.454 Super Redhawk Killed my new Scope!!

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Farmalljon

New member
So I took my brand new Super Redhawk .454 casull w/9.5" barrel out to the range for the first time yesterday. I topped it with a Simmons Prohunter 2-6x handgun scope. In an earlier post Clifford L. Hughs predicted that the Simmons might not stand up to .454 recoil. Well, he was absolutely correct. I was firing 240 gr. Hornady XTPs at 1900 fps. The scope performed fine on the first three shots. On the fourth shot, two things happened. First, the little stick on "Simmons" plaque flew off the side of the scope and hit me on the shoulder. Second, Something heavy, ( a lens of some sort) broke loose inside the scope. Now the scope sounds like a baby rattle. And you can't see through it any more. On the box the scope came in is printed the word "shockproof". It seems they have a different definition of that word than I do :-). Any suggestions on an inexpensive replacement that will stand up to the recoil of a .454? I spent all my extra "gun money" on the Super Redhawk itself, so it has to be as inexpensive as possible. I will upgrade it when the funds are there, but I need something to hold me over until then. As far as the gun goes, it is a joy to shoot. I love it! Recoil was not as bad as I had anticipated. I can't tell you about the accuracy yet, as the scope failed. But I am totally in love with the gun:)
 
Inexpensive is simply not going to hold up to what you are going to use it for. If I were you I think I would shoot with the irons and save for the scope you really want. You will be happier.
 
Now are you really surprised the Simmons didn't hold up? :roll eyes: Gotta think that with the more powerful stuff you gotta use GOOD optics. Even then it's not a guarantee. What might work on one, may not on another model of the same chambering. All depends on how that particular model reacts. I've know of GOOD Burris scopes not withstand .454 shooting while others will take the use on more powerful stuff.
 
Any suggestions on an inexpensive replacement that will stand up to the recoil of a .454?
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You have the results of "inexpensive" in your hands. Actually, I started to say something in the other thread but bit my tongue because some folks get bent outta shape when you suggest their cheap optics won't hold up. Well, now you know. I would suggest either shooting it with iron sights or saving up for a Burris or Leupold 2x. Potentially Weaver or Nikon on the low end. Anything less will likely end with the same result. The Leupold is the most bombproof but also the most expensive. Forget the variables, they're unnecessary weight, bulk and complexity for a revolver. They also tend to come apart quicker.
 
Used Leupold 2X. I see them for $150 or so once in a while. If you want a red dot that might be inexpensive get a used Ultradot. A used Burris, Nikon monarch, Weaver or Bushnell Elite should do as well and won't break the bank. I by used scopes about 80% of the time.
 
I went thru that with my super black hawk 12 or so years ago. I went thru 4 Tasco scopes in a month before they asked me what it was on. The Tasco rep told me Leupold.
 
I've used a NIKON MONARCK UCC 2.5-8X28 eer on mine for about 5 years now.No problems yet even with hot & heavy loads.But I truly like the fiber optics better,The bright big dots are faster & clear on target.For hunting bear & hogs the Iron sights with fiber just work better for me. Good luck.
 
Everybody looks at things different.This is not about right or wrong.I respect whatever preferences you have.

IMO,work at learning your iron sights.A handgun becomes less a handgun when encumbered with a scope.

I'll bet with a little practice you can get 6 in,maybe 8 in groups at 100 with irons .

Some folks do better than that.
 
Handgun with a scope becomes a short awkward rifle. If you must use a scope use a Leupold. If you must use Simmons use the Gold Medal Series. They hold up and are recommended by J D Jones Of SSK Industries.
 
I have a Burris on my S&W .460 mag and its holding up great against my reloads. BTW this gun and my reloads distroyed two Nikon Monarch but from what I understand they will hold up ok with the .454.
 
I bought a T/C Contender Hunter Package the first year they were offered...I got the 10" .45-70 barrel, and it came with a fixed 2.5x lighted reticle scope...

The scope lasted maybe 50 rounds before the rheostat popped off and hit me in the head...

Back to T/C and replaced...

2nd time it hit me in the head I told T/C that I wanted a variable of the same value with no lighted reticle...They agreed, and shipped...

I used that scope through thousands of rounds on the .45-70 and .357 Herrett barrels till I sold the Contender a few years ago...

I DO have a 2.5x Lighted Reticle T/C on a S&W 686, but only because it was my Father's, and I will not get rid of it...
 
Even a Leupold will not regularly hold up to hand cannon use... I have several scoped hand cannons ( both revolvers, & Contenders ) & have found the Burris Posi Lock scopes to be the only ones to hold up 100% to the really big boomers
 
A Tasco 1.25X4 scope lasted about 18 rounds on my .44 mag. Ruger Redhawk. Then blotto.
Previously I had an Aimpoint 1000 on it for years and thousands of rounds. It did fine but eventually also went blotto.
 
They hold up and are recommended by J D Jones Of SSK Industries.
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I would be shocked to find out that JD Jones actually recommends Simmons scopes!!!


Handgun with a scope becomes a short awkward rifle.
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A .454 with a scope is a 150yd deer killer in the right hands. With iron sights, 50-75yds.
 
I had the same problem with my SRH 454. It ate the first 2 scopes I put on it. The first was a Bushnell Trophy Whitetail and the second was a Nikon Monarch something or other. I finally order a Bushnell Trophy Elite 3200 which was built for the 454 Casull. I fired close to 500rds without a problem. The elite 3200 comes with a lifetime warranty if it ever fails.
 
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"Inexpensive" and 'standing up to .454 recoil' are different concepts.

#1 Send the Simmons back for replacement, and sell the new one as soon as you get it. That name does not belong on any firearms-related gear. It belongs on the crappy binoculars in some cheap-skate old lady's fanny pack, for bird watching.

#2 Don't cheap out on the scope. You'll just blow it up again. Save your money, and buy a quality scope. Buy quality once, or buy cheap forever.

If we were talking about a rifle scope, there could be some "inexpensive", but half-decent recommendations. However, this is for a handgun scope... you don't have 'compromise scopes' for handguns. It's binary: good, or bad. There's nothing in between.
 
Farmalljon:

A firearm will shoot only as good as its sights. You are out the price of the Simmons, why put another lower quality scope and take a chance on its durability? I suggest you save and purchase a Leopold or Burris.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery Sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
 
Mr. Hughes, Everyone seems to be in agreement with your advice. I think I'll shoot my SRH for a while with the iron sights, and save up for a quality scope. Thank you (all) for the advice, and thank you for your service!
 
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