Scope or dot on handguns

[11c1p]

I shoot a 44mag S&W Classic Hunter with a 2x scope on it..My buddie just got a Ruger Blackhawk 44mag and he wants to put a scope with a dot on his...What's the advantage of a dot over crosshairs..(I can't think of any.)..I think the crosshairs would be foolproof, and you don't have to worry about the batteries going dead in the middle of your hunt...Crosshairs would have to be more accurate also, out to 100yds on paper ....

 

[Oldnamvet]

To me it depends on what you are going to be doing with it. For target shooting, I'd go with the crosshairs. For quick shots, sometimes not in the best of light (such as in a river bottom or brush), you can pick out the red dot quicker than crosshairs. Advantages and disadvantages to both.

 

[HSMITH]

The biggest advantage of the dot is it doesn't magnify your wobble. Scopes are very difficult to shoot without some sort of rest, even at 2x.

For shots out to 100 yards I would take a dot every time. For shots beyond that a scope really works better.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've looked at both and gone with the dot. I find it easier to focus on the dot (and target) than cross hairs (and target.)

I'd suggest trying both before you buy: they're very different.

 

[P95Carry]

I have scopes on both Contender barrels and also on my .454 Raging Bull - they work well - but IMO NOT for rapid target aquisition. Why - they are EER (extended eye relief) and are devils to use and keep target and across hairs in good alignment - wander sight line off a bit - cross hairs disappear!

Thus I use and prefer red dots - use Millets on both SRH's and a Bushnell Holosight on my BFR. Also even a cheapie Chink red dot on my SBH does fine. Eyes are old anyways and so irons not so easy these days.

 

[11c1p]

Thanks for your replies..I've been using scopes on my revolvers for many years now and never really shot a dot. I'll relay this info on to him and let him decide..I hope he goes with the dot, that way I'll shot it and see for myself...

 

[f4t9r]

To me it depends on what you are going to be doing with it. For target shooting, I'd go with the crosshairs. For quick shots, sometimes not in the best of light (such as in a river bottom or brush), you can pick out the red dot quicker than crosshairs. Advantages and disadvantages to both.

I would agree with this. I like the Dot unless shooting long range which would depend on where you hunt (if hunting)