Rifle Scopes How often have you needed illumination in competition?

[ChrisAU]

I’m pretty new to competition stuff but a long time hunter. I have an NRL22x and an NRL Hunter match under my belt, and I’ve RO’d a gas gun match. I built a 6GT that I want to start doing some single day matches with and I need to glass it. I’m in the Burris XTR III price range on it, and I’m wondering if the illumination is worth it? I’d be fine with the regular SCR-MIL and think I may prefer it as I dial elevation 100% of the time. This rifle will be 100% competition only - so is there a point in illumination?

 

[ECK]

I haven’t shot any matches where I needed an illuminated reticle, but then again I haven’t shot any 2-day matches where the first stage is pretty early or last stage is late in the day.

I will say that even though I dial whenever I can, I find myself holding over more when I’m concerned that I won’t have time to dial. That being the case, the SCR2 reticle is pretty handy when you have to hold for elevation and wind. My first scope didn’t have the tree reticle and there were a number of stages that the lack of one was a handicap.

 

[camocorvette]

Only used it once. Couple times early it could have been helpfull. But yeah I don't think it's necessary; but can be nice to have.
Shot a rimfire night match shot under red lights only. Then obviously illumination was necessary.

 

[Rob01]

I use illumination from time to time. It helps when shooting into darker areas or on shot up targets to get a better aiming point. No reason not to get a scope with it now.

And if you are using it in matches you will eventually want/need to use the reticle for holds. Buy one of the XTRIIIi 5.5-30x56 with the SCR-2 reticle. You will have the illumination if needed and then have the tree reticle when you do find the needs to hold. And if you are shooting NRL22x you will. Some stages require it.

ETA: check with Scott @LibertyOptics for an excellent price on the Burris. Put it in the cart for the price.

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[wpeach1912]

Never. PractiScore says I’ve been to 36 matches, and I think a few aren’t included or from pre PractiScore times. Most are PRS and a few are NRL Hunter. Only time I could/would have possibly used it is at a night match. XTR3i illumination isn’t bright enough to see in almost any daylight conditions. Idk if the Pro is different.

 

[Baron85]

I have never used illumination in a match yet. I don’t even have batteries in my XTR Pros. I did put a battery in my first Pro just to check it out but it was definitely not daylight bright.

And check out Liberty Optics for the best price and best service on optics

 

[Hickswr]

My XTR3i is daylight bright but I’ve never needed it in a PRS comp.

 

[ChrisAU]

Well found a deal on a XTR 3i in the classifieds so I’ll have it if I need it. My quandary was over the Made in USA SCR MIL from Doug or an illuminated SCR-2.

But back on topic, weather was awful dreary and dark and rainy last week at the NRL Hunter match at the Arena in GA and I never once thought I needed illumination on a Trijicon Tenmile 3-18x44. Hunting I have definitely been glad to have it at last light. Just new to the comp world. Never even heard of a night match ha, that would be fun though.

 

[Rob01]

Used to have night matches and stages years ago. It was fun shooting night movers.

And using the illumination is not always about needing it or you can’t see the reticle but using it to be able to see the reticle better and make the shot faster. Seems like people talk down illumination and have never tried it. It needs to be tried to be appreciated.

 

[6.5SH]

Night matches and when target was in shadow and bad lighting angles. As your eyes change as you get closer to your 60's you'll find it is nicer to have it than not.

 

[Max_trax]

Yeah beyond just match use too, plinking/training on steel with a bunch of leafless bushes and tree branches in the background during the winter, illumination is a great option to have. The only time I would recommend going without illum is if you were truly scraping every nickel together on a build and going with something like a Vortex Venom was the max budget someone had.

 

[CK1.0]

I've used the illumination once, GAP Grind 2021 in pouring freaking rain shooting targets at ~800 yards on the backside of K&M, off their second-story tower with the targets down the hill. I could see the targets better than the spotter (or anyone else on glass using binos) and no one wanted to get soaked and go prone in 6" of water next to me to use a scope for some reason lol.

No freaking way I would have been able to make out the reticle in those conditions without illumination, but that was a pretty extreme case, guys were getting pissed (including me) because the spotters were useless and guys on glass/binos couldn't call impacts...

 

[drglock]

3 times in the past year , twice on the same stage same range but different months. 22 match with the targets back in the trees. Heard a few guys in my squad grumbling about not having batteries in their scope. So much so one was my ride. First thing we did when we got to my house was put a battery in it. Remember it’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

Almost never. If you can save significant cash (like leupold), and that cash matters or can be used for something else productive, feel free.

Otherwise, just get the illumination and keep a spare battery in your pack.

Night matches and dark areas and it will come in handy. But you'll also have to make sure the illumination is true daylight bright, which is actually not that common.

 

[Rob01]

Night matches and dark areas and it will come in handy. But you'll also have to make sure the illumination is true daylight bright, which is actually not that common.

Actually they are pretty common. Some aren't but plenty of quality scopes with daylight bright illumination.

 

[kthomas]

I'll preface this by stating that I haven't been shooting much comps at all in the last few years.

When I was shooting a decent amount of competitions, there was only one time that I can remember where using illumination was warranted. That was at the Snipers Hide Cup in Washington State, where Carl Taylor was the MD. Some stages had targets set right inside the tree line, and if you shot the stage in the afternoon the shot out targets would hide very well in the afternoon shade, and your reticle could easily get washed out.

That's the only time to my memory where illumination would be handy.