THE ACCURATERELOADING.COM OPTICS FORUM


Moderators: Canuck
Go
New
Find
Notify
Tools
Reply
  
Low Powered Variable that performs well
 Login/Join
 
One of Us
Picture of SempreElk
posted
In lowlight. Out of all the lowlight variables out there from 1x thru 6 which is the brightest with great resolution in lowlight conditions . I want something with a very good crosshair or aiming point that stands out in lowlight. I have Leupold,Burris,Sightron,Weaver and Trijicon all under consideration.
 
Posts: 1779 | Location: Southeast | Registered: 31 March 2003Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
Which is the "brightest", or which provides the best low light resolution? There's a difference.

The greater the magnification, the better the resolution, so long as there is adequate light. Of course, increasing the magnification also reduces the exit pupil (size of objective being constant), therefore reducing the "brightness". That is why the greatest magnification you can acheive and still maintain an exit pupil of about 6mm or so is what gives you the best resolution (of course, this depends on the quality of the glass, the coatings, and the physical qualities of the instrument all being "up to snuff".

Another important consideration is the distance at which you'll be shooting and whether the target is expected to be stationary or moving. European stand hunters like to use a relatively high magnification/large objective scope because they expect their quarry to be near stationary and at a known distance. On the other hand, if you are hunting in a dense, low light area for game that may give you a running snap shot, then the 8X magnification favored for stand hunting is totally inappropriate, no matter how good its low light resolution.

Among the brands you mention in the magnification range you specify, perhaps the Leupold 1.5-6x32mm would provide you with the most versatility. Burris is famous for the need for critical eye placement to attain the sight picture, so it would not be a good choice for snap shooting. I have no experience with the Meade-produced scopes sold under the Weaver name, nor with the Sightron or Trijicon lines. I'm sure someone else will have a comment on them.
 
Posts: 13263 | Location: Henly, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2001Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of SempreElk
posted Hide Post
I am going to re-edit my post since I omitted some other details . Thanks
 
Posts: 1779 | Location: Southeast | Registered: 31 March 2003Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
I would go with a 1.75x6 VXIII Leupold and might try the heavy duplex if you want a last of visible light shot..I have used the standard duplex but a friend loves the heavy duplex and seldom changes the power from the low setting for his woods and jump shots.......good luck and good shooting!!


bigdaddytacp
 
Posts: 687 | Location: Jackson/Tenn/Madison | Registered: 07 March 2001Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
What Stonecreek said.

You might also look at 4A reticles.

I think you will also find that Zeiss Conquest or Kahles KX will give you a big increase in the performance you are looking for for a relatively small increase in price (as compared to the increase in performance). Just about anything will work at noon on a sunny day. The conditions you describe are some of the toughest for a scope. A few dollars more may be well spent.

LWD
 
Posts: 2104 | Location: Fort Worth, Texas | Registered: 16 April 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of SempreElk
posted Hide Post
It's going on a BLR and I want something a little handier. I have the KX on a Sako 75 and it is a very nice scope. If they made that in a 1-4 that would be great
 
Posts: 1779 | Location: Southeast | Registered: 31 March 2003Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of 505ED
posted Hide Post
Out of the ones you commented on I'd say the Trijicon. If to pick one out of the crowd I'd say the S&B Zenith 1.25x4 or the Nickel magnum.

Ed


DRSS Member
 
Posts: 2289 | Location: Texas | Registered: 02 July 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
I have a blr in 358. I had no need for a big scope. I went with a burris 1.75-5 with fastplex lighted reticle in quick detach mounts. I set this rifle up as my for most anything rifle. The scope is plenty of power. I have no issue with eye relief very quick sight picture. I only went with the lite reticle for black targets in very low light. Like a bear at dark or pigs. I also have an older 1-4 leupold the burris is as bright if not brighter. Also any scope you get you will need at least medium rings if you have a newer blr. They don't make a hammer extension for for the new ones. With low rings your thumb won't clear the the eye peice of the scope. Learned that after everthing was tightened down.
 
Posts: 448 | Registered: 27 September 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of cheaptrick
posted Hide Post
Good advise has already been given, but here's another option.

http://www.swfa.com/pc-1966-219-nikon-15-6x42-monarch-g...30mm-riflescope.aspx

Edit to add:
I just reread your post, SE.

THE VERY BEST low powered variable?? Hard to beat this one.

http://www.swfa.com/pc-8862-258-new-zeiss-15-6x42-victo...0mm-rifle-scope.aspx


cheaptrick.....out!!
 
Posts: 238 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: 08 January 2005Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of The Slug
posted Hide Post
Nikon Monarch Gold 1.5-6, 30 mm tube. See this thread:

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1421043/m/505109637

I had pretty much the same set of requirements as you and am very happy with my choice. To get equal or better performance you'd have to spend a lot more.


-+-+-

"If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun." - The Dalai Lama
 
Posts: 731 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: 15 January 2003Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
The Monarch Gold 1.5-6x I have is the brightest night scope I have. I have a 1.75-6x Leupold, a 1.5-6x Sightron, several Conquests as well. It might look a little odd on a BLR however, a Leupold will look a lot more at home.


A shot not taken is always a miss
 
Posts: 2788 | Location: gallatin, mo usa | Registered: 10 March 2001Reply With Quote
one of us
Picture of Esldude
posted Hide Post
I have a Nikon Monarch 6x 42mm which indeed is very bright. But it has a regular duplex which will not do it in really low light.

Resolution by itself won't be an issue with good scopes. Your eye has lowered resolution abilities in low light levels.

Haven't owned one yet, but those Euro scopes with reticles that grow as you turn up the power really are that way for good reason. I would look at them, otherwise you have gotten some good suggestions here. I have looked thru them on other people's rifles, and I think I would try for a low power variable from one of the good Euro makers for this purpose.
 
Posts: 852 | Location: USA | Registered: 01 September 2002Reply With Quote
  Powered by Social Strata  
 


Copyright December 1997-2023 Accuratereloading.com


Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia