tylerting

So I am currently selling my ultradot matchdot because I want to try out a magnified pistol scope. I also want to really master irons before I start using a dot. I want my heavy ruger to get a leupold but I haven't seen many pistol/magnified scopes out there let alone hold and shoot one.

Before I make the leap to sell my matchdot to get a leupold, can someone tell me how they feel about this specific combination? A leupold pistol scope on a mark iii 5.5" bull barrel. My local gun shop owner recommended leupold with a 2.5 fixed magnification and said I'd be happy.

what do you guys think, will I?
Also, specific model recommendations would be recommended cause leupold has a s**t ton of choices.

North country gal

First, I agree that you should learn how to use iron sights on a pistol. Everyone needs to learn this if they use a pistol. A lot of us older shooters do go to red dots because it gets harder to focus on iron as our eyes age. Red dots are good substitutes for iron because using a red dot requires no change in technique.

Using magnification via a pistol scope is another story. I've used 2x and 4x pistol scopes on Marks. Adding pistol scopes on Marks will definitely bring out more of your Marks "potential" accuracy. You get the benefit of a magnified target and the better precision of crosshairs, compared to what you get with a red dot. That's the good news.

The bad news is that with magnification, trying to keep crosshairs on the target is a whole new ball game. Remember, your scope magnifies everything - the target AND your unsteadiness. Not too bad when shooting from a rest, but you will need to put in a lot of shooting time to learn how to effectively use a scoped pistol without a rest. It's much tougher than holding a red dot or iron sights on target. That's why some shooters try a scope but go back to a red dot or even iron. Then, too, adding a scope mount and a pistol scope can drastically alter the balance and handling of your pistol. The only way to tell if a scope is for you, though, is to try it.

Unfortunately, going with a Leupold scope is going to be an expensive experiment for you. There are used pistol scopes around or less expensive pistol scopes from Bushnell and so on that are more than adequate for use on a 22 pistol. The best bet, though, is to try a scoped pistol before you buy, if at all possible. Head to a local club or borrow one from a buddy.

Even at my advanced age with all the difficulty I have using iron sights, I still prefer shooting iron, though, truth be known, most of my short guns do wear red dots and scopes.

Best of luck. Let us know what you decide.

Smithy

I'm a Leupold guy. I once had bad luck with Burris and even worse luck with their customer service, but never a problem with Leupold so I feel that they're better made. In the handgun department they're not a s**t ton of choices as it comes down to basically three scopes. Now there may be different finishes making the choice double of what I'll list. Triple if they have them in silver, blue, and matte. I have all stainless guns so I went for the silver and only had one reticle choice for my scope. The custom shop could whip you out different variations I suppose, but below are their three current listed models.

FX-II Handgun 2x20mm

FX-II Handgun 4x28mm

VX-3 Handgun 2.5-8x32mm

I had the four power on a Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter in 44 mag and I currently have their variable on a 5.5" custom Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 mag. Both were well suited for their respective tasks at hand. I'm not sure on the two power, but the four will run you $350.00 and the variable brings it up to $550.00. I know, Ouch! But you get what you pay for and I was completely happy with both. I sold the Bisley Hunter and scope as I had too many projects going at once, but I can tell you that both scopes at any of the variables power settings were easy to pick up a sight picture. Just make sure that your ring and mount height match your grip. I went one notch up on the Super Redhawk for easy viewing and sight pick up. Although never dealing with their two power, I'm sure it's a quality piece and well suited for the applications that it's made for. If you can stomach the price, the variable is the best of both worlds as you have your suggested 2.5 power and then some. With mine, I'll stalk in the 2.5 mode and then power up as appropriate when a shot warrants it. Best of luck to you, and you can never go wrong with a Leupold. Smithy.

mishtub

Both above posts are spot on, might I ask what the intended use of the scoped Mark? I use the VX-3 2.5-8x32 on a single six for small game and need a rest to shoot accurately due to very heavy forward weight making a steady freehand hold difficult.

41 Magnum

If you are just punching paper at any given distance from a rest, a variable may be a good choice, but in the real world, a straight 2X will get it done. The lower power scope will also do it without making it look like you are shooting while riding a Pogo Stick.

javaduke

Hi, I'm interested in Ultradot, just sent you a message, please contact me.

Thank you very much!

tylerting

Thanks for your input guys and gals.

I know this is stereotypical of a young male like myself, but If you guys want to hear it, this is part of my ultimate plan to make the "zombie" survivalist pistol.

My mark III has a 22/45 upper on it now, as some might know, and I'm waiting for my form 4 for a silencerco sparrow. I'm decently accurate with the red dot, but I want some precision out to 100 yards which I'm currently not getting. Also, I want to pick up a pair of crimson trace grips for it. I have a pair for my smith and wesson revolver and love them. With this set up, I can take out zombies from a distant while being quiet and if I need to be up close and personal, I'll have the laser grips. As you see, it's kind of a "do it all" gun.

Realistically, I'd probably just be shooting at variable distances, impressing my friends at the range with what a pistol and a scope can do, making it a "mini" rifle.

So, it sounds like a variable or a fixed at 2.5 is right up my alley. I really need to go to bass pro shop or some place that will let me handle one, cause I know the gun balance is very important. Even with the light matchdot, I'm not a huge fan of how huge it is compared to something like an aimpoint t-1.

Are all the models the same size and weight? I really need to get to a store...

bwinters

I have never had any problem with any Leupold product. But as state their price matches their quality. If you are not sure you want a red dot sight try a BSA oir similar inexpensive one if you do no like it you are out only a bit.

41 Magnum

Since Pennsylvania won't allow Semi-Automatic's for hunting, my MkII is strictly for paper punching W/the Variable, & plinking with the open sights. I can't come close to spending the money for a Leopold, so I do the best I can.






5 shots @ 25 Yds. W/Winchester Super-X = 4 together & one low to the right.

Dawgface

41, what scope is that? I can't spend Leopold type money either.

41 Magnum

That one is a Bushnell, I don't recall the model positively, but I think it's ;
Bushnell Trophy XLT 2-6x32mm Silver Handgun 732633S.
For a .22Lr, & for Under $200.00 it suits me just fine, & is probably capable of far better accuracy than I am, in the right hands.

tylerting

That is one nice looking pistol, I like the all silver finish of everything. I'm also pretty jealous of that grouping, which is why I want a scoped pistol.

I just got the crimson trace grips and actually just sold the matchdot today. So with the 22/45 upper, I have NO iron sights and the crimson trace grips will be the only sighting until I can get a scope. I'm gonna be patient and get the right one, even if it's a bit pricey.

Dawgface

Thanks 41.

North country gal

Variable pistol scopes tend to be a bit bulkier and a bit heavier than the fixed power scopes, but really no such thing as a lightweight pistol scope option, like there is with red dots. If you want precision shooting at 100 yards, though, time for a scope.

Smithy

I got lucky in my Super Redhawk project with the offset ring fixing the horizontal location of the scope and the 5.5" barrel length. The barrel extends beyond the scope by mear fractions of an inch and the eyepiece ends just about the hammer spur making for an evenly balanced gun albeit a heaver one. Weight wise I'm about the same with the addition of a scope and the removal of 4" of barrel. It is easier for me to hold offhand now than it was with the longer barrel. Smithy.