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#51906 - 05/31/09 10:33 AM

Joining the Handgun hunters

White7
stranger

Registered: 05/29/09
Posts: 9

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First off,Hi all. I just came across this site and love it so far I've gleaned some great info.
I happened to pick up a COLT Anaconda with an 8" barrel in 99.9% shape(i lose a 10th of a point because the grip has a scratch)I traded a rifle i paid $400 for the Colt,, Ya I'm STOKED

Anyways i used to hunt pigs back in the day with a Contender 30-30 and i forget the scope magnification(red dots weren't around back then),,SO now I'm looking for a scope for the Colt and I'm tossing around the "Red dot OR Scope" debate

Going for Deer
Most of my shots(because of terrain hunted) will be at the max end of the 44mag range (100 to maybe 150 yds) for these ranges would i be better off with a scope as opposed to a dot? or is the dot acceptable for these ranges?

If your a scope guy what do you recommend?
If your a Dot guy what do you recommend?

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#51907 - 05/31/09 10:54 AM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: White7]

jamesfromjersey
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 2159
Loc: New Jersey

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Whitey, Let me be the first to welcome you to the site...you won`t find better or more knowledgeable bunch of handgunners anywhere on the web.
With the little knowledge I have of red dot sights, I do know that most of them have to large a MOA for the distances you plan to shoot and the dot will cover to much of your animal. I believe Leupold sells a red dot with one thats 2 MOA. On the other hand, I feel a scope would serve you better for shot placement at those distances. One of the best handgun scopes you can buy is a Leupold 2.5-8X variable. Good luck and good hunting.
James

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#51911 - 05/31/09 11:06 AM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: jamesfromjersey]

Jeremy
old hand

Registered: 02/29/08
Posts: 760
Loc: Gloucester VA

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Welcome Whitey! You have stumbled onto a great site. The guys on here are full of plenty information. Also great deal for your Anaconda. I love those things. Give me a jingle if you ever need to let it go!!LOL

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Smith and Wesson 629 PC Magnum Hunter

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#51912 - 05/31/09 11:24 AM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: Jeremy]

leasongs
enthusiast

Registered: 05/04/07
Posts: 238
Loc: Wisconsin

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I have had both, anf like James mentioned, for the distances you are considering, you would be better off with a crosshair (fine) type scope. Even a 2X might not be enough for pinpoint accuracy at 150 yards. A little magnification makes a huge differance. a 2X can do it, but it seems easier to me with at least the 4-6X magnification.

Good luck, and welcome to the site!

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#51913 - 05/31/09 01:01 PM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: leasongs]

bisleyfan44
veteran

Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 1217
Loc: People's Republic of MD

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Welcome to the site. I would also recommend a scope. The red dots work OK for me to 50 yds at the most. If most shots are past that you'll be better served with a scope. My preference would be the 2x Leupold. Toughest scope you can buy and reliable to boot.

_________________________
I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a handgun today.

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#51915 - 05/31/09 01:31 PM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: bisleyfan44]

pter1020k
enthusiast

Registered: 05/08/08
Posts: 307
Loc: massena ny

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red dots are great for upto 75 yds 100 is a good day for a red dot.for the distance you are looking to shoot go for a good scope .i woulde say at least a 4 power or a 2-6.my 2-6 bushnell works very well at the 100 to 150 yd range.

_________________________
Genesis chapter 1 verse 26

When shooting a single shot their are no warning shots.

Keith

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#51916 - 05/31/09 02:14 PM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: White7]

s4s4u
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Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 2059
Loc: Northern MN

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I have both types on various handguns and a 5 min dot is okay out to 150 yards (it will cover 7-1/2" of target at that range) on whities. UltraDot makes a red dot with 2,4,6 and 8 min variable dot sizes. The thing I don't like about some red dots is the knob on the left side to control brightness or dot size as I shoot with both eyes open and that knob is just in the way. My dots all have that knob on top, out of the way. I like a fixed 2x scope for all-around use as it is lighter and smaller than a variable, although I have 4x on some too. Low powered scopes allow for shooting with both eyes open like a dot so you can get on target quicker. The Leupy variable is a nice scope but it is pretty big and heavy for a revolver IMO, which I like to keep light and compact for carry.

Enjoy your new addiction and welcome aboard.

_________________________
Rod, too.
Know Guns, Know Peace, Know Safety
No Guns, No Peace, No Safety

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#51918 - 05/31/09 06:51 PM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: White7]

Tigger
Distinguished Expert

Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 4051
Loc: Western New York

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WELCOME WHITE7!!!

I'm a scope guy and would recomMend a 4X for the game and distance you have stated.

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** NEVER! Moon a Werewolf!!**

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#51924 - 05/31/09 08:19 PM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: Tigger]

KRal
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Registered: 04/06/05
Posts: 1615

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Welcome to HHM!! For the distances you mentioned, I agree with TIGGER.

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#51925 - 05/31/09 08:26 PM

Re: Joining the Handgun hunters [Re: KRal]

TCMan
Shooting Master

Registered: 09/01/07
Posts: 3916
Loc: New Orleans Louisiana, for the...

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Welcome to the sight White

I like the 2-6 or 2-7 because it think it is the best of both worlds. 2X for quick targets and the 6 for longer shots or target practice/sighting in at 100.

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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb BF

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