Optics on a .44 revolver

[Throwbackguy]

Hello all!
...Longtime lurker, new to the forum. Question for y'all:
I am a new Ruger Super Redhawk owner (7.5 in .44mag), and plan on placing an optic. I have been using my 686 (6in barrel) as a 'test bed' for optics; have used a Venom (on a Weigand pic rail), along with a See All open sight. Both have held zero, with removal from the rail for cleaning, with a variety of loads (target and more beefy hunting-style loads). However, this'll be the first 44, and I appreciate the increase in recoil. Though it'll be a range toy primarily (gotta be honest, at least with myself!) to start off with, there's the possibility of medium-range game within 100yds in my not-too-distant future.
As to scopes, the Burris FastFire is a possibility; I want as little magnification as possible (though 1.5-2x isn't too bad, either), just a good solid image and sights. That said, I was leaning towards the Venom, or the See All; I'm familiar, and I like both. What are your experiences with loss-of-zero, or just plain shakin' loose, with the once-mighty Harry Callahan caliber?

[And my apologies to the oblique S&W reference, in a post about the SRH...!]

 

[beag_nut]

Since when is a Burris FastFire a scope? I have the FastFire3 and it's a red-dot, no scope or power of any kind.
Plus, this thread should really be in the "Handguns: Accessories, Holsters, and Optics" subforum.

 

[sabbfan]

I run a 1” Ultradot on my Super Redhawk 44 mag and have for several years. Mostly use it for deer hunting and haven’t had any issues with it. Given the choice I’d make the same one and buy it again. Used the 1” rings that came with the revolver, if a guy wanted to buy new rings you would step up in size to the 30mm version.

 

[Steve51]

I also use the Ultradot on my .44 Super Blackhawk Hunter.

 

[.38 Special]

Since when is a Burris FastFire a scope? I have the FastFire3 and it's a red-dot, no scope or power of any kind.
Plus, this thread should really be in the "Handguns: Accessories, Holsters, and Optics" subforum.

I too extend a hearty welcome to the new guy.

 

[daverich4]

2X Leupold on my Super Blackhawk. Been there since the late 80’s without any problems.

 

[nofendertom]

I put a Leupold 2X handgun scope on a Smith Mod 29, 8 3/8in barrel just to try it---It wound up staying for years. I really liked it, never had problems with it.

 

[.38 Special]

I have had a 4x Leupold on my .44 Magnum for many years - and many rounds! - and it has held up perfectly. I applaud the OP for committing to low or no power, as 4x has always been too much. If I had it to do over, I would buy the same scope, but in 2x.

 

[Throwbackguy]

Thanks fer the quick replies! (And, sorry if this is the wrong forum!)

...I think I was referencing the Burris Handgun Scope 2x20; the name 'FastFire' stuck in ma brain. Sorry!

I'm also checking out that Ultradot as well. As stated, my only red dot has been a Venom, and have had no other experience aside from the See All (which is very enticing, once you get the hang of acquiring it... that, and the 'no batteries required' part of the equation!).

 

[Big Bore TX]

For a scope I’d choose a fixed power Burris or Leupold.

Tubular RDS…Ultra Dot.

Reflex RDS…Trijicon RMR or Vortex Venom.

I’ve used everything above on up to and including a 460 revolver. All have held up great.

 

[LOLBELL]

I have a Bushnell 2-7 and a Leupold fixed 2 power that I rotate between 45c, 44, and 41 mag Super Blackhawk Hunters. Both have held zero with even the heaviest 45c loads. I would stick to a fixed 2x if you go with a traditional scope. The eye relief get trickie with the Bushnell on the higher powers.

 

[JDeere]

I have a Weaver 2X for mine. I have the SBH Hunter with the removable rings. I remove the scope from time to time and shoot open sights.

 

[buck460XVR]

I too extend a hearty welcome to the new guy.

....good thing he didn't call his ammo, "bullets", eh?

 

[CraigC]

I've been using optics on handguns since childhood. A magnified scope takes some getting used to but I do like how a fixed 2x extends my effective range and lengthens my shooting light over iron sights. Same for a good red dot, though to a lesser extent. On a revolver, I want no more than a fixed 2x. Burris, Leupold or an older Redfield gets the nod. For a red dot, I prefer the tube style sights and really like the UltraDot, mostly the 30mm version. Since this picture was taken, I've even swapped the MatchDot on the .480 to match the other two.



Burris 2x on my FA .454.


The older Burris 1.5-4x has some merit but not on this .357. It's usually more of an increase in bulk/weight/length than I want.

 

[Jackiesman]

I had an old style super Blackhawk with a 10 inch barrel that I mounted a Leupold 2X LER on it. It performed wonderful as a hunting and range platform for the 20 years I had it. Very effective and accurate out to 120 yards. Sorry I don’t have it anymore. Best scope I ever put on a revolver.

 

[Huntolive]

In my mind and experience there really too good options none of them involve a venom or Burris fastfire

One is the aforementioned ultra dot Of which there are several varieties for different radicals all of which I found to be excellent and I have use them on a Ruger super red Hawk 454 Kassul with no issues
So 44 magnum wouldn’t be any problem at all LOL
The other option is to go with a true scope and it’s too bad the first guy who responded to give you a hard time since you already said you were new here so welcome and don’t worry about that guy
For a scope there are several good options but remember you’ll probably never use magnification above 3X so I find a 2.5 power to be absolutely ideal and 2 power to be acceptable although I do not trust the weaver scope that I bought I actually had some good luck with some kind of Buchnell with shocks me but I don’t think they make that one anymore but I will say this and that is
that High caliber revolver‘s and scopes with magnification are two great things that do Not always go great together
Thus if I were you I would just master regular Sites and save yourself a bunch of money because at the end of the day after a significant amount of shooting don’t think even the ultra that gives me that big of an advantage over regular sites and a lot of practice

 

[AzShooter1]

I like the Vortex Venom, but I've had the FFII and Leupold 2X on my guns as well. Today, the red dot sighs are a bit easier to use than a scope. Paralex is not a problem and even at 100 yards they don't cover a lot of are.

 

[RKRCPA]

I have a Burris 2X for my Ruger Blackhawk



But I have recently switched to a Vortex Venom. The scopes reside on my Contender Barrels now

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

Nikon 2x on a 9.5" SRH


The first time I took it out -



I also have a SBH Hunter with a 2x Burris, but apparently have no pics.

I wouldn't go higher than 2x, and TBH, I'm seriously considering replacing the scopes with some sort of a red dot.

 

[roval]

Since when is a Burris FastFire a scope? I have the FastFire3 and it's a red-dot, no scope or power of any kind.
Plus, this thread should really be in the "Handguns: Accessories, Holsters, and Optics" subforum.

give the guy a break. he is asking about putting an optic on a particular revolver. i think it is appropriate to ask it here. i have done the same. btw you can also just point out that the fast fire is not a scope without the condescending rhetorical question.

for the OP no personal experience yet as i haven't executed the decision but plan on getting the 1 inch ultradot gen 2 with the 2 MOA dot instead of the 30 mm tube so s not to have to buy new rings.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

Burris 2x on my FA .454.

Those grips ! Oh my !

I'm usually not one for 'flash' in grip panels, but those are gorgeous.

 

[CraigC]

Those grips ! Oh my !

I'm usually not one for 'flash' in grip panels, but those are gorgeous.

Thanks! Those are bighorn sheep by Rob Rowen. The stuff is harder to get than ivory ever was. The cool thing is that you never know what you're going to get until you get close to the final shape. Lots of color variations. This is the other side.

 

[roval]

to the people with 2x scopes how is the eye relief on the scopes? is it the typical offhand distance?

 

[CraigC]

Usually. Sometimes you have to compromise due to the way they're mounted. Like on this DW but it still works well. I prefer them mounted over the frame.

 

[Throwbackguy]

Thanks again for the great suggestions. I've opted for a Gen1 Ultradot (2MOA) to go with the supplied 1"rings on my SBH. Again, it's an 'always-evolving-experiment', with no experience with a tubular RDS. [I've got the Venom as a backup.] As to scopes, my shortlist includes the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5x (got one on my .357 steel Henry); as I said, I'm interested in only 1-to-2x max magnification; more about the reticle (and my slow-to-focus ol' eyes!).

...Great pics of classic wheelguns!