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.444 Scope Recommendations

Posted on 5/22/20 at 7:53 am
Posted by bootlegger
Ponchatoula
Member since Dec 2012
5330 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 7:53 am
Cheap scope that came on my Handi-Rifle crapped out. Need to replace with something that can handle the recoil. Anything decent available, <$500?
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
11138 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 8:08 am to
I've had a 3x9x50 redfield on mine for about 10 years now. I was using hay string that I picked up on my way to a stand to lower the gun and it fell 20 ft. POI only moved about 3 inches.
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
24905 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 8:23 am to
I'd look at an LVPO for it. A 1-6X24 seems like it would be a great scope for a gun like that.

ETA: If you could up your budget by about $100 these would be pretty bullet proof:

Vortex 2.5-10x32

Just noticed that you need to click on the G4 bdc button to pull up the scope I'm referring to.

This post was edited on 5/22/20 at 8:55 am
Posted by LSUlefty
Youngsville, LA
Member since Dec 2007
26432 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 8:58 am to
quote:

I've had a 3x9x50 redfield


That's exactly what I have on mine. Should also be able to find a Nikon cheap since they quit making them.
Posted by REB BEER
Laffy Yet
Member since Dec 2010
16163 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 9:02 am to
I have a Nikon Prostaff 3x9x50 on a 35 Whelen and have had no problems. I know it's not a 444 but I'm guessing the recoil is about the same.

One thing I had to do the first year I got the gun was loctite the screws holding the rail on. It came loose from the recoil and I initially thought the scope was the problem.
Posted by jmh5724
Member since Jan 2012
2128 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 10:03 am to
I put a Sig whiskey3 on my 35 whelen and have been really impressed with it. A 3x9x40 can be found online for $130
Posted by jgthunt
Walker
Member since Feb 2010
2457 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 11:16 am to
I'd leupold vx3 or sig whiskey 3 if you wanna save money. Have both and love em both.
Posted by bootlegger
Ponchatoula
Member since Dec 2012
5330 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 12:29 pm to
Thanks for all the suggestions. Always appreciated
Posted by Rantavious
Bossier ''get down'' City
Member since Jan 2007
2079 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 1:09 pm to
Put some epoxy under the scope rail as well.

Also, examine the threaded holes for the rail mount screws. The metal around the threaded holes is often higher than the rest of the barrel. It is slight, but it is there. Smooth it with a diamond nail file.

Also, with the same file, hand lap the barrel and receiver fitment at the breach.

Then, with fine sandpaper, polish the fitment of the barrel hook and the pin it rides on in the receiver.

When you close the breach it will then latch with a comforting 'snick', instead of sounding like closing a car door.

Also, you can crown the end of the barrel with a drill and a stone from the hardware store. Touch up with cold blue
Posted by Buck_Rogers
Member since Jul 2013
1828 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 1:33 pm to
Leupold FXII 4x is as durable as they come. No need to have a variable scope that goes to 9x on a big bore cartridge.
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6808 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 1:53 pm to
Well, Buck beat me to it w/ some of my recommendations. Since fixed power scopes are generally sturdier than variables, I'd consider a fixed power scope. 3X or 4X should be more than adequate for a 444. If you hunt in eep woods w/ short range shots, a 2X would prob suffice. I also agree w/ him in that there's no need for 9X magnification. Nowadays, a lot of us overvalue high magnification on our scopes. IF you feel you need a variable scope, I'd go 1-3X or 1-4X.

As far as brand, I'd avoid: Tasco, Barska and other "no name" brands, as well as lower tier scopes from any particular brand; i.e. I wouldn't use a Vortex Crossfire, but I'd be ok using a Vortex Diamondback. Any Leupolds or Burris scopes should be good. I exclusively deer hunt w/ handguns. Handgun scopes have to be pretty tough. Despite hunting w/ some heavy recoiling handguns (for example, 284 Win, 308 Win, 35 Remington and 375 JDJ), the only one that ever failed me was an NcStar scope. The rear lens literally came loose. One other tip from handgun hunters, consider using 3 rings instead of the usual 2 rings. I'd recommend Burris Signature rings (the one w/ the plastic inserts), as well. If you don't use the Signature rings I'd recommend lapping the scope rings.
Posted by Rantavious
Bossier ''get down'' City
Member since Jan 2007
2079 posts
Posted on 5/22/20 at 7:55 pm to
Somebody in this thread has never owned a HandiRifle
Posted by Canon951
Member since May 2020
146 posts
Posted on 5/23/20 at 9:00 am to
Longtime lurker here. Your post made me decide to finally sign up.

I got a handirifle .444 10 years ago. Absolutely love this gun. I put a Nikon prostaff 3-9x40 on it that I bought used from a pawn shop. Paid $90 bucks for it. Holding true after all this time. I also shoot the 240 grain Remington core lokts out of it and can group them at an inch at 100 yds. I couldn’t get the hornady 265s to group on my gun for some reason. All that to say I don’t think you need to spend major money on a scope. Your basic Nikon, leupold, vortex, etc should do great but that’s just my opinion. I would stay away from the cheap brands though.
Posted by bootlegger
Ponchatoula
Member since Dec 2012
5330 posts
Posted on 5/23/20 at 9:06 am to
Thanks for the reply, and welcome to the board!
Posted by auggie
Opelika, Alabama
Member since Aug 2013
27688 posts
Posted on 5/23/20 at 9:41 am to
quote:

3x9x50 redfield


really solid scopes.
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
24905 posts
Posted on 5/23/20 at 10:08 am to
1-6x 24 vortex strike Eagle for $489 with the rings

Palmetto State
This post was edited on 5/23/20 at 11:13 am
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
24905 posts
Posted on 5/23/20 at 10:12 am to
Just found another strike eagle on sale at DVOR for $249 as well.

FYI
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6808 posts
Posted on 5/23/20 at 10:26 pm to
quote:

Somebody in this thread has never owned a HandiRifle

What do you mean?
Posted by Megasaurus
Member since Dec 2017
783 posts
Posted on 5/24/20 at 2:23 pm to
I had this same scope of my 45-70 guide gun. FANTASTIC scope...#4 reticle,,

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