I have a S & W 500 that I want to scope and I am not sure what power to get or brand. I have a Encore with a TC 2.5-7, but not sure if I should go with a variable again or a fixed. Will be deer, pig and bear hunting. Any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch.
Steve

I have always liked 2X or 4X fixed power scopes on my revolvers and variables on most TC barrels. What shot distances do you expect to encounter? If its 50 yards or less I would go with a fixed power. If its beyond that, a variable can be helpful. Depending on your preference for fixed or variables, I would use a Burris, Bushnell 3200 or Leupold on you S&W with a strong 3-4 ring mount.

Thank you for responding I really appreciate it.

I'm in the same quandary as you Steve. I have almost decided to go with a 4X Leupold for my 500. I know I don't need a 2.5~8 on that gun. I have also thought about a Bushnell 3200 2~6. The are rugged scopes and no problems with the two I have.

All my wheel guns have either 2x,4x Leu. or Bushnell Holo sites as these guns a used for short distance hunting
On my T/Cs,XPs and Strikers I have either Leu. 2.5 to 8,B@L 2x6 or Burris 2.5x7

I would go with either the Leupold fixed 4x or 2.5-8, I tried the bushnell Tig mentioned on my x frames and ran out of vertical adjustment and I was talking to a guy on the forum the other day that had the same problem with the variable Nikon.

I've got the 2-8 Leupold on my 454 Casull, Thats my Vote.

I agree with Rod 4x or 2.5x8 Leupold. The Burris are too heavy for a revolver. The Bushnell Elite 3200 is a good choice too but I just prefer the Leupold.

Thanks everyone for the fast and very helpful responses. I Think I will go with a fixed 4x since I probably won't be shooting to far with this beast.

I tried a fixed 4X on my friends 454 Raging Bull. Hated it! Too much if they're up close. 100 yards or less a 2X is fine, cheaper, & less prone to break. I have a 3200 on my 454 FA & it looks & works well. A scope any bigger would be a bit odd on that. You could mount a star scope on that blunderbus & be fine. Over a 100 yards a good variable will help a lot.

For short distances (less 80 yards) i prefer red dot sight or holographic sight,i find that your are on the target much quickly,i tested a Buschnell elite 2,5X6 on my Raging bull in 454 casull,it was good and i tested too a holosight busbnell XLP,the batteries's door broken in 5 shots,too heavy recoil.(on the XLP,the batteries door is on your face side not barrel side like another holosight)
On a wheel gun,short distance and quick shot in the brush:Red dot or Small holo like docter sight or burris.
Dan

I agree with Bingo. At 50 Yds. 4X is way too much and 2X is not enough for 100-150 Yds. Thus, I ended up with the Burris variable WITH lockable adjustment for my BFR in .450 Marlin caliber. I really like this scope. Never any problems after 100's of rounds. Just remember to unlock the adjustments before trying to adjust. I also agree with Gary that the burris is a little heavier but being problem free with a heavy recoil is worth the peace of mind to me.

I agree with Bingo. At 50 Yds. 4X is way too much and 2X is not enough for 100-150 Yds. Thus, I ended up with the Burris variable WITH lockable adjustment for my BFR in .450 Marlin caliber. I really like this scope. Never any problems after 100's of rounds. Just remember to unlock the adjustments before trying to adjust. I also agree with Gary that the burris is a little heavier but being problem free with a heavy recoil is worth the peace of mind to me.

I am assuming you have had good luck with yours… yes?

I took the scopes off of both my Super 14's, 30-30 and 45-70 and replaced them with UltraDots. I used them this past season for deer and elk but didn't get to drop the hammer. I did shoot a handful of jack rabbits with the 30-30. I don't use shooting sticks so I like the steadyness of the dots.