Scope, Rings and base for G2 contender

[tc scout]

Hi Everyone, just joined GBO. What a great forum,lots of information and knowledgeable people. I just bought a new G2 contender 44mag,14in barrel, this is my first contender so I do have some questions I need help with. Sold My 44mag super redhawk, was not impressed with its accuracy. So I bought the Contender for more long range accuracy (I hope!). For my scope I have selected a TC, reason being I have had one on my .50 cal TC scout for many years, no problems and I love the lighted reticle.However I am undecided on whether to get the 1.25-4X or the 2.5-7X. I would like to use the 2.5-7X because of the lighted reticle but I am afraid of this being too much magnification, and I don't think they make the 1.25-4X in a lighted model. For rings and base I have decided on either Leupold dual dovetail or Warne maxima weaver- style rings and base. Lastly, I don't know wether to use low or medium height rings. I would prefer not to use a hammer extender(read bad things about them).Don't know if this is possible without getting the rings way too high. Thanks for any help you can offer. Ken 

[flyfisher]

If you are going to hunt deer with the 44 and the shots will be up close and personal, I'd choose the 1.25-4x.  If the shots you are going to take are quick ones and may be free-hand, I'd choose the 1.25-4x.  If you will be shooting from a rest most of the time and your shots will be at greater distances, I'd choose the 2.5-7x.  Here in PA, whitetail hunting is often done in the thick brush, shots at far less than 100 yards.  I use a .375 Win and a straight 2x bushnell scope and it does a fine job.  Target acquisition is never a problem.  A 1.25-4x would be a great choice, in my opinion.  For groundhogs, the .222 and a 3-12x Burris get the job done, but almost all shots are done off of a rest/bipod.  It's just too hard to get a deer on the move into the score at the higher magnifications (unless rested and very stable).  The option of a 7x would be expecially nice when used for sighting in at 100 yards, though...

As far as mounts go, I love the Leupold and Burris dual dovetails.  Rings are Leupold.  I do not use a hammer extender and it works just fine with the medium height rings (I have a small thumb anyway!)

[tc scout]

Thanks Flyfisher, Do appreciate your input, sounds like your hunting there is alot like Michigan. Lots of brushy areas,but we do get some longer shots on bean fields and cut corn.So we do get some shots up around 100yds. I only hunt southern MI, thats why I use a 44mag. We can only use straight walled cartridges. Not had a problem with 4x on my muzzleloader, so I think the 1.5-4X would serve me well.As for mounts I agree with you on the Leupold, looks like a good strong base.As for the rings being only a 2 screw cap, have You had any problem with the scope moving? I like the look of the Leupold set-up much better than any weaver type,much more streamlined and compact,probably lighter too. Thanks Again