Author Topic: Opinions on optics for hunting (Read 1619 times)

jaybird · « **on:** August 30, 2008, 03:19:51 AM »

Greetings,

I recently purchased a cheap tasco scope for my sbh hunter. I have put hundreds of hunting rounds through the gun since attaching the scope, and it has held a zero to this point. The problem is, it is very difficult to see under low light conditions. I would like to have either a scope or a red dot on this gun for hunting, but I want something that will allow for quick target aqcuisition under low light conditions. Would I be better off to purchase a quality scope, or would a good red dot be better? Or am I better off just to use the open sights?

Thanks,
Jim

barber · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2008, 05:12:28 AM »

I have a couple TC 'scopes and some Red Dots, I prefer the Red Dots, up to 100 yards, I use the scoped guns for distances farther.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2008, 06:16:30 AM »

I have handguns with scopes, red-dots and iron sights. My scoped guns are for long distance shooting. My red-dot sights are for my 100 yard and under shooting, and in low light conditions. My iron sights are for under 50 yards, and I can see the sights in low light conditions, but not to low.

For me iron sights or red-dot are best for quick target acquisition under low light conditions, the red-dot just extends that time in low light conditions a little longer.

Catfish · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2008, 07:11:53 AM »

The fastest and best sight in low lite are iron sights. I don`t like the Red Dot scopes because the aim point moves around in them, but that`s personal, and they are far better in low lite than a scope. When it come to scope I won`t use any thing cheaper than a Leupold and the scope that cost more are to over priced for me.

odoh · « **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2008, 07:34:33 AM »

Of the RDs, my preference is w/those that I can control dot intensity. W/the smaller/lighter wgt dots using auto brightness feature, it can overcome the target. Ultra Dot series provide user input, Burris FastFire and JPoint doesn't and can flair the dot. YMMV

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 30, 2008, 10:36:14 AM »

Quote from: Catfish on August 30, 2008, 07:11:53 AM

The fastest and best sight in low lite are iron sights. I don`t like the Red Dot scopes because the aim point moves around in them, but that`s personal, and they are far better in low lite than a scope. When it come to scope I won`t use any thing cheaper than a Leupold and the scope that cost more are to over priced for me.

As for the red-dot point of aim moving around in them, what red-dots do you shoot? I have Ultra-dots and Eotech and even if the dot is not centered the bullet will go where the dot is on the target. You must be shooting some cheap red-dots.

Swampman · « **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2008, 10:41:05 AM »

Consider the Leupold M8-2x20mm EER. It's the best pistol scope you can buy IMO. Midsouth Shooters Supply or Natchez has great prices.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2008, 10:46:45 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on August 30, 2008, 10:41:05 AM

Consider the Leupold M8-2x20mm EER.

I am a Leupold scope fan, big time, I have a 2x on my BFR in 45-70 and a 2.5X8X32 on my Encore 475 Linebaugh pistol barrel.
As much as I like the Leupold scopes, they are not fast target acquisition under low light conditions.

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2008, 02:49:58 AM »

Is anyone here using the Holograpic sight in the mid-price range of $80-$135? (any brand)
I have been considering scoping the BH for the late season.

blhof · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2008, 09:27:09 AM »

I tried a cheap holo-sight, generic brand on my 357max; recoil loosened the battery cover and turned off the sight. A friend has the Burris holo and it's held up to loads of hot 45's in a Blackhawk

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 31, 2008, 12:15:46 PM »

Quote from: glanceblamm on August 31, 2008, 02:49:58 AM

Is anyone here using the Holograpic sight in the mid-price range of $80-$135? (any brand)
I have been considering scoping the BH for the late season.

I don't know of many Holographic sight in the mid-price range of $80-$135. But you can get a good Ultra-dot in that price range and they are great red-dots. They hold up to my 500 Mag with over 3000 rounds down the tube.

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #11 on:** September 01, 2008, 02:36:15 AM »

Thanks Redhawk1, I will check some out soon.
I still have some misconceptions on the usage...a Holo sight is suppose to be a (two-eye) operation where one looks through the window making sure to focus on the target and if all is well, sees the dot projected out there??? I tryed one at a gun show recently but could not get it to do that.

The Ultra Reddot operates on the same principal as one is to keep both eyes open, look through, and see the Dot out there with the target or can we simply focus on the Dot and cover up the target with it using just one eye if necessary???

The cheap ole BSA reddot continues to get bad reviews but yet they continue to manufacture & sell with some, but not all users being satisfied. Are we using these sights correctly or in other words, is there a defined procedure for a Halo and a Redot???

odoh · « **Reply #12 on:** September 04, 2008, 07:00:34 AM »

The non-magnifying nature of most holos and red dots seems to enable both eyes open shooting w/o giving it a thot. The technology so intuitive one sees target, dot quickly w/o squinting an eye.

Suppose, for sake of discussion ~ if it were a laser sight, would you paint the red dot on target and then squint one eye? The thot wouldn't even cross ones mind. Not much different w/holos or dots.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 04, 2008, 12:32:41 PM »

Quote from: glanceblamm on September 01, 2008, 02:36:15 AM

Thanks Redhawk1, I will check some out soon.
I still have some misconceptions on the usage...a Holo sight is suppose to be a (two-eye) operation where one looks through the window making sure to focus on the target and if all is well, sees the dot projected out there??? I tryed one at a gun show recently but could not get it to do that.

The Ultra Reddot operates on the same principal as one is to keep both eyes open, look through, and see the Dot out there with the target or can we simply focus on the Dot and cover up the target with it using just one eye if necessary???

The cheap ole BSA reddot continues to get bad reviews but yet they continue to manufacture & sell with some, but not all users being satisfied. Are we using these sights correctly or in other words, is there a defined procedure for a Halo and a Redot???

There is no dot projected out there on a red-dot. That would be a lazer sight. On holo sights as well as red-dot, the dot is projected in the sight only. Both eye's open is the norm for the holo and red-dots.

The dot size can be different from red-dot to red-dot. 2MOA, 4 MOA, 6MOA, 8MOA, 10MOA. I prefer the smaller dots. I can pin point where I want to shoot with a smaller dot.

Ladobe · « **Reply #14 on:** September 04, 2008, 02:04:37 PM »

I always preferred low magnification, big glass scopes for handgun hunting. They offer very fast target acquisition even in low light, and are easy to use with both eyes open as they should be IMO. Ranges could be from in your face to cross canyon where I hunted mulies and elk in the Rockies, and usually running shots on small game, so the scopes were a better compromise than either open sights or red dots for me. But unfortunately what I considered the best of those scopes is no longer made - the Tasco Pro Class. These were big scopes with 30mm tubes, big glass, a great tapered crosshair dot that was very easy to see and get on target and they take the punishment of even the biggest handcannons. 1.5-4X, 2X, 4X and 6X all had their places and I've used them all on my hunting revolvers and specialty pistols. Luckily I still have a good supply of the 4X and 6X with spares, as they are still what works best for me for jump shooting.

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #15 on:** September 05, 2008, 01:35:48 AM »

I knew that these were not lazers but wanted thoughts on the (Appears To Project The Dot Out On The Target) thing and
The opinions of those who use them. I was especially watching for (what not to do) advice.
Thanks for the clarification...I have the mount but the jury is still out on the sight and I could very well go with conventional glass.

A little Holo would be nice due to its profile but we want some quality for sure and the prices quickly catch up with and pass conventional quality scopes.
The Ultra dot seems to be a good compromise but am still thinking on it as said.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 05, 2008, 01:51:18 AM »

glanceblamm, ultra dot makes a holo sight. It is smaller and less expensive then the Eotech holo sights. Ultradot Pan AV

http://www.ultradotusa.com/ultradot_dist_2008_007.htm

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #17 on:** September 05, 2008, 01:57:29 AM »

Sweet looking little piece of glass...Thanks for the link.

hoggunner · « **Reply #18 on:** September 05, 2008, 03:37:22 AM »

I have a bushnell holo site on a ragging bull 44 mag. It is the cats meow for fast shooting in any light. 250 bucks and never look back. I had mine on my turkey gun and this revolver with many hard banging loads and it has never lost zero. At 100 yrd i can hit the flat of a paper plate using shooting sticks and my but on the ground (like I was hunting) 5 out of six times. with practice I will be doing it 6 out of 6 times. never had a better site on a hand gun, but would limit my shots to 100 yrd with no magnifaction.
Hoggunner

jthomast · « **Reply #19 on:** September 09, 2008, 01:42:00 PM »

check out Sightron red dot the best

Doe · « **Reply #20 on:** September 09, 2008, 04:32:31 PM »

{ONERAGGED HOLE} with a fiber optic front sight.. U can't beat that!!! Fast as a red dot and good as a scope.