I haven't been here in a while. Hello all.

I'd like to hear optics opinions from some of the experienced XP 100 hunter's. Specifically, those that use rifle scopes, and more specifically, variable Leupold's.

I'm tooling up to build another XP, this time in 325 WSM. I'm seriously considering using a rifle scope on this build. And as much as I dislike them, I'll be installing a muzzle brake.

I've been using a Burris 3-12x handgun scope, and I've never been totally satisfied with it. Actually I'm on my third scope on a 308 Win. The two previous had recoil issues. Burris graciously replaced them at no charge. This scope is acceptable, but it doesn't have great clarity. It's also not great in low angle sun glare, and low light situations.

I tried a Leupold 2.5-8x handgun scope and loved it, except the eye relief is way to long for a mid-grip gun. I had Ken Ferrell build me a 4" extension base that worked well, but I didn't like having that much overhang.

I'll be firing this handgun from just about every known position while hunting in deep woods Mississippi, Kansas fields, mountains, etc.

Any thoughts welcome. Thanks guys.

Ranger, When I employ rifle scopes on XPs (or H-S Precision, T/Cs) it's usually a VX-3 Leupold 4.5-14X with B&C reticle. For what I do, this optic has worked well. I've just received the new VX-3i in 4.5-14X and currently shooting it on an H-S. This particular scope has been used in hunting applications where long range opportunities may occur -- not target shooting. The Leupolds have held up well and provide quality glass.

Mark,

I assume you are shooting "through the doughnut" with the rifle scope. Any problems, tips, etc.?

Doc

Thanks, Mr Hampton. I was hoping you'd chime in. I've got both those models on rifles now and was planning on experimenting with them. I don't worry about Leupold's breaking. Unless my buddy runs over it with a Jeep. Leupold replaced it! I rebuild the rifle.

So you don't have any issue with short eye relief on heavy recoilers? I see most of your handguns have brakes which surely helps. Like I said, I'll install a brake, but I really hate the blast. I'm hoping I'll be able to hunt without it.

What's your favorite brake?

Doc, I am shooting thru the donut. It takes a little bit getting accustomed to this sight picture but it does work. A lot of practice helps. I'm not in love with this picture by any means.

Ranger, I don't have any issues with short eye relief -- but I'm not fond of it either. Most all of my hunting handguns have muzzle brakes and yes -- they are loud. I never shoot them without muffs -- and that includes hunting situations. Holland's brakes are very effective and Ross also makes a dandy -- great value for money.

For years I have begged and pleaded with optics companies to manufacture a handgun scope with higher magnification/ballistic plex reticles -- to no avail. We are such a small/niche group compared to the tactical market these days -- the bean counters win the day.

I have had a .325 WSM XP for 4 years. To my thinking, to use a rifle scope on it, I would need to shoot at extremely long distance, I.e., in excess of 500 yds. That's not the realm of the .325 round in a handgun.
I have a 3-12 BPLex on mine. Since I've used this scope since it came out on all my XPs, I've had no trouble using it on any of my guns. On the .325, if sighted in 2 1/2" high at 100, the top of the bottom crosshair is on at 400 yds, which is about the useful range of this round in a handgun. I've done deer close to this range and even a bear at 287. On all these shots I had a full field of view, which was very comforting. The few times I've used friends XPs with rifle scopes the small field of view was a problem when the game moved and I had problems keeping up with the movement. My bear moved about 30 yards before I shot and I had no problems following him.
I guess, to each his own, but I'll stick to the Burris 3-12 until someone has the cojones to improve on it. Like Mark, I've talked to all the companies, even had a very long sit down with The Best of the West people. They all say the same thing...no market for it. Speak up, handgunners. They don't hear us, they don't act.

I would use a Holland Radial Baffle Brake.
The VX-3's LR/T's or Mark 4's work great for me

Mr Hampton & Ernie, yep, I like the Holland brakes and hoped yall'd suggest it

WV, Yeah I've spoken with Leupold, Zeiss, Swarovski. No dice. I remember when Leupold only made the 2.5-8 in gloss finish. They said they'd custom finish one in matte for me for some ridiculous amount. But none of them had any interest in making a medium relief high magnification optic.

And yes, those that whine the loudest, get their way. Present democrats excluded of course

By the way, I sometimes miss being 25 years old and adaptable to anything. It's not that I'm old and set in my ways. It's just that my tastes are more refined.

Man, that short mag would be a handful with a rifle scope and no brake. More power to ya if you can pull it off, but sure be careful ;-)

Yeah, you and I both know I'll be keeping that brake attached!

Any other areas I can help?

Thanks Ernie

If you get rid of the Burris I may be interested

Bug, sorry but I better hang on to it. I rarely sell firearms or scopes. I'm sure I'll keep it on other XP