illuminated reticles- Mueller Sport Dot or other?

[bluebayou]

Let me try a different thread here.  I posted before about a cheap, Clearpoint brand scope that had an illuminated reticle.  I was really kind of wanting input on night shooting more than input on the scope itself.  Does anyone have experienced with the Sport Dot?  I feel confident that Quick has one....

My concerns are:

Do illuminated reticles really work at night?  Wouldn't you still need a lightsource?

Do lens coatings matter at night?

Should I ask around one of the predator forums?  My FIL knows a guy who might take us coyote calling and I think that illuminated reticles are cool.  I tried a Bushnell Trophy Red Dot with different reticles and the parallax error made it useless to me.  If I had the cash I would go ACOG, but that isn't going to happen.  I am thinking the 3-9 Banner or Mueller for 30/30 or 357.

[quickdtoo]

I have several Muellers with IRs, but I've never used one at night for hunting, but I will say they don't have the tube glow typical of cheap IRs like the Leapers that I have, the entire inside of the tube is illuminated which I would imagine isn't good for night hunting at all, very distracting and probably washes out any view of the target.

Tim

[bluebayou]

The Trophy red dot had a rheostat to dim or brighten the crosshair and it could be dimmed to avoid what you talk about.  I would think that it was handy for lowlight, dusk shooting, but I can't for the life of me, see how people shoot at night without a spotlight.

[quickdtoo]

One that I've read of being excellent for night work is the Mueller 4-16x50 Sport Dot, the illuminated dot in conjunction with the german #4 reticle and 50mm objective makes a nice night combination.

Tim

[Wolfgang]

I have the Mueller (2) with the lighted retical the German style post and I love both of them.  I pitch darkness you wouldn't really be able to use either.  I also have the Tactical Model on my Savage .308 with the lighted Mil-Dot and with it's large objective lens you can see pretty well in darkened conditions but again in total darkness it won't work.  I think with some sort of external light source (bright moon, pole lights and so on they work ok) As far as the Muellers go though, they are a great scope for the money. 

Wolfgang

[bluebayou]

That's a good point about external light sources.  I tried a Bushnell Legend outside under the mercury lights and it was okay. 

[CelticCross]

Has anyone used or had experience with the "eraticator" varmint scope from Mueller?? I am considering it for my >204 and would love some input.

[quickdtoo]

Got one on my 204 Handi, great scope!! The dot covers about 3/8" at 100yds, X-hairs are superfine.

Tim

http://www.mizzoumuleguns.com/id12.html

[CelticCross]

Thanks Tim