Scout scope on a pistol - Anyone use it (successfully)?

[cajuntec]

Thinking of replacing a few of my 2x Burris scopes with something variable. These are on TC Contender and Encore pistol barrels in cartridges from .357 Mag to .308, and I'm shooting them as hunting pistols off of a rest (Caldwell Deadshot Field Pod) in my ground blind.

I'm looking at the 2-7x32's, and came across the Vortex Crossfire II Scout scope, model CF231002 (2-7x32).

At $150, it's less than half the cost of the Burris 2-7x32 pistol scopes, so I started wondering if it might be a decent substitute to throw on a few of my lesser-used pistol barrels. I realize that Crossfire is the bottom of Vortex' line, but I've had good luck with their Diamondback series, so I thought I'd give them a shot.

Eye relief is 9.45". The Burris scopes I'm currently using are listed at 11-21" at low power, 10-14" at high (since mine is only "low" (fixed), its going to be somewhere in that 11-21" range). Personal experience with the 2x Burris' is that eye relief is much closer to the lower number.

Thoughts? Anyone use one on a pistol successfully?

All the best,
Glenn

[cajuntec]

Anyone have an opinion either way? Get off my wallet and buy the right pistol scope and stop trying to make a cheaper scout scope work?

All the best,
Glenn

[TxNurse]

For me 9 1/2" is not anywhere close to the eye relief of a true handgun scope. A 2-6 Simmons ProHunter is about that same cost, and a surprisingly good mid price scope. About $130, and may be able to find one for less.

[snipermedic]

If there breaked I think you would be ok. Lot of specialty pistols run with rifle scopes.

[Mike D]

For me 9 1/2" is not anywhere close to the eye relief of a true handgun scope. A 2-6 Simmons ProHunter is about that same cost, and a surprisingly good mid price scope. About $130, and may be able to find one for less.

This is going to be the problem. I don't think it's going to have enough eye relief especially at higher magnification.

[cajuntec]

Thanks for the responses. I'm going to stick with pistol scopes with better eye relief. I wish there were more brand choices in pistol scopes, especially in lower power variables. Something like 1-4, 1.5-4.5, etc.... My 2x's get the job done, but there are times I'd like just a little more magnification, but I still want to keep the lower end for closer shots as well. I had a straight 4x a long while back. Closer shots were difficult.
All the best,
Glenn

[twosixteens]

I have never been able to do it but I know people who use rifle scopes on handguns. A friend uses a 4.5x14 leupold rifle scope on a Remington XP100 in 22/250 for prairie dogs every year. I can't figure out how to see through it.

[Drycreek3189]

I have Bushnell Trophy pistol scopes on my Encore .260 and my Contender in .375 Win. Never had a problem with either and they were relatively inexpensive. Mine are both 2x6 and four is usually what I keep them on.

[Mike D]

Glenn I run a Nikon Monarch 2.5-8 on my Encore pistol.

There are good variables out there just usually a little pricey.


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[muddydog]

I actually prefer to use the scout scope. I use homemade shooting sticks, and shoot with bent elbows. They work better for me and much more forgiving than regular pistol scopes.

[cajuntec]

I have Bushnell Trophy pistol scopes on my Encore .260 and my Contender in .375 Win. Never had a problem with either and they were relatively inexpensive. Mine are both 2x6 and four is usually what I keep them on.

The fact that you own a .260 Encore barrel makes me envious. I've been looking for a .260 Encore rifle barrel forever. I'm going to end up having to special order one from MGM or EABCO eventually.

I've tried the Bushnell scopes, and liked them for a while. It seems my eyes have changed drastically over the years, and for some reason, the Bushnell rifle scopes started seeming "yellowish" to me when I looked through them. Admittedly, though, I haven't looked at their pistol scopes. I'll check them out. Pretty good price on the 2-6x32 Trophy at Midway... although that Elite 3500 in the same power is something I want to look at as well.

All the best,
Glenn

[cajuntec]

Glenn I run a Nikon Monarch 2.5-8 on my Encore pistol.
There are good variables out there just usually a little pricey.

Thanks for the response Mike. I have a fixed 2 power Nikon Monarch on my .308 that I like, but that is one of the ones I want replaced with something variable + more power. Wish Nikon still made the Monarch series. I liked them. Now, all I see is the "Force" series from them in a 2.5-8 x 28. I'm guessing that is what replaced the Monarch line. I'll have to check them out.

Maybe BPS will have one in stock I can go look through. That's my biggest problem buying pistol scopes - hardly anyone local caries a good variety of them. I hate ordering a scope online because I'm unable to look through it first.

All the best,
Glenn

[cwill]

I'm with the others in thinking that you would not have enough eye relief to shoot comfortably. I have a variable power Nikon and Burris and they are both nice. I also have an older T/C and it's been a good scope as well. I haven't looked at handgun scopes in at least 10 years, but they used to be nearly impossible to find in stores unfortunately.

[cajuntec]

I haven't looked at handgun scopes in at least 10 years, but they used to be nearly impossible to find in stores unfortunately.

Nothing has changed in that area. Still hard to find in stores.

All the best,
Glenn

[Drycreek3189]

The fact that you own a .260 Encore barrel makes me envious. I've been looking for a .260 Encore rifle barrel forever. I'm going to end up having to special order one from MGM or EABCO eventually.

I've tried the Bushnell scopes, and liked them for a while. It seems my eyes have changed drastically over the years, and for some reason, the Bushnell rifle scopes started seeming "yellowish" to me when I looked through them. Admittedly, though, I haven't looked at their pistol scopes. I'll check them out. Pretty good price on the 2-6x32 Trophy at Midway... although that Elite 3500 in the same power is something I want to look at as well.

All the best,
Glenn

I've had my .260 barrel for years Glenn, ordered it from TC's custom shop. I had them send it straight to Magnaport before I ever got it. With Remington 140 grain Accutips it's an accurate pistol. It still has a little bite to it, but it's straight back into your hand. It was my son's favorite toy when he was 12/14 years old. I had to hide the ammo !