Author Topic: What's your take on illuminated scopes?  (Read 449 times)

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Offline teddy12b

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What's your take on illuminated scopes?
« on: February 03, 2009, 06:01:27 AM »
I'm thinking of replacing the scope on my marlin 336W 30-30.  This rifle is more than likely going to be used again on a baited bear hunt in thick woods where it gets dark quickly.  I'm thinking 2-7 or 3-9 power range and I've been trying to find something that had some illumination in it.

Does anyone have any preferences?

Offline Syncerus

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Re: What's your take on illuminated scopes?
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2009, 06:26:20 AM »
I have a Nikon illuminated scope, and I'm not really impressed with the optics. They are noticeably poorer than the ones on the non-illuminated models. That said, the illumination works perfectly, and the scope is really designed for close ranges. I'm ambivalent on the issue.

One thing. If you do get an illuminated scope, buy one with both red and green illumination. If you use a red light (legal where I live), the red reticule will wash out; the green does not.
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Offline youthpastorjon

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Re: What's your take on illuminated scopes?
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2009, 06:37:42 AM »
I have illuminated scope and also a illuminated red dot.  Both are nice for low light conditions but if you aren't planning on shooting far as you hunt the bear you may just condsider a red dot. 

Offline teddy12b

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Re: What's your take on illuminated scopes?
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2009, 07:38:37 AM »
I have illuminated scope and also a illuminated red dot.  Both are nice for low light conditions but if you aren't planning on shooting far as you hunt the bear you may just condsider a red dot. 

I know what you're saying about the red dot sights.  The problem I have with them is that they all have big dots that can block a lot of the target.  Most models the dot is anywhere from 1 MOA to 4 MOA and they're just not as accurate as a set of crosshairs.  I know it'd be awesome for a close shot, but there may be a 100 or 150 yard shot getting to the stand also.

Offline Davemuzz

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Re: What's your take on illuminated scopes?
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2009, 10:27:50 AM »
I have a Bushnell Banner 3-9 50mm  that I have mounted on my H&R 22 magnum. I use my 22 mag for night hunting fox....so I wanted a scope with a large objective lense for light transmission, and since I'm hunting at night with a red light, the illuminated X-hairs are kind of a must.

I think this little scope is a gem. The glass is clear and it picks up my targets with the night lights I use. I've had this mounted to a .308 for a short time as I though the .308 scope that was on it was bad. the Banner held up to the .308 recoil for the 30 or so rounds I put down it, and never flinched from it's zero.

And for the $115 price....I don't think you can go wrong.

Dave