crossbow scope

Jacobpoirier

Jacobpoirier

Regular
Rating - 100%
19   0   0
Location
kitchener, ON
Looking at upgrading my crossbow scope. Have a few on my list but can't decide. Shooting in low light so an illuminated reticle is preferred. Still using an old Excalibur Wolverine which shoots about 265 fps give or take, probably looking at a new Micro 335/355 in a season or two. I've heard many complaints about Excal scopes so I'd probably just sell whatever scope comes with it. So far I've looked at:

Nikon Bolt XR (no illuminated reticle)
Excalibur Twilight (bad reviews on excal scopes)
Hawke XB1
Hawke XB30 Pro (costs over $400!)

The Hawkes have a combined speed/magnification ring so it's really a fixed power scope if you want to use the holdovers. Nikon is similar, all the BDC rings change distances when you change the magnification so it can get confusing if you plan on switching magnification settings.
Any help/advice/experience would be appreciated!
 
I have the Nikon and it’s a very nice little scope. You have to experiment with the Nikon Spot On program to dial the yardage’s for the reticle but once you do that it’s a super simple, reliable scope. Far superior to the Excal ones,

Patrick
 
Patrick,
I actually have the Nikon Slug Hunter on my shotgun and love it. Software is easy to use. I'm just not sure about the non-illuminated reticle. I'm seeing all my deer around 5-5:30 right now and can't see anything in my scope by then. I've also read that it is ideal for scopes around 305 fps, but can handle anything under 350 with relative accuracy as far as the bdc goes. I'm most likely going for the Excal micro 355 as my next bow so I concerned about that, The price is definitely better, I think it retails for $220.
Thanks,
Jake
 
I put a 10 point scope on my old bow because it only had a red dot on it. It was a good clear scope. When I got my matrix I just left the Excalibur scope on. They are not great quality and I don't use the illumination because it makes things worse, but once its dark its dark. They are adequate enough to get to legal light. The Nikon is a nice scope to.
 
Just an update: Cabelas no longer has Nikons in stock, neither does Sail. Shooters choice has them, but they are $289.99. For that price I think I will continue looking and weighing my options. Again, any advice is appreciated!
Thanks
 
Being a gun guy first with only good quality optics on all my rifles I just can’t abide a cheap scope on my crossbow. Illumination is a feature that only works well on a quality scope. The Nikon is quite well made and has decent light transmission for when it’s almost too dark to shoot. The reticle works with all FPS speeds, you just need to use the online calculator and use that as a starting point for when you sight yours in. Good glass and repeatable/consistent adjustments trump illumination when it comes to a crossbow scope.

Patrick
 
For me an illuminated reticle is a must for early season when the leaves are still on with lots of shooting time in low light in the forest. I just bought a micro for this season and needed an upgrade from non illuminated. I drove to the factory and complained of inadequate low light performance of the original scope. They upgraded me to a tact zone for $90. I really couldn't ask for more from a xbow scope. It's compact, great light gathering lenses, adjustable for arrow speed and illuminated. If you decide you want a Hawke, check Alibaba where you can get their exact scopes without the brand name markings for less than half of retail. BTW don't bother to deal with the Excal factory directly unless you make it a warranty complaint. To protect their dealers they charge above retail price for simple purchases at the factory.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom