Opinions on Red Dot for Ruger 44 mag

[jmak]

I am looking for opinions on a red dot scope for a Ruger Blackhawk in 44 mag to use for NY deer hunting. Shots should be under 75 yrds with most under 50 yrds. I would like to keep the price below $150.00. Is a 30 mm or 1" size better and what size dot should I look for? I have read good reports on the Ultra Dot and mixed reports on the Bushnell Trophy. Also, I have a Millet 30mm SP-2 with a 5 min dot mounted on my bow that has held up well over the last three years but I don't know if it could handle the recoil from the 44 mag.

Thanks,
jmak

 

[JDGray]

I have a 1" Ultradot on my 22/45, and I love it! Recoil is about the same as a 44mag, so you should be good to go. I believe Ultradot carries a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, so I wouldn't be afraid to use it. I prefer the smaller scope, not so top heavy looking.

 

[jmak]

Thanks JDGray. What size dot would you recommend?

 

[JDGray]

You'll have a little better FOV with the 30mm, but I prefer the 1". Some of them dot scopes are way to big, maybe even bigger that the 30mm, and look funny to me.

 

[Dale53]

Here is a picture of my 625 Model of 1989 (.45 ACP) with a Simmons Red Dot sight:



This is a 30mm size with four different reticules. I have a half dozen of these on different revolvers. They work extremely well. I met with the Simmons Technicians at the NRA Convention in Louisville a couple of years ago and they told me that they work fine up to anything including a .44 Magnum but will NOT handle .454 Casull recoil. 30mm size is easier to "find the hole" and has a wider field of view than the 1" size. Anything larger, and in my view, just becomes ungainly. For me, my choice is definitely the 30mm size. These are on sale at Overstock.com for less than $50.00. You can NOT beat them for value:

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Simmons-ShotDot-1x30mm-Red-Dot-Scope/4047732/product.html

For the heavy hitters, I can recommend the Ultra Dot. It is quite a bit more expensive but will handle any recoil you are apt to find in a shootable handgun. Again, I prefer the one with multiple reticules. The UD costs about three times what a Simmons does and works NO better EXCEPT it is sturdier with the "heavy hitters".

I have put about 7500 rounds through my 625's without a whimper and really enjoy shooting with the Red Dot Sights.

Here is my S&W Light Hunter with an Ultra Dot on it:



Dale53

 

[jmak]

Thanks Dale. The Simmons looks like a good deal and I may go that way for 1/3 the cost of an Ultradot. I also may be getting a .41 mag instead of a .44 mag so that would lower my concern about it being able to handle recoil.