Questions and scope recommendations for a Bisley Hunter?

[maxcactus]

Gentlemen,

It seems I've lost a step or two of late. I haven't been active on the forum much over the past five years and have barely touched a trigger in that time (life happens). I recently acquired a Ruger Bisley Hunter in .45 Colt that I've wanted for almost 20 years, and want to mount a telescope in preparation for hunting season next year. I've noticed a few things since I last looked at this particular tool:

1. What used to be the common, easy-to-find Weaver 2x28mm scope now appears to be discontinued. Fixed power, low(er) magnification scopes seem to be quite rare. The only one I can find with some cursory searching is a Burris 2x20. Do any of you have experience with this piece of glass? Any other QUALITY scopes to recommend?

2. In the "What did you SHOOT today?" thread, I see Joe S. using a Weigand Weig-a-tinny base and rings. I'm curious how many of you that use the Ruger Hunter model have had difficulty with the factory supplied rings? I don't object to buying an aftermarket mount and rings, but it seems a shame and defeats the purpose of the supplied rings if they're not up to snuff.

3. Any other optic recommendations? I would prefer something less than a 4x scope, preferably fixed power for ruggedness.

4. Holster, carry recommendations for the SCOPED revolver? Mike Barranti, I'm looking at YOU here, but I'm open to all suggestions.

Thanks to all,
Max

[dhd]

I've always had great luck with the Leupold 2× scopes though I prefer the 4× as my scoped revolvers are used more as a target toy than a hunter. As to whether you can find the 2× new or not right now I don't know as I haven't looked. I have always been able to find a good used one whenever I wanted one though.

Can't help on the supplemental mount, if that's the way you want to go, but Barranti took my measurements and made me a holster for a Williams 45 Colt Bisley with a red dot sight. It fit perfect and looks as you'd expect from his shop. I don't doubt he's built more than a few for the "Hunters" and can get you set up there.

[45MAN]

I USE WARNE RINGS, WHICH JUST REPLACE THE RUGER RINGS, IN MY 45 COLT BISLEY HUNNTER, AND CAN HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM. IMHO, WARNE RINGS ARE AT LEAST 3 TIMES BETTER THAN RUGER RINGS.

FOR DEER HUNTING, I DO NOT CARE FOR 2X SCOPES UNLESS THE RANGES ARE 60 OR SO YARDS OR LESS. IF I CAN FIND THEM I LIKE THE OLDER 2-7 SIMMONS AND THE HIGH END 2-6 B&L/BUSHNELL.

GALCO MAKES A VERY GOOD CHEST HOLSTER FOR SCOPED REVOLVERS.

[squigz]

Fortunately when I got my Ruger Bisley Hunter 45Colt I was able to find that exact Weaver scope as a recommendation from Synd. I'm using the Ruger rings and haven't had a single issue.

I've had great luck with all things Leupold and their 2x glass is wonderful, even when you find one used, which there looks to be some on eBay if you're comfortable purchasing used. I don't have any experience with the fixed 2x scope from Burris, though their 2-7x scopes are top notch. 

I hunt in North East PA, most of my shots are kept well within 100 yards, but it is through brush; so I prefer a low powered scope like a 2x for quick target acquisition and the added benefit of being able to see if there's any branches etc that I have to try and weave a bullet through for the best shot placement. Otherwise, I have shot this gun at 100 yards and beyond in target practice and I didn't find any issue with a 2x scope being used other than needing to focus a little more cause the target is just that little bit smaller. 

As for holsters, I'm out. I'm rolling with an old TC Contender 10" scoped holster that I had laying around that holds my gun snuggly enough to my chest that I don't see a need to get a new holster. 

[seminolewind]

I have used the Burris 2x20 on a Ruger 45 Blackhawk and it held up just fine. The glass is good, but the reticles are thin. Kinda hard to pick them up in thick brush, but I still like the Burris.

[KRal]

I’ve own two of the Burris 2x scopes and they’re my favorite of the 2x’s - they have the widest field of view of all the 2x’s ever made. I’ve always used the Ruger rings and had no issues. FYI...if you do get a 2x Burris and plan on leaving the rear sight on so you can readily swap from optic to irons and back, you’ll need to get high rings. The reason for this is that the eye piece bell housing will hit the rear sight unless removed. (Your mileage my vary). Ruger supplies it with medium Rings -you can just send to Ruger and they’ll do a one for one swap or the high. I’ve used and have many holsters for scoped revolvers. In my opinion, Barranti’s northeast Hunter is by far the best rig for a scoped revolver. If you decide on a different 2x scope, I’d suggest a Leupold - no exchange in rings required for it.

[jimtx]

When I had my 44SBH Hunter And my D&T 45colt Bisley , I blew up a few scopes , my experience is go with a Weaver, Burris, or Leupold 2x20, or now with age and my eyes maybe a 4x20 , 2-7 Burris I had was great as well but bigger and heavier.
I went with Leupold Ruger rings on my hunter and Leupold mount and rings on my Bisley. All held and with torx head screws torqued correctly I had no need for lock tight either.
I used an uncle mikes flap nylon holster, back when I hunted with them , there was much else around and what leather ones were the cost was ridiculous. Today you have more options for scoped leather holsters.

[bigbrowndog]

If thicker crosshairs are desir3d on the Burris, simply call customer service and return the scope for the alteration, they make a heavy plex that can be fit as a custom option..

Trapr

[bearskinner]

I really like the Leupold 2.5x8. You can keep it on 2.5 for most shooting, but with a good rest, cranked up to 8X really extends your range.

[AxeHandle]

2X Leupold on my off hand guns. Leupold 2.5-8 or 4X on guns intended to be fired off a rest. Burris 3-12 on my varmint TC barrels.. FWIW You may see some interference with the Hunter front sight and the scope objective. Front sight comes off easy. Remember to remove the front sight plunger and spring from the barrel. It will remove itself if you don't

[Snyd]

Yes, the Weaver 2x28 is great scope. I didn't know it had been discontinued I acquired a 4X Leupold and regretfully sold the Weaver but will try to find another one. The 4X is now on the FA 454. I had Von Ringler make me a Wyoming Combination Holster that is fantastic.