Crossbow optics
- Thread starter blargon
- Start date
Not sure if its an upgrade, I haven't used a tenpoint scope in almost 10 years but shooters choice has a couple different nikon 3x32 xbow scopes on clearance for more than 50% off. I've been happy with my nikons but no experience with their xbow line. Not much to choose from in the way of good quality xbow optics. I just stick with what comes with my excaliburs even though they don't have great glass.
I don’t know enough about the locations where you hunt, so I can only comment on my experiences hunting whitetails in the bush. Early season when the leaves are still on, or anytime it is clouded over, it gets dark in the woods much sooner than legal light. Before there is snow on the ground, it is very hard to put black crosshairs accurately on the vitals of a deer against a dark background, especially from an elevated tree stand. Also, my largest bucks have only come out in the last 10 minutes of legal light, after all the fawns and does filter through on the way to feed in the fields. This is why I prefer a red dot scope. At 35 yards or less, you don’t need any magnification, and a dimmable dot allows you to keep both eyes open and make a very accurate and ethical shot right up to legal light. Plus, they are smaller, and therefore easier to carry and tangle up less when walking in and hoisting up into the stand. The only downside is reliance on batteries, and forgetting to turn it off.....then the red dot is no dot, and you’re done. So I carry an extra battery, and always check the scope when unlocking the bow.
If you are hunting field edges or more open ground, or from a ground blind with some sky in the background, this may not matter to you.
If you are hunting field edges or more open ground, or from a ground blind with some sky in the background, this may not matter to you.
I think the Nikon is the nicest quality unit you’ll find right now but it’s basic and you’ll need to use their online calculator to calibrate the reticle marks. Compared to the made in China Excalibur, Tenpoint, Hawke and evening the Vortex, the Nikon is clearer, brighter and better made. I use it with Burris Signature Rings on my Excal Micro and it’s a nice setup, much better than the kit scope it came with.
Patrick
Patrick
mmcintyre1220
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Tillsonburg, Ontario
The tact-zone is a very slick optic. The BDC reticle was spot on for my matrix 380
Anyone try their newer twighlight scope for more light gathering?
I got the new twilight absolutely love the lighted crosshairs and large field of view ive owned every excalibur scope and by far the twilight dxl is the best one yet imo
Yeah ive been itching to buy one now getting that 2 weeks off every gun season might be tough. I may have to end up doing mostly weekend crossbow hunts so getting an improved scope might make the difference between getting a good shot or watching a dark blur walk out of range.
You won’t regret it. We upgraded the scope on the old Horton to the Nikon for $100. It’s a great scope and the hash dots line up very accurately at the 30 and 40 with our bow!
