Illuminted reticle or not?
- Thread starter texas270
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I wouldn't pay extra for it. If the scope model only comes with it so be it. But It seems to affect my night vision even on lowest setting at twilight. I find it seems to add extra bulk to scope like I want another turret to get in my way. IMHO
Gene R
Gene R
FearNoWind
Well-Known Member
I agree with Gene. I've never been in a situation where I felt I needed an illuminated reticle and I wouldn't spend the extra money for one. If the scope doesn't come without it - well, then I'd probably accept it but I'd have to want that scope pretty badly.
NWmissouriman
Well-Known Member
You're going to get a lot of mixed reviews on this. I prefer to have illumination. It's better to have it and never need it than need it and never have it. I use the illumination on my scopes quite a bit. I also do a lot of coyote hunting in the middle of the night without night vision. I find the illumination really helps me at those times. I've also had times when I've used it on my deer rifle in the very early morning and right before dark. Some people are going to tell you it doesn't do any good at all, but for me, I find it very useful. I suppose it all comes down to what you're going to be using the rifle for.
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
Waste of money, IMO...Just more fancy-shmancy crap to break or tear up...
D
Deleted member 46119
Guest
I have some IR scopes. Seldom use it but when I need it nice to have.
Speedo
Well-Known Member
I shot a griz last fall I could see enough to make the shot but I couldn't see the cross hairs. Turned on the reticle and one dead griz about 50 yards from our camp, I love it.
Gus
Gus
Unofficial Gun Addict (UGA)
Well-Known Member
On those early mornings... and evenings... I've found there are times when it comes in handy. I'm not sure I'd throw down $200 extra for it, but if you are choosing between two good scopes... with like features... and one has it for an extra $100... I'd definitely take it. Black on black shooting is challenging sometimes and with 10 different brightness settings.... it won't blind you if you go lower... but it will allow you to know exactly where your crosshairs are when you have a very dark background. I have both and prefer illuminated (in a decent scope). Less expensive scopes... I'd rather invest the money in better glass.
azsugarbear
Well-Known Member
As most have indicated, this is a money question. If you can afford it - get it.
It's like the argument for high quality glass: you don't really need it as most shots are taken during daylight with good visibility. But just wait for that one hunt where it is the last day of a seven day hunt that took you ten years to draw when that huge trophy bull finally steps out in failing light at the edge of a meadow 600 yds away. What would you be willing to pay at that moment for better glass or illuminated reticle? If you're not a trophy hunter, it's no big deal.
But seeing how I am a trophy hunter and the unluckiest guy I know, I have illumination on most of my scopes. For some reason, these types of situations seem to follow me around wherever I go.
It's like the argument for high quality glass: you don't really need it as most shots are taken during daylight with good visibility. But just wait for that one hunt where it is the last day of a seven day hunt that took you ten years to draw when that huge trophy bull finally steps out in failing light at the edge of a meadow 600 yds away. What would you be willing to pay at that moment for better glass or illuminated reticle? If you're not a trophy hunter, it's no big deal.
But seeing how I am a trophy hunter and the unluckiest guy I know, I have illumination on most of my scopes. For some reason, these types of situations seem to follow me around wherever I go.
FearNoWind
Well-Known Member
You make an excellent point. Perhaps my view is born of the fact that my luck has been better.
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Unofficial Gun Addict (UGA)
Well-Known Member
Man... I hate to sound disagreeable, but on this one... I will be. Lots of great glass out there, even in top tier scopes, that forgoe IR.
No Fear in Accuracy
Well-Known Member
I believe it is worth it to have IR. I do have one and no, I do not turn it on every time I go hunting.
One time, the sunset was low, the trees and anything in the background were becoming darker. You simply turn it on. Worth my time and price.
If you plan to KEEP the scope for a long time then get IR.
One time, the sunset was low, the trees and anything in the background were becoming darker. You simply turn it on. Worth my time and price.
If you plan to KEEP the scope for a long time then get IR.
In my opinion most better scopes come with IR because I love mine and would never buy another scope without it! I've only used it a few times in hunting situations, but in shooting steel I use it a lot. I believe it's just another tool in the tool bag that makes your shooter life easier.
