I need help. My situation is this. I just bought a Smith & Wesson Model 647 revolver (K frame) in caliber 17 HMR. I want to scope the pistol and use it mostly for Ground Squirrel Hunting here in western Montana. The ranges for the Ground Squirrels will be from 10 yards to 50 yards. If the Gophers are further than 50 yards I will use one of my Ruger 10/22 Rifles on them. So I have definite limits on yardage at 50 yards. I want a scope that will allow me to see these 2 1/2" wide and 8 to 9" tall targets and "draw a fine bead" on them so to speak.
My pistol is a stainless steel model and I want to go with stainless rings, bases and scope. The shop I got my pistol from was out of bases for my pistol and I need them also. I have seen the Leupold 2.5x8 EER pistol scope in their catalog but never in person. If anyone has any experience with it or has others suggestions I would very much appreciate them.
Also this Model 647 has a target width hammer on it and I was wondering if I will need a side extension for this hammer or will my thumb fit between the hammer and the scope allowing me to cock and shoot it single action?
Thanks in advance for any help.
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VarmintGuy

Varmint, it depends on how you are going to shoot. If offhand get a small fixed power of not over 2X. If you are benching the gun, you would be happy with the 2-1/2X8.

Bfrshooter: I should have mentioned that all my Ground Squirrel shooting will be from the roof of a flatbed truck over sand bags or from my rolling bench and a rest.
Thanks again.
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VarmintGuy

I've not used the Leupold 2.5-8, but I have used the Burris 2-7 pistol scope for several years now and have enjoyed it very much. If you have long arms, the Elite 3200 2-6 is another option as it has plenty of eye relief.

The Bushnell 2 x 6 Trophy is an excellent little scope with very long eye relief ; it would be a nice match for a .17 rimfire . If it would be possible to mount it forward of the hammer , you would eliminate any cocking headaches and I'm sure the eye relief would still be enough .........

I have owned two Leupold 2x and sold both as I require a better sight picture than they provided. I would suggest you consider a straight 4x or even a low end variable. Several are available that would be more than adequate. Bushnell 2x6, Burris 1.5x-4, Burris 2x7, Leupold 2,5x8 all would work for your intended purpose. With the higher magnification you could push your yardage out a little farther if you desired, the cartridge you've chosen certainly would be able to handle it. My suggestion would be to ck all scopes listed above as they come in different
length tubes so you can mount it properly and not interfere with your cocking the gun. BTW, I have used several scoped S&W's in the past and have never ran into a problem with the cocking issue but that may also be dependent on type of mount and height of the rings you decide on.

I have owned or currently own three of the four scopes I listed above. They are mounted on a variety of handguns and calibers. All have performed well and given good service. Any one of them would be a good choice.

Good luck and good shooting!!!

Varmint Guy,
I have three Leupold 2.5-8X scopes mounted on the three Bellm Triad Contender barrels. These are big capacity, big bore hunting barrels based on the 444 Marlin case. It includes a 7 mm, a 308 and a 358. All three are super shooters with the Leupolds and I highly recommend the Leupold as a good scope. One drawback is that the Leuplod 2.5 -8X does not have an adjustable objective lens. It is preset for zero parallax at 100 yds, and you may see as much as 1/8" parallax at ranges as short as 40 or 50 yds. I also have a Burris 2-7X on a 30-30 Contender barrel and a Burris 3-9X on a 223 Contender barrel. My overall preference is for the Leuplods.

Don Shearer

The problem with a variabvle is the weight and the window of eye relief. The Leupold is a great scope. Another suggestion was the Bushnell Trophy 2x6. This a great scope for the money. With a pistol scope brigtness doenns't seem to be a factor. That is where the Leopuld is much better. I like them both. I have the 2x6 Trophy on a big bor and it hasn't let me down.

Hcliff

Thanks all for the great tips and suggestions. I am saving now for a scope and only want to do it once! Thanks again!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy