Handgun Scope ?

[LWJR68]

What would be a good budget handgun scope for a 7-30 waters contender?

Thanks,
LWJR68

 

[CJ6]

I have 5 Leupolds 2.5 x 8 and 1 Bushnell 2 x 6. Not a lick of trouble with either brand.

 

[capper599]

I use Burris and Weaver scopes on all my contenders. Burris used to make a lot of fixed power scopes Ie; 5x and 7x of which I have both.

 

[sw282]

2.5-8 Leupold handgun scopes are no longer made

 

[DGP4]

I'll second the Burris line of pistol scopes. They are great bang for the buck.

 

[TrapperBR549]

I recently started playing with contenders so I am also interested. I have an older Burris 2X6 and a Leupold scout type, I think 1X4. It is a challenge to find stuff with the very narrow field of view @6X on the Burris but of course I could use more magnification for longer distance/smaller target.
What are everyone's thoughts on pistol scopes vs. scout style vs. regular eye relief? So far I have a 6.5 Grendel and 300BO so not big buckers.
My first goal is to be able to shoot armadillos and other varmints at up to 300 yards.

 

[McClura]

I have been shooting the 7-30 Waters in the 12" Hunter model since 1978 and it has has the same 2.5x pistol scope on it since right after I got it new. TC offered the Hunter package, in several calibers with 12" barrel, scope, holster grip and forend. I chose the 7-30 Waters because my uncle had that caliber in the Winchester lever action. I have taken a lot of deer with it using 120grn softpoint bullets.
It came with a TC 2.5x7 scope but didn't like twisting the power ring so I traded it for a 2.5 and it has been great out to 100 yds. I have used most every pistol scope made and had good luck with the Bushnell 2x6's, some Weavers in 2.5x8, the 2x, 4x and 2x7 Burris scopes on the calibers in the Waters range. I shot the Tasco 2x6, older model on my Encore 243 in 15" barrel and took Pdogs out to 250 yds. I just purchased couple of Crimson Trace Brushline Pro Pistol scopes in 2.5x8 and they have the ballistic lines with circles in the scope and on my 6.5JDJ Contender it shoots spot on out to 300 yds. They are a little pricey at 285.00 but have a great warranty. I got them from Optics Planet. I use the Burris 2x7 & 3x12 ballistic Plex scopes on my 308 Encore pistol and a few of my XP 100's. They are a little much for a Contender.
Leupold scopes are great but only have one due to the price. It's on my 375JDJ Contender pistol but it came on it when I bought it. It is very clear and only use it on lower powers when hunting in the thick woods.
Hope you find what you want.
Mike