Handgun Scope for Ruger MK III or S&W 17-8

[Phydeaux642]

I am thinking about getting a scope to mount on a 22/45 MK III and/or S&W 17-8. I will probably start with the MK III 22/45 and see how that goes first.

Can someone tell me about a reasonably priced scope for plinking at the range (25 yards, indoors)? And, what do I need to make it work on the MK III? The one I have is the fixed sight version with a 4 1/2" bbl. I know that they include a mount with the target guns, but not with the fixed sight guns. Mine does look like it is drilled/tapped for a mount, though. Thanks.

 

[Okiecruffler]

Honestly, on most of my rimfire handguns I've used NcStar 2X20scopes and been perfectly happy with them. Think I've had about 6 of that model and never had one fail. You can always upgrade if you decide you like it but want better glass.

 

[herbie1]

I have a MarkIII hunter which came with a scope mount.
I had problems with this Ruger scope mount and replaced it with a Tactical Solutions Picantinny rail (Weaver rings will fit). It is the one that is made for their Pac-lite barrels. Tach Solutions said it would fit the MarkIII, but I had a problem with it running up against the rear sight. I reversed the scope mount and it fit fine, except the middle hole didn't line up with the screw hole. I left that screw off and it works fine. The also sent me the wrong threaded screws. Overall I think it is an excellent setup. If I had another MarkIII I would get another Tac Solutions p-rail. This is much better the the Ruger mount, which I was very unhappy with.



I find that everything seems to shake loose on this gun. I had to use Loctite on the scope mount and front sight. Recently my rear sight has been drifting and I will have to remount that with loctite. If you use loctite make sure you use the removable type. I thing it is loctite blue, but I am not sure.

I also got a set of Warne Quick Detach scope rings. On the MarkIII this works out really nice because I can detach the scope and use iron sights for shorter ranges, then use the scope for 25 yrds.

I have 2 scopes that I play with on the Mark III. A Weaver 2x & a Simmons 4x. I don't use the 2x much. I didn't see that much of a difference between the 2x * iron sights. I play around with the 4x much more often. 4x seems to be pretty sensitive to the slightest hand motion. I use it to practice keeping a steady hand when shooting. I believe these were both under $150.


Here are a couple other MarkIII ideas:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/dktaylor.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/sight_improvements.htm


I hope this helps.
H.