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Thread: Inexpensive pistol scope for Contender

  1. #1
    Boolit Master
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    Inexpensive pistol scope for Contender

    I need an inexpensive-but-decent pistol scope for accuracy-testing loads in a .357 Max Contender.

    The scope will for load testing only. The .357 Max barrel will run with iron sights the rest of the time.
    Last edited by Jtarm; 04-13-2021 at 02:02 PM.

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy
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  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    FYI,

    With full power loads, the recoil of my 10" 357 Max was rather severe.

    Shooting my 14" was more in line with "typical" heavy recoil.

    I am not sure how good lower end pistol scopes are at handling a heavy recoil.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
    contender1's Avatar
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    I have a Maxi in a Contender and I'd recommend at least a mid-line grade scope. If you can find one, a Simmons would be a fair choice.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master

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    Try a new Weaver pistol scope in 2x7 or 3x9 with fast focus eyepiece from Natcheze SS . I have a 2x7 on my contender 22lr im happy with @$175.00 i usually use Leupold or Burris pistol scopes.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master

    LUCKYDAWG13's Avatar
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    Why not look for a used 4x Leupold scope then sell it when your done
    kids that hunt and fish dont mug old ladies

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by P Flados View Post
    FYI,

    With full power loads, the recoil of my 10" 357 Max was rather severe.

    Shooting my 14" was more in line with "typical" heavy recoil.

    I am not sure how good lower end pistol scopes are at handling a heavy recoil.
    It’s a 14”.

  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master uscra112's Avatar
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    If you can find one, (it'll be used) the old Bushnell Phantom would be my recommendation. Its' mounting is unique, but it's rugged and it doesn't stand tall above the barrel. I would offer one of mine, but I don't want to give any of them up. One is still mounted on my own .357 Max Contender barrel. Another is mounted scout-style on a Swiss K31.
    Cognitive Dissident

  9. #9
    Boolit Buddy

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    I like the Weaver 2x on my SBH in 44, Leupold should be an excellent choice as well. Both are 2idely available used.

  10. #10
    Boolit Buddy

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  11. #11
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    lar45's Avatar
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    I have a Swift pistol scope that I've used on a 30-30 contender without any problems.
    My favorite pistol scope is the TC lighted reticle recoil proof scope. Wasn't cheap, but has held up great for 30+ years

  12. #12
    Boolit Master Groo's Avatar
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    Groo here
    The thing that breaks scopes fastest is the up ward kick of the pistol.
    A scope mount that allows more than 2 rings [Like a T'SOB from SSK]
    Will help greatly.
    The upward kick causes the scope to bend [in places the rings arn't!!!]
    breaking the internals.

  13. #13
    Boolit Master
    7br's Avatar
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    The is a weaver 2x7 on the Ihmsa forum for sale now.

    Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
    7br aka Mark B.

    On the internet, I am 6ft tall, good looking and can dance.

  14. #14
    Boolit Bub Anchorite's Avatar
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    It seems to me that manufactures have abandoned us handgun aficionados. That said, I’d look on flea-bay or try one of the red-dots that are popular nowadays.

  15. #15
    Boolit Master
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    Years ago, I bought a 2X Tasco for my SBH. It held up fine, but the crosshairs were too fine for just-before-sunset hunting. Most handgun scopes were designed for heavy recoil so held up well. My new favorites are Hawke or Burris with illuminated reticles.

  16. #16
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    I looked at the Hawke site and didn't see any pistol scopes. They do look pretty nice though.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check