So, I've learned that I can't hit the broad side of a barn with Sasha if said barn is 100 yards out. 50 yards is no problem, and at 25 I'm actually semi-accurate.
So, I need to put a scope on her. M44's don't really have a place for a scope so there are two options.
One is to buy something like the B-Squared kit that requires a lot of tapping and drilling as well as a new bolt handle that bends out of the way. Not my favorite choice, but it does allow you to use copes that don't require long eye relief.
The other is a nifty little device that simply replaces the rear sight with a weaver style bar, no gunsmithing required. The drawback is that you need a scope with long eye relief. Not being a scope guy, I can't attest to the truth of the matter, but I've read plenty of reports where people prefer non LER scopes.
So, first question is, do I go for the "mangle the rifle even more" option or do the simple, cheaper option?
Second is, do I go for a scope with magnification or a nice, cheap red dot. Remember, my goal is to be able to defend my house, not shoot sub 1" groups at 1000 yards. I like the idea of a red-dot scope because (a) I can pick them up cheap and (b) I don't need to close an eye to use them. Also, the one I was looking at is 45mm which I think should be large enough to use at a distance (pseudo-LER). I would think that a magnified scope would be harder to use in the type of situation I would have to use it for. I'm not going to have the luxury of sitting still and setting up a bi-pod.
Any hints here? I'm still "new" to the rifle scene so take it easy on me!