Need help deciding....To scope or not to scope...

[Ol' BW]

I have a revolver that I am debating on mounting a scope on. I expect close shots, thinking a red dot. Anybody have any opinions or suggestions, Pros or Cons?

 

[ShamrockIV]

what kind??

i hate to ask but can u see to shoot it?
my dad has to scope everything cause he can either see sights or the target.


i say not to! reminds me of Lord Humongus from Road Warrior lol

 

[Ol' BW]

Ha Ha! Shamrock, thats a very valid question. I can see to shoot with the iron sites, not looking for magnification. I have heard that the big red dot scopes and the Holo sites give quick target acquisition, just wonder if the trade off in bulk is worth it. bigger holster, etc...

 

[ShamrockIV]

what are u putting it on?

glad u took that lightly. everything my dad owns has a scope on it. he used to be able to hit anything but know, not so much

 

[Ol' BW]

S&W 686 w/6" bbl. .357. I know, I know, I ought to put away the pea shooter and get a super duper lead thrower that will stop a freight train at 50 paces, but its what I got. I'm not afraid of a little challenge of getting close...

 

[ShamrockIV]

no way man. i had a 686 with a rare 8 and 1/8inch barrel and some low life scumbag dude that i knew stole it from my house!!!! we recovered the other guns but not the 686.

i would like to have another.
please dont put a sight on it. but it is urs and u can do what u want. i would not.

nice pistola

 

[Ol' BW]

I feel your pain on the theft. I had another 686 just like this one that got stolen. Couple of crack heads broke into my house while I was at work. never to return. I found this one and I had to have it!

 

[1 good shot]

i gone both ways and personally i do better with iron sights

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I use the irons on my 629 Classic 8 3/8", I debated a holosite but I don't hunt with it enough to justify it. I hate wearing ear plugs when hunting, and you CAN'T shoot it without plugs.

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

You mean like this:

S&W 686, 6 3/8" barrel, Hogue grips............and a Burris 1.5-4x.

Overlaps holes at 50 yds all day long, they open up to about 3" at 75 yds. (shooter error, I am sure) I limit myself to 50-60 yds tops or deer.

FDXX75

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

Sorry Ol'bw,

To answer your questions.................I am way more accurate with the scope than open sights, (an yes, I can see)It takes some getting used to shooting with the scope, I would definately suggest shooting sticks or some form of a rest for best accuracy.

size...........well there a bunch of holsters available on the market for a scoped pistol.

PRO's - The pistol is covered and out of the elements, carries easily

CON's - Movement while retrieving the pistol, pending on if worn inside a coat or outside.

Sight picture will be small no matter what you choose, because of optic sizes avail. in pistol scopes.

FDXX75

 

[Ol' BW]

Yep Fulldraw, thats it. I have rubber and wood stocks, but of course, minus the scope right now...

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

Yep Fulldraw, thats it. I have rubber and wood stocks, but of course, minus the scope right now...

I have my stock wood grips, the Hogue finger (as seen in the pics) and set of Packmyrers. I like the Hogue grips best, fits my hand very well.

The mount & rings are Weaver, just in case you were wondering.

FDXX75

 

[Ol' BW]

Yeah I noticed the Weaver clamp on the mount. It looks like a pretty sturdy design. I have looked at a B-Square mount here in town where I work for an early model (686-3) and it doesnt make me feel quite as confident looking at it compared to the Weaver...

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

My only complaint with the whole set up is the scope itself...........I have blown the crosshairs out of it twice and Burris was horrible about wanting to make right on it..........

They have actually sent me a letter stating they will not cover any further wty. on the scope. I would suggest the Leupold M8 series in a 2x or 4x in silver finish.

FDXX75

 

[Ol' BW]

Thanks for the info Fulldraw. You have given me alot to think about.

Anyone else have anything to add?

 

[ShaneHallum]

I just don't care for scopes on pistols. I had one on the 454 and never got the hang of shooting it. Iron sights worked better for me.

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

I just don't care for scopes on pistols. I had one on the 454 and never got the hang of shooting it. Iron sights worked better for me.

It is totally different than a rifle set up, you are dealing with extended eye relief. But, you need to adjust the scope to your shooting style, so as soon as you are in your position the field of view it right there, no moving around to find it.

Maybe I adapted quickly because I was used to shooting my Ithaca 37 featherlite with a barrel mounted scope(leupold M8 2x) I drop it to my shoulder and the crosshairs are right there, no repositioning to the scope.

It also takes a lot of range time to get used to pulling up and being directly on target without having to look around for it.

FDXX75