I'm waiting on my local store to get back with me about getting me a CVA Optima handgun from their supplier. While there last time, I discovered they have a 2.5-8x power Nikon Force XR for sale. That got me to thinking about what type of optic I want to put on the Optima when I get it. I've got a 2x Nikon and 4x Leupold on other guns that I'd be willing to remove and put on the Optima, then my local store has the Nikon variable.

So, which scope do you think I should choose for the Optima?

I've never shot an Optima so I don't know what the recoil is like with "hunting" loads. I prefer fixed power scopes on guns with heavy recoil. IMO there's less to go wrong with a fixed power. I have no experience with Nikons but have been very happy with my Leupolds. I'd go with the 4X.

What chambering is the handgun?

It's a muzzleloader pistol.

I don't know about the Nikon 2.5x8 but the Leupold and Weaver 2.5x8 are both great.

I'd probably stick an UltraDot on it if it were mine. If you prefer a scope it wouldn't hurt to have the variable option, other than the weight and size. What maximum distance do you intend to shoot the ML pistol at game?

This.

I don't know. How far do you think it would be effective for deer if I'm using a 240 to 250 grain bullet at 1300 to 1350 fps? Or maybe even 1425 to 1450 fps?

My question is how accurate are you with said handgun shooting from field positions to where you keep all of your shots in the kill zone?
That will probably answer your last question.

Last year I killed three deer with my CVA Optima V2 shooting 100 gr of pyrodex behind a 240 gr xtp. Last year I had a cheap 2x scope on it. I now have a 2.5- 8x Weaver on it. It is doing very well. This combination will shoot a three shoot group of about one inch when I am having a good day.

The Weaver Classic 2.5 is now my favorite scope. Just ordered my third one.

I have been well pleased with these new Weavers. I know they have certainly changed but always loved Weavers. Bill Weaver and my Grandfather were best friends and hunting buddies.

I have a 4x B&L scope on my Optima. It was taken from my TC 358JDJ when I upgraded it to the Bushnell Elite 2x6. The 4x works fine for me.

My thoughts:
For hunting handguns for under 100 yards I prefer the 30mm UltraDot or better yet 30mm MatchDot II sights. Fast to get on target, and work great.

The Optima Muzzle Loader opens up another bag of worms for me. This would be a handgun just begging to be shot a lot on paper. If I had one it would be well broken in after the first year. For me shooting groups, a variable in the 2.5 - 7 power range works fine. Cranked up for range work, and down for woods work.

I would probably scope it for my serious range work out, then switch to a 30mm MatchDot for hunting.

If I was going to set it up for woods hunting and leave it alone after putting it together. I would go with a 30mm MatchDot, and use appropriately sized White Dot targets to shoot groups on. I like White Dots that I can center the Red Dot on.

I sure wish Tonys Stocks would get to building grips and forends for the Optima.

Bob

I have an Optima. You have to think of the capabilities of the gun. Gonna make 200 yd. shots with it? Not likely. It's a 100-125 yd. gun. 4X and 2-6 are fine. Save you $ on the 2-8X.

I ended up putting my 2x Nikon on the Optima, but I think it definitely deserves a higher magnification scope. That'll be a project for next season, though.

l have a 2x Leupold on a 629 and a 4x Leupold on my 460SW Xframe.

l prefer the 2x...Wider field of view...l can get on target

quicker with the 2x... Accuracy is about the same. 2x for me..

I run a Halo sight on mine but most my hunting is NE Wisconsin woods so shots over 100 are rare mostly 25-75 yards.

I had a 2x on mine last deer season and used it to kill three deer. I replaced it with a new Weaver 2.5x - 8x and I like it even better.

My gut tells me to put a 2x on it. I'm always really leery of over-scoping a handgun. Still trying to find a home for a Burris 2-7x I've had for years. The Optima might yield enough effective range to warrant a variable.

Just saw this thread, I have CVA optima pistol also, but older model trigger release. It was "pre-owned" and had a silver 4x Simmons setting on top when I grabbed it up. This handgun is something !! My older Brother shoots competition & was on the mend from rotater cuff surgery a while back. He stopped at mine place in Centre Co PA after he was able to drive again. So we gathered up some "toys" and off to Scotia Range. Started working w/ different pellets /bullet combos at 25 & 50yrds. He was impressed !! He is a Luepold / UltraDot fanatic ,but he was satisfied w/the setup. I have/had several Simmons glass on various revolvers & TC barrels. OK ,but not as bright as most other scopes. I think 4x is a good all around glass for said hogleg. I'm still on the mend from surgery so I can't play w/ramrod pushing yet, and I've got the Blackhorn breechplug to try powder in the future. Stocked up w/ Triple Seven (yuk) & WhiteHots, so I'm going to burn them up first. I have tried several dot sights on my handguns & just can't get them into the field. Indoor range work is OK though. I agree that 2x6 is about ideal for the power/range of the Optima (& most)handguns. Special needs call for special glass tho.

Well I am also the proud owner of a new Optima V2. I have an off brand Red Dot I will try out on it until I get a new 30mm MatchDot II on order for it.
EDIT: I checked and I have a 2-7 Burris on my 6mm BullBerry Imp Super 14 barrel that I have no plans to shoot for a while. I also have a 2X Burris located that I might be able to trade for. Another very good option.

I have a NEW 2-7 Burris I have for sale for $300 OR Trade for a 30mm MatchDot II. When I sell it, I will order a new MatchDot II for the Optima.

I have a MatchDot II on order know, but for the wifes 357 Maximum Contender barrel.

I am starting to have too many handgun hunting choices. 480 Super RedHawk w/30mm UltraDot, 35 BullBerry Super 14 Contender w/MatchDot II and a Tonys 10" Forend with Bipod Stud, and now the Optima V2 Pistol. I guess I could count the wifes Contender also with an MGM 357 Maximum Super 13 barrel also with a 10" Tonys Forend that will have a 30mm MatchDot II in a few days when my order from UltraDot West comes in. Her other barrel is a 6.5 X 30 JDJ Super 14 with 2-7 Burris.

Bob