Scope/optics for 44mag TC for hunting

[Oakes]

Ok two questions;
I have a 10" barrel on my TC Conterder. I have a S&W 29 w/ open sights that I'm leaving that way. Want a scope/optics for the TC for longer shots and because I'm no youngster and eyes aren't what they used to be. Everyone likes 240 grain bullets but I've had no problems and never used anything but 180 grain bullets in NY if that makes a difference.
1) what would you recommend for a scope or optics? Scope? Magnification? Red dot? Laser? Other??
2) where can I go that has a great selection of optics/scopes that I can look through and , dare I say, fondle???
Feel free to edit if wording is offensive --- administrators.

[gunderwood]

How much money do you want to spend? How far do you intend to shoot?

[jdonovan]

Ok two questions;
1) what would you recommend for a scope or optics? Scope? Magnification? Red dot? Laser? Other??

I don't like much more than about 2x on a handgun as I don't hold them steady enough not to get sea sick at 6x =)

2) where can I go that has a great selection of optics/scopes that I can look through and , dare I say, fondle???

Virginia arms has a nice selection of the red dots to look through.

I think I'd go with a decent 2-4 MOA red dot... oh wait thats what I did.

I've got ultradot-match dot on my 454. Its a 2,4,6,8 MOA adjustable. It allows me to adjust dot size to range, and when I bench the gun I can see 2" at 50 yds, so thats minute-of-a-deer so the limitation is me, not the gun/optics.

[Oakes]

I have the 29 w/ open sights but would like to go out to 100 w/ the TC . Do I go variable like 1.5-5, 2-7 or Red dot/laser?
Pros and cons.
Do I need to see what could be in the way on a hundred yard shot or a dot in the right spot and just not sweat what might be in the way.

I'm a little ignorant on Red dots and magnification.

Money depends on quality. I have Nikons and Leupolds on rifles, except a Colt on a AR-15 and an FN on an FN FAL

[Vahunter]

I'd go with a fixed 2x, 4x at the most. Truglo makes a red dot with 2x magnification that may be worth looking into.

[SgtBill]

I have had a 2 1/2 power leupold on my 10 5/8" model #29 that I have hunted with for years and love it.
Bill

[jdonovan]

Do I go variable like 1.5-5, 2-7 or Red dot/laser?
Pros and cons.

I don't like much magnification on handguns as I can't hold steady enough to make it work well for me.

Laser = projecting light on target = not legal in VA for hunting.

If your hunting spot comes with a good rest, like a tree stand, or you expect to be able to get an improved rest then the higher magnification can be useful.

Do I need to see what could be in the way on a hundred yard shot or a dot in the right spot and just not sweat what might be in the way.

Larger/slower bullets are a bit less susceptible to small brush, but yes, you need to avoid thing that are in the way. Fired level you are probably looking at 6-8" of drop@ 100 yards, so not quite a rainbow, but the projectile could be notably above/below your line of sight.

I'm a little ignorant on Red dots and magnification.

Most red dots are non magnifying.

Money depends on quality. I have Nikons and Leupolds on rifles

Unlike rifles, you'll find a MUCH more limited selection of optics for handgun use. Most of the major companies make 1, perhaps 2 handgun scopes.

I've got some of the higher quality Bushnel scopes and have been very satisfied.

[davasmith]

Red dot scopes will not give you the sea sick feeling. Your shaking hands may make you a little sea sick, but you can focus on the target and range obstacles as well as back drop without having to refocus after every two breaths. I am getting a halo (special dot scope) for my .44 magnum Dan Wesson. Hope this helps.

[Oakes]

Thinking scope but now it's 2x or variable. For close stuff it would be the 29 but I like the idea of seeing obstacles as I've never wounded an animal and would like to keep it that way. The TC would be rested for a shot.

Anyone ever shoot a deer w/ a 45 auto???

[SgtBill]

Yes I have many years ago.
Bill

[gunderwood]

I'm a fan of 1x red dots. I wouldn't go over 2-2.5x for a hunting handgun. IMHO, over magnification is worse than too little. There's an interesting barrel conversion for common .45s called .460Rowland. Makes it a much better hunting handgun than a .45 although with good shot placement .45ACP should be more than sufficient for deer and smaller game at reasonable ranges. I'd recommend finding a bullet geared more for hunting though as SD bullets tend to expand fast and have limited penetration (12-14" is "ideal"). Hunting bullets (e.g. Hornady's XTP) tend to expand slower and penetrate deeper.

[Oakes]

I got into handgun hunting because I liked the mobility that a holstered handgun afforded. Just thought it would be ccol it go deer hunting w/ just the Colt 45 auto I have. I like the minimalist approach.
The Thompson Center is because it's flatter here than in NY where I lived and I don't know the area well. It just gives me more opportunity. I'll put it in my backpack behind my portable tree stand until I know an area that I'll hunt in.
Then it's ground blinds and the 29 or Colt 70.
I'm finding less and less free time to spend on hobbies.