Handgun optic suggestions

[jnors06]

Optics on handguns is new to me, I need some advice. The pistol will be a TC contender in 44mag, 41 mag, or 357 Max. The optics I am considering is a Burris fast fire or fixed 2 power scope. What do y'all reccomend? Feel free to input on caliber too.

Thanks

[Mike D]

Stay with low power. If you can find like a 1-4x that would be best in a variable.

Regardless field of view sucks on all of the EER scopes I have seen.

[Coach W]

I ran some fixed 2x and 3x for a while now.

Recently i picked up the 2.5-8x32 leupold im running on my super 14" .223.

Low power is great for off hand shots. 8 power is great for in the blind steadied shots.

As far as calibers i suggest things you usually don't get in a pistol platform.. Short action Rifle calibers are my favorite in my tc pistols. 223, 204... Fun stuff.

Enjoy that TC its a blast!

When i get my new stainless one all hooked up i will post a pic... Heres a calico that i have killed a few handfuls of deer and pigs with... Coming soon to it a stainless frame.

One thing your going to want after you throw on a scope... hammer extension.

[Javelin]

I agree w/ Coach. I have a 4x leupold on my super 14 223 and when in a blind sometimes wish I had more power for those longer shots. Also agree that if you can help it stay away from the pistol calibers, you can do SO much more with a rifle cal in that pistol. my 223 with a muzzle break has zero recoil. I am in the process of getting a 6.8spc barrel which Should be able to kill anything up to elk up to dang near 300 yards and I am looking at a scope similar to coach's for that gun

[cajuntec]

I'm with Coach and Javelin on caliber - get away from handgun calibers. Have fun with something you usually don't see in a pistol. The only pistol caliber I own for my Encore pistol is a .45 Long Colt, but that is a .45LC / .410 shotgun barrel. Other than that, I really like my 6.8 SPC topped with a EOTech, and my 7mm-08, topped with a Burris model 200218, which is a 2x20 handgun scope.



Funny thing is... I like the handgun calibers in rifle barrels. My son loves his .357 Max custom shop rifle barrel. We started him out shooting .38 Special out of it, then moved him up to .357 Magnum. I'm going to see if he's ready for the .357 Max's next range trip. We don't own one (yet), but I'd like to get a .44 Mag rifle barrel and start out with some .44 Specials.

All the best,
Glenn

[jnors06]

thanks for the reccomendations, i am now looking at the 6x45 just to have something different. Does anyone have experience with that caliber?

[oneforthewall]

Contenders are the bomb!! I like the G1 frames myself as they have a much nicer trigger. You can still find clean used ones for $250ish...if you are patient. Optic depends on the job of the barrel. Rifle calibers will be better utilized with a low fixed or variable power scope. Pistol calibers either a very low fixed power scope or red dot/ eotec type optic. I used a t/c 2X IR scope on my .44mag hunter barrel when I went mountain lion hunting and it was a dream to carry and performed flawlessly. WARNING, you won't stop at one barrel set up, the glory of the gun is its ability to morph into different configurations in minutes. Have fun.

[Javelin]

thanks for the reccomendations, i am now looking at the 6x45 just to have something different. Does anyone have experience with that caliber?

I will be honest, I had never heard of that caliber. I looked it up though and found out what it was. I see nothing you are getting from it that you would not get better by going with the 6.8 spc. the 6.8 is designed for shorter barrels and most data on it is based on a 16 inch barrel so you are not losing much at 14 or even 15 out of a contender. The big deal is just ammo. Unless you really enjoy reloading, resizing ect, the 6x45 will get old fast. the 6.8 ammo is found just about everywhere even some walmarts now. Also it is about 10 to 20 more grains at the same or a bit more speed thus will have more down range energy
The 6.8 also has the "different appeal" not many folks that you find will have one and almost zero will have one in a contender. Just don't buy the stock tc barrel, it is spc I get a custom one and make sure it is SPC II

[ducks-and-bucks]

Never heard of 6x45 either....... I use a 4x leupold scope on my S&W 460 performance center.... just made sure to get very good quality rings!

[Drycreek3189]

Mine are in .375 Winchester and .260 Remington. Run Bushnell Trophy scopes on both. Like above, why go with revolver calibers when you can do so much more on the TC frame. Good luck and you will enjoy! I promise!

[jnors06]

My frame is in!! Thanks coach, javelin has gotten me thinking about the 6.8. I thought about the 223 and know what it can do on deer and pigs, but i am wanting something a little bigger so the 6.8 looks like a smart choice.

Any one use MGM barrels? Can get a 14 inch stainless to my door less than 300.

[Coach W]

My frame is in!! Thanks coach, javelin has gotten me thinking about the 6.8. I thought about the 223 and know what it can do on deer and pigs, but i am wanting something a little bigger so the 6.8 looks like a smart choice.

Any one use MGM barrels? Can get a 14 inch stainless to my door less than 300.

MGM is good stuff. You won't have a problem there.

I always like to start with calibers i already own and have ammo stockpiled for... If you have a 223,243, 308 look into that barrel first.

With TC's you don't have to pick and choose calibers... Get whatever you want. Buying a used barrel... you can get out of it for the same price you put into it, if you decide you don't like it.

[krtnorris]

Shot the TC in 35 remington for deer in WV loved it! It was topped with a 1-4 leupold.

[oneforthewall]

6.8spc will go on a Contender frame but I am relatively sure that a .243 or .308 will have to be on an Encore frame due to the pressures.

[Coach W]

6.8spc will go on a Contender frame but I am relatively sure that a .243 or .308 will have to be on an Encore frame due to the pressures.

You are correct... That's the reason I own both contenders and encores. ...

Here's what TC offers in contender pistols: http://www.tcarms.com/customShop/cha...der_pistol.php

Bullberry contender barrels:
http://www.bullberry.com/contender_barrels.html

MGM barrels:
http://matchgrademachine.com/Chamberings-Available.html