Which 'tube-type' red dot for my Ruger NM Blackhawk?

[hc18flyer]

I am interested in a 'tube-type red dot' for hunting? The standard sights are just too blurry for my 60 year-old eyes. Don't want to go too cheap, can save for a while, if need be? I have looked at the Weigand 'mini' and barrel-clamp style mounts, are there better choices? I wouldn't give up on open sights, but need a better option for deer hunting. THANKS up front for your replies, hc18flyer

[22cf45]

I'm a Bullseye shooter so I can only speak from that prospective. I use only UltraDots. I not only have them on my .22's but also mounted on the slide of my 1911 45's. Some of them have been on 45's their whole lives and they have maybe 75,000-100,000 rounds down range. A pretty good reputation with all that banging around a 45 slide goes thru. Not expensive, but not cheap either.
Phil

[Lloyd Smale]

depends on what you want to spend. If you have 600 bucks an aimpoint is the cadilac of red dots. None better. If your more in the 200 dollar range the vortex sparc and strike fire are great units. they also have a new crossfire that's a 150 bucks that has better battery life then the other two. Ive recently bought two sig sauer romeo 5s. They seem like very good redots and reviews of them tend to be positive. Nice thing about them is you can leave them on all the time and after 2 minutes they shut off and will fire back up with motion. Just touching your finger on one turns it back on. So they claim that battery life is somewhere near 5 years in normal use. That is 600 dollar aimpoint battery life for a 1/3 the cost. If you want the best cheap red dot the bushnell trs25 is hands down the best under a 100 dollar red dot. There good rugged sights. Battery life isn't great though but battery life is more important for a self defense gun then a hunting gun. All of these sights ive mentioned except for the bushnell have a life time warrantee. I think bushnells warrantee on a electronic sight is one year. That said I bought on of those bushnells that looks like a buris fast fire and two years after I bought it it quit holding zero. I sent it in and they said it was no longer covered by warrantee but if I would settle they would send me a trs25 for free. I would guess that they have had a lot of trouble with those sights and know the trs25 is just a better unit.

[NSB]

Ultra Dot is absolutely the best for the money. Lifetime guarantee and great features for a tube style red dot. I've had them on 44mags and 357mags and they have held up without one single glitch. I've hunted deer with a handgun for over forty years and I've shot a ton of them over the years. I've owned several dozen red dot sights, both reflex and tin can. I shot competition for years with them also. If I had to pick one to put on a hunting handgun, it would be an UltraDot without even thinking twice about it.

[Arkansas Paul]

Max Prasac shoots the .475 Linebaugh and .500 JRH with Ultradots on them. He's had rings break, but said he's never had an Ultradot fail.

I'm going to be putting one on my Blackhawk for hunting as well.

[ubetcha]

I'm considering putting a redot style sight on my 44mag for hunting too. 44man had always recommended ultradots too. Looking a the Ultra Dot website, I see they have a reflex style sight ( I believe it's refers to as that).Has anyone used that type for hunting on a 44?

[NSB]

I'm considering putting a redot style sight on my 44mag for hunting too. 44man had always recommended ultradots too. Looking a the Ultra Dot website, I see they have a reflex style sight ( I believe it's refers to as that).Has anyone used that type for hunting on a 44?

I have a few different handguns with reflex sights on them. I personally don't think they work out as well for hunting as the tin can styles do. They're great for competition, but they usually have less brightness selections, are a bit more difficult to find the dot in them until you get used to them, and have a smaller "window". That being said, I've used Burris FastFire2 and 3's, Vortex Venoms, Doctors, and a couple of others I don't recall/have any more. They are smaller, but on a hunting handgun that's not a real advantage. They'll work, they're just a bit less "user friendly" for hunting.

[ubetcha]

The reason was wondering about this type of sight was, I shoot scoped Contenders for silhouette shooting and know they can be difficult to obtain a proper sight picture if not held properly, but in silhouette shooting, there is some time to get that picture before having to fire and time to get a steadier hold. When hunting, one may not have that time or chance to get a good support for the revolver. Field of view is a concern also. The model Ultra dot is an Ultra Dot L/T. I suppose an investment in a low priced Bushnell would help decide.

[NSB]

There is no issue with a tin can red dot in finding the dot. It's not like a scope where the sight "blacks out" when you're not looking through the center of the sight. A tin can red dot is like looking through an empty cardboard tube, no focusing required. You'll see the dot as soon as you look through it and it doesn't even have to be centered to hit the target. There just isn't any focusing involved.

[Whiterabbit]

I had an ultradot fail. Took me hundreds of rounds to figure it out, too, because it was a new gun, I just thought the loads were poor. Left a bad taste in my mouth.

I tried a bushnell TRS-25 and and have never had it fail. Bulletproof. On a 460 S&W BFR, so your blackhawk will be fine for sure.

That said, the SA guys talk up the UD so much, I did buy another one for my next BFR and I will try it again. That said, I don't have it yet because they haven't released the 500L model yet. But ill try the UD again on a 500L and see how she does.





To be fair, my UD was a matchdot, wiht the 4 different dots. I am confident the source of failure was the dot aperture. None of the SA guys run that red dot, and when I bought my new one, I bought the plain jane UD30. I do expect reliability to be better.

[NSB]

I had an ultradot fail. Took me hundreds of rounds to figure it out, too, because it was a new gun, I just thought the loads were poor. Left a bad taste in my mouth.

I tried a bushnell TRS-25 and and have never had it fail. Bulletproof. On a 460 S&W BFR, so your blackhawk will be fine for sure.

That said, the SA guys talk up the UD so much, I did buy another one for my next BFR and I will try it again. That said, I don't have it yet because they haven't released the 500L model yet. But ill try the UD again on a 500L and see how she does.





To be fair, my UD was a matchdot, wiht the 4 different dots. I am confident the source of failure was the dot aperture. None of the SA guys run that red dot, and when I bought my new one, I bought the plain jane UD30. I do expect reliability to be better.
Really? I know many who do, myself included, who have had no trouble with them. I also had two of the Bushnell TRS-25 sights that had a ton of parallax (I've seen some newer ones that didn't also) and I got rid of both of them. The TRS-25 is a cheap sight that I've recently seen being sold for just over forty bucks and that's about what they're worth in my opinion. Yes, they work but they just aren't a great sight. You're way better off buying a better quality sight to start off with.

[hc18flyer]

Max Prasac shoots the .475 Linebaugh and .500 JRH with Ultradots on them. He's had rings break, but said he's never had an Ultradot fail.

I'm going to be putting one on my Blackhawk for hunting as well.

I will be interested in which sight and mount you use on your BH? hc18flyer

[hc18flyer]

NSB- I like it! Of course it would look better on my 7 1/2" 45 Colt New Model!
hc18flyer

[Arkansas Paul]

I will be interested in which sight and mount you use on your BH? hc18flyer

I'm thinking the Weigand mount.

https://www.jackweigand.com/Ruger-Super-Blackhawk-No-Drill-Scope-Mount.html

Along with an Ultradot 30.

That could change, but if I were purchasing today, that would be it.

Whiterabbit, please give us an update when you put yours through its paces. I'd be interested to hear your take on it.

[Lloyd Smale]

sorry but those ultra dots look like sewer pipes. Way to big for a single action. Kind of like a 4x15x50 scope on a 16 inch carbine. An aimpoint micro or vortex sparc would look much better. Especially on a gun like a FA. Maybe I wouldn't care much what my 400 dollar ruger looked like but my 1500 dollar FA is a different thing. Personaly I detest any optic on a single action. There a traditional looking gun and I think should be left that way. Put your optics on a super redhawk or a tc contender. But that's just my opinon and you know what that's worth!!

[mcdaniel.mac]

I am interested in a 'tube-type red dot' for hunting? The standard sights are just too blurry for my 60 year-old eyes. Don't want to go too cheap, can save for a while, if need be? I have looked at the Weigand 'mini' and barrel-clamp style mounts, are there better choices? I wouldn't give up on open sights, but need a better option for deer hunting. THANKS up front for your replies, hc18flyerI'm a strong advocate for the Weigand mounts as they don't interfere with the barrel unnecessarily. If you want a tube, then slide an Aimpoint Micro (if you can't find a secondhand R1, there's the PA Micro. If you're just looking for a red dot, the Burris Fastfire III is a good little unit that doesn't sit as high over the bore.

[Arkansas Paul]

sorry but those ultra dots look like sewer pipes. Way to big for a single action. Kind of like a 4x15x50 scope on a 16 inch carbine. An aimpoint micro or vortex sparc would look much better. Especially on a gun like a FA. Maybe I wouldn't care much what my 400 dollar ruger looked like but my 1500 dollar FA is a different thing. Personaly I detest any optic on a single action. There a traditional looking gun and I think should be left that way. Put your optics on a super redhawk or a tc contender. But that's just my opinon and you know what that's worth!!

I agree that they look terrible on a single action. No doubt about it.
That's one reason I personally am going with a no drill mount. That way, after deer season is over it will come off and the rear sight will go back on.
I want to do more handgun hunting, and can't spring for a new revolver at the moment. I have to make do with what I have for now.

My plan is to hunt with the Ultradot 30 this upcoming deer season, and have a different handgun like a Bisley Hunter or a Super Redhawk by the next season.
Then the Ultradot will go on my AR and a traditional handgun scope will go on the new gun.

That's the plan. But we know how plans go.

[hc18flyer]

I agree that they look terrible on a single action. No doubt about it.
That's one reason I personally am going with a no drill mount. That way, after deer season is over it will come off and the rear sight will go back on.
I want to do more handgun hunting, and can't spring for a new revolver at the moment. I have to make do with what I have for now.

My plan is to hunt with the Ultradot 30 this upcoming deer season, and have a different handgun like a Bisley Hunter or a Super Redhawk by the next season.
Then the Ultradot will go on my AR and a traditional handgun scope will go on the new gun.

That's the plan. But we know how plans go.

I have the new model Blackhawk in 45 Colt with 7.5" barrel. I too plan to hunt whitetail this coming Fall, then the Ultra Dot will come off my Ruger. Shooting steel is different than deer, especially in low light. hc18flyer

[Larry Gibson]

Another one here for the Burris FastFire. Have one on my Ruger 41 Magnum Bisly and love it. Will be getting a couple more, one for my 44 Magnum BHFT and one for my OM Vaquero 44-40.

[hc18flyer]

Larry, I have been leaning toward the Fast Fire for my Ruger BH. Missed out on a one day optics sale at Midway, guess I will keep trying? Read some complaints about the battery compartment threads on the FF 3? Any thoughts? Thanks, Tom

[hc18flyer]

The FF 3 has shipped from Midway. I was a little surprised their shipment came in today and still qualified for their ' Optics Caleb! Should see it early next week, hc18flyer

[Larry Gibson]

Larry, I have been leaning toward the Fast Fire for my Ruger BH. Missed out on a one day optics sale at Midway, guess I will keep trying? Read some complaints about the battery compartment threads on the FF 3? Any thoughts? Thanks, Tom

I've only had to change out the battery once in the 8 years I've had the FastFire on the Ruger. Never had a problem. Anything with fine threads need care when using.

[zymguy]

Another one here for the Burris FastFire. Have one on my Ruger 41 Magnum Bisly and love it. Will be getting a couple more, one for my 44 Magnum BHFT and one for my OM Vaquero 44-40.

what mount are you using?

[hc18flyer]

what mount are you using?
zymguy- I know you were asking Larry. I ordered the longer Jack Wiegand version that clamps around the ejector rod tube and barrel because I thought I was going with a 'tube type'. When I started thinking about size, weight and using it on other pistols, as well as reviews, I went with the FF3. I should have gone with the Wiegand 'Micro, no drill/tap mount' for my Blackhawk.
hc18flyer

[zymguy]

zymguy- I know you were asking Larry. I ordered the longer Jack Wiegand version that clamps around the ejector rod tube and barrel because I thought I was going with a 'tube type'. When I started thinking about size, weight and using it on other pistols, as well as reviews, I went with the FF3. I should have gone with the Wiegand 'Micro, no drill/tap mount' for my Blackhawk.
hc18flyer

ive got a yet to be installed WEIG-A-TINNY®. i chose it because it was what i felt the least obnoxious. I can even see the mount larry used !

[Larry Gibson]

what mount are you using?

I used a flat bottomed thin Weaver base (sorry, don't have the # w/o removing the sight). With a quarter or other simple tool the FastFire can quickly be removed if necessary and the original iron sights are still there and zeroed for instant use.

218354

BTW; it didn't bother me at all to D&T the top strap. I got the Ruger to use not for some imagined "collector" value that probably won't happen until long after I'm dead.......that is if whoever I leave it to are still are allowed to have guns then. I've tried 2 different "no drill" bases and they add considerable bulk, especially if adding such a small sight. I carry the Ruger in a slightly modified Uncle Mike's shoulder holster which keeps it out of the way and protects it.

218355

Actually I think the modification for FastFire use has increased it's usefulness and value to those of us who's eyes have gone south. Then, even had my eyes not gone south, the FastFire is such an improvement I wish I had had it available many years ago.

[Skeeno]

Another vote for the UltraDot

[hc18flyer]

Update- Returned the 'longer' Wiegand mount and used the 'Mini' that utilizes the Blackhawk rear sight mounting hole. Mounted the Burris Fastfire3 red dot. Took a bit to get it zeroed in. Found that I could concentrate less on getting everything aligned and focus more on grip and trigger pull. I will be adjusting loads to maintain a common poi at 25 yards. Will be looking for a flat Weaver base to drill and tap, as per Larry's example. Be great to have a lower mount and keep original rear sight in place.
hc18flyer

[hc18flyer]

I used a flat bottomed thin Weaver base (sorry, don't have the # w/o removing the sight). With a quarter or other simple tool the FastFire can quickly be removed if necessary and the original iron sights are still there and zeroed for instant use.

218354

BTW; it didn't bother me at all to D&T the top strap. I got the Ruger to use not for some imagined "collector" value that probably won't happen until long after I'm dead.......that is if whoever I leave it to are still are allowed to have guns then. I've tried 2 different "no drill" bases and they add considerable bulk, especially if adding such a small sight. I carry the Ruger in a slightly modified Uncle Mike's shoulder holster which keeps it out of the way and protects it.

218355

Actually I think the modification for FastFire use has increased it's usefulness and value to those of us who's eyes have gone south. Then, even had my eyes not gone south, the FastFire is such an improvement I wish I had had it available many years ago.

Larry- I believe that to be a Weaver # 61 base. I found that one and another that looks lower? Warne also has a base that should work as well? I will have to report back with details. hc18flyer

[corbinace]

Marked for further research. Thank you gentlemen.

[hc18flyer]

Finally my Blackhawk is back in service. Found a very low Weaver base in a 'bargain bin. I shortened it and filed it to fit as far back as I could, then my Gunsmith drilled and tapped it for me. Allows me to take off the Burris Red Dot and use my iron sights, without removing the base. Thanks Larry Gibson!hc18flyer 224287