Red dot for 500 mag better?

M

mo84

New member
I was wondering if a red dot scope with no magnification is better then useing the hard sites? I was also wondering what scopes people may have used and if it is practical to get a magnified scope for it; if so how much magnification would be appropriate? thanks

Also where I go hunting the furthest I would be shooting is 75 to 100 yards. the last deer I got was about 10 feet away so they come close too lol
 
Mo,

I m a died in the wool iron sight shooter when it comes to handguns, so please take everything I say with that in mind. Yes, a red dot type scope works very well on a a handgun, almost any handgun. This is because it puts the sights and the target on the same focal plane. You no longer need to worry about aligning the front and rear sight and then placing them on the intended target. The same is true of a traditional scope. Probably the biggest issue with dot type scopes is that you need to be aware of the dot size and make sure that it is suitable for the distances you ill be shooting. The dot will cover a larger portion of the target as distance increases. The dot is normally listed by the size in minutes of angle. A 4MOA dot will cover four inches at 100 yards, eight inches at 200 yards, etc.

A scope with magnification will also magnify any movement of the gun, and at high magnification, can be almost nauseating. For this reason I would recommend low magnification, probably no more than 4X, unless you are shooting from a very solid rest. Too high of a magnification will also make it more difficult to shoot those deer that walk to within 10 feet, as all you will see is hair. At high magnification, the target fills more of the field of view.

I can't tell you what is the right answer for you, but hopefully, the above info will help in making your decision.

JW
 
That was some really great info. I did notice that scopes would mention the dot size but untill now, couldnt really understand how big that would be. I was thinking non magnified just incase they came up close.
now I just have to figure out which scopes would be suited for the 500. I wish they made it so you could use both iron sites and a scope maybe with higher rings or something, then I would not mind going with a lil magnification.
 
Mo, I just got done making another post regarding long range shooting that explains exactly what a minute of angle is, and why it is important to understand, when it comes to long range shooting.

JW
 
Using a scope on a handgun for hunting has many disadvantages. You end up "chasing the crosshairs" trying to hold steady on the target. A red dot sight can be had in several different reticles and dot sizes. I just ordered another red dot to try out, an UltraDot Matchdot with four different reticle sizes: 2,4,6,and 8 MOA. Be aware that a 4MOA dot doesn't mean you can't shoot good groups or better groups than a 2MOA dot. If the dot is superimposed over the target and is centered you can shoot some very small groups even at 100 yards. I've used scopes, red dots, and iron sights on a lot of different handguns for many, many years. I gave up using a scope for any purpose other than load development. My personal preference is red dots. They work very well in all light conditions and are easy to pick up and get on a game animal in any lighting condition. I keep iron sights for target work such as silhouettes, etc. I'd suggest you get a decent red dot and put it on the gun for hunting.
 
I am definently going to find an affordable red dot scope and rail for it. I'll have to do some saving as I dont want anything to cheep to where it will break from the recoil an what not. :)
 
I am definently going to find an affordable red dot scope and rail for it. I'll have to do some saving as I dont want anything to cheep to where it will break from the recoil an what not.
Click to expand...

The UltraDot has a lifetime guarantee.
 
Be careful what you buy. A few years ago I bought a Bushnell Holosight for my .454 Casull, thinking it would be nice. And it is... For one shot.

While the ads claimed it was immune to recoil, what I found is after the first shot, the dot dims, and on the second shot, it turns off completely. Turn it back on, and do it all again...

Needless to say, it's not on the .454 anymore.
 
If you can find one the holds up. I have been hunting with a T/C G2 44mag for a few years and my 2-7x scope is hard to find the crosshairs when actually hunting, (when they are close it's darn near impossible.) I switched to a bushnell red dot and it was the best sight I've every used. I sighted it in and found it to be easier to shoot and more accurate from real hunting positions, (ie no sand bags or pistol rest.) The problem was I fired another box of ammo out of it and it broke. I did some research and the dot I bought was suppose to hold up to a 44 mag, but of course it didn't. Hope you find one that holds up to your 500. Red dots are the way to go.
 
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