Hey guys. I'm new to the forum and also handgun hunting. I took my first handgun deer, a 4 point, week before last with my CVA Optima V2 in 44 mag.

I wanted to talk red dots vs scopes any opinions?

I like and use both. Just depends on the gun, terrain, expected distance, and preference.

If shots are over 50 yards I prefer a scope to the dot although many use the dot out to 100 yards.
I read quite a few posts about failed red dots that need repaired. I have owned most of my scopes for a long time and have never needed a repair. I also do not need to change batteries. I prefer the non-electronic sight in general.

I liked the ideal of a red dot and bought two but at my age my eyes will not focus on the dot and it is very fuzzy and does not allow me to shoot accuratly.

A 2x scope works better for me.

I have both, the dot will be for sale after season.....2x scope is great for me on a 44mag

Thanks for the input! For my single shot 44 mag what scope would y'all recommend. It appears that a 2x fixed power scope would be sufficient. Shots are generally under 80 yards

For 2x that don't break the bank, I like my Burris and Weaver.

i agree, i have the burris and for the money it's a tough ironclad scope.

I tried dots on my hunting guns, but now they all have scopes back on them, except 1911s which still have dots. Also, I'm replacing all my 2x scopes with variables. The Bushnell Elite 2x6 is working well and I like the ability to change power as the situation dictates.

I have a CVA Scout II single shot pistol in 300blk, topped with a Bushnell Elite 3500 2-6x. That scope, in my opinion, represents a tremendous bang-for-the-buck. It's crystal clear, and has a constant eye relief throughout the zoom range. I like having the ability to go from 2 to 6 power, even if it sacrifices a tiny amount of FOV against a 2x fixed power scope. My 44 is in the form of a Ruger SBHH, and wears a Burris Fastfire 3. At revolver ranges (less than 70yds or so) I like the speed and ease of the dot infinitely better than a scope. Welcome to the forum from a fellow GA boy!

I like the 4x personally. A 2x looks farther than if just using irons. Gives a aiming point but dang does it look far away!

The Elite 3500 is a lot of scope for the money. Field of view of slightly less than my 2-8 Leupolds but the constant eye relief is nice. The Straight 4x Leupold is nice as well. Also, as someone mentioned, the 2-8 Weavers have been excellent on the couple handguns I have those on. Very surprised especially for the cost

Welcome to the forum ... I think you'll enjoy it here.

If you go the red dot route, be sure to get a 2 moa if you can. That'll help tremendously with precision and it won't back blind you in lower light. Inside 50 yards a dot is plenty good.

I prefer a scope and really like my Weaver ... plan to buy another for a new gun project soon.

I currently have a truglo reddot on the CVA. When I took my first deer a couple weeks ago I had a hard time with the dot being too high or too low of a brightness. I ended up setting it on the lowest setting and working hard to place a good shot. Just feeling at this point a scope would have been better spent money.

But it was my first ever handgun harvest so it was still great!

I know scopes and cheap are not the two best words to put together but that's the budget I have. Anyone have any experience with the Simmons prohunter or the Bushnell trophy? Those are both under the $200 range and that's where I would like to stay.

The Bushnell Trophy is the same basic scope as the 3200, without the Rainguard and glossy gold letters. Although I don't have one, several friends of mine have been using them for years and have been completely satisfied.

I had a 4X simmons on a 44mag SBHH for about 6 months and it failed. I believe that the Bushnell 2 X 6 is a great value for the money. No failures with them in over 25 yrs. One is on a 30-30 contender and the other a Ruger 44 mag.

I have several of the Bushnell Trophy 2-6X's, and haven't had any problems with them. I also have several of the Elites, and no problems with them either. I have been able to find Trophy models on Gunbroker.com in used condition for around $100 and Elites for $150 to $200. After many years of 2X and 4X scopes on my hunting handguns, I have found that the 2-6X Bushnells offer the greatest flexability for my hunting style. Set on 2X for an off hand shot. Set on 4X for stand/blind hunting, and 6X offers the ability for load work or targets shooting off the bench. The Bushnells are shorter and lighter than my Leupolds, and as such are used on my revolvers and shorter barrel Contenders.

Well I took a 7 point buck this morning with the CVA and reddot. About a 40 yard shot he dropped like a sack of potatoes. I'm loving this gun. Think I will be switching to the Bushnell Trophy 2-6.

Congratulations!!!

Congrats. We need photos.

Can't figure it out... I feel dumb

Grats on the deer!

Post pics of your deer and gun when you can.

http://www.handgunhunt.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=faq#image

Should be just about everything you need to know about posting photos and pretty much anything else on here

I WILL HAVE SOME PICS UP TONIGHT.

http://mbastian2490.wixsite.com/handgunhunting


Still can't get the pictures to work correctly... here is a link that you can view some pics from.

Nice deer! I see you have a sling on your CVA, how do you like shooting it with the sling? I tried one on my Optima V2 but did not like shooting it with the sling because the studs would bite into my hands when I shot it.

I love the sling. It is the most accurate way I can shoot offhand. I worked to get it short enough to tuck it into my armpit with my weak hand/arm thru the sling. I then sewed the ends of the sling together so it would not slip. When I do this it allows me to push the pistol forward with my weak hand and the sling catches in my armpit. It is almost as stable as having a stock. If I'm shooting off of a rest it doesn't make any difference.