What scope

[.357 shooter]

I just ordered a .357 mag handi. Was wondering what type, power, and brand scope you guys use on your .357 mag handi's?



Thanks,
Bryan

[Jamison]

I have been pondering that question myself for a few days, as I plan to order a .357 Mag Handi in the near future. I am thinking I will probably use a Leupold VX1 1-4x20 Heavy Duplex Shotgun, as that's what I have on my .45/70 Handi, and the parallax setting at 75 yards is perfect for the .357 Mag. I may also look at the Leupold VX1 2-7x33 Turkey Plex fr the .357. I like the new one out in the Dark Earth color. http://www.swfa.com/pc-8582-101-leupold-2-7x33-vx-i-shotgun-scope.aspx Here is a link to a pic of one.

[carbineman]

I too prefer the Leupold 1-4x20mm shotgun scope. I just purchased one for a topper 30-30 and this is a real nice clear scope with great eye relief and very lightweight and with a slightly modified Weaver 62 scope rail, the scope can be mounted really close to the bore.

[Graybeard]

About all that can be had from a .357 Magnum can be gotten from it with a scope having a max magnification of around 4x to 5x so a fixed 4X or a low power variable like those already mentioned seem a good choice. Often over looked these days but common as dirt when I was younger are fixed 4x scopes. They were a good choice then and are still a good choice today even tho not nearly so many are offered these days.

[Datil]

 On my 357 maxie I have 4X simmons shotgun Diamod reticule, I just think it
 is the best thing since Ice Creamm Just MHO.
 Marv.

[.357 shooter]

Thanks, that is what I was thinking low power shotgun scope. I got a good deal on a Bushnell circle x reticle sportsman shotgun scope, 1.5 to 4.5 x 32. So I will go with it. Only problem it is camo, I wanted black but the store only had it in the camo. So they took enough money off to make it appealing.


Thanks again
Bryan

[cwlongshot]

Let me start off by saying that, Bushnell's are good scopes for the money. BUT... on a Handi there design of a large rear ocular & power ring causes you to have to mount the scope in high rings to cleat the hammer. You might get away with mediums as this one is smaller than the Trophy line. But for this reason alone I do not recommend the Bushnell's for Handis.

 A fixed 4x as Bill recommends is a great choice. (Its whats on mine!!  ) Your choice of a small variable is a good sound choice as well. I also like your first choice of a Leupold, you cannot go wrong there. Watch the classifieds here and FLEABay for USED Leupold's. generally you can pick up a VARI X or VXII for less than 200 and then you will have a good scope for a good price. Don't give a second thought to buying used. Because with Leupold there guaranty (VXI or better) is LIFETIME and that extends to whom EVER OWNS it.

CW

[dpe.ahoy]

I have several of the K-2.5's mounted on Handi's that work fine, also put the Simmons 2.5 shotgun scope on 4 different Handi's.  They have a looong eye relief that puts the bell of the scope ahead of the hammer.  No hammer extension needed, and so far, they have given no problems.  At $20 apiece they were a great buy and good for just plinking or bumming around with the gun.  I have a Leupold VX-III 1.5x5 loose, but just can't bring myself to put it on a Handi.  No cut to the Handi, I have 17 plus extra barrels, but doesn't seem right to put that much glass ($) on one.  Now that I pi$$ed some people off, I'll take my medicine.  DP

[carbineman]

I have several of the K-2.5's mounted on Handi's that work fine, also put the Simmons 2.5 shotgun scope on 4 different Handi's.  They have a looong eye relief that puts the bell of the scope ahead of the hammer.  No hammer extension needed, and so far, they have given no problems.  At $20 apiece they were a great buy and good for just plinking or bumming around with the gun.  I have a Leupold VX-III 1.5x5 loose, but just can't bring myself to put it on a Handi.  No cut to the Handi,You actually make a good point but for me it is just the opposite I buy handi's and fix up toppers so I can afford better glass. The last topper I set up is going to wear a 1-4 or 1.5-5 Leupy compact, which I think are ideal for these rifles. I have 17 plus extra barrels, but doesn't seem right to put that much glass ($) on one.  Now that I pi$$ed some people off, I'll take my medicine.  DP

As a matter of fact most of my arms are on the low side dollar wise, but my optics tend to run on the medium to high side. I purchased two 1.5-4.5x32mm Bushnells to use on handi's/toppers but like CWlongshot indicated they are unhandi for a handi. I sold both of them and went right back to a Leupold 1-4x20mm. On some of our Tracker II's we have the Japanese made Weaver 1-3x20mm another nice scope in the mid price range, and real handi for a handi.

I'm thinking of trying one of the new Leupolds that will replace the VXIII (now discontinued) line. I have a near 20 year old Leupold 1.5-5x20mm that I might sell to help finance a newer scope with improved optics coatings and refinements. Upon looking thru my our new 1-4x20mm shotgun scope, I can't get over the improvement in the optics over the years. It sure helped my old eyes. This should make my handi even handier.

[cwlongshot]

  I have a Leupold VX-III 1.5x5 loose, but just can't bring myself to put it on a Handi.  No cut to the Handi, I have 17 plus extra barrels, but doesn't seem right to put that much glass ($) on one.  Now that I pi$$ed some people off, I'll take my medicine.  DP

 Who are you saving it for???  Throw that puppy on your most used handi. (I recommend your new Maxi ) Don't even glance back!!

 I have Leupold's on all but two of my 30 handis!!!! (I'll be rectifying that VERY soon. I have two Leupold's on the bench ready to mount up!!) No VXIII's but plenty of VX II & Vari-X II's and a couple VXI's as well. NEVER skimp on glass, if you cant see it you cant hit it.. right? Can you make do with less, sure, but its a compromise. Like my pop always told me, buy the best you can afford. "The sweetness of a lo price is quickly forgotten with the bitterness of poor quality."

CW

[dpe.ahoy]

OUCH<PAIN<ANGUISH .  OKOK.   I kinda have the VXIII earmarked for my BLR and the Nikon on that may make it to a Maxi, once I get them reamed.  But I'm not putting my Ziess on one!   I do run the gamet on the price range, just really with my sight, more than good isn't helping me that much.  It's like cars and trucks.  If I like em I'll keep em, if not it's gone.  (Like the first 2 wives did with me.)   DP 

[cwlongshot]

At one time I had many many contender carbine barrels...... The wife and I wanted to refi the house and I wanted to pay it down. SO.. All the doubles (two of this 44 three of that 41 two of this 357 mag and so on) and all the contender barrels sans her 7X30 and one frame went byebye and funds went to the house. But I wasn't getting squat for the scopes. In the back of my head, and benounced to the wife, I was going to replace them sold guns and barrels. I kept the scopes.... Ten years later, I buy my first rifle caliber handi. I had been shooting the shotgun handis all this time. Actually having them made it easier to sell the contenders as I still had a SS that I liked. ANYHOW, long story longer... I HAD a bunch of Leupold scopes and nothing to put them on.  Nice problem huh... Well Like I say, I started buying handi barrels and complete guns and putting them hi-dollar Leupold's on them. At first it did not feel right. I mean some of these scopes cost TWICE what I paid for the barrels or complete guns alone!!  But I was able to utilize what I had and they where good quality scopes so what does it matter. Move ahead another 6-7 years to now and Of all the long guns I have scoped, I only have two PENTAX scopes (Both soon to be shelved, although they have proved excellent) and two NIKON scopes out of probably 40 Leupold's. Its safe to say I put my money where my mouth is when it comes to suggesting Leupold's. 

 Please dont fear slapping good glass on ANYTHING you enjoy shooting and get use out of!!! It will only ENHANCE your enjoyment and isn't that the reason we do this stuff... enjoyment? I know that's why I do. Well that and talking with all you guys nightly.....

Speaking of that... Its getting late... nite guys!!

CW