I have two scoped handguns, 14" Contender 7mmTCU and 9 1/2" SRH 480Ruger. I think the revolver would be fine in 5 1/2" with Red Dot in place. Looking at 150 yard ballistics, 200 fps in trajectory or impact velocity would be peanuts. A half pound less to pack around might be nice. In the final analysis, a solid rest is the only way to go with long range optic shooting so handling isn't an issue. The option of removing the Red Dot or scope on a revolver is an apparent benefit. This falls in the same category as iron sights on a scoped big game hunting rifle, peace of mind, but never required in my experience. Ruger has no interest in packing revolvers for hunting. The 4 inch Mountain Gun or 329PD in .44 Magnum may become my "back up" in the back pack with packing one of these short rifles.