Optics on Revolvers...
- Thread starter CWLONGSHOT
- Start date
Winelover
North Central Arkansas
Very few of my handguns don't have optics. Those that don't are short barreled carry pieces. Currently, the 6" Royal Blue Python is optic free. Though it did wear a 2X Leupold, in the past, with a no drill mount.
The RH has QD Warne double lever rings for the Kimber base. Besides this 2x7 B&L with firefly reticle, the 2X Leupold wears Kimber QD double lever rings as an alternate sighting option.
The Kimber base is low enough, that when the scope is removed, the express sights can be used. Doesn't interfere with the leather Bianchi holster, either..........If I choose that route.
The RH has QD Warne double lever rings for the Kimber base. Besides this 2x7 B&L with firefly reticle, the 2X Leupold wears Kimber QD double lever rings as an alternate sighting option.
The Kimber base is low enough, that when the scope is removed, the express sights can be used. Doesn't interfere with the leather Bianchi holster, either..........If I choose that route.
Rick H
Well-Known Member
I don't get the telescopic sights on handguns thing. I can see a low profile compact red dot, particularly when the eyes quit cooperating with iron sights. Handguns need to be, well handy. The added bulk and weight of the scope upsets the balance and feels as awkward as it looks. The heaviest handgun I own is a SS 4 5/8" Blackhawk in 45 Colt. That and/or a full size 1911 are about as bulky and heavy as I am willing to go with a handgun. They are my tipping point. Anything larger and I might as well carry a rifle.
My notion is that handguns are to be carried unobtrusively to free you up to do other things with your hands and still be armed if and when the need arises. They excel at close range, unexpected, defensive use because you can carry them all the time and bring them into action quickly. For hunting, there is nothing I can do with a handgun, scoped or not, that I can't do better with a rifle.
My notion is that handguns are to be carried unobtrusively to free you up to do other things with your hands and still be armed if and when the need arises. They excel at close range, unexpected, defensive use because you can carry them all the time and bring them into action quickly. For hunting, there is nothing I can do with a handgun, scoped or not, that I can't do better with a rifle.
Winelover
North Central Arkansas
Yepper, some of us hunt with handguns, others compete. However, I see Rick H's point too. Anymore when I go out deer hunting with a firearm, it's the 44 Mag. Marlin 1894 carbine with a low power variable and lighted reticle. Rather than the heavy scoped Redhawk. Besides, I've already taken deer with the RH when I was thirty years younger.
L Ross
Well-Known Member
^^^^ I was typing a reply when I read this.
Bret4207
At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
I can appreciate optics on a handgun, to an extent. As some have mentioned, load deveopment, long range shooting, etc., I can see it there. I can see it for stand hunting. But there are limits to it for what I want. I own one scoped handgun, a Ruger SSM with an ancient Bushnell Phantom 1.3x on it. Oh, and that gun has the 9.5" barrel. I scoped it to try to work up truly accurate loads because I thought my eyes were beyond capable of using open sights. Then I got the Smith K32 and found out with an accurate gun and loads I can still shoot, not liek I could, but I wouldn't stand down range and feel safe if you know what I mean. The Ruger just isn't the gun the Smith is. BUt I'm not going to carry the Smith in the woods, or the Ruger as it is. Remove the scope, chop the barrel to 5.5" or so, find something that will shoot in it and take to the woods, swamps and fields.
For those that like them, more power to ya. I've always thought putting a scope on a little J frame 38 snubbie and working up groups would be interesting. But then it wouldn't fit in my jeans pocket.
For those that like them, more power to ya. I've always thought putting a scope on a little J frame 38 snubbie and working up groups would be interesting. But then it wouldn't fit in my jeans pocket.
Bret4207
At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
What is the purpose of a lighted reticle? Are you night hunting hogs or something?
Dusk and dawn I would imagine.
Winelover
North Central Arkansas
Exactly. Gain half hour of legal shooting light, on both ends. Most large deer travel during those times. That's how they maintain longevity.
Winelover
North Central Arkansas
Another option is a laser on a snubbie. You have no idea the groups capable, as long as you do your part with trigger control.
Missionary
Well-Known Member
I would rather 10 more shooters were still out enjoying firing their revolvers than sitting on a rocker some where lamenting the days gone by when they could fire on a 50 yard target knowing where their round will impact.
I have both... My big cat revolvers have them as I have learned I get one shot through thick stuff where the shooting is real precise at +50 yards.
Cross bows and compounds are the same.... not everyone can hold a 55 pound bow for 2 minutes under full pull while Mr Corn Cruncher is deciding whether to take that extra step out from behind the tree. I can... but I know a couple fine old deer hunters who are still out there thinning the herds and enjoying the good meat.
I have both... My big cat revolvers have them as I have learned I get one shot through thick stuff where the shooting is real precise at +50 yards.
Cross bows and compounds are the same.... not everyone can hold a 55 pound bow for 2 minutes under full pull while Mr Corn Cruncher is deciding whether to take that extra step out from behind the tree. I can... but I know a couple fine old deer hunters who are still out there thinning the herds and enjoying the good meat.
Wasalmonslayer
Well-Known Member
I love my reddot equipped revolvers I one on my gp100 match champion, Blackhawk 357 and super Blackhawk 44mag.
Very enjoyable to shoot!!
No real optics just dots.
Very enjoyable to shoot!!
No real optics just dots.
waco
Springfield, Oregon
I wanted to try a red dot on my 5 1/2” M29. Just to see how it did. I still have fair enough vision but I thought I’d give it a go anyhow. I went with a Vortex Venom with a 3 MOA dot. At just one ounce you don’t even notice any extra weight. Simply Rugged will make a holster for your revolver that wears optics.
My SRH wears a 2-7 Weaver. My CZ 75 B wears a red dot. My 22 K Hornet ’Tender has a 2-7 Weaver as does the 309 JDJ barrel. Shot a pronghorn with that one at just over 225 yards- way beyond iron would allow.
I put a red dot on my wife’s 686 and it made her a much better shooter and that led to her shooting more.
Most of my handguns wear no glass but when I want to reach out it is a must.
I put a red dot on my wife’s 686 and it made her a much better shooter and that led to her shooting more.
Most of my handguns wear no glass but when I want to reach out it is a must.
CWLONGSHOT
Well-Known Member
I have both as well. Some sights I can still see adequately others not so much and in low light fewer still. So most of my hunting hand guns have optics. I strayed from magnified scopes after learning/training away my Prejudices of limited range with a red dot. A good dot, that is able to allow a clean round fine dot, is in no way a detriment to range on a typical handgun. Something like a xp100/Contender/Encore/ Wichita not withstanding. 
I have shot dots on pistols for a long long time in competitions. My carry is/are all irons and good ones. But my hunters have red/green dot optics.
CW
I have shot dots on pistols for a long long time in competitions. My carry is/are all irons and good ones. But my hunters have red/green dot optics.
CW