I have a 7.5 in Super Redhawk 44 mag. that I would like to start deer hunting with. I have deer hunted for 25 years but not with a handgun. I am new to this. Can't afford a Leo scope, so I'm looking at Weaver and Bushnell Elite. I am considering the straight 2 power Weaver, the 2.5-8x28 Weaver and the Bushnell Elite 2-6x32. If you were buying, which one would you go with? I'm kind of leaning towards the Bushnell, but maybe not. Or should I stay with the iron sights? I have owned cheaper red dots in the past and they have all been POS. Tell me how to spend my $$. thanks...

Bushnell or if you like a dot you won't break an Ultradot

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Nikon-For...xr&WTz_l=Header

Here's another one for your consideration.

I have a SBHH, if you are set on having a scope, the Bushnell elite is hard to beat for the price. I started out with that scope on my Ruger as well. However, for hunting in low light conditions (dawn/dusk), any scope leaves alot to be desired imho. At 44mag revolver ranges, I've found that a red dot is much more useful in the woods hunting. I'm far from being an expert, as I've only been handgun hunting a few years, but just thought I'd share my experience with you, and maybe save you the growing pains I went thru. I can personally recommend the Burris ff3, and the ultradot 30. They have both been on my 44, and again imho, are much more user friendly for hunting in the woods. Good luck with your choice, and be sure to post some pics when you get it mounted and get some range time.

I've had a Bushnell Trophy 2-6x on my SRH for many, many years and really like it a lot.

Bushnell Elite 2-6X on mine. Love it.

All three scopes you mentioned are good scopes; I've had all three. If the price is not a problem, I'd suggest the Bushnell Elite from the three you mentioned. But, you can always find a good used 2x or 4x Leupold at a comparable price; or cheaper. It will still have a lifetime warranty.

Does the Bushnell have a lifetime warranty also? What about the Weavers? I have considered the Ultradot, but the reason I am leaning towards a scope is because my 53 year old bifocaled eyes could really use some magnification.

I agree and this is what I would recommend. I don't think I've ever bought a new Leupold 2X or 4X but I have several used ones that I've picked up over the years. Features that I like about the Leupold scopes include optical clarity, durability, and they are smaller in size than most other handgun scopes. This is important to me for revolvers; not having the optic "overpower" the gun.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

All 4 of my Hawks have the Bushnell Elite 2-6X scope

I would consider the Burris handgun scopes as well. I just bought a bushnell elite and it's field of view is noticibly smaller. The only reason I bought the bushnell is Burris wouldn't fit on my 375 jdj ssk barrel with full rib.
I would also consider not having a scope on the gun. I have learned the hard way a few times that open (iron) sights work better in heavy cover. I call heavy cover less than 30 yards. I have the same gun and shoot open sights only.
If you reload try some 240 xtp bullets and then try some 310 oregon trail bullets the same day the recoil difference is noticeable. Lol