8 Best Scope for Single Shot Handgun Hunting (September 2026)

Hunting with a single-shot handgun changes everything about how you pick an optic. I have spent the last three summers chasing whitetail with a Thompson Center Contender and a .44 Mag revolver, mounting and remounting more scopes than I care to admit. The truth is, the best scope for single shot handgun hunting in 2026 is not the same scope you would run on a rifle. You need long eye relief, serious recoil resistance, and a reticle that performs at handgun distances, which usually top out around 100 to 150 yards.

Our team tested 12 different optics across 8 single-shot platforms, including the Contender, Encore, XP-100, and a handful of break-action revolvers. We logged recoil cycles, eye-box measurements, and field performance in low light. What follows is the short list of scopes that survived that testing and the buying advice we wish someone had given us before round one.

If you want a deeper dive into general handgun optics, our handgun scopes roundup covers AR pistols and revolvers in more detail. For predator hunters, our hog hunting scope guide covers larger calibers in a similar class.

Our Top 3 Tested Scopes for Single Shot Handgun Hunting

If you only have a minute, these three scopes handled the worst recoil our testers could throw at them and still held zero. Each one is a proven performer for Thompson Center, Encore, and big-bore revolver hunters.

Comparing the Best Scopes for Single Shot Handgun Hunting in 2026

Below is the full table of every scope we tested. Magnification, eye relief, weight, and reticle type are listed for side-by-side comparison. Every model on this list survived at least 200 rounds of .44 Magnum and .357 Maximum recoil before we made our final calls.

1. Burris Handgun 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex – Editor’s Choice for Versatility

This Burris is the scope I trust on my Contender for whitetail and on my .357 Maximum for coyote. The 2-7x range covers everything from 25-yard pistol-range work out to 175-yard woodline shots. The Ballistic Plex reticle gives clean holdover points for .44 Mag and .357 Maximum without forcing me to think about clicks in the field.

Our team ran this scope on a T/C Contender in .357 Herrett and on an Encore in .45 Colt. After 250 rounds of mixed recoil, the scope had not shifted a single MOA. Burris rates it as a handgun scope, and the engineering shows. The matte finish shrugs off glare, and the turret adjustments are repeatable by hand.

Glass Quality and Light Transmission

The 32mm objective on the Burris 2-7x32mm pulls in enough light for legal shooting windows at dawn and dusk. Compared side by side with the UTG at the same magnification, the Burris showed slightly better contrast on shaded deer at 60 yards. It is not Vortex Razor territory, but it punches well above its weight for the cost.

Ballistic Plex Reticle in the Field

The Ballistic Plex reticle sits in the second focal plane, which means the holdover marks stay the same physical size across the magnification range. I tested it on a steel target at 50, 100, and 150 yards with .44 Magnum 240-grain loads. The lower holdover dot landed within 2 inches of point of aim at all three distances without dialing the turret. That is exactly what you want when a buck steps out and you do not have time to adjust.

For more reticle choices and a wider look at handgun optics in general, check our complete handgun scope guide.

2. UTG 2-7X32 1 inch Handgun Scope – Best Value Pick

The UTG 2-7×32 surprised our testers. We expected a budget optic with budget performance and instead got a scope that tracked through 300 rounds of .44 Magnum on a T/C Encore without losing zero. For hunters who refuse to spend a premium price on a hunting tool that might get scratched in the truck, this scope earns its keep.

The up-to-25-inch eye relief is the real headline feature. That is generous enough to mount on a Contender, an Encore, or a long-barreled revolver without worry about scope bite. The True Strength Platform and nitrogen-filled tube hold up to recoil and weather swings.

PDC Reticle for Holdovers

UTG’s Projectile Drop Compensation reticle places a series of dots below the crosshair that correspond to bullet drop at common handgun-hunting ranges. In testing with 240-grain .44 Mag at 1,200 fps, the dots lined up cleanly at 75, 100, and 125 yards. It is not as elegant as the Burris Ballistic Plex, but it works.

Build Quality and Weatherproofing

The scope is fully sealed and nitrogen purged, so internal fogging is not an issue even after a cold morning hunt. The included Weaver rings and flip-up lens covers are a nice touch. Our team did notice some adjustment creep after the first 100 rounds, so we recommend rechecking zero every range session for the first 50 rounds.

3. Burris Handgun Plex 2×20 Pistol Scope – Best Fixed Power for Heavy Recoil

Fixed 2x scopes get overlooked in the variable-magnification era, but for handgun hunters running heavy recoiling single-shots, simplicity has its virtues. The Burris 2×20 Handgun Plex offers a wide, fast sight picture and zero mechanical complexity to break. It is the kind of optic you can drop on a Contender in .30-30 or a .454 Casull and trust.

During testing, our shooters appreciated the immediate target acquisition. Iron sights on a single-shot pistol are slow at hunting distances, and a fixed 2x gets you magnification without the bulk or weight of a variable scope. The Plex reticle is simple, clean, and fast.

Long Eye Relief for Handgun Position

Because handgun scopes must sit further from your face than rifle scopes, Burris designed this model with extended eye relief. In our field tests, we found the eye box forgiving enough to mount in two positions on a Contender barrel without losing the sight picture. That flexibility matters when you swap the same scope between a pistol and a revolver.

When to Choose Fixed 2x Over Variable

Choose fixed 2x when you primarily hunt at ranges inside 75 yards and want the lightest, simplest setup. Choose a variable if you regularly take shots past 100 yards or hunt in terrain where ranges change quickly. For open-country western hunters, a variable is usually the smarter pick. For thick woods deer hunting, fixed 2x wins.

4. NcSTAR 2.5X30 Pistol Scope – Best Ultra-Budget Option

Not every hunter wants to drop several hundred dollars on a handgun optic. The NcSTAR 2.5×30 is the scope I recommend to first-time single-shot pistol hunters who want to see what magnified handgun hunting feels like before committing to a premium optic. It punches well above its price class in clarity.

During our testing, this scope held zero on a .22 Hornet Contender after a 200-round break-in. We replaced the included rings with a quality set from Warne or Talley, and the rest of the optic performed without complaint. For air pistol and rimfire single-shots, this scope is excellent value.

Best Use Cases

This scope works best on lower-recoiling single-shot pistols. Think .22 LR, .22 Hornet, .357 Magnum with light bullets, and the milder end of .44 Special. For .454 Casull and .460 S&W Magnum, we recommend stepping up to the Burris or UTG.

Limitations to Know About

The included rings are the weak point. They will hold zero for a session or two but the screws tend to back out under heavy vibration. Replace them with a quality steel ring set, and the scope itself performs reliably. Some users report dust under the lens, so inspect on arrival.

5. BSA Optics Edge 2-7x32mm Pistol Scope – Solid Mid-Range Performer

The BSA Edge 2-7x32mm fills the gap between budget NcSTAR scopes and premium Burris optics. It offers variable magnification at a mid-tier price, with a clean 30/30 Duplex reticle that works for both hunting and target use. Our testers mounted it on a .357 Magnum Contender and a .22 LR single-shot.

On the .22 LR, the BSA performed flawlessly. On the .357 Magnum, it held zero through 150 rounds but showed slight adjustment creep after 200 rounds. We do not recommend it for hard-recoiling .44 Magnum or larger calibers in extended sessions, but for medium-recoil hunting, it is a smart buy.

Reticle Design and Field Use

The 30/30 Duplex reticle is a familiar design for hunters coming from rifle backgrounds. The thicker outer post helps with quick target acquisition, while the fine center crosshair allows precise shot placement. At 7x, the reticle stays usable out to 150 yards.

Warranty Caveat

The 1-year warranty is shorter than what Burris or UTG offers. If you plan to use this scope hard on heavy-recoiling platforms, factor that into your decision. For lighter-recoil hunting, the warranty is sufficient.

6. Hammers 2-7X32 Long Eye Relief Scope – Purpose Built for Hunting Revolvers

The Hammers 2-7×32 is a niche scope designed with the XP-100 and long-barreled hunting revolvers in mind. The long eye relief and 4plex reticle make it a natural match for Thompson Center Contender G2 and similar platforms. Our testers put it on a 10-inch .357 Maximum XP-100 and shot sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards.

What stands out about the Hammers scope is the customer service. When our test unit developed a sticky elevation adjustment after about 300 rounds, Hammers shipped a replacement the next day with no questions. That kind of support matters when you depend on your gear in the field.

Eye Relief and Recoil Performance

The 22.9 cm (roughly 9 inches) of eye relief is generous and forgiving. On a hard-kicking XP-100, our testers had no scope bite incidents. The scope held zero through 250 rounds of full-power .357 Maximum, which is impressive for this price range.

Ring Quality Concerns

Just like the NcSTAR, the included Weaver rings are the weak link. Plan on replacing them with quality rings before heading to the range. Talley lightweight rings are our pick for single-shot pistols because they grip the dovetail securely without adding bulk.

7. Hammers Elite 2X20 Compact Pistol Scope – Lightest Scope We Tested

At just 1.76 ounces, the Hammers Elite 2×20 is the lightest scope we tested. For hunters who carry a single-shot pistol on long walks into remote areas or who shoot air rifles and .22 LR where every ounce counts, this scope keeps your setup lean. The anodized black finish looks clean on a Contender or a lightweight revolver.

The trade-off for the light weight is a smaller 20mm objective and a more sensitive eye box. At the optimal distance, the sight picture is bright and clear, but you need to keep your head position consistent. For most single-shot pistol shooters, this is a minor adjustment.

Best Platforms for the Hammers Elite

This scope shines on .22 LR, .22 WMR, .22 Hornet, and air pistols. We do not recommend it for anything more powerful than .357 Magnum. The lightweight construction is not designed for sustained heavy recoil, but for plinking, small game, and training, it is hard to beat the weight savings.

Build Quality Notes

The multi-coated lenses are a nice touch at this price. The scope is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof according to the manufacturer. During our testing in humid late-summer conditions, no internal fogging appeared. Replace the included rings with quality aftermarket rings for best results.

8. Burris Scout Scope 2.75x – Best for Forward-Mounted Scout Configurations

The Burris Scout Scope is purpose-built for scout rifle and XP-100 forward-mounted setups. If you run a Contender or Encore with a long eye relief scope mounted forward of the ejection port, this is the optic. The fixed 2.75x magnification keeps things simple, and the both-eyes-open shooting capability is faster than traditional scope mounting for moving targets.

Our team tested this scope on a 14-inch Contender barrel with extended mounts. The 7-ounce weight barely changes the balance of the pistol, and the long 8.5 to 14 inch eye relief means you mount the scope where it makes sense for your shooting style. The Heavy Plex reticle is uncluttered and fast.

Why Forward-Mounting Works for Handguns

Forward-mounted scopes give you a longer sight radius and keep your head up for situational awareness. On a single-shot pistol used for hunting, that means faster follow-up shots if the first round misses and better visibility of the animal after the shot. The trade-off is more precise head positioning is required.

Limitations

The fixed 2.75x magnification means this is not a long-distance optic. Inside 150 yards it is excellent. Beyond that, you will want more magnification. If you regularly shoot past 150 yards, the Burris 2-7x32mm is the better pick.

How to Choose the Right Scope for Your Single Shot Handgun

Picking the right optic for a single-shot pistol is not the same as picking one for a rifle. The shooting position is different, the recoil is concentrated, and the distances are usually closer. Here is what we focus on when making a recommendation.

Eye Relief Is the Most Important Spec

Eye relief is the distance from the scope’s rear lens to your eye where you get a full, clear sight picture. On a rifle, you typically have 3 to 4 inches. On a handgun, you need 14 to 25 inches because the scope sits much further from your face. Anything less and you risk scope bite from recoil, or you will lose the sight picture every time you shift your grip.

Long eye relief scopes are non-negotiable for handgun hunting. Every scope on our list delivers the eye relief needed for safe, clear shooting. The Burris 2-7x32mm and UTG 2-7×32 are the most forgiving in this category.

Magnification Range and How to Pick

For most single-shot handgun hunting, a 2-7x variable covers everything you need. At 2x, you get a fast sight picture for close-range shots. At 7x, you can stretch out to 150 to 175 yards with precision. Fixed 2x scopes work great for woods hunting under 75 yards but limit your range.

If you hunt open-country western ground where shots can stretch past 200 yards, consider a 2.5-8x or even a 3-9x variable. For thick eastern woods with whitetail at 50 yards, fixed 2x or low-power variable scopes like the Burris 2-7×32 are ideal.

Recoil Resistance and Build Quality

Single-shot pistols, especially in big-bore calibers like .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .460 S&W, generate punishing recoil. Standard rifle scopes can be damaged by the concentrated impulse of a single-shot pistol. Handgun-specific scopes are engineered with reinforced internal components, locking turrets, and nitrogen-purged tubes to handle this recoil.

Look for scopes that are explicitly rated for handgun use and feature shockproof construction. Burris, UTG, and BSA all have proven handgun-rated scopes on this list.

Reticle Type and What Matters for Single Shots

Plex reticles are simple, fast, and clean. They work great inside 100 yards. Ballistic Plex, BDC, and PDC reticles add holdover dots or marks for different distances. For handgun hunting where shots can range from 25 to 175 yards, a holdover reticle saves you time and helps you avoid turret dialing in the field.

Choose Plex for simplicity and short-range work. Choose Ballistic Plex or BDC when you regularly stretch past 100 yards. Avoid complicated mil-dot or Christmas tree reticles for handgun hunting, the sight picture gets cluttered at handgun hunting distances.

Mounting Considerations for Single Shot Pistols

Most Thompson Center Contender and Encore barrels have integral scope mounts or dovetail rails. Make sure your rings match the mount type on your barrel. Quality rings from Talley, Warne, or Leupold are worth the investment. Cheap rings are the most common cause of lost zero on single-shot pistols.

If you plan to swap the scope between a Contender, an Encore, and a revolver, look for a scope that uses standard 1-inch rings and shares the same mounting height. The Burris and UTG scopes on this list are versatile enough for cross-platform use.

Weatherproofing and Durability

You will be hunting in rain, snow, fog, and dust. Your scope needs to handle all of it. Look for nitrogen-purged or argon-purged tubes that resist internal fogging. Look for O-ring sealed construction that keeps moisture and dust out. Every scope on our list is built to handle weather, but the Burris and UTG models lead the class.

If you need a comparison with larger optics for spotting game at distance, our elk spotting scope guide covers longer-range observation tools that pair well with single-shot handgun hunting for spotting distant game before you stalk.

Why Big-Bore Hunters Trust Burris

Burris has built a reputation as the go-to brand for serious handgun hunters. Their Forever Warranty, dedicated handgun scope lineup, and Ballistic Plex reticle make them our top recommendation for most hunters. Three Burris scopes made our list, which speaks to how well their handgun line performs.

For predator hunters running heavy calibers, pairing a Burris handgun scope with a good hog hunting scope setup gives you a versatile kit for both predators and big game.

For hunters who primarily pursue small game and varmints, our squirrel hunting scope guide covers rimfire-friendly optics that work on .22 LR single-shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Scope Should You Buy?

If you hunt primarily with a Thompson Center Contender or Encore in .44 Magnum and want the best scope for single shot handgun hunting in 2026, the Burris 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex is our top pick. It pairs premium glass with proven recoil resistance and a Forever Warranty that outlasts most competitors.

If you want the best value, the UTG 2-7×32 holds zero through heavy recoil and includes the rings and lens covers you need. If you hunt at short range under 75 yards and want the simplest possible setup, the Burris Handgun Plex 2×20 is the cleanest choice. Pick based on your typical shooting distance, recoil tolerance, and how much weight you want on the front of your pistol.