My $.02--->(or $.03)
I currently own several(+) hunting pistols. A couple are not scoped and the majority are. The ones that are comparable to the Encore(which I own but in the rifle form)are the T/C Contender. I have a new(to me) one headed my way that is a Magnum Research,Lone Eagle.
I have been doing some (re)reading up on the LER/EER scopes that are on the market since it has been a very long time since I was in the market for one. I have since come to several conclusions.
1.There are more out there for <$150 than there are >$150. This to me, tells the real story of quality,warranty,durability,reliability,etc,etc
2. The reticules are pretty much the same(unfortunately).
3.The scope colors are all either silver(UGH!!),shiny(Here I am!!)or matte black.
4. Limited size objectives(for obvious reasons). Very few AO's(if you think you really need one). Otherwise parrallax free @ 50yds(close huh??)
5.Eye relief will vary quite a bit from scope to scope,but basically outstretched arms length back to as close as 12 inches.
6.Pay close attention to the scope's outer dimensions. Some are so small that you have to use the smaller(<.75") width rings.
IMO,pistol scopes have not come very far since I bought my last one. Well.........not very far except in price. I still believe,as with a rifle scope,that a vairable is the way to go. But with a vairable pistol scope it is important to determine if the scope will put the bullet in the same place when the power setting is changed. I have seen pistol scopes shoot as much as 4 inches different @ 50yds when cranked up from 2X to 7X. With my Leupolds the POI will stay the same.
I have seen written, some bad things about the Burris pistol scopes durability under recoil. Simply hearsay...yes.
Some of the $70 scopes will spin the glass or shread the crosshair wire. Some will loose their nitrogen. Of course, think about what calibers people are putting scopes on nowadays.
I have a scope ordered that cost $80. It has a glass etched reticle. I will see how this one holds up to the miniscule recoil of a .243Win. If it gets trashed,I will spring for another Leupold which will cost darn near as much as the pistol it will be mounted on. BUT.......when you mount a Leupold you can go ahead and use RED Loc-Tite on them rings(not really) cuz it will be there forever.
Good Shootin' -----pruhdlr