Scope ideas in these light conditions?? Suggestions please?

[Sniper66]

I was squirrel hunting this week and shot squirrels with 3 different scoped rifles; a 22 with a Tract 22Fire 4-12X, a 17HMR with a Burris FFII 4.5-14X 42mm , and a 17Maxch2 with a Bushnell Elite 4-16X AO. The problem is shooting through sun-dappled woods, especially when shooting in the general direction of the sun, not directly into it. I know of course that little can be done if the sun is directly in front of you. But, my questions is, are there things I can do or scopes I can buy that reduce that problem? I plan to get sunshade extensions for my scopes, but anything else you might suggest will be helpful.

 

[redneck2]

At one time I was deer hunting, looking directly into the setting sun. My friend’s Redfield washed out from glare. My VX-R was perfectly clear.

Lens coating makes the difference. I’m surprised the Burris and didn’t do better. Not familiar with the others.

 

[Sniper66]

My problem is growing.....Sunshades are not easy to find. Tract doesn't make them and there are no known universals. Can't find any Bushnell shades either. ???

 

[BreechFace]

As @redneck2 stated lens coatings for glare are a real thing and do help. My Leupold's tend to do well in those conditions. I'll have to get my Burris Timberline out and see how it performs in those conditions. I would figure your Burris would have done better as @redneck said as well.

 

[jmorris]

My problem is growing.....Sunshades are not easy to find. Tract doesn't make them and there are no known universals.

Your in luck, this time of the year is perfect for getting that custom sunshade for any scope.

Your going to need the part of a roll of wrapping paper my wife calls “trash” and also a piece of tape commonly used with the other part of the roll.



They generally come in lengths that would make them suitable for all but a direct shot at the sun but can easily be cut to a more usable length...




The other thing I have done in the past is to walk radially around the tree until I am in a better position to get the critter but they often just oppose my movement and move as I do, trying to use the tree as cover and concealment. Around that time, I pick up a stick or something and throw it past the tree (on their side) and see if they will then move around to mine.

Merry Christmas

 

[Sniper66]

As I think back about my two trips with 3 guns and 3 scopes, I'm having difficulty recalling which scope performed in which condition. The day was brightly sunny with some wind so as I walked thru the trees, every step and head movement and gust of wind brought a different blend of sun and shade, when looking in the general direction of the sun. I still managed to kill squirrels with all 3 rifles. But, I also recall missing 2-3 shots that I normally make because visibility was affected by the sun. I do recall one shot with the Burris scoped rifle, but it happened to be with my back to the sun, so no problem with that one. I'll keep looking for sunshades.

 

[LoonWulf]

Gef a spare flip up cap, and drill a 1/8"-1/4" hole dead center the middle. Flip down when looking towards bright light, and up when looking away.
Its a unique issue for me as one spot i like to sit in the morning looks down a long ravine at a sharp angle directly into the rising sun, so didn't want shades etc.

You do loose some brightness, but its does alot ot help with light and flare.

Actually id forgoten i have a cap like that on my Midas BTR because it flares something awful.

 

[LoonWulf]

Id forgotten also that the hole in the cap trick works best at middling powers. Too low and you get a tunnel effect too high and the focusing goes to pots.









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[Sniper66]

Id forgotten also that the hole in the cap trick works best at middling powers. Too low and you get a tunnel effect too high and the focusing goes to pots.
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Now, THAT is a terrific idea. That's why I like this site. I always get good suggestions and ideas from you guys. Gotta go order some caps. Thanks a bunch.

 

[LoonWulf]

oh and to keep water and other crap out you can just shove something in the hole like an ear plug, or just put a piece of black tape across.

 

[Sniper66]

Will do and Merry Christmas......hope Santa comes soon!!

 

[troy fairweather]

My first year deer hunting I had to pass on a nice buck, had my commercial fn 243 with a k4 weaver. Late day walked over a bill to look over the top were deer always stay, nice 8 point and a few does. I pulled up and couldn't see a thing with the sun just behind the deer, I tried to get the sun behind the deer but couldn't. My dad was with me and shot the buck with his rem 141 35Remington.

coating really do help, but only do so much. Loonwulf got some good ideas there.