What do you like for a hunting optic with an illuminated reticle these days?

HighSpeedLowDrag2023 said:
Fair enough. Different strokes for different folks. I've looked through the trijicon credo 3-9x40 in store (though never owned one) and thought it seemed like a dandy optic for a lightweight rifle build where illumination was a requirement. Fits your budget, though I'm not sure if the top end power is going to be what you're looking for. (Actually, scratch that. 6 months ago they were going for $650-750. Now they're up to $1k)

Based on what you're describing, I would check out the Delta Titanium 2.5-10x50 or 2.5-15x50. Slightly larger objective lens than you're looking for, but good feature set for the price and the Delta optics seem to be quite highly regarded by the competitive shooting crowd. No first hand experience with them.
Click to expand...
Exactly what I came here for-the broadening of horizons. Never heard of them and am not likely to go to 50 for bulk considerations, but will definitely check them out!
 
Canada1812 said:
The 3-15 viper hd are actually a pretty crisp optic for around $1k.

The one thing that is kind of a bummer is the button for the illumination. While it is a vast improvement over the razers squishy/ mushy button. You still have to fully cycle the optic brightness levels up and down.

For example if you are on power setting 5 and want to reduce brightness and go back to 4, you have to push the button multiple times in order to increase the brightness to the max setting before it starts decreasing. Have to go all the way up in order to go down.

Other then that I think in is a decent optic choice. Glass seemed pretty darn good, and their warranty is the best in the biz. I'd try and compare it instore to the burris, leopold firedot, or steiner might have an illuminated model out as well.
Click to expand...
I was wondering where the illumination was after I didn't see the dial switch thing that is on my crossfire, definitely something to consider. Appreciate the the ideas for the competition-going to look into Steiner offerings as well
 
DGY said:
Why such high magnification for the distance you mentioned? Unless it is on a varmint rifle? What chambering are you thinking?
On most of my big game hunting rifles I have 2.5-8 leupold non illuminated but you can find them illuminated, and that is plenty for me on big game size animals up to 400 easy! Just asking cause you would save quite a bit of weight and it would be a lot more compact. Also at that magnification for the same price of a higher mag scope you usually get better components.
Click to expand...
I'm not exactly blind, but am a big proponent of the "aim small, miss small" mentality. While I hear you, and objectively something like 9x inside 300 yards is probably fine, and certainly inside 200, my personal preference is to be a little bit more confident in my shot placement before pulling the trigger, and the higher magnification gives me that higher confidence. It's a hobby that's meant to be enjoyed. Why add extra stress and anxiety when I can just crank the scope a bit more?
 
  • Like
Reactions: DGY
WeakKnee said:
I have a few Leupold VXR Firedot scopes and have been very pleased with the performance both on the range and when hunting big game. I had a battery contact break on one last fall, probably due to prior owner improper battery installation. I sent it to Korth/Leupold in AB and it was returned quickly, all repaired under warranty. Excellent service! WK
Click to expand...
Never heard of that line before, thanks for the lead!
 
na1lb0hm said:
Going to throw the Nightforce 2.5-10x42 into the ring. I know it’s outside the price range, but it’s an absolute gem of an optic.

All the right features, no fluff and SFP for bush busting.
Click to expand...
I'll look at them out of curiosity if I get a chance, because a few people seem to like them, but frankly I don't want to spend that kinda money on a scope, because I firmly believe that for my intended use much cheaper options will be plenty good enough
 
Terp312 said:
I'm not exactly blind, but am a big proponent of the "aim small, miss small" mentality. While I hear you, and objectively something like 9x inside 300 yards is probably fine, and certainly inside 200, my personal preference is to be a little bit more confident in my shot placement before pulling the trigger, and the higher magnification gives me that higher confidence. It's a hobby that's meant to be enjoyed. Why add extra stress and anxiety when I can just crank the scope a bit more?
Click to expand...
Totally agree! I was just wondering. For my self I like super simple stuff that are compact, somewhat light so usually my first choice is leupold 2.5-8x40 with no1 German reticle or no4 with those I can easily and confidently shoot at big games( mainly moose bear and caribou) out to 300m and even stretch it to 400 but I never had too, 280m is the furthest I ever had to reach for a big games so far!
Again it all depends what we like and what gives us pleasure in our activities! Nice wood, blue steel and light simple scope is what ticks it for me!!
 
LeoSky said:
Trijicon Credo 3-9x40 - excellent glass, illuminated reticle, weight is fairly light, and Trijicon scopes are generally considered to be more durable than Vortex or Leupold.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the lead, that particular magnification range is lower than what I'd like, but I am just beginning to realize that Trijicon makes hunting scopes too, that I will definitely check out!
 
Whichever you choose, if you have an astigmatism, make sure there is a diopter adjustment on the eyepiece to prevent a “star” or dazzling dot/ reticle. Remember that you should expect some blooming in low light conditions as well, with an increased illuminated area potentially washing out your view of the animal. Ask me how I know….

For your price range, a Center dot in a 4A reticle would be great. Burris, Bushnell, Vortex, all work.
 
I can highly recommend the viper hd in any magnification. I have or have had all three.

The bdc reticle is dumb imo. The VMR3 is awesome tho.

I also have a Razor LHT and its lighter but i like the viper hd almost as much.

I have also appreciated the brightness of the VX HD’s from 3-6. I have had a 3 and a 5 but aold them in favor of the razor and viper HD.
 
Terp312 said:
I was wondering where the illumination was after I didn't see the dial switch thing that is on my crossfire, definitely something to consider. Appreciate the the ideas for the competition-going to look into Steiner offerings as well
Click to expand...

The optic I ended up with is a Swarovski Z5i 3.5x18 with the simple plex reticle, ballistic turret, and the illumination dot in the center. Has + and - buttons for the brightness.... but is also a $2k optic
 
Strongly encourage you to take a look at the Hawke Endurance line of Optics. Bit of a sleeper on the Canadian Market. Their FD line has very usable daylight bright illumination while still having a very low settings for hunting down to last light. The glass clarity is excellent, far exceeding Leupold's VX-3HD with a wider field of view and better eyebox.
 
I have been using a Leupold VXR 1.5-4X on my main hunting rifle for about 10 years now I think.
I've used it from 13 yards out to well over 300 yards and from first light to last.
I have rarely used the lighted reticle feature because the scope is crystal clear and the reticle stands right out so i forget about it .
Cat
 
After last hunting season, I got a Tract 2.5-15x44. It's illuminated, and comes in MOA, MIL, and BDC options and the entire usable reticle is illuminated. They use schott glass and are made in Japan. They are comparable to the Trijicon offerings in quality and durability, but less expensive due to being almost directly from the manufacturer. They sell some 1" tube scopes as well, but are very nice. They'd be upper end of your budget, but if youre thinking vortex viper 3-15x44 then consider these too!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom