Curt,

They are useful in some circumstances. I took a leopard using the Trijicon 3-9X AccuPoint scope (it is always on). This scope uses fiber optic to conduct outside light, and has a tritium bead to illuminate the aimpoint when it is otherwise dark.

I have also tried battery powered units, and you have to make sure to turn the things off.

I haven't seen any that need the battery to display the reticle.

jim

I trust in Murphy and will pass on them, I really like to keep things simple in reference to my hunting.

This post comes up every few months, so I'll chime in with my 2 cents again...

The problem most illuminated scopes have, is that when it gets so dark that the illumination would really help, it also tends to wash out the sight picture. What is needed is just a tiny dot on the crosshair, anything bigger is going to work against you.