Red Dot vs 2x Scope??

[Chillaxin]

An earlier post got me thinking about which of these would perform the best on a Hunting setup. I currently have Holo red dots on two of my hunting revolvers (629 and BFR .475) While I like the sight I was curious if accuracy would be better with a 2x scope. Well, what do ya'll think??

Thanks guys-

-C-

 

[Chillaxin]

Did I post this in the wrong place or have the people who shoot both not read it?
No sarcasm implied, just curious.
Thanks
C-

 

[Stainz]

Years ago, I tried several low-mid priced red dots. They all had the same problem - for just my plinking - batteries! I added a Weaver H2 2x28 scope to my 7.5" .454 SRH - aided my 100yd accuracy. A fiber optic front sight was fine up to 50yd or so. After selling the SRH - and getting a new 6" 629 - I tried the scope on it - great results at 50-100yd. I guess as I age, I just appreciate the KISS principle more - and I am back to basic iron sights.

If you plan on 50yd+ shots, I think the 2x scope is a better choice - else, good iron sights won't go dead unexpectedly - or in cold conditions.

Stainz

 

[Canuck-IL]

It's a personal preference. I don't hunt but do shoot Bullseye ... a scope magnifies one's natural wobble and for most folks that harms accuracy as there's a tendency to try and 'overdress' the shot. 99% of BE shooters use red dots once the eyes are too far gone for irons, while some use a 1x scope to concentrate the area of focus without magnification.
/Bryan

 

[98Redline]

I much prefer the red dot to a scope for my hunting handguns. My primary hunting revolver wears an UltraDot Match dot. This will allow me to reduce the dot size depending on the distance I am shooting (8,6,4,2 MOA). I find that with this I am able to hit out to my effective range (75 yards) consistently. The farther the target is, the smaller the dot I use.

As stated before even a 2X scope will magnify your wobble and make you want to do a "drive by" (essentially try to drive the crosshair past your target and jerk the trigger as it passes).

If you were always shooting from a rest or sandbags I might feel different, but I don't like trying to shoot unsupported with a scope.

 

[Chillaxin]

Thanks for the replies. I'm also running the ultra dot on my .475 and really like it. I was just curious if it would be possible to dial in a scope more. Basically, like so many things gun related, one is always looking on how to make things better etc. On a side note......that ultra dot is tough. I blew up a few sights before I got this one and it handles recoil well
C-

 

[CraigC]

I prefer a good 2x, which will cost you much less than a "good" red dot.

As stated before even a 2X scope will magnify your wobble and make you want to do a "drive by" (essentially try to drive the crosshair past your target and jerk the trigger as it passes).

All of which is overcome with practice.

 

[Chillaxin]

CraigC--if you don't mind me asking. What do you like better and why?
Thanks
C-

 

[98Redline]

"All of which is overcome with practice."


Granted, however few get to practice enough that they will be able to overcome the tendancy.

In archery it is known as target panic.
Very easy to get....very difficult to get rid of.

 

[CraigC]

I like a Burris or Leupold 2x. The Burris is good, the Leupold is bombproof. I've hunted with handguns equipped with a 2x scope for at least 15yrs and with a little practice, they offer a lot more range than iron sights, more usable light and zero disadvantages other than weight/bulk.

This Burris 2.5-7x is way too much glass for a revolver but was what I had at the time:


This Burris 2x is near perfect:


Started my scoped pistol career with this old Buckmark wearing a Tasco ProClass 2x:

Granted, however few get to practice enough that they will be able to overcome the tendancy.

Then you shouldn't be hunting with a handgun.

 

[hardluk1]

I have right at 30 years with useing red dots on revolvers. 20 + with a 357 mag and a cheap simmons 1" dot. Worked great faster on target with less chance of a bad shoot. The dots will alow you to make a hit even if the dot is not well centered umnike a scope. My newest set up is a 44mag dw with a durris 35mm dot and it works well too. The newer dot are good on batteries too. Keep the dot size to 3" or less. Oh both my revolvers from the bench can shoot 3" groups at 100 yards.

 

[gbran]

I have all manner of holo's and red dots, but given my age, I prefer the Burris 2x on my SRH. It is my primary big game gun. With a rest, I can reach way out there. I did have a 4x, but found I was too shaky for it and target aquisition was too difficult. If you're shooting no farther than 75yds, get a red dot or use iron sites. My eyes aren't that good, so I use the red dots a lot.

[/IMG]

 

[451 Detonics]

This biggest advantage to the dot is there are no eye relief issues. Any scope however...even a 1 power are much more picky, especially when it comes to the eye and the scope being lined up. A 2 power scope magnifies that. On a hunting gun you can normally find and use a solid rest...this is a big plus if possible.

For speed my vote goes to the dot, for accuracy at longer ranges I would pick the scope.