Optics for 454/45 SRHH 7.5"

[Huntolive]

Soon 2 have SRHH 454/45LC 7.5" for deer and larger game hunting. Mostly deer. I am pretty new to handguns, but am an experienced rifle and bow hunter. I have used both scopes and red dots on rifles and blackpowder.

I am looking closely at the Ultradot 30, or similar, also Bushnell trophy hunter reddot, and also the Bushnell 3200 Elite pistol 2x-6x scope. I know that I will not often use mag. over 3X for hunting, but the scope is good quality and not much bigger or heavier than 2X scopes, and not much more expensive; in fact, it is far cheaper than leupld scopes even in 2x.

Questions:
What do you suggest for optics?
Will the above mount with standard rugger rings that are included with SRHH models, on the integral SRHH mounting platform?

 

[kludge]

I have a Burris Pistol scope on my SRH 9.5" .454 that I like. It's a 2-7x32mm For most hunting 7x is way too much. 2-3x is where my scope spends it's life. They also have a fixed 2x scope.

The Ruger rings will work with any 1" diameter scope tube.

 

[Hammerdown77]

If going the red dot route, I'd get the 30 mm Ultra Dot. If you have 1 inch Ruger rings that come with the gun, you can often call Ruger and they will swap you for 30 mm rings.

If going the scope route, and this was going to primarily be used in a hunting application, I'd get a 2x scope made by Leupold/Burris/Weaver. If you're going to use it mainly for bench rest shooting at the range, or long range plinking off some kind of rest, then a 4x would be worth looking into. My personal preference is away from the adjustable scopes. They just seem bigger and heavier than need be, for the ability to utilize a magnification level that you would only need in a very narrow range of use.

 

[SloChicken]

I have a Ruger SRH .454 and I am using a Ultradot Matchdot. This is mounted on a Weigand scope mount which will give you a better (more solid) mount opportunity than the ruger rings will offer.

Further regarding the Ultra dot. If you get the "matchdot" model, you have an adjustable 2-8 MOA dot, which will be more precise than the base model is and it only costs about 20 bucks or so more than the base model


I am quite happy with my Matchdot, it holds zero perfectly. No problems whatsover mounted as I have said.

Good luck!

 

[Huntolive]

Could I mount the matchdot with the standard SRHH integral mounts and the 1" rings? Or do I need 30mm rings? or another mount? I want 2 use the integral mounts, no matter what I put up there.

Thanks!

 

[98Redline]

If you are sticking with the Ultradot 30 (4moa fixed dot). The center section is much shorter and I am nearly 100% certain it will fit between the factory rings.
You will need larger rings for the Ultradot 30 as it is a 30mm tube.

I believe the center body of the Match Dot will be too long to fit between the factory rings. This is why I needed to go with a Weigand mount on my SBHH.

Just FYI. The Weigand Combat mount uses the factory mounting points but gives you some adjustment of ring position. For a SBHH, I prefer the dot a little further back, so this works very well for me. On a SRH, I think the factory position would be good to go so I would just use the factory rings.

Another condition for use of the Weigand mount is if you happen to put something heavier, like a scope, up top. With full power 454 loads, you "may" have issues keeping the scope from sliding in the rings when using only 2 rings. If you look at most scoped Freedom Arms 454 setup they vary between 3 and 4 rings on the scope.

 

[hardluk1]

Put a bit of red loctite on in the center of the bottom ring and the scope will not move. I have used this on a 308 lone eagle pistol.

 

[SloChicken]

You can go with the integral rings, and from what I recall, you can use them for the ultradot. The matchdot will not fit without a weaver mount. I think you are going to get a more solidly mounted scope using a weaver and also have the opportunity to have more options as far as sight/scopes go.
Just my opinion, you are welcome to go about it whichever way you choose.

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks.
So I am leaning towards Ultradot (not match dot), and the rings I have w/ used SRHH are 1 ". Ultradot makes a 1" version, not just the 30mm.
So why not just get that? It seems well reviewed. What would i be giving up?
I would be able to use same rings and save $ on price and rings. Cheap and simple. (well not too cheap, red dot costs $150)

Also, reviews on Millet range from lots of high praise, to a piece of junk. Any exp w it? Price is just $70. Less than 1/2 Ultradot.

Bushnell trophy red dot?

Clear advantages to 2x or variable scope? If scope, I would get 2x burris, or 2x-6x Bushnell 3200 elite pistol scope.
I definitely want to stick to integral mounts, call me stubborn, but I love simplicity...
However, I also like to kill what I'm shooting at, so if there is a REAL reason to go a different route, please advise.

 

[CraigC]

Burris 2x or Leupold 2x. Like I said, I wouldn't bother with the weight and bulk of a variable. Carrying is one thing but a difference of a few ounces is easily felt when held at arm's length.

 

[98Redline]

I prefer the wider field of view of a 30mm tube to a 1" tube.
To me, it is noticeable and with a 1" tube I feel like I am trying to sight down a soda straw.

Optics is one of those places where you get exactly what you pay for. Buy cheaper optics, get cheaper construction. TINSTAAFL (There is no such thing as a free lunch)

On something that will eventually take the full brunt of a 454, why would you consider something that has spotty at best reviews? If it is 1/2 the cost but you shoot it loose and have to replace it, then it is a net zero proposition. Worse yet, if your dot happens to decide not to hold zero while out in the woods.

I would stick with the Ultradot for a tube type red dot. The guys shooting the big boomers swear by Ultradot and their lifetime warranty is another bonus.

Red dot or scope, I really don't care either way. Some like scopes, some like dots. I personally like dots.

 

[Hammerdown77]

Thanks.
So I am leaning towards Ultradot (not match dot), and the rings I have w/ used SRHH are 1 ". Ultradot makes a 1" version, not just the 30mm.
So why not just get that? It seems well reviewed. What would i be giving up?
I would be able to use same rings and save $ on price and rings. Cheap and simple. (well not too cheap, red dot costs $150)

Also, reviews on Millet range from lots of high praise, to a piece of junk. Any exp w it? Price is just $70. Less than 1/2 Ultradot.

Bushnell trophy red dot?

Clear advantages to 2x or variable scope? If scope, I would get 2x burris, or 2x-6x Bushnell 3200 elite pistol scope.
I definitely want to stick to integral mounts, call me stubborn, but I love simplicity...
However, I also like to kill what I'm shooting at, so if there is a REAL reason to go a different route, please advise.

If used for hunting, I'd go with the 30mm version. Bigger field of view. It's just easier to look through than the 1 inch tube. For some people, it doesn't make a big difference, though.

I have a Millet on my Super Blackhawk Hunter 44 mag. 1" tube. 3 moa dot. I have had no issues with it holding zero. The dot is TINY, and hard to find in good light with a "busy" background. In low light or a very dark background it's not a problem. The dot tends to distort and "bloom" a bit when you turn up the brightness. I sent one back due to that because I thought it was defective, but the second one did that too. If you looked closely, you could see some starburst at the lower brightness settings too. I thought it might be my eyes, but other people noticed it as well, and when I looked at a friend's Ultra Dot, it had no such dispersion. Nice crisp dot.

That said, I use the Millet for plinking and load development, and it works fine for that.

 

[Huntolive]

Ok, I guess it won't kill me to get a set of 30 mm rings. That way I will have the rings for 1" and 30mm, so if I want 2 put a scope when I am able to reach out far enough to need one, I have 1" and 30mm rings ready 2 go.

I plan to get 30mm Ultradot. Later I will know better what mag. scope I will need, after mastering the gun.

Thanks Guys!

Happy Hunting!!!

 

[98Redline]

My guess is that after mastering the gun, you will not need a scope

 

[gbran]

I use a Burris 2x. I've had 4x, but they're too shaky and are harder for target aquisition. I've taken hogs and deer at pretty long yardages. Even weith the 2x, I look for something to rest it on for the longer shots.

 

[Huntolive]

gban, what kind of rings are on your SRH? And is that a 44 or 454?

Are those high or reg. rings, and did they come w/ the gun?

The frickin ruger rings cost $40 a piece!

I may just get 1"ultradot if ruger won't exchange. Or Burris 2X.

 

[gbran]

The rings are regular rings that came with the gun. Some scopes may require med or higher rings. I don't think this ring setup will work for the Ultra-Dot.

My gun is the .454, the grips re Hogue and make a lot of difference in recoil management.

 

[Hammerdown77]

The rings are regular rings that came with the gun. Some scopes may require med or higher rings. I don't think this ring setup will work for the Ultra-Dot.

My gun is the .454, the grips re Hogue and make a lot of difference in recoil management.

Why do you suspect the rings won't work for the Ultradot? I know the Matchdot version has a much longer center turret, but I would think the standard Ultradot should fit between those rings just fine. 'Course, I haven't tried it on the SRH...

 

[98Redline]

Hammerdown77: His rings will not work because the dot he is looking at has a 30mm tube and he has 1" rings.

HTL: Please don't take this the wrong way but you need to be realistic when looking at these accessories. The 454 is a powerful cartridge and is capable of putting a severe beating on anything connected to it. If you are going to have equipment that stands up to the beating the gun can dish out then you will have to pay for it. A $20 set of stamped Chinese crap rings you can buy at Dicks Sporting Goods is not going to cut it, nor will a cheap red dot sight or scope. These higher end components will carry a steeper price tag and that is what you need to come to grips with. $40 apiece for Ruger rings (which are very good rings) is not all that bad when you consider that you don't need a scope base.

When I put the Weigand setup on my SBHH, the mount was about $50 and a set of 3 rings was about $50 as well. Looks to me that going with the Ruger rings will save you about $20.

There is a saying: "Buy quality and you only cry once"
I have proven this to myself more times than I can count, with tools, firearms, optics, vehicles, etc... There are deals out there to be had but the cheap route is rarely if ever the most cost effective one. Something that is 1/2 the price is probably only 1/4 of the quality.

Another option would be to buy the gun and shoot it with open sights until you save up the scratch to put decent optics up top.


If you want to play with the 454 you are going to have to pay accordingly. That is simply the price of admission and dues in the "big bore club".

 

[Hammerdown77]

Ahh, ok. Yeah, I knew he was looking at a 30mm tube but had the 1" rings. I think he's either going to try to swap the 1" rings with Ruger, or just buy the 1" tube red dot.

That Weigand base is a very good option. It opens up your options on rings, and gives you a little more rings spacing and position flexibility.

Definitely don't go cheap on mounting for the 454!!!

 

[Huntolive]

98Redline, point taken.
Hammerdwn77 you got it exactly right.
I am getting an Ultradot, but may just get the well reviewed 1" version, if Ruger dosn't xchng rings for 30mm. I called ruger, they said they might, even though they are used, but I had to send them in, and the parts dept. would make the call.

The 1" rings I have can be used w/ 1" Ultrdt, or Burris 2X, both seem like acceptable options.
Anyone used the 1" ultrdt? I know the 30mm would be a littel better view, but the 1" is also well reviwed and solid. Are there SERIOUS drawbacks?

 

[98Redline]

If your existing rings are in "as new" condition (no marks scuffs or buggered up screws), then Ruger would probably exchange them for you. If not, then what are you out, the cost of shipping one way? Try it and see, Ruger may surprise you.

Another option is just pony up the $80 for the new 30mm rings then sell your existing rings someplace like Rugerforum.com

You should be able to get at least $40 if they are in good condition and that would enable you to offset the cost of the new rings.

 

[RobsTV]

After seeing all the positive reviews for UltraDot, I went with the 1" version for a Smith and Wesson 500, as well as a 40 S&W carbine, and a Ruger 22/45, swapping between guns with Warne QD rings.

Went with 1" for closer to barrel, small and less noticeable, slightly lighter weight, lower cost.

When the UltraDot works, it works great. However, it does not hold zero and frequently drifts. On the 22 it holds zero fine. But on the 40 S&W carbine (very little recoil), it drifts several inches at 25 yards left or right. Co-existing the red dot with iron sights, so easy to see it setup at the tip of iron sights, then a few shots later, the dot is left of the iron sight tip that it was set up for. This is repeatable, since I need to adjust clicks after moving to other guns, then re-position clicks to saved set point for the 40 S&W. Shows dot on tip of iron sights, then a few shots later, way off. On the S&W 500, have never got anything close to a good group with UltraDot. Thought it was me or the ammo, but after seeing how the UltraDot drifts with the 40 S&W, I see it now plays big roll in the bad groups. Testing done from bench yesterday with a few hundred rounds. Everything tightened properly with torque wrench, and solid as a rock mounts that do not budge.

Beware of the lifetime warranty. Even if you just bought it, you must pay to ship it to them, along with a check for $12.95 return shipping. So each free lifetime warranty repair will cost you $20 to $25 on average. This is something no one brings up, and something any potential buyer should know.

While this seems like a bad review, I would buy the same thing again. Think this one was just a lemon, which happens. Not happy about charging for warranty on an item that was shipped defective. But with the large frame magnums, there really are not many choices.

EDIT with correction: Sent an email to UltraDot. They replied the same day and will waive the return shipping charges under some circumstances, such as new defective. Same day email reply was unexpected and great. Now to send it in and see how the rest of warranty repair goes.