Author Topic: Battery Life for Red Dots (Read 668 times)

Van/TX · « **on:** November 01, 2004, 01:42:51 PM »

So how many back up 3v Lithium batteries do you need for hunting a few hours morning and evening for several days? Do you leave the power on while you are hunting or do you turn it on only when you see something you might want to shoot.

Sorry for the dumb question but I've just started using a Red Dot. 58 year old eyes can't focus on iron sights and I don't think I want a magnifying scope for the short range I'll be shooting. Went to scopes on my rifles many many years ago

If you have first hand experience I'd be much obliged. Thanks....Van

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2004, 01:59:02 PM »

My hunting area usually consists of shots taken at under 60 yds. I take a look at several likely shot areas with a range finder, mark the dot on the dial for the ideal brightness for the smallest dot for these shooting zones, and turn it off. When a target approachs, and the noise of the red dot spooks them when turned on your screwed as the hammer cock will really send them.
Jim

crawfish · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2004, 03:19:45 PM »

I have two "dot" sights mounted a Bushnell Trophy and a EoTech Holograph (now also a Bushnell product). I always carry a spare battery with me. I tested them, with a fresh battery, in 35 deg temps. I turned on the sight to high and waited for it to go out this resulted is over 12 hours for the Bushnell and after 19 hours for the EoTech I turned it off. The EoTech has an auto off feature so I figure I have more than enough. BTY the specs on the sight say 340 hours battery life.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2004, 05:03:43 PM »

I leave mine turned off when in a stand. It only takes a second to turn it on. It is no different than drawing back a bow, time wise. I used one battery all hunting season without it going bad. I always carry a spare just in case. My red-dot does not make any noise when turned on and won't spook a deer.

ftw · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2004, 05:08:13 PM »

They last a looong time, but I always carried an extra battery.
I had a Accudot Red Dot Sight on my .41 mag Contender. I hunted with it at least two days a week from mid October to the first of January. I would adjust the brightness several times as the day brightened or darkened. I rarely turned it off while sitting in the stand and I never had a battery go out.
I always started the year with a fresh battery and like I said,had a spare battery handy.

A couple of times I opened the case to go hunting and the light was still on from the last time.

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2004, 05:09:42 PM »

its suprising that thers not a touch pad to turn them on an off like some of the laser sights that would the the best for the red dots

Van/TX · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2004, 12:15:54 AM »

Exactly the information I was looking for. I really appreciate it guys. Thanks

.....Van

S.S. · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2004, 04:28:34 AM »

I have one on my crossbow and it is the same battery
that I have used for the last 2 years. I leave it off in the stand.
It never hurts to have a spare battery though.

Bama76 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2004, 11:25:47 AM »

I agree slavage, I've wondered the same myself. It would make for a good scouting/exploring sight system. Really quick when you jump something, but not always on, leaving you with a dead battery possibly. Even for a stand hunting sight it would save battery life for sure. Hmmmm