Looking for a good pistol scope

[joshuabl]

I have been plinking quite a bit with my ruger mark III hunter lately and have decided I would like to get a decent pistol scope for $100 or less. While I understand it's often better to buy more expensive optics, this gun is only used for afternoon target shoots with friends and I have no need to spend more than $100.

Does anyone have experience with any brands that would take and hold zero? What magnification should I consider?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Unk]

I've used Bushnell HoloSight and a Tasco ProPoint on my MkI for drive by field shooting of close prairie dogs..Tasco ProPoint worked better for me..HoloSight retcile faded in bright Sun.

I tried a 6X Burris long eye relief pistol scope on a friends 6" 617 but had trouble getting, and staying, on moving targets [PDs] from various field positions.

So if you are going to shoot from a bench or prone a Burris pistol scope would work..but probably not <$100 unless used....off hand a Red Dot could be an option if distance is involved..25 yards or less your irons should work.

Have fun.

 

[Les Snyder]

I don't normally use pistol scopes, but for the Chevy Truck Sportsman's Team Challenge used a Tasco 1.5 - 4 variable extended eye relief pistol scope on my SW41...don't think Tasco is still in business, but scopes should be available on the used market....my opinion was that the Tasco glass was better than the cost would lead you to expect...

 

[CWL]

What ranges are you planning to shoot at?

For plinking, you don't want too high magnification because you will lose time acquiring your target and slight hand movements will cause you to lose your target as well, even your heartbeat will bounce that crosshair all over the place. I would recommend a fixed mag scope at 2-2.5X. If you want variable, then 2-4x should be max. It will still allow you to take squirrels yet be fast enough to use.

Much faster than a crosshair scope, you should also consider an inexpensive red dot system like BSA. They work well for low-recoil firearms like your .22lr. I have a red dot on my target Ruger MKII and it is great for busting bottles and making cans jump.

 

[shunsui]

I have a Leupold 2x extended eye relief scope on my Mark II. Mine was ~$130 but that was in 1988. Like CWL says, the crosshair will bounce all over the place if you're not used to it. I think a red dot or laser would be a lot more fun these days. The 2X is great for training though. When you go from the twitchy crosshair to iron sights, the sights get real solid for you. Never had a problem with the adjustments. Then again it's a .22.

 

[Shann]

I have a Leupold 2x extended eye relief scope on my Mark II. Mine was ~$130 but that was in 1988. Like CWL says, the crosshair will bounce all over the place if you're not used to it. I think a red dot or laser would be a lot more fun these days. The 2X is great for training though. When you go from the twitchy crosshair to iron sights, the sights get real solid for you. Never had a problem with the adjustments. Then again it's a .22.

My buddy and I tried to shoot his Dad's Ruger .44 Magnum with a scope on it. The thing was twitching and bouncing so much all we could do was laugh. (and we are not terrible handgun shooters, but the scope "magnifies" everthing!

 

[joshuabl]

Thanks for the advice. I decided on the red dot option and picked up a bsa. You guys were right, holy crap my hands are shaky.