I am giving serious consideration to scoping two of my handguns, A SBH Bisley 480, and a FA 454, both 6" give or take. Wondering if the 2.5-8 is too much scope for these? I am looking at the Weigand mount for the Ruger, not sure which rings, and the FA mount for the 454. At 50, I find that my groups are really opening up, with the Ruger it could be due in part to the fact that I still need to send it off for some tweaking, but the FA I know is all me. I have never entertained a scope on my handguns before, 10 years ago would have scoffed at the mere idea, but now here we are.

What distances do you plan to shoot? That's the most important thing to consider when choosing a scope. If you're planning on stretching it out to 100 yards or more, you'll probably be grateful for the 8x magnification.

With the 454, 200 yard shots could happen on non-living targets, the 480 might be fun to try 100, but 50-75 is more realistic given the velocities I shoot with it. Just thinking I like things to be similar between guns, I tend to put the same scopes on my rifles. Thank you for the input!

I'm partial to the 2.5-8x variable scopes, personally. A lot of versatility in a package that isn't much more bulky than a fixed 2x or 4x.

The Weaver is a very compact scope. It might weigh a little more than a fixed power but size shouldn't be a concern.

I have two Weaver 2.5 x 8 scopes. One is on a CVA Optima V2 muzzle loading pistol and the other is on a Sweet 14 30 30 Contender. I really them on both guns.

I don't own a Weaver but I have a 2X and a 2-7. If I ever purchase another fixed it will be a 4X but most likely to go variable, if not reflex/dot.

I say this to say that I don't think the variable is a bad choice on either if magnification is needed. I like a Burris FF3 on my SRH .454 very much.

I have the Weaver 2.5x8 on my .480, 30-06 and .41 Bisley hunter. Love the scope. I used it on my .44 Bisley hunter to shoot through a hole in brush about 50 yards in front of me to hit a buck that was 88 yards from me and drilled him. Having 8x available is quite handy. I change the scope on the .44 but probably going back with a 2.5x8 on it too.

Very nice buck! Thank you all for the great inputs!

I like the Weaver 2.5-8X a great deal. Nice optics and tracks very true when sighting in. Mine is now mounted on my Encore. I will say the first one I had developed an issue ... a loose particle that floated around on the reticle ... but Weaver sent me a new scope. I'd definitely buy another ... maybe a 2X for my Super BlackHawk Hunter.

That is a nice looking rig. What Caliber is it?

Good Ole'.44 Mag. 13" MGM Tube. It's the most accurate gun I own with the limiting factor being me on the trigger.