Author Topic: Scope VS iron sights (Read 521 times)

Ct Kid · « **on:** November 19, 2005, 02:54:50 PM »

Been scope hunting all my life except for three deer( shot gun).Have a 348 win ( browning) that with my reloads is very good ( around 2 to 4 inches @ 100 yds , peep sight)To me is very good. My problem is I hunt for meat. So should I chance it for nostalgia reasons or go for the proven rifle( with scope). But man it would be great to shoot something with iron sights to get back to basics. Thanks

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2005, 03:50:37 PM »

If you'll think about it, I bet the majority of the deer you've killed have been well within range of that iron sighted rifle?

targshooter · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2005, 04:27:50 PM »

Ct Kid,
A scope gives you the ability to define the target in heavy brush and poor light situations. If you are likely to not be trying to pull the trigger in these conditions, a peep sight is pretty good. I used a peep sighted .444 Marlin in the early 1970s, a peep sighted Marlin 1895 .45-70 in the middle 70s and a peep sighted Winchester 94 Big Bore in the closing years of the 1970s. I shot a total of 12 deer with these rifles. I did have to pass on some early morning shots and I was not in the woods at closing time trying to shoot a deer in the waning light. Nevertheless I managed to bag each of the deer with one shot, some of them snap shots in the middle of the day when I jumped them under pines or bedded in choppings. Lever action rifles sure handle great with peeps installed, quick to the shoulder and easy to carry.

ScoutMan · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2005, 08:01:26 AM »

CT,

You are getting good advice here. To crystalize the concept is thus. The chief attributes of the telescope are 1) single focal plane (target and reticle are in the same focal plane. 2)Resolution-The ability of the scope to distinguish the target from its background. 3)Light gathering. The ability to see your target earlier and later in the day. Against this are weigh and bulk. A scope with rings and bases will add about 1 lb to to the weight of the rifle, making it more "unhandy".

In my own case I 've gone with the peep or ghost ring to save bulk and increase "handiness". I have found that I can see my sights about 15 minutes after sunset. Thus the savings in weight are more important to me then focal plane, resolution and light gathering. Remember a deer or othe big game is a quite large target, so seeing it is usually not a problem. I've tested myself, and I can see my front sight about 15 minutes after sunset. A scope makes more sense, if you are shooting rats in woodpile or squirrels in an oak tree.

Ct Kid · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2005, 02:37:52 PM »

Thanks for the advice.It makes a lot of sense. I don't shoot early and I don't shoot after hours. Hunting is hunting and cheating is cheating. I have a couple more times to rifle hunt. I'll go with the iron sights. Thanks....