Pistols That Can Accept Scopes

If you have your sights set on shooting a scope-mounted handgun, it helps to know what kind of scope-ready pistol will suit your needs. Bill Petrus, owner of the gun shop TP Outdoors in Monroe, La., said most people want six-power or eight-power scopes for their handguns, which he doesn't recommend.

"The more power you have, the more it magnifies the shake," he said. "It's hard to hold steady with that much magnification."

Petrus said the two or four power scopes are best for use on pistols.

  1. Smith and Wesson 22A

    • Smaller handguns are good for target practice or hunting small game.

      The Smith and Wesson 22A comes with an Integral Weaver-Style Optics Mount that fits scopes up to 45 mm. The mount comes with four top screws. Petrus said this is an economical model gun that many people use for target shooting and squirrel hunting.

      "It's a fun gun to train your children," he said. "It's a great first gun. There's no recoil to it."

      The Smith and Wesson 22A comes with a 4-inch, 5 1/2-inch or 7-inch barrel.

    Ruger Super Red Hawk 44 magnum

    • The Ruger Super Red Hawk 44 magnum comes with its own scope. Nevertheless, the scope mount it comes with can be removed in favor of the Weaver-style rail.

      The larger caliber pistol is typically used for hog and deer hunting.

      "It's got lots of knock-down power," Petrus said. "It's a handful when you pull the trigger on it."

      The handgun comes in a 7.5-inch or 9.5-inch barrel and adjustable rear and ramp front sights.

    Smith and Wesson Revolver N Frame

    • Large handguns are used for hog and deer hunting or from protection against larger wild animals.

      The Smith and Wesson Revolver N Frame is a 44 magnum that does not come with a scope but will accommodate one. Since the N Frame comes drilled and tapped from the factory, it fits the Weaver style base scope mount. This N Frame is used for hog and deer hunting. It is also useful for protection against larger wild animals like black bears. The N-frame revolver barrel is 5 inches by 12.7 cm, and the gun holds six rounds.

    Smith and Wesson Revolver X Frame

    • Smith and Wesson's largest revolver is the X frame, Petrus said. Attach a Weaver scope mount by removing the rear sight. An oversize recoil lug prevents the scope mount from shifting even when shooting magnum loads. It comes in several calibers, the 454 Casull, used for hunting big game, or 50 caliber Smith and Wesson Magnum. The gun is 15 inches in length and weighs 4 ½ pounds empty. The Casull generates 1,900 foot-pound of power, while the Magnum produces nearly 2,600 foot-pound.