Rifle Scopes Illuminated Reticle

[HOGGHEAD]

Guys please educate me on illuminated reticles. I have experience with red dot sights in 1X scopes, but I have never used an illuminated reticle in a variable powered scope. How much does it really help in a low light situation?? Is that the main reason for their existence?? Does it not blur out the target?? And do you use them in regular light conditions?? How much of the target do they cover up?? Thanks, Tom.

 

[KeithR41]

Re: Illuminated Reticle

I've got the illuminated reticle on my Leu MKIV. My team trains about once a year (Yeah, I know. Not nearly enough) in low light / ambient light situations. Without the illuminated reticle, the reticle is almost impossible to see on a target at 100yds lit up with a flashlight. I found that just turning the reticle on to the lowest setting, I was able to easily identify my reticle on the target. If you're going to be shooting at all in low light or dark, I highly recommend one.

The highest setting on my scope is so bright that I haven't used it. I would imagine that it would be useful in a situation with heavy smoke or fog though. There is no need to light the reticle in regular lighting conditions. A quality scope picks up enough light on its own.

KeithR41

 

[chad3]

Re: Illuminated Reticle

"NOT TACTICAL"
Turned it on when hunting coyotes during the last parts of the day. It made sure I knew where center was while I could still see area but reticle started to get washed out. It didn't hurt the rest of the view and was only on the actual cross hairs.
My only help, but hunting past dusk when allowed helps a lot.
Chad

 

[hydro556]

Re: Illuminated Reticle

I almost never use my illuminated reticles but I wont order a scope without one. Years ago, I was unable to shoot a decent deer at dusk, from my stand, because the there wasnt enough light to distinguish my reticle from the target. If I'd had a lit reticle, I would have been able to take the shot.

For me, it is not needed much, but I want to know I have it if needed. And they resell better.