Scoping a .357 Max. Contender

[Swampman]

If I install an M8-2X on my Super 14, can I use the low Leupold Dual Dovetail rings or do I need the mediums?  I've also considered using the Weaver style base and some Burris Zees I already have.  Any suggestions?

[The Famous Grouse]

The key consideration for me with a contender for hunting is the clearance between the hammer and the scope.
In your part of the country it may not be an issue, but here when you're always wearing gloves, I find it helps to have maximum clearance. 
Grouse
 

[Swampman]

I wondered about that.

[shot1]

I have always used the Weaver bases and the medium STEEL Weaver rings and never had a problem.  I like the clearance I get above the hammer with medium rings.  Weaver also makes a great pistol scope that does not break the bank. 2.5-8X28 . I have three of them and never had a problem. One is on a 10" 357 mag, one on a 14" 6mm-225 Win and the other on a 14" 30-30AI barrel. By the way don't you feel a little guilty about stealing that rig. 

[jbj-displays]

Both will be fine if you use an aluminum hammer extension.

[Bullseye]

I use Leupold DD with medium rings on all mine.  The lows would work for scope clearance but the mediums allow enough clearance to cock without a hammer extension even with gloves and after my experience with hammer extensions on a Contender, I will never use another.

[deerman406]

Weaver base and weaver medium tactical rings is what I went to a couple years back and they are awesome, no need for hammer ext. but I do like one on my guns. I also love the Weaver scopes, seem every bit as good as the leupold and cost way less. Shawn

[mcmaverick]

 I believe a higher power scope would be better to take advantage of the 357 Max's capabilities. I have a 4x on my 12" MGM 357 Max barrel. It will shoot 2" groups at 100 yards, if I do my part. I'm looking to get a higher power scope,so I can try some longer distances.

[Swampman]

I have used higher powered handgun scopes in the past and felt they were too hard to use in the woods where I live.

[rdlange]

I agree and have found 3x is max pistol scope for me even in clear areas, except a 22 with a 4x - paper from a rest only so far.  Heard bad things about hammer spurs so I didn't use one on my Contender, didn't see the alloy ones.  [odd that I use them all the time on Handis].   Just looked and I have low rings on both my Contenders, but have to slide my thumb in sideways, so maybe too low.  Just fyi... 

Really sounds like a nice shooter.

[Swampman]

I ordered the medium gloss Leupold dual dovetails and a gloss Leupold base.

[Iowa Fox]

Have you thought about giving it a try with the irons? I have that same scope, I used a weaver base and medium Burris signature rings on mine. I took it off because I found at the distances I shoot the irons did just as well with faster target aquisition and much easier to carry. I do have scoped barrels for when I'm shooting in the open at longer distances.

[Swampman]

With a scope I can hit a nickle at 50 yards.  Without a scope I can hit a pie plate at 25 yards.

[deerman406]

Yup should of said only use an aluminum hammer extention, you could go with a variable scope just in case a longer shot presents itself, just bought a 2-8x weaver and mounted on my 7-30 waters, out to 100 yards 4 power is fine but at 200 the 8 power is nice, with both factory and my handloads I was keeping my groups 2"s or better at 200 yards. My 357 maximum will shoot right around 1"s at 100 as well!! Let us know how ya make out! Shawn

[7-30 Waters]

Why not go with a 30mm Ultra Dot Scope. Then you won't have to worry about scope clearance issues. I find a dot scope on my 12" 357 Maximum is ideal for any situation out to 100 yards. I tried a Burris 1.5x-4x scope on it and felt restricted.