SRH 44Mag for Hunting: How to mount optics?

[Huntolive]

Hello!

I was hooked on SRHH 7.5" brl which comes pre-drilled and with scope rings, and needs no specail mounts.

Though I will get one like that in either 454/45lc, or 44mag, or a SBHH 7.5" 44Mag, for a second hunting and trail gun, I was thinking of a shorter barrel, still long enough for deer/hog hunting, perhaps 5.5 " brl, and wondering how to set up optics (either Ultradot 30, or magnified scope) on revolvers that don't come set up to receive scopes.

All suggestion regarding best optics, mounting optics, and best caliber to select are appreciated.

 

[bikemutt]

I've only used his no-drill scope mount for my Redhawk, highly recommended.

http://www.jackweigand.com/

 

[pbearperry]

I never have understood putting scopes on handguns that will be used only from 0-100 yards.Carrying the extra weight does not appeal to me at all.

 

[98Redline]

For a shorter barreled gun, just stick to the iron sights.

If you are going to increase the size of the gun by putting a red dot or scope on it, why not just carry the longer tube SRH? Not that much difference in size.

If you want a trail gun, quick handling is the goal so the extra bulk of the optic is a detriment.

As stated in the other thread, my hunting gun wears a red dot sight.
My trail gun (5.5" 44 mag Redhawk) wears iron sights (gold bead front and express rear)

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks,

Once again 98 Redline, your advice is practical. So, what do you hunt w/ the5.5"RH? Or is it just for peace of mind? You had said 4" brl was 2 short for hunting. With practice, what can I responsibly hunt w/ 5.5" w/ iron sights?
Or should I just get SRHH 44mag, and call it a day, adding lcr for cc in town?

Thanks bikemutt for lead.

 

[GP100man]

It`s not me wanting optics , it`s my 50 yr. old eyes !!!

 

[98Redline]

When hunting I primarily hunt with a 7.5" SBHH with a red dot.
I do have several other 7.5" iron sighted guns that see some field time every now and again, but my effective range with them is much shorter than the red dot topped gun.

The 5.5" Redhawk is more of a woods, walking around, checking stands, plots gun. I have taken it out for hunting hogs when I was primarily guiding for another guy, more of a backup than anything else. I have never taken it deer hunting. That 5.5" barrel just does not give me the sight radius that I like to maintain my accuracy. To be honest, my SBHH sees more field time than all of my other guns combined.

Go ahead and get your long hunting gun. Stick the red dot on top of it and use it for awhile. After awhile, go get something else and add to your collection.

You seem to be obsessing over this decision and you could end up undecided for another month, continually vacillating between barrel length, caliber and optics choices. No one gun will be perfect for everything. Pick the one that will see the most honest use (a hunting gun, long tube, optics or irons your choice) and enjoy.

Let me put it another way, if I could only have one gun, it would be my 7.5" 44mag SBHH and I wouldn't even have to think twice about it. I love my 5.5 Redhawk, it is a great gun and fun to shoot but when push comes to shove, the dedicated hunting gun is what I would keep.

 

[Steve in PA]

I hunt with a 9 1/2" SRH which wears a Bushnell 3-6x scope. It is my primary deer hunting weapon. Zeroed dead on at 100 yards. If someone wants to complain about the weight of a small scope on a handgun, my advice would be to leave the thermos home.

There are a few times I will carry a rifle, and when I do, I carry a 7 1/2" SBH. There is no scope on this, and I would keep my shots to under 50 yards.

My primary deer/bear hunting weapon.



My sidearm when carrying a rifle. If a shot presents itself under 50 yards, and I have the time and opportunity, I will use this to take the animal. Yes, I love handgun hunting.

 

[CraigC]

There is no reason why you cannot hunt with virtually any big bore sixgun with iron sights, with a 4"-6" barrel, at ranges up to 50yds. Some folks can stretch that to 75yds. Contrary to popular belief, 50yds is really not that far to be shooting with a 4" handgun. The key is to practice and become proficient with your weapon. Which usually means you have to get away from indoor ranges.

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks Again,

you guys are great!
And 98Redline, I appreciate all your help, and please feel free to ignor my posts from now on if my inquiries annoy you, as I already owe you a debt of gratitude. On the other hand if this amuses you, I am always happy to consider your sound advice. ;-)

CraigC and Steve PA, thanks, and while I know you have different views on scopes, both your experience help me as I get started on this quest.

It seems that I could just stay w/ 7.5 w/ some type of optic, or also get one of those, and then add a 5.5" iron sighted to learn to shoot "pure" and have for trail fun, and excessive carry. ;-)

Question: why not an Ultradot 30 on the 5.5" for me getting started to improve accuracy?

I will get one of the 7.5" versions w/i the next couple weeks, so this saga will reach its conclusion, so Thanks!

 

[98Redline]

I don't think there is any particular problem with putting an optic on a 5.5" or shorter gun but part of the reason you go with a shorter barrel is for easy of carry. When I take my woods gun out, it is not with the primary intent of hunting with it and it will probably get carried a lot and shot a little. To that end the carry side becomes more important, thus the smaller size of an iron sighted gun is more attractive. The weight of a red dot sight is not all that much so the weight factor is less of an issue than the added bulk.

Other than the loss of velocity due to the shorter tube, a 5.5" gun with a red dot should be as accurate as a 7.5" gun with a red dot. Although the longer barreled gun will probably be a bit more pleasant to shoot due to the extra weight of the barrel.

 

[Huntolive]

Advice on 9.5" barrel?

Ok, so I had been going for a 7.5 " brl for dedicated hunting pistol (SRHH or SBHH) and still will get one of those.

Also interested in 5.5".

But recently saw a great deal on a 9" SRHH, that is hard to pass up, that also throws a 7.5" Bisley SBHH in with the deal, optics, etc. But the best deal (if I have the $) is to get the whole package deal.
That is, only IF I really could get good use out of a 9" brl SRHH.

I notice Steve PA uses one, and want his and others views on this length barrel for hunting Deer, black bear, possible moose/elk) all are 44Mag.

Is the 9" brl just downright impractical and uncomfortable to carry/shoot? Primary concern is holding the damn thing straight and steady.

 

[98Redline]

Different strokes for different folks.

Some really like the longer barrels some don't. Once again, Suburban vs. Tahoe. I can't say that I have ever owned a gun with a barrel that long....other than a rifle...and for a hunting gun, carried in a vertical shoulder holster, I don't think the extra 2" will make that much of a difference. Putting it in a holster on your hip might be a different story.

With respect to the shootability, I personally am not crazy about the way they balance, but that is just a personal opinion, nothing more. I am sure they shoot very well, and the extra 2" gives you a bit more velocity. I certainly would never give anyone grief for carrying one.

 

[Huntolive]

"I certainly would never give anyone grief for carrying one. "

Especially if it was loaded ;-)

Thanks, and am eager to hear more views on 9" barrel. Especially form those who have shot it.

Also want to verify if 44mag is able to take moose, black bear, elk, as on ocassion I might love that... or do I acually NEED the 454 for that.
I have all the reloading equ. for 44mag, and would just as soon keep everything 44mag. But see no problems with the 454/45lc option.

Discovered my neighbor/friend has all materials to re-load 44mag , 44sp, and 45colt, and I can borrow any time. So I will cross bridge into re-loading.

 

[98Redline]

44 mag is good for anything that walks on four of the continents and a good portion of what walks on the 5th.

 

[hardluk1]

For those that say you don't need a optic sight on a handgun be thankfull for good eye sight. For those of us that can't see sights , a simple redot makes a world of difference. I have a burris 35mm speed dot on my 44 DW and a pair of buddies have eotechs on the srh's on weigand adapters. Off a rest 3" groups at 100 yards is very possible . You open sight guys try that.

 

[spclpatrolgroup]

I have a scope on my blackhawk as well, being far sighted I have a hard time picking up the rear sight.

 

[Huntolive]

Ok, I have heard from enough folks who seem solid, and found that 44 Mag can take moose and black bear just fine. Care to confirm? Disagree?

Seems no need for 454. 44Mag seems to offer simplicity and flexibility.
I also now have access to loading equ. for 44, and 45. What would need to be added to reload 454, just dyes? Some have said just shoot 454 w/ 45lc bullets, due to big round and lower pressure. What is the practical effect of "lower pressure"?Less recoil? I Still don't really get why to go the 45 lc only route in a 454...?

Hardluk1 and sptlrgrp, what lengths of barrels are you shooting w/ those red dots/scopes?

More experience with 9" barrels? Effect of magna porting?
5.5"?

Either way I have shot and will get 1 w/ 7.5" .

 

[CraigC]

Personally, I have no use for a barrel longer than 7½-8". Even those see limited use. The only way I would buy a ported gun is if it was very, very cheap and I had things I wanted to do to it in addition to chopping the barrel off behind the porting. I would never have one ported.

The .44Mag has been used successfully to take all the biggest game on planet earth. Including the "Africa Big Six". The critical piece to this puzzle is to choose the right bullet. I would suggest 240-250gr (cast or jacketed) for deer, black bear and average sized hogs. Bump that up to 300gr for elk, moose and really big hogs. For anything bigger, 330gr-355gr LBT's can be pushed in excess of 1200fps and that is enough for anything that walks with proper placement. Of course, the rifle-shooting energy worshipers will disagree.

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks,

I am leaning 44mag.
CraigC, why no to magna porting? What are pros and cons?
I am not planning to have this done to a gun, but encountered what looks like a good deal on a SBHH and a SRHH that have had this done, and I know it is expensive, and would seem to reduce recoil and perhaps improve accuracy.

Experience with this anyone???

Also still trying to figure out if 45LC +P owuld be smoother and just as effective as 44Mag...

 

[CraigC]

Increased noise and blast. Recoil is directed more into the palm, rather than upwards. I'm primarily a cast bullet shooter and would not want to have to keep the ports clean of bullet lube.

 

[98Redline]

No ports here as well.

Ports/Compensators have their place but I don't think a hunting revolver is one of them. Maybe if you had a Contender/Encore in one of the rifle calibers, but I just don't like them on my revolvers.

 

[Samari Jack]

It`s not me wanting optics , it`s my 50 yr. old eyes !!!

Same here!! I have an EO-Tec holographic site on my AR and was thinking of putting in on my 686. It is pre-drilled but scope rings won't work with the holographic site. Deer hunting is legal in my back 40 with a .357. I have two buddies that have stands on either end but figure I could cover the middle from our sun-room out the window. Just think of it as a big blind with central heat.

 

[22-rimfire]

I use the Ruger mounts and rings for my 9.5" 480 SRH. Needed to loctite the screws however as they worked loose quickly (like 6 rounds) from the recoil. I have a 2x Leupold on mine. I pretty much leave the rifle at home now unless for some reason I am hunting a field from a stand. In which case, I could easily handle both the rifle and SRH, but carrying both in the woods is a pain.

 

[Huntolive]

At this point I am NOT getting the 9.5" or any of the ported stuff. I have a line on alightly used SRHH 44mag 7.5" for $625 w/ 100 rds. 44Mag included and the original rings. That is a used version of what I originally wanted. And I save the $ to get a scope/reddot. I believe the gun was made in 1998, is there any big difference btwn the SRHH from then and now, aside from the lack of the hogue grip? Do you folks recommend I install the Hogue grip?

I may still try to find a way to get the 454/45 SRHH, or wait and later get a SBHH, and keep it all 44mag, for simplicity reloading and grabing ammo.
Or should I get the 454 to diversify and have a master blaster? ;-)