Scoped or Unscoped???

[Wlscott]

I have been shooting an open sighted Ruger Super Redhawk in 44Mag for about three years.

I finally broke down and put a Leupold M8 2X20 EER scope on it yesterday.  So far I like it.  Takes some getting used to though.

I'm just curious what everyone else is doing in this regard.  Scoped or unscoped?  What's your preference?

Oh yeah, I also broke down and ordered a Bandito Scoped Pistol Rig from Pistol Packaging.

[crawfish]

My iron sight days ended many years ago when I had to get tri-focals. All my hunting handguns are scoped. Only five handguns are not scoped three that I carry concealed and a single six that I use for dog training (shoot blanks mostly) and a Smith 29 that is a safe queen.

[TScottO]

Unscoped. A scope on a pistol takes away one of the main advantages for me and thats easy packin.

Be Safe,
Scott

[Rmouleart]

I'm scoped at my stand but while still stalking to and away from my stand I use open sights for quick sight picture, I have carryied scoped still stalking and even scored a small buck on the hoof two years ago but its not easy to get them in the scope when they are moving;) I took a opening where the buck was heading, as soon as I got his shoulder in the scope I squeezed, he went right down with a quiver of his flag, then I knew the shot was leathel, got behind the shoulder, a little luck a allot of practice;) Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

[Tom W.]

I put a scope on my .480, but my .44 mag. and .45 Colt have iron sights. I still ain't quite used to the scope on a handgun yet.

[Bullseye]

I have them both ways and like them both ways.  They each have their own uses.  Now days my revolvers are unscoped and my Contenders have barrels in similar caliber ranges both scoped and unscoped.

[leverfan]

I started out with scoped handguns for hunting, but I've grown to dislike the bulk and weight.  All of my hunting handguns are now open sight.

[Questor]

It depends on how fast you want your sight acquisition to be and how far away you want to be able to take game, and how dim the shooting light can be before you have to pass up a shot. The scope radically improves your chances of making a good killing shot under normal field conditions.

[Varmint Hunter]

I'm really not a big fan of scoped revolvers. It makes them something that a revolver shouldn't be, cumbersome. Scopes on the long barreled T/C's seem like a natural.

On my SRH 454, I am going to try a red-dot sight in the factory rings. This way I can put it on and off at will. It sure is going to be  difficult stuffing that red-dot into my holster though.

VH

[Mikey]

I use a revolver for close in hunting or open shots only as far as I can get a clear sight picture - sometimes it all comes down pretty quickly, negating the leisure of the time necessary to acquire the target in a scope but allowing adequate time (for me anyhow) to get a good open sight picture.

If I was hunting from a stand over open fields I might change my mind but I have always found a good sight picture on scoped handguns both cumbersome and difficult to acquire.  Now, a scoped rifle is something else.  Just my 2 cents worth.  Mikey.

[Wlscott]

Thanks for the replys guys.  I was just curious as to the general consensus.  

I live in the Oklahoma panhandle where shots can be long.  I don't plan on using it past 100 yards, but out to a hundred, the scope will help a bunch.  I am usually sitting in a blind out in the sage brush, or in a stand on the riverbottom, so I'll have plenty of time to acquire a good sight picture, steady, and squeeze.

[bowfishn]

I like to use open sights when just plinking or target practice, but when it comes to hunting or working up a load i like to scope it.
I just ordered a 2-7X Burris for my SRH 454 9.5", i will scope it for load work ups and when deer hunting, the added weight is nothing compared to carrying around a scoped rifle and it greatly increases how well i can hit with it.
I will take it off for summer carry as for plinking and such because shooting targets dosen't require a clean kill. If i could see well enough without the scope i might not scope it, but my eyes are not what they were a few years back.

[Hawkeye]

I like my .45 Colt Blackhawk open sights. It's too much fun. Also my .357, 8" Dan Wesson is open sights. I use these in my stands in brush for close shots on deer and hogs.
My Contenders and XP100's are scoped to the max. The better I can see them and pick a spot the farther I can shoot with confidence.
I have been thinking about getting one of the Limited Edition Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in .45 Colt. Not many of them made. I would put a scope on it due to the frame being made for it.  :grin:
Mike

[Rmouleart]

I forgot to mention I carry my scoped revolvers in a Bandito holster I bought it from, http://www.pistolpackaging.com ,carries across your chest, this is a really comfortable carry, there is all kinds of extras, You can carry unscoped with the bandito bye just unsnapping the scope flap, neat rig, there is a few other corps out there making nice rigs, ElPasso Saddlery is another great holster corp, they do custom work as well, I think there scope carry is called a WWII tanker, also carries nice as well, my friend bought that one. Uncle mikes also has a bandoleer holster for scoped revolvers as well. Using the SRH is nice due to the easy release mounts, you can take them off and on with out any problems, need to use something more than your fingers to screw them mounts down, a quarter will work in a pinch if needed. Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

[The deerslayer]

Well I dont have a hunting handgun yet but soon I will. I know Im getting a scope because I cant hit anything with open sights. When I shoot my 9mm with open sights it takes the whole clip for me to hit a target maybe 4 times but when I shot a 44 mag with a scope I hit the target first shot. I shoot better with a scope but I think you should use what you shoot more accurate with and like best.

[Wlscott]

Rmouleart, I just ordered a Bandito myself.  Kind of expensive, but I think It'll pay off in the long run comfort-wise.

[Rmouleart]

You won't regret it, the holster will pay it self off fast, I like to walk deep into the forest mountain sides, using the Bandito free's your hands for times you are doing things, like using my GPS, talkabouts, binoculars, climbing over something a log etc...
really enjoy handgun hunting, and a 454 Casull is not far from a rifle cart. Plenty of poop to go around;) of course barrel length limits your distance shooting, but most of the biggame on the forest floor I see is within 100 yards or less, bear bait sights really close, you can hear them fart;) Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

[SLAVAGE]

how is wearing the bandeto feel, fathers day is leting me get the new ruger sbh hunter in 41 mag an im realy thinking of going the good road buris scope an rings, an geting the bandeto holster to  match, but i use the binoc shoulder harness an carry an pack in a hunters orange back pack al so you think having the holster on with these two things would hinder at all??
thanks
dave

[Rmouleart]

Not at all Salvage, wear it on top or under,as long as you have the holster exposed in front and you can get to it fast and easy. also they can adjust to accommodate big heavy clothes, there is link holes to make adjustments, I have not have to adjust mine yet;) I forgot to mention there is two types that they sell, one is a fixed scope holster and one is for both, you buy the the leather flap attachment and it buttons right on to accommodate the scope as well, thats the type I bought, this way if I'm not carrying scoped I can still carry the revolver in the holster with a good fit, not loose. Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

[Bullseye]

I purchased two holsters from Pistol Packaging over two months ago based on the glowing reports from this website.  I was not totally happy when I got them mainly because the barrel ends were open and I was using them as a belt holster.  To much chance for crud to get into the muzzle when sitting in the woods.  I e-mailed them and asked about getting ones exchanged for these two with closed ends and an extra strap on the holster.  After calling about a week after the e-mail they told me the closed end was no problem, but the holster designer would have to look at the extra strap request.  Over the last two months I have called them at least three times and keep getting told the holster designer is off, but they can never tell me when he will be back.  I have not even tried contacting them for the last few weeks.

Their quality was good, but I would not buy anything from them that was not a standard item.  I paid right at $100 for the two holsters.  That is expensive enough that a customer should not be ignored.  Now that I have this on my mind, I might just give them a call again Thursday.

[Bama76]

I like red dots on my hunting handguns. If Contenders (single shots in general) interested me I might would want a scope. I have rifles for that sort of work though. My shorter barrel handguns that I use as backups to the hunting rifle or just in case a critter comes in real close all make use of open sights and of course my carry guns do. Everyone has their own opinions it seems but I'm the only one that's right! LOL just kiddin'guys...calm down.  :lol:  :lol:  

Mike

[GunnyII]

I would have to agree that scopes seem to go hand in hand with single shots. Revolvers, either single or double action, should be open sighted if one's eyes allow it.

Scopes can be cumbersome, but a scoped handgun is still more packable than any rifle, and the added weight can really reduce recoil. Usually better than having the gun ported.

As for carrying, I too have owned a Bandito for several years and have only good things to say about it.

No scope will make up for lack of practice, but if it helps get that first bullet in the proper place, by all means use it!

Untill next time,

[Redhawk1]

For general hunting with a handgun, I like a scope or red-dot. For back-up I prefer unscoped. :grin: