Scope for a handgun

K

Keith2

Inactive
I want a traditional scope for a S&W model 41. I'll use it for bench shooting, general target practice and squirrels. I've been researching scopes and I am a little overwhelmed and confused on which way to go.

I've looked over the specs of these:

Bushnell 3200 elite 2-6
Leupold FX-II 2 X 20
Simmons 2 X 20

Any suggestions out there???
 
Too much power

I have a 4x Simmons that I cannot hand-hold on target. From a rest it is barely OK. Unlike a rifle, a handgun without a shoulder stock it is very hard to hold steady. I would suggest a 1x to 4x variable. Certainly no higher than 8x, and that seting would be used from a steady rest where the gun is supported by two spots.

A variable power scope would be worthwhile because you could use it a low power if you are hand-holding and higher power if you have a well-supported rest.

I rarely ever shoot with a scope, so my advice is to be taken with that in mind. If I practiced holding that 4x steady, maybe I would be better at it. But I doubt it.

It is nice to have, though, as I do have much smaller group sizes with than without. I would sell the scope, but I've got these rings that came with my Super Redhawk; what would I do with those without a scope?

Lost Sheep

Good luck and good shooting.

All opinions are those of the author and subject to change on a whim.
 
If bench/target shooting is your deal then a 2 to 6 would be a nice scope to have, BUT, hunting is a different world with a handgun. You will have to have a rest to hit much or to just keep the cross hairs center'd. With the right red dot type or halo type scope you can still shoot good target groups and is much easier to use hunting. The dot just has to be seen ,not well centered to hit. You also done have to spend alot of money just get one that offers down to a 1" dot with some larger options with just a turn of a control. I can with a old DW 357 shoot 3" groups at a 100 yards with a 2" red dot and it is still an easy hunting setup. Also a ruger standard mark3 6" 22 with a dot scope and can bench a large raged hole at 25 yards with the dot. OH, s&w model 41,,nice.
 
Leupold FX-II 2 X 20 - Easy Answer.

Lifetime warranty

Have one on my 8" 500 mag, No issues in 700-800 rounds.
 
Another recommendation is a UltraDot Matchdot Scope. If you are looking in the Leupold price range, then I believe the Matchdot at around $190. Lifetime warranty as well.
 
I have a 4x Simmons that I cannot hand-hold on target. From a rest it is barely OK. Unlike a rifle, a handgun without a shoulder stock it is very hard to hold steady. I would suggest a 1x to 4x variable. Certainly no higher than 8x, and that seting would be used from a steady rest where the gun is supported by two spots.
Click to expand...

You're shaking just as much on 1x as 4x or 8x, you just don't notice it as much.

I have all sorts of scopes on handguns and if I had to choose just one it would be a 4x fixed. If recoil will be considerable, get a Leupold.
 
Scope for a hand gun

I have 2X Leup on my Security Six and a 2x Nikon monarch on my Single Six both are used for hunting the only time I bench is sight in. I keep a sharp eye with the Single Six because it's fun and 22s are cheaper than 357s but in September I start using the 357 more because I use it for deer when I'm swampin and trompin where shots are 50 yds. or less. I had a 4X but it was too much power for my needs and the vari that I had every time I took it off I had rezero the 2Xs are dead on after removal.
 
Either the Bushnell or the Leupold would be fine and superior to the Simmons. Burris also makes excellent handgun scopes.
 
Another scope to check out is the Weaver 2.5x-8x pistol scope. I have 1 on my Ruger slabside and can get astounding groups with it. Any squirrel within 30-40 yards is a goner IF I do my part (rarely but it does happen).
 
Have a 2x on my model 41 and a 3x on another .22 (CZ Kadet kit). Either one is low enough to keep both eyes open but has enough power for very small groups. The 2x is an older expensive one and the 3 x is an illuminated one I purchased from "appleharbor" on ebay for 40 bucks. It's awesome for the price.
 

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