Handgun scopes.

[PlayTheAces]

I have a ruger MK II I plan on scoping in the near future. I'm leaning toward a 2x optical scope, primarily because my eyes are aging and the magnification would help.

I've read good reviews on the red dot scopes, but I've never used one. Anyone have experience with both? What are the pros and cons?

Also, up to 50 yards or so is the 2x sufficient or is it worth looking at a 4x? We're talking strictly target shooting here.

All advice appreciated.

 

[JoeHatley]

I've got several types mounted on different guns. A 2X and 4X fixed power and a 1X4 variable power scope, and several red dots.

The scopes are great for hunting, especially if you have a rest. For target shooting I recomend a red dot. When target shooting, a scopes magnification can actually work against you. It "magnifies" every wobble and the cross hair can be very hard to pick up on black NRA targets.

YMMV...

Joe

 

[DMK]

I just got a 2x-4x adjustable for my dad for Christmas to put on his Buckmark. It's very cool.

I'm not a great pistol shot and have never been able to hit anything at 50 yards with a pistol, but 50 yards at 4x is awsome. I was actually able to get a 6" group. It might not sound like much to you, but that's a big deal to me, especially for the first time out with it.

I guess actually being able to see the target helps with hitting it!

Red dots are cool for quick aquisition like a peep sight, but they don't help much for those of us with bad eyesight.

 

[V-fib]

I have a BSA red dot (30mm) on my S&W 422 . Much more fun to shoot with it. The gunsmith that mounted it was impressed on its accuracy out to 50 yrds. There are 11 brightness adjustments which will fill about every shooting need.

 

[Brian Williams]

I have a Ruger Slabside with a Leupold M8 2x on it and it will shoot 3 to 4" groups at 50 yds from some sand bags. Great gun and scope. At 25 yds from a rest my best 10 shot group was easily covered by a quarter.

 

[Kahr carrier]

I like the Red dot sights myself I have Leupold Gilmore Red dot on a Mk 2. You might want to try a Clark Mk2 Weaver base on your MK2 it use the stock Ruger tapped holes for base mounting and you can leave your rear sight on.

 

[Kahr carrier]

I almost forgot CDNN has the Tasco PROPOINT PLUS Red dot on sale for $69.99.

 

[10-Ring]

As pistol 'scopes' go, I don't really like the dot type at longer ranges. You get to a point where the dot gets so big it covers your entire target. At close distances tho, they're very fast and easy to use. Traditional scopes really depends on your application. I don't have any on my guns, but I've used a few and when properly applied, they really do help.

 

[PlayTheAces]

Thanks gang. I appreciate the input. After looking at the different mounting options for about a month, I went with a Burris mount. After installing the base and rings, it appears to be as solid as anything I could have hoped for. Now I just need the scope, and I'm leaning toward a Leupold M8.

 

[DMK]

Natchez is having a pretty good sale on scopes. I got a nice Weaver for cheap. www.natchezss.com

 

[VictorLouis]

If you're at all shy of the investment in a Leupold

www.cdnninvestments.com has NcStar(Chinese) EER pistol scopes for $30-$50. I got a 2X with ajustable illuminated reticle to see if I liked the concept on a .22LR. My buddy experienced in the 'finer' scopes was impressed at the quality-$ ratio, though he maintains a 'heavy' handgun would be the only true test of its durability.

I can't see getting a 4X unless you plan on strictly benchrest, or use from a heavily braced position. The reticle 'bounce' would be just too much from off-hand, IMO. I don't care for the dot sights covering the bull, as was pointed out.

 

[Marshall]

Aimpoint!