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308 Handgun Scope

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meatmachineman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meatmachineman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 308 Handgun Scope
    Posted: August/17/2012 at 20:09
I've heard there isn't much you guys can't help me with regarding optics, so here I am. I am about to acquire a Savage Striker 510 chambered in 308win. It currently has a Trashco red dot on it. I am looking for some recommendations for a scope. I am willing to go up to a VX-3 if I can find one used at a reasonable price.... otherwise I'm looking more in the Bushnell Elite neighborhood. Also, any info on the Nikon Force XR would be appreciated. I would like to go with a variable, but I have concerns about recoil destroying the scope. As far as use, it will be a paper puncher and potential critter getter. Thanks in advance!
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jonoMT View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2012 at 22:55
If he doesn't reply to this thread try PMing Ernie Bishop. He's had a lot of experience and success with .308 handguns.
Reaction time is a factor...
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stickbow46 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/20/2012 at 10:59
+1 with EB he,s the man with the hand guns.
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meatmachineman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meatmachineman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/20/2012 at 18:07
Thank you for the direction. I'll get a PM off to him in short order.
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DCAMM94 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DCAMM94 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/20/2012 at 20:46
+1 on Ernie.  He's the specialty handgun guru.  I shoot a 7mm-08 encore, and I have a 2-7x burris with posi-lock.  It holds zero well, does fine (so far in 5 years) with the recoil, and has allowed me to take game out to 250yds.  Ernie has a few handgun scopes, but he also shoots a LOT of normal rifle scopes on his rigs, provided they have ample eye relief.  Do a search of some of his posts, and you'll see what I mean.  I have the predecessor of the Nikon Force XR, it's a 2.5-8x Monarch handgun.  The glass is ok, but there is some tunneling with that scope.  It's held up to a couple dozen rounds through my .376 Steyr (see my avatar for barrel and scope), but not enough to comment on durability.  Good luck.
Although personally I am quite content with existing explosives, I feel we must not stand in the path of improvement. -Winston Churchill
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/20/2012 at 21:22
Aimpoint 9000L 30mm Red Dot Sight 2 MOA Dot Aimpoint 9000L 30mm Red Dot Sight
Stock # - AIM11419
  • Matte
  • 2 MOA Dot
  • 30mm
  • Free Aimpoint Bikini Lens Cover w/ Purchase
$406.00
I have tried several optics on Encore pistols and have had a .308 barrel. I currently run a 45-70 and a 44 mag on my Encore pistols.  The 45-70 has a 1x Burris that is no longer made and the 44 mag has an Aimpoint 9000L both in Leupold dual dovetail rings. I am quite satisfied with the Aimpoint. I have in the past had other pistol scopes including the Burris 3-12 which is not useable over about 6x and an ultra dot that is on my work bench and it works but it is not nearly as satisfactory as the aimpoint. These type optics are good out past 100 yds but not ideal at 200 yds where a need for magnification exists.  Over all I would say the Leupold pistol scopes are a better choice than the Burris by quite a bit. there are however a few other pistol scopes that you could try.  What Ernie Bishop does is have a tactical rifle scope custom altered to allow for extended eye relief then dial in correction to shoot ultra long range that most guys would not even consider with their best rifle. Knowing how you intend to use the scope and what distances are involved is needed info to make any real suggestion.

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DCAMM94 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DCAMM94 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/20/2012 at 22:23
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

I have in the past had other pistol scopes including the Burris 3-12 which is not useable over about 6x and an ultra dot that is on my work bench and it works but it is not nearly as satisfactory as the aimpoint. These type optics are good out past 100 yds but not ideal at 200 yds where a need for magnification exists.  Over all I would say the Leupold pistol scopes are a better choice than the Burris by quite a bit. 


+1.  I just picked up a 4x28 Leupold FX-II handgun scope and the glass is definitely better than my Burris, but not by a ton.  Keep in mind that my Burris is an older model, and I have recently heard RUMORS (not confirmed by me) that their quality has slipped somewhat.  With my burris, I feel confident at 7x out to 250 or so with a rock solid rest and during daylight.  I'm still not sure what I'll put on the Steyr long-term.  It kicks like a mule, as you could imagine, even with the integral brake.  Here's a better pic:

I may end up swapping the nikon monarch to my 41 Rem Mag SBH Hunter and just put the Leupy 4x on my Steyr and call it good.  Let us know what you decide.

EDIT:  I have heard good things about the Bushnell Elites.  The best of which being constant eye relief throughout the mag range.  I haven't confirmed it because I got a great deal on my Leupy, but it will probably be my next handgun purchase.  Don't overlook the Weavers either.  For a pure handgun scope, I've heard they're decent.

Deck
Although personally I am quite content with existing explosives, I feel we must not stand in the path of improvement. -Winston Churchill
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Ernie Bishop View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ernie Bishop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2012 at 05:39
MM has PM'd me and we are visiting.
Thank you for the kind words guys!
I don't use LER's much anymore, but used them for years previous to that.  Back then the 3-12 Burris LER with target turrets and Ballistic Plex reticle was my go to optic.
The Bushnell Elite variable LER has a good reputation, and if the ranges were short to mid-range I would likely go with the Burris 2-7 LER with BP reticle for hunting (It has the best FOV of all variable in that magnification range if I remember right).  If primarily target then, the 3-12.
Leupold LER variable is a good one for sure.  Better glass then the Burris.
The VX-3 2.5-8x32mm is probably the best piece of glass for a LER.  If you added target turrets to it you would add the flexibility for shooting distance much easier.
http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/handgun-scopes/vx-3-handgun-2-5-8x32mm/
It is all going to come down to what MM wants and what his pocketbook can handle.

All of my LR rifle scopes I use are NOT modified in their eye relief.  In other words, they are standard rifle scopes.  All of my specialty handguns that use rifle scopes have good muzzle brakes on them!
The only scope that can be modified to become a LER scope is the old Leupold Varii X III fixed power 24 and or 36.  Wally Siebert would modify those two scopes.  He is the only one that does this to my knowledge.  Eye relief is very critical and it is only a target scope, not suitable for use in hunting.  The 24x ends up being around a 16x, and the 36x ends up being a 20x after the conversion is done.  I have one of the 36x conversions, but hardly ever use it anymore.
In rifle scopes I mainly use VX-3's, Mark 4's, Sightron S-III's, NightForce NXS's.  Used a couple of S&B's too, but don't own one.
The rifle scopes I have mentioned are ones that have longer eye relief compared to other rifle scopes.  I look for high magnification rifle scopes that have the best eye relief.
Ernie



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DCAMM94 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DCAMM94 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2012 at 08:21
Thanks Ernie.  I appreciate you giving your thoughts on rifle optics that will "work" with specialty handguns.  I.e., ones that have longer eye relief.  That will narrow my search for optics for additional rigs.  I'm thinking I want to go to a more robust platform.  What action do you prefer?  700, MK V, Savage? Other?  Don't mean to hijack, but I'm curious.  Thanks.

Deck
Although personally I am quite content with existing explosives, I feel we must not stand in the path of improvement. -Winston Churchill
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ernie Bishop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2012 at 08:52
Deck,
For more of my thoughts on rifle scopes on SP's:  http://www.handgunhunt.com/promo/membership/features/readNewArticle.php?oid=12&title=Rifle%20Scopes%20On%20Specialty%20Handguns
It is several years old, but gives more info on the subject.
The two actions I use more than anything is the single-shot Rem. XP-100..  XP clones by Nesika Bay or Defiance would be great as well.
The second action I use is a falling block action that is currently made (Unlike the XP-100). 
MOA Maximum.  http://www.moaguns.com/

Originally posted by DCAMM94 DCAMM94 wrote:

Thanks Ernie.  I appreciate you giving your thoughts on rifle optics that will "work" with specialty handguns.  I.e., ones that have longer eye relief.  That will narrow my search for optics for additional rigs.  I'm thinking I want to go to a more robust platform.  What action do you prefer?  700, MK V, Savage? Other?  Don't mean to hijack, but I'm curious.  Thanks.

Deck
Ernie



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DCAMM94 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DCAMM94 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2012 at 08:58
Thanks Ernie.  I've heard about the MOA Maximum actions.  Are they as strong as advertised?  I'm worried about frame stretch with my .376 steyr barrel on my encore action.  
Although personally I am quite content with existing explosives, I feel we must not stand in the path of improvement. -Winston Churchill
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ernie Bishop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2012 at 09:09
Yes they are. 
Actually stronger than the the single-shot XP-100, and that is a strong/stiff action.
I am not a fan of the TC break-open set-up.  It has a lot of flex. 
Personally, I don't like going over the .473 head with the Encore.
Ernie



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meatmachineman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meatmachineman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2012 at 10:35
Well I do have to thank you guys for the input and direction. Ernie's been great and has given me some more to think about on this hand cannon. Before I pass out for the day (I work nights), I did think of another question. Rings & bases. Lately, I've been exceptionally pleased with the Talley lightweight one piece rings and bases. I've been using them exclusively on the last few rifles I've added to the stable with the exception of a M77 MkII in 338WM (had to use Ruger's rings). Would it be safe to assume they'll be just fine on top the 308 Striker?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ernie Bishop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2012 at 18:19
Should work fine.
Ernie



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sscoyote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/15/2012 at 20:24
One of the ranchers i know had a Sav. Striker in 300 WSM, that i tried to work up loads for and couldn't get amything to shoot out of it. It had a Burris 2-7x on top and we assumed the intense recoil may have been affecting the scope. As it turns out it did have a problem, probably due to the recoil of the gun. After trying a 270 WSM barrel in it, we finally gave up and decided to just chamber another Striker [mine] in 260 Rem. using a McGowen barrel and now it's working great. This gun groups great and the rancher now couldn't be happier. Fact is his teenage kids are fighting over it to use it for antelope this year. If i were scoping it though i'd take a hard look at the Nikon 2.5-8x. Had that one another Sav. Striker 22-250 and shot some great groups at 425. This optic has the BDC reticle that i love, and low profile tgt. turrets as well. Great optic, IMO--
 
425 yds. 22-250 SS/2.5-8 Nikon--
 
Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ernie Bishop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/15/2012 at 20:30
Good shooting partner!
Ernie



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote myaneaz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/28/2012 at 03:16
the image given is superb, i am willing to buy this one
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ernie Bishop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2012 at 07:19
If any kind of distance would be involved I would get the Ballistic Plex reticle with whichever scope you choose.
The Encore is capable of handling the 308 Win, while the Contender/G-2 is made for cartridges that use less pressure.
Originally posted by shane002 shane002 wrote:

I'm looking at getting a .308 tc pistol for christmas. I'm looking at either the 2-7 or 3-12 power burris scopes.
Ernie



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