Help finding the right scope for my .44 Mag Revolver

[gearchecker]

I just bought a scope mount for my S&W Model 29 .44 Magnum revolver.
I can use some help picking out a decent scope for it. The only limitation is it needs to fit a set of standard 1" Weaver rings.

Can y'all help me find the right scope for my handgun?
What power should I look for?
I've seen everything from 1X to variable 2-7X.
My biggest concern is that it's going on my .44 Magnum, so it'll be subjected to some serious recoil pounding

I can't afford a Leupold because I plan on buying a couple more handguns this year and I don't want to go broke on a scope that I'll use minimally.

Any good suggestions? Your help is greatly appreciated.
~GQ~

[tomob1]

i don't know how realistic this is, but i bought an old redfield 2x for my anaconda some years ago. no problems to date and the 2x is perfect for game out to 80 yds.
i understand redfiel is being made again, might want to look there. the prices are typically better on ebay than GB for the older scopes.
let us know what you get.
tom

[pro-gun]

Well Mr GC I know that even a higher end Tasco can sometimes do what you are looking for.

I guess you have to consider the different schools of thought....

- The first is that you should spend as much on the optic as you do on the firearm. Like you I would rather save my money purchase another firearm. Besides with a handgun you are pretty much at a 100 yards max. I have fired several .44's with cheaper than a Leupold or Swavarski with great success.
- There is another school of thought that a adjustable scope (of the kind I could afford) is more likely to be damaged by the pounding of a large caliber pistol. I fired a S&W 29 with an adjustable scope. I wish I could remember what it was. Burris comes to mind but I am not sure. Whatever it was - I liked it. Sorry no help there. I did fire a 629 with a 2x Tasco and it performed great.

I think magnification is going to come down to one thing ... what do you prefer? Personally I think you need some magnification but that is just my opinion. Otherwise just use open sights or ....... If magnification is Not an issue, have you considered one of the hologram / projection type optics? These are great for getting on target fast.

If I can remember anything else I will chime in with my .02 which is only worth .01. LOL

Good luck and happy hunting (for a scope and then the "big one")

BTW - I agree with Tom. Redfield made a killer product years ago. My cousin in NC swears by them and he has hunted all over the US. He does exactly what Tom said and purchases them from fleabay. Can't say anything about the new ones but I know the older ones stand up to a beating.

[gearchecker]

Looks like I'll be spending in the $150-$250 range.
It needs to be a long eye relief scope made for pistol shooting I've discovered.
The burris is close to a Nikon in price and a bit high but I'm still considering one for sure.
I thought Burris was cheap Chinese junk but I've discovered I was way off. they are well made and solid performers.
I'm hoping TAK chimes in. If I remember correctly he has a .44 Magnum with a scope on it already. Maybe he can help me decide.

The idea of spending as much on my optics as the gun itself won't happen on a gun I'll only shoot 100-150 rounds thru in the next 5 years or so.
I figure 95 rounds for practice and 1 round for each hunt in the next 5 years. Maybe a little more practice so I'll throw in an extra box of ammo just in case I need it later.

I'll keep you informed for sure.

Gregory

[gearchecker]

I just bought a Swift 2.5x32 pistol scope on ebay for $43 shipped. It looks like what I'm wanting here. I'll get it mounted sometime next month when I find the time to play with it.
I'm seriously thinking about selling the Model 29 after all. Not too sure I've got a real need for it, and I could use the money to buy a couple other guns I'm wanting after all. Just can't decide. I'll see where life goes from here.
Gregory