I do not own an illuminated scope yet.

I was wondering if those of you who do are happy using the illuminated dot or reticle in day light?

I was thinking of purchasing a 2 mil Aimpoint red dot site for an accurate AR but the cost is similar to some variable power scopes that are illuminated, I was curious about your all experiences.

Andy

I've posted this a few times, IMHO the only illuminated recticule worth anything is a tiny red dot, the smaller the better.

When it is dark enough to need illumination, in my experience if the entire recticule is lit it washes out the image too much and you can't see what you are wanting to aim at.

Anyway, just my 2 cents.

Also, I had a cheapie red dot on a 22 and found if the sun was behind you the dot is pretty much invisible, so if you get one test it outside when looking away from the sun.

If you can afford it, an Illuminated scope that is bright enough to use in daytime, as well in low light is well worth the money.

Example I have a couple of different brand scopes, S&B and Swarovski, that have 1.1 or 1.5 on the low end. With the reticle illuminated they will work like a red dot.

At 4 to 6 power in low light, with the illuminated reticle, you know right where to aim, and right where you are going to hit...

If these features appeal to you, they are well worth the money spent. IMHO.

I have found them most useful to me.

quote:

Originally posted by Mark:
Also, I had a cheapie red dot on a 22 and found if the sun was behind you the dot is pretty much invisible, so if you get one test it outside when looking away from the sun.

Mark, no offence, but I think the KEY word in your post is "cheapie".

If you use a quality scope, or a quality red dot, you will not have any problem seeing the red dot in any light condition.

It will be bright enough at High Noon, and not too bright from dark to dawn.

465,

Are the illuminated red dots by Swarovski and S&B in first or second focal plane? Does size remain constant or increase w magnification? Has this been an issue?

The larger diameter aimpoints cover alot of target, so was concerned about that.

Ive shot non illuminated swaro 1.1 x 6 and love it but w exchange rate pushing it over $2,000 mark have not purchased one.

Anyone hear of used one let me know please!

Andy

I think you will get the best accuracy with a scope as opposed to an illuminated dot optic.

As for usefulness on an illuminated scope reticle; I would say limited. In daylight you don't need illumination and at night, if it's too dark to see the reticle you probably won't see much through the scope either. Illumination is useful though for perhaps around an hour at dusk.

Grumulkin,

For others who might post here, let me explain. I have found a red dot aimpoint to be a few tenths of a second faster to shoulder aim and fire my FN and AR than metallic sights. I was hoping a low power optic w red dot would be as fast in day light.

I already have a dedicated rifle with gen 3 plus, so dont really need the illumination feature for dusk/dawn. Use that primarily for coyotes.

Ia appreciate all your feed back.

Andy

Andy a low power scope with a red dot usable in daylight will be faster than the same scope without the red dot.

It is also much better for running game.

I have Some S&B scopes with the Flash Dot reticle and it works great.

I have some Swarovski scopes with the illuminated Circle Dot reticle. It is is the first focal plane. On higher powers I aim with the dot.
On lower powers when shooting fast I use the Circle. It works great too.

I have a couple of EOTech holographic sights. While they're not as precise as a scope they're definitely fast and usable in daylight. They'll also work with mud or snow on them as long as there is at least a little clear glass and your eye doesn't have to be perfectly lined up with them for them to work.

Burris signature with the e-dot reticle. Crosshairs during the day, and a small dot during low light. best combo I have used

I have a Nightforce 1x4 on my Sig 556 and it is good day or night. I really like it.

I have an illuminated reticle in my Swarovski 8x50 and Z6i 2-12x50. Different systems, but both superb, albeit bulky.