I am close to 70 and have had diabetes for 55 years which has resulted in vision issues due to diabetic retinapathy. I was born right handed/right eye dominant.. Due to extensive laser treatment in both eyes, the central vision in my right eye is pretty much shot – in fact – my lens that was inserted in that eye during cataract surgery years ago dislodged and I recently had surgery on the eye to remove it and have a new lens put in – but – the new lens did not stay in place completely and rotated as if on an axis so I have surgery scheduled in September to go back in and correct it.
As a result of these issues, I had to start shooting using my left eye as the dominant eye – still hold my pistols in right hand but switched to shooting rifle left handed as well. My left eye still has decent central vision but my vision is not 20/20 – more like 20/40 with a sense implant from cataract surgery. I no longer drive and even with a set of glasses to help with the left eye, distances can pose a problem - but with a set of binoculars, etc. - it brings the distant view up close to where I can see a target. But, it is what it is.
I have a Henry Big Boy Steel Rifle in 357. I set this rifle up with a Skinner peep and have tried several different diameters of peep hole. The largest diameter peep hole seems to be the best. However, my issue is the difficulty in seeing a target out at a distance clearly and it is evident to me that it is time to scope the rifle if I am really going to enjoy shooting it. Here is what I have and what my needs/wants are.
Henry BB Steel 357 rifle (pre side gate/tube feed only - receiver top drilled/tapped for a Skinner peep or scope mount with Henry's screw hole placement/distances between holes)
Distances I want to be able to shoot at is anywhere from 25 yards to 200 yards – and no, I don’t expect to put them all in one hole – just would like to be able to shoot out to up to 200 yards at steel gong, gallon cans, etc., see the target clearly and be able to use the cross hairs. I no longer hunt and will strictly be playing with different cast boolits and loads from the rifle – in other words – a fun gun and fun plinker.
I know little to nothing about scopes or what kind/type of scope I need to do what I want to. In looking, it appears that my options, as far as mounting a scope, are either the Henry Big Boy Ring and Base Mount Set (sold by Henry) or a Weaver Picatinny Rail and Ring Set. My Henry came drilled/tapped so I am assuming that either of these could be used to mount a scope on the rifle.
I will also state that I have tried red dot/green dot type sights and I know that they will not do the job for me and my eyesight. I tried a friend's who had it on a pistol and I have issues with red and green as I am also somewhat color blind. I need a scope that will give me a clear and sharp view of an intended target from 25 to 200 yards. As I said, I know little about scopes so don't know if they adjust for focus at different distances?
I did a little looking and I see that there are “compact scopes” but I am unsure if this is something that will fit the bill or will work with either the Henry scope mount or the Weaver/Picatinny system to get it positioned in the correct spot for me on the top fo the receiver. My thoughts were that if a “compact” scope would work, it might be easier as far as toting the rifle around, shooting offhand , etc. If not, then a regular size scope would obviously be the only other option.
I purchased a Ruger 223/5.56 bolt action that I have out in AZ and I had a Leopold Freedom scope installed on it. I just have not had the time when we were out there to work with it due to Covid and not being able to go and shoot anywhere. I realize that there is a wide variety of scopes out there – price wise, design wise, etc. and that you “get what you pay for”. I will do what I have to, but also don’t want to tie up a lot of money in an expensive scope when a cheaper one might/would do the trick and allow me to see the target clearly at those distances and be able to see the cross hairs clearly. I realize that the rifle will shoot differently at different distances and with different loads, but I would sight it in at probably 50 yards and at longer distances, play and learn the sight picture and cross hair placement to allow for elevation as well as windage.
I don’t know how many have their 357 lever actions scoped, but I would sure appreciate some help and suggestions on which scope mount to get for the Henry BB and some suggestions on scopes that would do what I need.
Thanks!