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Rifle Scopes Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

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GalvestonWader

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Dec 4, 2012
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Houston, Texas
Looking for opinions on a scope to go on a AR platform for hog hunting. My requirements are lightweight, good for very low light or night time conditions, illuminated reticle, 1-4 or 1-6 power range. I need to keep the price under 1k. All of my shots will be from 40 yds - 150 yds.

Ive looked at the Trijicon Accupoint 1 x 4. Its very nice and seems like it would be a good option but the reticle is not really "illuminated". It glows with the use of fiber optics if Im not mistaken. Does this mean that the reticle would not be illuminated at night? It has no batteries and no on/off switch per say.

Also checked out some comparable Leupolds. I like them as well.

Both are at the top of my price range. Just wondering if anyone has any actual experience with either scope, or any other suggestions I should look into?

Thanks in advance for any replys.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

The Trijicons have both fiber optics and tritium illumination. The fiber optics allow you a brighter lit reticle in lighted conditions and the tritium still gives you a glowing point in dark conditions.

I think there is a Trijicon 2.5-10x56 which is their super lowlight hunting scope.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GalvestonWader</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looking for opinions on a scope to go on a AR platform for hog hunting. My requirements are lightweight, good for very low light or night time conditions, illuminated reticle, 1-4 or 1-6 power range. I need to keep the price under 1k. All of my shots will be from 40 yds - 150 yds. </div></div>

For shots that don't exceed 150 yards I would be inclined to get a 2 MOA Aimpoint, like the PRO or the 2 MOA dot versions of the ML3 and Micro. An EOTech would also be an option. Those are all small, light, illuminated, and well under $1000.

If you want magnification, for night use I would be focused on scopes with good exit pupil sizes. A typical 1-4x24 has a 6mm exit pupil at 4x, which isn't bad, but 7mm would be better. Burris makes two 1.5-6x40mm scopes, an MTAC and an XTR, that will give you a bigger exit pupil at all magnifications (10mm at 4x and 6.6mm at 6x) and are also illuminated. Those would be worth a look.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

I do a lot of hog hunting with my 6.8

Skip the 1-4s with a 20-24mm objective

I run a 1.5-6x42 S&B
It is the perfect scope for the task.

I would strongly recommend you check out the Meopta 1.5-6x42

I have several Meoptas in right now and their glass is by far the best under 1k and hangs right there with the absolute best.

They have the illumination right for low light hunting.
All you want is a small, barely visible dot.
When it is dark enough that you can not see the deer or pig with your naked eye and you lose the black Reticle, the last thing you want is a bright reticle.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CanPopper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Trijicons have both fiber optics and tritium illumination. The fiber optics allow you a brighter lit reticle in lighted conditions and the tritium still gives you a glowing point in dark conditions.</div></div>

Good to know. Thanks.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ccoker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I do a lot of hog hunting with my 6.8

Skip the 1-4s with a 20-24mm objective

I run a 1.5-6x42 S&B
It is the perfect scope for the task.

I would strongly recommend you check out the Meopta 1.5-6x42

I have several Meoptas in right now and their glass is by far the best under 1k and hangs right there with the absolute best.

They have the illumination right for low light hunting.
All you want is a small, barely visible dot.
When it is dark enough that you can not see the deer or pig with your naked eye and you lose the black Reticle, the last thing you want is a bright reticle.


</div></div>

I am really trying to keep the weight down. I will be doing quite a bit of walking with this setup and dont want to big bulky scope.

As far as the illuminated reticle, I would like it to be adjustable brightness. The Leupold MK4 has adjustable brightness on the reticle if Im not mistaken.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

Thanks for the replys. Any other suggestions for scopes that would be good in my application?
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GalvestonWader</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As far as the illuminated reticle, I would like it to be adjustable brightness. The Leupold MK4 has adjustable brightness on the reticle if Im not mistaken. </div></div>

Most scopes with electronic illumination have adjustable brightness in a broad range.

The Burris MTAC adjusts from super bright to dim enough for dusk but not night time. I don't know about the XTR. Illuminated scopes I have from Weaver and Vortex adjust to very dim levels suitable for night time use.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

Adjustable brightness is standard

Yes
That is the one I am referring to.

I have ran just about every illuminated reticle scope out there.
Most are too bright for actual out in the woods hunting.


In fact, I am out hunting right now and will be testing the Meopta 3-12x56 4C this evening!
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

Thanks for all the replies and info.

Any other suggestions for a good quality 1 - 4 power for under 1K that I need to look at? My gun will be here next week, so I have a few more days to research any recommendations ya'll throw my way.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

The 1-6 SSHD illumination does a pretty good job for this sort of use, especially on 6X when the bright ring has disappeared, the illuminated lines in the center can be very dimly lit to keep from washing out the target and you still have holdover lines (can be very helpful especially for subsonic rounds).

That said, I agree with Charles--if low light performance is important, even the best 20-24mm objective scopes simply can't compete with a full sized scope. A 3-9X40 or 2.5-10X56, etc as mentioned will allow you to see the target much farther in much darker conditions than any of the 1-X scopes.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

Ok, so, am i on the wrong path here? I dont really want a full sized scope on there.

Every situation is different. Sometimes i can post up and shoot em over a bait pile at longer distance. And sometimes they are all around you and the need for low power quick shots is necessary.

What about something like an Eotech with a magnifier?

I already have some bolt guns with 3x9x40 scopes so didnt really want to go that route on the AR. Really wanting good light transmission with good close range and the option for shots to 150ish.

I dont know. I hunt a lot but kinda learning as i go with setting up an AR. I am open to other suggestions so keep em coming please. Thanks again.

Oh also i will have a light source on the gun as well. Something like a ND3 green light that i can use in pitch black dark, but hoping with good optics i wont need the light if the moon is more than half full. Please advise.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jon A</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 1-6 SSHD illumination does a pretty good job for this sort of use, especially on 6X when the bright ring has disappeared, the illuminated lines in the center can be very dimly lit to keep from washing out the target and you still have holdover lines (can be very helpful especially for subsonic rounds).

That said, I agree with Charles--if low light performance is important, even the best 20-24mm objective scopes simply can't compete with a full sized scope. A 3-9X40 or 2.5-10X56, etc as mentioned will allow you to see the target much farther in much darker conditions than any of the 1-X scopes. </div></div>

And the SS scopes are still unavailable.


I would look at the Meopta ZD 1-4, Leupold VX-R Patrol, Vortex Viper PST, and maybe a red dot if inside 200yds.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

If you can hunt with illumination check out the green LED lights from Selph Arms

That changes things up a bit.

I want my 68 as light as possible for out stalk hunting.
That is the gun I am running today.
So, I get what you are saying.

My advice is to keep the gun itself as light as possible.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

Galveston, I know you mentioned a 1000 as your price range, but for what your looking for the compact NIGHTFORCE 1-4x24 or 2.5-10x32 really fit the bill. They do come for sale used at times at a reasonable price, great lightweight scopes, variable illumination, great reticle selection and rock solid.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

Like someone else said here a 1,5-6x42.
That is not a full size scope, its really good in low light and still gives you decent close range possibilitys.
I wouldent be to bothered if its illuminated or not as that will not be the limitation anyway.
So a good german or austrian 1,5-6x42 is the solution.
A Leupold 3-9 does not play in the same league.

Trijicon is good but not in low light as the illumination is far to bright.

Håkan.
 
Re: Light weight, close range scope for low light cond

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mjh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Galveston, I know you mentioned a 1000 as your price range, but for what your looking for the compact NIGHTFORCE 1-4x24 or 2.5-10x32 really fit the bill. They do come for sale used at times at a reasonable price, great lightweight scopes, variable illumination, great reticle selection and rock solid. </div></div>

I would like to have the 1-4x24 NF. Its funny how I set a budget for myself but it always turns into "man for just a few hundred more I could have XXX brand". haha.

Im still looking and researching. Havent made up my mind yet.
 
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