As the title says, My eyes aren't what they used to be. I'm shooting a Redhawk in 44,and I used to be pretty good out to 75 yds or so with the factory ramp sights. Now, I'm having trouble even at 50.It gets all blurry. I'm thinking about a scope, but not sure if I'm missing another option that might be cheaper. Would fiber optics be any better? also, if I do go with a scope, should I be looking at 2 or 4 power? In My rifles, I've always opted for a lower power scope for the wider FOV, and I doubt if my shot selection would change much. I'd still be looking at 75yds and closer with the revolver.

Last year at age 60 I was having the same problems. I added a Hiviz front sight to my GP100. I was shooting good groups out to 50 yards but I caught myself looking over my glasses. That worked on the range but when I tried it in the field I could not see the deer.

I added a Ultradot 30 to two of my revolvers and it seems to be working good on the range but I do not know about the field yet.

I also added a 2X scope to my CVA Optima muzzle loading pistol. This has worked great in the field for the under fifty yard shots but I whish I had a 3x scope for out to 100 yards.

I have killed three deer with this combination so far this season. I love the gun just need a little more power. I may add a variable to it before next season.

Give me some X's for sure. I prefer a scope

If 75 yds. is your max, scope it with a 2X or a red dot. If your shots were likely to be 75- 100 yds., I'd select a 4X, but not for closer shots on deer, hogs, etc.

UltraDot, IMO.

Sights progress with aging eyes: ramps to fiber optics, to dots to scopes. Keep your options open with the scope. A 2-6X is more versatile. You won't have to keep upgrading it.

I like your way of thinking!

I prefer a variable but for fixed power I like 4x.I have never wanted less than 4 x but have often wanted more.

I would recommend a Leupold 4X - I have two guns set up with them and I can't imagine going back to iron sights. The 2.5-8x32 Leupold in an excellent choice but a bit pricey.

2-6X Bushnell Elite and Trophy(.44 and less powerful) and same in Simmons are much cheaper and work quite well.

Don't the variables add a good bit of weight vs the fixed? Do you really notice? I've shot gus with scopes a time or two, but never spent any real range time with them. BTW,none of the scoped guns had variables.

This is old data, but is still relevent in most cases:

Handgun Scope Specs

In most cases, loading you cylinder with six (or five, depending) rounds of heavy for caliber rounds adds more weight to your package than the difference between a variable and fixed. Either way, it's minute....don't let 2 oz's or less be the dedermining factor; not wearing underwear the day you hunt can offset that weight difference

Sureshot, minimal difference on the weight differential. A few ounces either way is far exceeded by the options of power settings.

Thanks, I think I'm leanung towards a 2x scope and no underwear!

Since my first reply to this topic I have had the opportunity to take one deer with my Redhawk 44 mag using the Ultradot 30. It worked very well for me at 25 - 30 yards. For close woods hunting I think this is the ticket but if I wanted to shoot past 50 yards I would put a scope on it.

It will work at longer ranges. Turn the dot down as low as you can and still see it. Looks smaller. If gun is accurate enough you can shoot farther. I do 6" rocks at the range at 110 yds. and a deer last week at 79 yds. with my .475 Linebaugh.

With the 2x scope you only get about 1 1/2 power. A 2x6 variable gives you the option to go up or down as needed.