Handgun Hunting optic?

Guy Miner · Jan 7, 2018

Getting interested in doing more handgun hunting. I've popped the occasional deer with my .44, and a few with the .45 1911, always with the iron sights.

What optic, handgun scope or red-dot, do you recommend for a hard-kicking revolver?

Looking for something that will hold up to the 500 S&W revolver, and the 5" 44 mag S&W 629.

I don't have any illusions of taking a shot beyond 100 yards, but from the limited amount of shooting I've done with 45's & 9mm's and red-dot sights, I know I shoot better, more accurately with even a simple optic.

Thanks, Guy

JD338 · Jan 7, 2018

Guy,

For several years, my S&W 629 Classic had a Leupold M8 2X fixed power scope. Very reliable, never lost it's zero and accounted for several WT deer out to 75 yards
I upgraded to a FXII 4X for better glass and magnification.
Great scope to consider!
I also have a VX-3 2.5-8x32mm mounted on my T/C Contender 375 Winchester. Excellent glass and magnification for taking longer shots when hunting or target shooting.

JD338
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truck driver · Jan 7, 2018

Guy it depends on what you want since most of the red dots are designed to take the hammering and slamming of a 1911 slide the higher end ones $200 and up will work fine. I use an Ultra Dot on my 1911 .45 acps and .22 target pistols, Aim Point 9000 is ok also but more money. For a scope I use a Burris pistol scope designed just for bullseye shooting which has been discontinued since the passing of Gil Hebard who Burris designed the scope for. They still make a 2X that will work quite well as does Leupold.(Leupold has a good warranty)
You notice I didn't mention the variables or larger magnification, No need for variables and they are not as reliable as fixed power on a hard recoiling hand gun, High fixed power scopes are hard to hold still and with out lots of practice almost impossible to shoot good off hand.

Dr. Vette · Jan 7, 2018

I have a 1.5-4 scope on my 629 Classic Hunter, and we put an Ultradot on Dad's 629 Performance Center. I don't recall which model, but I really like it. The model he has is silver, 4 different dot sizes, and adjustable brightness.

I have a Burris 3-12 on my 243 Contender, and will be going back to a 2-7. The high power is very difficult to use with regard to eye placement, and I find myself backing off on the power to use it. What's then the point?