I know a little about this topic, but have only limited experience with optics on mine, thankfully. It was getting expensive. The first thing I did was get a
Jack Weigand rail.
I started out mounting an Aimpoint CompC 2x with a 2moa reddot. This model only has room for one doublewide 30mm ring. The first time I fired the pistol, the single clamp screw holding it on the rail bent, barely staying on the pistol. I tightened it down, fired again, and again it came loose. That wasn't gonna work. I still haven't replaced that screw, because it holds firmly on my Ruger Mark III.
The second try at an optic solution involved a Comp 9000SC 2x with 1moa reddot. These scopes are a little longer, and have a section of tube to put in a ring on both ends. The rings were different for this one too. They come together from the sides rather than clamping the top ring down on the bottom ring that's already in place. They also clamp to the rail when you tighten them down on the scope. I don't like how I have to sight it in every time I take it off the rail. I also had to take a piece of plastic film to line the bottom of the rear ring because i ran out of vertical adjustment. I did get it working allright and used this setup for deer season '07.
I guess I feel like I wish I would have just bought the
factory offering on a base and rings, because they look to be the only ones made strong enough to feel completely confident your optic is secure. They're made by Warne, and are SKU#194570000 for the 1". I found they did have a 30mm at one time too but can't find them now.
This past deer season I went with open sights just because I didn't plan on taking a shot over 50 yards with the 500, and it was more fun to shoot, and lighter without an optic. I brought my muzzleloader along this year for any longer range needs.
I guess I don't feel like I've been much help to you here. I guess imho it's not the right tool for the job if you need to put an optic on it. I like shooting mine much more without an optic on it. Would consider making you a deal on an Aimpoint, rings and base if you're interested in trying my setup.
Got a find a powder funnel that fits? All mine are to "small" go figure.
Your right on! Size of kitchen sink!! After my last post I had typed before I thought. I just used my 204 powder funnel and it fit right inside the big 50 case..................just hate flake shotgun powder and static electricity, it sticks to the plastic funnel!!!!!!!!!!! 
