Who makes the most durable, most reliable handgun scope?

[TxClaysMan]

OK all you opinionators, who makes the best fixed power (2x) handgun scope for the mega-revolvers and other hand cannons. I started a thread a few days ago about breaking a Burris on my 460 S&W Mag and am willing to take the "stuff happens" approach and replace it. But, I'm also shooting a .357 Herrett and will soon be tackling a 500 S&W. Please give me thoughts on the best mounts and rings. Right now I use 3 Weaver rings on the 460.

 

[YodaVader]

You might try the 2X Leupold. I've had one for 12 years now and it has been on 4 different 44 mags , a 357 mag and some 22s. No problems at all. The only drawback to some might be the fact that they do NOT have click adjustments , rather using the friction style adjustments. Not sure about the current models.They have become incredibly expensive these days. Back when I bought mine it was "only" about $149 or so. Now I see they are double that.

But if I were to get a 460 today my 2X Leupold would be the scope that I would mount on it.

 

[Crimp]

I doubt if it's the best, but I have a Simmons 2X on my 7-1/2" .480 SRH. I shoot full-load 400gr bullets from it and the scope has never broken or lost aim. I think it's lifetime guaranteed too. I paid under $100.00 for it. Not sure of a model no...

 

[gbran]

This is a Burris 2x on the 454 SRH. I've run lots of full house rounds thru this using factory Ruger rings. Had to use LocTite, but never had a problem since.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've been using a Burris 5x for years but only up to a .223 TC pistol.

I recently bought a Thompson Center 2.5-7 that TC claims is "Recoil Proof".
Only been using it ot a Kel Tec.223 pistol that has little recoil.

 

[Jackal]

I am sorry, but the title question is like asking " What is the best car?". Your gonna get a hundred different answers and it's likely none of them will be super helpful or enlightening. Sorry to be a party pooper.

 

[MCgunner]

I'll tell you what NOT to get, a Tasco Pro Point. I think it's discontinued. I have one on my .30-30 barrel which is compensated and doesn't recoil too bad and it's held up fine, but I had it on a .45 Colt barrel, really heavy recoil with hot hunting loads in the 1000 ft lb .44 mag category, and I shook the reticle loose and had to send it in for repair. It is a 30 mm scope and has a good field of view in 2x, has worked fine for me on the .30-30, but I wouldn't buy another one.

I wanted that variable 1.5-4x Bushnell for quite some time, read a lot of good stuff about it in the rags, but never got one. Burris or Leupold are probably the better choices, though.

I've got one other scope I picked up for 75 bucks, branded "Dan Wesson". I mounted it on my .22 barrel, so I can't say it's great. LOL But, I doubt it's in production anyway, either.

Mounts and rings, I heartily recommend Millett. They're all steel and very strong. Rings and mounts are important on a heavy recoiling gun and Milletts can handle it in my experience.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have a 2x Leupold EER on my 480 SRH for about 3 years or so now. I have had no problems with the scope. At the time, the Leupold had the longest eye relief on a handgun scope. That along with the Leupold reputation and guarantee sold me.

 

[HSMITH]

Leupold.

 

[TxClaysMan]

Thanks for the opinions

Jackal, you're right if opinions are limited to those who have only used one brand and there is nothing wrong with that info either because thats what consumer feedback is all about. I'm going to switch my Leupold 2x off the TC .357 Herrett and give it a whirl on the 460 just to get me through deer season. When we hunt with dogs in Louisiana, you may be in only a shotgun situation on one stand and a two hundred yard rifle shot the next. It's a lot easier to sling the 460 around your back and carry your scatter gun. BTW, those who criticize hunting with dogs obviously never did it; the dogs don't make the deer go in a particular direction and usually when the come by you close they look like they're 10 feet long and 6 inches tall.

A recent article in, I believe, Shooting Times gives high marks to several scopes but particularly the Burris, Leupold and Nikon. What we don't have is empirical data, i.e., brutalized testing, like we have for some products. When the new Burris gets here I'll test it again. Any other opinions will be appreciated. Technical insight even more.

 

[fitoo1]

Burris or Leupold. Ive used both on a contender chambered in .45-70 and a Super Redhawk in .44 mag. The Leupold is now on a Encore chambered in 7mm-08. The both are holding up great and have never changed thier zeros once set. Mounting these securely is a different story.

 

[JoeHatley]

Leupold mounted on a base and rings from www.jackweigand.com is a very good combination.

Joe

 

[MikeWSC]

Been using the Burris 3 x 12 on my .445 Super Mag, .454 & 308Win. T/C Encore. Have a Burris 2 x 7 thats going on my new .45 LC Blackhawk. One of the guys at my club had a Burris riflescope break and the company charged to fix it. So far I haven't had any problems. Haven't shot the 460 factory loads in my S&W 460, it has a Burris 3 x 12 also, been waiting for bullets to load.

Had a 2x Leupold on my .44 SBH and now use the 2.5 x 8 Leupold. Been great scopes and have had quite a few deer go down using them.
Kept the .500 Mag iron site only.
Haven't used a Nikon Pistol scope yet, might have to try one....

Having say that, I'd go with the Leupold and 3 rings (I only have 2 so far). Why only 2x for a 200+ yard gun?
Best............... Mike

 

[gezzer]

Leupold. Burris

 

[huntershooter]

Burris or Leupold. Everthing else I've tried ultimately "shot apart".

 

[LHB1]

Can only tell you my experience. Have used a pair of S&W M629 Classic revolvers in .44 Mag with Leupold 2X EER scopes for about 15 years. Have had NO problems of any kind with scopes or guns.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[MCgunner]

A recent article in, I believe, Shooting Times gives high marks to several scopes but particularly the Burris, Leupold and Nikon. What we don't have is empirical data, i.e., brutalized testing, like we have for some products. When the new Burris gets here I'll test it again. Any other opinions will be appreciated. Technical insight even more.

Gun Tests used to do torture tests like that. I took it for a while. I remember reading a test of rifle scopes in the 200-300 dollar range and the Weaver beat all comers, Vari X 2, Burris, whatever models in the class. They praised it, so I bought one and it's been fantastic for the money.

Weaver now makes handgun scopes and I'm thinking I might try one next one I purchase. Not too sure when that'll be, though. LOL