I "blew up" a trusty Weaver Classic yesterday while sighting in my new Encore 460 S&W MGM. I should have known better but my Weavers have held up tremendously on all my other handguns, even my 300WM. I've had Aimpoint 9000s on other 460s I have owned in the past and they worked well but just wanted opinions on other dot scopes or preferably an EER that will hold up to the recoil of a 460. Thanks!

High Tide, I have shot UltraDots quite a bit and never experienced a problem. The MatchDot II provides considerable adjustment regarding intensity of dot -- plus flexibility of dot options.

For scopes -- Leupold is tough to beat both straight 4X and their 2.5-8X version. Another top performer has been the Bushnell Elite 2-6X.

Good luck in your quest.

Thanks, Mark!

I have had good success with Bushnell scopes. I currently have the Elite 2-6 on both of my heavy hitter big game guns. Contender 358 JDJ unported and X-frame XVR 460 S&W also unported. Both have worked well through many rounds and rough hunting conditions.

Ultra dot hands down.

I use J-Points but have changed my opinion on them somewhat; I no longer feel they are as reliable as I once did, as I took one apart and found that the critical junction point holding the diode to the adjustment screw is held by one drop of glue.

Thanks for all the responses. I've never owned a Bushnell handgun scope but I think that's what I'm going with. Now the shopping begins.

4x Leupold EER on my 460 S&W revolver.. No problems.

UltraDot on my 657 41 Magnum S&W.. l like the 2-4-6-8 dots.

Trs 25 on another 657 and no issues.. lts just too small..

Favorite is a 2x EER LEUPOLD on my 629 Light Hunter 44..

x2, Leupolds on the single shots.

This.

I believe that there are no tougher red dots in existence, particularly at the price point. They also have a lifetime warranty, so what's not to like?

Well, I guess I better reconsider....good stuff, guys!

Questions on the Ultra Dots....

1) Besides the price, what stands out on the Ultra Dots as compared to the Aimpoint 9000SC?
2) Ultra Dot Reflex or tube?
3) This .460 was purchased strictly for hunting in Illinois. There will be opportunities for 200 yard+ shots on this alfalfa farm. Still like the Ultra Dot or should I look closer at the Leupold (which is my thinking)?

Thanks again!

Ultra Dot. Game changer on my SRH 454.

Position the gun at it's most stable, not where "eye relief" is acceptable.

Lack of magnification, well I don't shot gophers with this, or any other big bore handgun, and 4 MOA dot works great on larger animals.

It all depends on your style of hunting. I think most that hunt from a stand and shoot to 200 yards would shoot better with a 2x6 scope than with any dot sight. Beyond 100 yards I find a magnified crosshairs to be far more useful than a dot sight.
I have hunted with LER scopes for many years and I find a 2x scope to be effective at 25 -50 yards on moving game. Even with a large gun.
That being said - Dot sights are faster / easier in a quick, point and shoot situation under 75 yards or so.

The mount you use has a lot to do with a scope's survival on a heavy caliber handgun. 3 or 4 rings on a solid base are needed. If using 3 you really need 2 in front of the turret as the angular upward force exerted is greater away from the hands. Also I suggest that the scope turret be pressed tightly forward against the rings so the scope cannot slide forward under recoil. As always, cleaning all surfaces with alcohol and all screws and threaded holes is critical. I also suggest Loctite on the sides of the screws. Never in the blind holes as it may keep screws from fully seating. A poor mounting job has doomed many good scopes to fail.

Good stuff, Billa. Thanks!

The red dot obviously isn't the best choice for 200 yard plus shots, but I don't take 200 + yard shots (but don't begrudge anyone who does). I like to get up close and personal -- that is why I do this. But don't think for a moment that 100 yard plus shots aren't viable with a red dot either. I have shot game out to 125 yards with red dots out of necessity. That said, the red dot in my opinion is superior in low-light to any other optics. I also think red dots are much easier to shoot and acquire than a scope. Scopes also give you a good glimpse into the wobble all of us exhibit if shooting offhand and frankly I don't want to see it even though I know it's there! LOL!

I agree with everything that Max says about dot sights. I also feel that a dot sight is the more natural transition from iron sights to optics. Especially for traditional revolver shooters that want to extend their range over sights or shoot effectively in low light. I would also give the dot sight the edge in being the easiest for beginning shooters. It's easier than iron sights or scopes to get on target with some level of precision. The main reason I do not own more dot sights is that I still prefer open iron sights for most of my revolver shooting under 50-60 yards (stubborn old traditionalist) and if I expect to shoot beyond that I choose a scope as a practical matter. I usually carry both on most hunting outings.

I too love open irons! Plus, there's that whole convenience issue of iron sights that I find so attractive.

I went with ultradots bc if it can withstands whitworths recoil sessions its tough. I couldnt be happier with them.

Very compact - no special holster needed
No batteries
Works in the rain and snow
Survives being dropped
Truly unlimited eye relief

I love iron sights!

Exactly! I don't want to have to haul a shooting bench out to shoot a "handgun." I just love the convenience of open irons in a holster on your hip.

I agree, but dang they get harder to see well as one gets older.

I know and agree. I am a bit conflicted with this myself. Last October I used open irons on a water buffalo and actually wore reading glasses to see the sights better. I see well at distance, but up close......you know what I'm talking about. The best solution in my humble opinion is the red dot......

You think its bad now just wait.Your arms get shorter every year.Enjoy the irons while you can.

I even have trouble getting the reddit to focus due to wearing bifocals. The focus on the cross hairs on a low power scope can be adjusted for my eyes and works for me.

I use reading glasses as well. I need strong ones for reading (2.5 and up) but I could not wear them hunting because I could not see at distance. I found out that I could use 1.25 and see my handgun sights and see at distance very well, in fact it worked for long range rifle shooting, the lenses are big so there is no distortion. My brother has the same reading glasses needs but this method for shooting does not work as well for him for some reason. It is worth trying.