I just got a new Ruger Super RedHawk 44 mag with a 7.5in barrel. Now I need to decide on optics, scope or ultra dot? The intent for the gun is a 100-125yd max with most shots being closer on deer. Thinking either 2x leupold or 30mm ultra dot. I have always been a scope guy but a lot of people like the ultra dot and it has peeked my interest. Which do you prefer and why? Also what is the best holster to carry a scoped 7.5in revolver while hunting?

I have a 2x Nikon Encore on my .460 Encore pistol. It does fine to the ranges you mentioned but has some limitations beyond.

For my SRH .454 I chose the Burris FF3 for what I perceive(d) as a faster sight picture.

I like each for their own purpose and if I were to change one it would be to up the magnification of the 2x.

I'd prefer a 4x or variable power scope for shooting beyond 50 yards, but that's just me. Never used a dot sight except on an AR, so I can't really help you there.

Most of my scoped revolvers have 2X scopes on them. Leupolds a good choice. I've been happy with all of my Leupold scopes. I don't trust electronics or anything that takes a battery for hunting. I know a lot of people use them successfully but that's why I prefer scopes.



I prefer belt holsters even on scoped revolvers. Shoulder holsters annoy me when I'm already wearing a binocular harness and backpack with a chest strap and belt. I make my own holsters and this design has worked very well for me. This is a 6" barreled version but I have one for my 7.5" SBH too. It can be worn strong side or cross draw. Worn cross draw they don't interfere with a backpack belt or when seated on the ground. Its also out of the way getting in and out of a vehicle. It does weigh more than an open sighted/holstered revolver but its comfortable enough to be worn day after day hiking and not feel like its in the way.

Ultradot 30 in Ruger's 30mm rings would be my choice. Reliable set up.

50 and under ... UltraDot. Above 50 ... scope of your choice.

I might also look into a SeeAll Nite Tritium with crosshair reticle mounted on a Weigand Rail.

I agree. If the OP doesn't want to exchange rings with Ruger, the 1" UltraDot works fine as well. If one shoots with both eyes open the tube size isn't really a factor, IMO. Ruger will exchange 30mm rings for 1"ers free of charge if in new conditon.

Yup!

I don't think range is such a limiting factor with the Ultradot, it just requires dedicated practice. One thing I will say about the Ultradot 30 is that I defy any other optic to withstand the beating the 30 can easily endure. I have been Medieval on a number of mine and they just keep running. Very durable which is one of the attractions to this sight for me. JMHO.

I too prefer a scope for over 50yrd work and 4+ power at that.

So, if you are anticipating between 50-125 yard engagements, I would go with a 4x Weaver or Leupold.

If you figure most everything will be under 50 yards......red dot.

I had a 1" UltraDot on my 44 Redhawk, and currently have a 30mm UltraDot on my 4.75" Super Redhawk in 480 Ruger. So far the furtherest I have practiced with it is 65 yards, but no problem keeping 100% of my shots in a 5" target at that range, with most inside of 3 inches. I will be loading another 100 rounds soon to try out to 100 yards. Very fast and plenty accurate system.

My 44 Encore wears a 2x Nikon scope and it works well. I have shot deer as close as 18 yards with it, and on a bench I can shoot 3 into 2" or less at 100. I shot a coyote free handed at about 30 yards with this, but the red dots are easier without a rest than a scope for me.

For all-around use in varied terrain on a revolver, I recommend a Leupold 2X

Most of my shot encounters are 20-60 but out to a 100-125yds is doable in some of the woods I hunt. So I want to be ready for what ever is needed. The only 2 deer that I have killed with a pistol ( 6.5 Taurus Raging Bull 44 mag) 1 was around 25yds and 1 was around 50yds. It had a Nikon 2.5x8 on it and I have a Weaver 2.5x8 at the house that I could use but I was saving it for a 30/30 barrel for my contender. I would probably keep my 1in rings even though Ruger is really proud of there rings and just buy 30mm rings if I decide to go that route incase I don't like it. I do have a Millet red dot at the house that I think I will try just to see if I like it. I don't know if it will stand the recoil for very long but it should last long enough for me to form a opinion maybe.

I like variable power scopes .You can crank them up or down as needed.A 2x6 Bushnell 3200 would work well and should be short enough to work on the 7.5 in barrel. For fixed powers I like 4x

You will be well served with everything mentioned so far. The reddots serve me well and I also like the 2X Leupold. I practice usually once a week all year and I have complete confidence in either set up out to 125 yds. Generally the reddots are more compact and a bit lighter. [and faster] Not knowing your usual shooting situations you have to pick to accommodate your needs. Choose whatever you have the most confidence using.

What i did for mine is to use a burris 2 power and then a second set of rings with an ultradot. All for less than a leupold variable and yes they hold zero being switched out

What about the eye relief on the 2x leupold? It says it's 18in, most the other scopes has a range. The 2x Weaver says 4-29ins for example. Is the 2x leupold pretty much 18in or nothing or what?

My 9.5" SRH has been wearing a 2-6x scope for 20+ years. I have it sighted in for 100 yards.

If I'm going to be hunting where the max range would be 50 yards, then I carry my iron sighted Super Blackhawk. But, with aging eyes, I am thinking of putting a small red dot on the SBH.

And if you do happen to destroy one, they are prompt to repair and return with no hassle.

Yup. They stand behind their products.

i can second the ultradot for all around shooting.

I"ve got Ultra Dots on ALL my hunting revolvers, they work for me.

I've historically preferred a 2x scope but right now I'm all about the UltraDots. Standard UltraDot30 on the .44:




And a MatchDot on the .480: