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Posted: 7/31/2013 10:27:01 AM EDT
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I've read the Optics FAQ and pages and pages and don't see much on hunting optics... I've never owned any hunting optics except traditional scopes.
I have my 2nd AR build on hold waiting for a 6x45 barrel. (6mm is the smallest diameter bullet that is legal for deer in my state of VA) Nearly all of my shots in the field come within 100 yards, sometimes to 150, but rarely. I might like to dabble in the 3-gun game at some point. I see a good number of AR Scope offerings from Nikon and Leupold but I'm thinking about something different. I've got lots of good scopes on bolt rifles... I'm thinking about some sort of red dot optic. I see the sky is the limit as far as features and price is considered. I'd like to stay under $500, if I can. A few questions: Are red dot optics used much for hunting? I see that the current offerings have dots go from about 2 moa to 4moa, and perhaps larger. I'm only "shooting minute-of-deer" but I want a dot small enough to be a bit precise, yet large enough to pick up the dot easily. What size dot should I be shopping for? How bright are these optics at dawn and dusk, when many of my shots are taken? Would a 2x or 3x work with a magnifier thrown in for longer shots? Any and all recommendations appreciated! thanks, Garland |
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Quoted:
Are red dot optics used much for hunting? I see that the current offerings have dots go from about 2 moa to 4moa, and perhaps larger. I'm only "shooting minute-of-deer" but I want a dot small enough to be a bit precise, yet large enough to pick up the dot easily. What size dot should I be shopping for? How bright are these optics at dawn and dusk, when many of my shots are taken? Would a 2x or 3x work with a magnifier thrown in for longer shots? -i use my aimpoints more often than not, particularly for night hunts -personal preference.... ontop of that my 2moa aimpoint is about a 4moa comet because of my astigmatism, i couldnt imagine a 4moa dot (8 through my eye). -they have adjustment knobs...so....change it to whatever is comfortable? -2x or 3x with a magnifier? what are you even talking about? a "2x magnification red dot"? there are no 2x magnification red dots because red dots dont have magnification. if you are talking about a fixed power 2-3x scope then NO, a magnifier will NOT work on any magnified optics. |
For under $500 you can't beat the Aimpoint pro for a red dot. That being said, for a hunting optic that will see most use at dawn and dusk I would recommend a low power variable optic, like a 1-4x. I have used my Aimpoint T1 for hunting...
...but I much prefer a magnified optic, especially in less that optimal lighting. 
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I have used several different red dot optics on regular hunting rifles and on Drillings. Docter Optic, Burris Fast Fire, Zeiss Z Point, Blaser Hit Point Pro, [made by S&B], and an EoTech.
I have used the EOTech on a 458 SOCOM to take deer at 132 and 142 yards, as well as coyotes and a bobcat under 35 yards, and a turkey at 24 yards. I have shot shot pigs with them and they work great on the follow up after dark with a light mounted to the rifle. I also recommend you have a good pair of binos, whether you hunt with red dots or a scope... |
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I have used red dots for hunting they are ok. I have eotechs on several rifles and I believe they have a 1moa dot in several different options with
one or more dots inside a 65 moa ring. The reticles have never been too dim or too bright at dawn and dusk for me. I have 3x and 6x magnifiers and both do help with longer distance shots. Red dots work well for certain applications but in low light scopes really help gather more light and identify a target better than red dots. I had a guy shoot a pig in the butt because he thought it was the head when he couldn't identify it in the lighting conditions, he was using a barska scope. If you want a lighted reticle try one of the Leupold VXR's I recently got a VXR 4-14 that is pretty nice Don't skimp on hunting optics they really do make a huge difference. |
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