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#98899 - 12/27/11 11:10 PM

Sight preference

SBHunter81
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Registered: 12/26/11
Posts: 162
Loc: Pa

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After reading through posts from the past few years I have fined a pretty thorough understanding of scope choices. Below is my summary of pros and cons with a question to follow.

Magnified scope:

Pros
Great for aging eyes
Great target clarity
Good in low light
Increased range
Cons
Can be heavy
Something that could break
Increased error in shakiness
Not as quick in target aquisition

Red dot
Pros
Quick target aquisition
Not as heavy as traditional scope
Easy on aging eyes
Increased range (seems to be as a result of less target obstruction)
Cons
Possible mechanical failure
No magnification
Some have argued low light difficulty (probably reserved to models without adj)

Holo sights
Pros
Very quick target - great field of view
Light
Low profile
Cons
Some have reported issues in sunlight
No magnification
Mounting can require extra pieces on some guns

Good old iron
Pros
Always there always functional
Cheapest
Seems to be some sense of accomplishment
Ease of carry and desirable balance
Cons
Can obscure target
Can make target aquisition difficult in low light and thick cover difficult
No magnification
Can limit range due to size of front sight

I am sure I missed some things and I have tried to be unbiased in summarizing.

Feel free to add your insights from your experience.

My question is what are your preferences and why?
I have a new SBH and am considering all four options. Thanks!

_________________________
The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.

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#98904 - 12/27/11 11:29 PM

Re: Sight preference [Re: SBHunter81]

wapitirod
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Registered: 01/19/05
Posts: 5703
Loc: Tillamook, Oregon

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I like irons on most of my revolvers but I've used all of the above. I'm back to playing with red dots and the reflex (holo) sights. My eyes are finally giving out some so I'm researching options. I love all the pros of scopes but the two cons that I have the biggest issue with is size/weight and I like the classic looks of a revolver without any optics but that con goes for the above mentioned sights too.

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I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.- John Wayne
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#98906 - 12/27/11 11:39 PM

Re: Sight preference [Re: SBHunter81]

s4s4u
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Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 4394
Loc: Northern MN

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I find a red dot to be better in low light than a scope.

Scopes have eye relief and parralax issues that a dot sight doesn't.

Shakiness has nothing to do with magnification, other than confidence.

I use all four, and none are perfect.

_________________________
Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.

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#98911 - 12/28/11 06:47 AM

Re: Sight preference [Re: s4s4u]

Whitworth
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Registered: 01/15/09
Posts: 4456
Loc: Virginia

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Originally Posted By: s4s4u

Well said.

I think the red dot has no equals in low light and believe it really does extend your hunting time. It's my preference. I do like irons as well.

_________________________

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"

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#98915 - 12/28/11 08:12 AM

Re: Sight preference [Re: SBHunter81]

Mark Schronce
journeyman

Registered: 09/01/11
Posts: 84
Loc: SW VA

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SBHunter81

I got back into handgun hunting this year. I used a red dot on a 35 rem Contender. I had some mechanical problems, not a big deal, could not see well in low light, and missed the magnification. I am back to a scope.

Mark

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#98919 - 12/28/11 08:55 AM

Re: Sight preference [Re: SBHunter81]

98Redline
member

Registered: 10/10/10
Posts: 154
Loc: Eastern PA

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I think that the red dot (tubular type) sights are really the best balance between all of the sight types.

My Super Blackhawk Hunter wears one and has been perfectly reliable in the field.

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#98926 - 12/28/11 11:42 AM

Re: Sight preference [Re: 98Redline]

WVShiner329
journeyman

Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 92
Loc: Rock Cave, WV.

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My SBH Hunter with a Burris 1 1/4-4 installed had some serious weight issues for me as I'm limited to shooting with one hand so I installed a 30mm red dot that I had on my bench which will take some getting used to in the target acquisition department.

A 37 gram Ultradot L/T reflex is on order and I suspect we'll make a good team.

For general target shooting I much prefer a good rear blade and a patridge front.

WVS329.

_________________________
You learn a thing a day, you store up smart. Festus Haggen

Blued steel and open sights.

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#98927 - 12/28/11 11:45 AM

Re: Sight preference [Re: 98Redline]

junebug
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Registered: 10/26/09
Posts: 471
Loc: Bardstown ,Ky

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Scopes slow things down, I can not get on fast moving game in a wooded setting. Dots are somewhat better on moving animals as there is no magnification. There is no %$#@&^% magnification with
dots,as I get older I want some magnification. Open sights are always there and are hard to break , the batteries never go bad just when you need them. Open sights are hard to see with
older eyes #@%%$# it. I carry two pistols, one with scope or dot(primary gun) and one open sighted for close range work and follow up on game.Scopes work best from short to long range on non moving targets.(4x on the low end unless its a variable) Dots, depending on dot size, go from short to medium range 0 -125 yds for me (mine has a big dot)

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junebug

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#98935 - 12/28/11 01:00 PM

Re: Sight preference [Re: junebug]

Whitworth
Distinguished Expert

Registered: 01/15/09
Posts: 4456
Loc: Virginia

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Speaking of batteries, I have one Ultradot 30 that has been getting abused by me for more than four years and it still has the original battery. Oh I carry spares, but it just doesn't seem to want to quit. Odd.

_________________________

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"

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