Red Dots or other Illuminated scopes on hunting rifles?

[ArmedBear]

I am talking about a very specific situation: Hunting for deer at ranges less than 150 yds, in poor light, and moderate cover, from a fixed position.

Sorry I contributed to thread drift.

I have a 2X Leupold scope on a .22 pistol for shooting 25 yard matches in a poorly-lit range. I find that a 2X scope, with a regular black reticle, works EXTREMELY well to help my eyes see the target in low light. With both eyes open, the 2X magnification is not enough to be distracting. Seeing the standard crosshair doesn't seem to be a real problem, even on a black background.

An illuminated reticle might help, or it might get in the way of your seeing much in low light. A little dot in the middle of the crosshairs, or something like the ACOG, could help you see the reticle. Any more, and I think you might see a lot of reticle and not much else.

Have you considered an IER ("scout") scope?

What I like about the 2X pistol scope is that I can really use both eyes -- a lot better than I can with any scope that's close to my right eye, including a red dot.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

An illuminated reticle might help, or it might get in the way of your seeing much in low light.

The reticle I am liking (from photos) is the German #4 reticle, which has a red dot in the center of black crosshairs. I think that would work pretty good. What are your thoughts on it? I see what you are saying about not wanting to obscure your target with a lot of illuminated crosshairs.

 

[ArmedBear]

Never used anything like that in the dark. Seen them, or something like them. They do seem like a good option, especially if you have the option to dim the dot down to where it's just bright enough to be useful.

I really think that, in low light, keeping both eyes open and using them, and keeping them adjusted to ambient light, is important.

 

[MCMXI]

My M21A5 EBR wears a Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm LR/T M2 Illuminated TMR Reticle. I am considering the Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR/T M2 Illuminated TMR Reticle for one of my MK14s

I have the same 3.5-10x40mm but in black ... a truly excellent scope. As for your other choice, that's a great scope too and I considered it for an AR but most likely I'll go with the Burris (ArmedBear's good CS experience is encouraging). I have two of the non-illuminated 1" versions on my Marlins ....

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/pro...t-riflescopes/mark-4-1-5-5x20mm-mrt-one-inch/

... but I have zero complaints with that set up.

The reticle I am liking (from photos) is the German #4 reticle, which has a red dot in the center of black crosshairs.

That's the reticle that the Bushnell has (the one in the link that I posted)!! The heavy posts will stand out against brush, trees etc., but if you need more contrast, turn on the illuminated dot ... as I said, this would be a great choice for ANY hunting rifle, particularly if you use the MPBR approach rather than holdovers.

 

[ArmedBear]

particularly if you use the MPBR approach rather than holdovers.

That would be key. And therefore, it's only worthwhile with some calibers.

But since the question is about a certain hunting spot with 100-150 yard shots, though, it shouldn't be a problem here, one way or another.

 

[MCMXI]

But since the question is about a certain hunting spot with 100-150 yard shots, though, it shouldn't be a problem here, one way or another.

True, but the point I was trying to get across is that the Bushnell would work well for the OP's specific set of requirements and in addition, wouldn't limit him if his requirements changed, the way that for example a 4MOA red dot might.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

1858,

With the reticle you show above, if the battery runs out or the electronics get otherwise screwed up, the reticle will still be seen when you look through the scope, and still be usable, right? In other words, is the red dot the only part of that reticle that is electronically generated?

 

[MCMXI]

Exactly ... and the heavy #4 posts will help in low light, low contrast conditions too.

 

[amprecon]

To each their own, but I think for the situation the OP described, which was the same as mine, a red dot would be a good enhancement. As I stated before I like the Aimpoint single dot sighting system. I looked at the EoTechs and found the "circle-of-death" distracting and found myself looking at it rather than the target. I believe a lighted crosshair or dot inside a crosshair would also be distracting. I also don't believe there's a field of view issue with the Aimpoint. When you put the rifle up you don't even notice the sight, a red dot just magically appears on your target and with both eyes open you can pretty much see everything in front of you. If you can see it, you can probably hit it. But YMMV.

 

[Maverick223]

and the heavy #4 posts will help in low light, low contrast conditions too.

Agreed, nowhere near my favorite reticle, but IMO it is better than a duplex or fine and should work out great for the OPs use.

Wanted to add that No. 4 German is my favorite hunting reticle though (for deer and the like)...and that is what we are discussing.

 

[d2wing]

I have tried both red dots and illuminated reticle scopes. In low light I could not see the target. Sub zero temperatures did not bother any of them. I did shoot nice deer with them and you might like them. I agree that they are not real accurate and wash out low light vision but may help if like me, you can no longer use iron sights due to vision loss. I prefer a good scope like a Leopold or Nikon though.

 

[Ron Go]

I bought the Aimpoint Micro for hunting. I use it on my shotgun using slugs for range up to about 75 yards and when I get a slug barrel will be able to move that up to at least 150 yards or more.

The Aimpoint Micro (I got T-1 since they didn't have the H-1 in stock) has a red dot and can work with one or both eyes open. It uses a battery but is lasts for 5000 hours at power setting 8 so I can leave it on for a few years or I can turn it on at the beginning of the season and turn it off at the end without worry of failure. It is also waterproof to 80 feet so I do not worry about condensation or rain. The battery life was the reason I went with Aimpoint versus other red dots.

It is 1x power and 4 MOA which is just fine for that distance abd gives quick acquisition in woods and other environments. It is adjustable for windage/elevation. It is expensive though which is the only setback.

Hope it is helpful.

 

[rangerphil]

I have hunted wild boat at night for the past 15 years. In my opinion, the Burris 3x9x40 Electrodot is the perfect option for your needs. They are about $325-350 from the major internet vendors. The dot is very small and has two intensity levels. The nice thing is that you still get all the magnification of a rifle scope but can turn on the red dot when lighting gets challenging. Try one, I promise you won't be sorry.

 

[LEVRLOVR]

The Burris Electro-dot is a great scope.

Just a pin prick of red at the center of the crosshair not overpowering.

Stay away from the non magnified red dots for actual hunting, the do not gather light but rather impede it, making early morning and late afternoon hunting nearly impossible.