soon with the 410332 mount that is designed to use the ring mounts built into the Hunter. I now use a similar Jpoint on one of my 1911's and it works great for me.

http://burrisoptics.com/fastfire.html

Ditto this! I've had very good luck with both of these.
Steve

I have a 2X Weaver on my 45 Colt BisHunter and have been very happy with it. 2X is plenty, It's accurate as all get out. I've shot about 800-1000 loads heavy 355ers at 1200 and it's still holding zero and shootin great.

I have handguns with a fixed 2.5, a 2-6 variable and a reddot and used them all a bunch. The reddot is on my Ruger SBHH and I think that is the ideal sighting arrangement for that rig. My 69 year old eyes have no problem placing accurate shots out to 100 yards what I consider a maximum hunting range for a revolver. When I first got the rig last year it put 5 out of 5 shots on the 14 inch steel plate we have hanging at 200 yards.
The reddot really shines at dawn and dusk, much better then my scopes.

My variable is on a 14 inch contender in 308 Bellm and the extra power is definately usable on a rig that will reach out and touch game at 200+ yards.

I would like to thank everyone for their input. It is quite varied. I have yet to make a decision. I do have a new in the box Burris Fastfire II that I had intended to mount on my Marlin 1894 trapper in .45 Colt. I could try it on my handgun first. The panic buying on ammo refocused my priorities and since I don't currently reload, I have yet to get fired up again. In April I just took my .308 Win out hog hunting again. Got me a large sow. The processor just informed me it is ready for pickup. Good shooting.

When I had the same questions a couple yrs back, a gentleman here on the forum lived within driving distance, and was kind enough to allow me to "test drive" several different sights, on some very nice wheel-guns. I've had reflex sights, a Bushnell Elite scope, and irons. For what its worth, my super blackhawk hunter now is complete, wearing an ultradot. I didn't care for the scope, due to poor performance at first / last light. The reflex (fastfire) is a good sight, but not as quick on target, or robust as the ultradot. Perhaps you could find some folks near you, that would allow you to share a range session, and see what fits you best.

Boot-

Thanks for the feedback. Others have mentioned the red dot as well. I have since read a really good article on the Ultradots which s4s4u and racksmasher recommended. Which model did you get?

I have the 30mm ultradot, mounted in Ruger rings, on a super blackhawk hunter model. In the worlds greatest caliber, 44mag!!