Re: Pulsar N550 Digisight
<span style="font-weight: bold">Final Update: 1-15-2013</span>
I have been using the scope for over a year and have the following to offer as tips/advice.
<span style="font-weight: bold">BASIC FUNCTION:</span>
The scope is at it's best on 6.5 caliber and lower with regards to recoil and display image performance. I noticed with all calibers that the screen flickers/blinks momentarily after each recoil impulse. This is normal and to be expected afterall it is an electronic device. If you are attemping followup shots then go with a lighter kicking gun.
I think the scope does really well for stationary hunting 200 yards and closer. Because of how it is designed you have to adjust the brightness and focus (manually) often in order to generate the best image for precision shooting. There were many times when I hunted the stand the previous evening (100 - 200 yards) and the next day called for a quick point and shoot opportunity and the scope was out of focus for the closer distance. I doubt that an auto focus could be accomplished but it sure would be nice with the development of SMART technology....
I couldn't ever solve the image doubler, i do think it is worth the effort but from what I understand through experience you have to keep the doubler in place at all times due to point of impact shift and for me there are times when I prefer the 4.5x mag and FOV so I didn't press further with my attempt to make it work.
The scope seems to maintain zero very well and is picky about batteries. One of my favorite features is the offset reticle colors (white and black) and the one shot zero, although zeroing at distances beyond 50 yards in daylight is difficult (see below).
Overall I think the scope is the best bang for the buck dedicated rifle scope product at the current price point.
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TIPS/TRICKS:
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I tried a number of different methods to devise a target that would consistently provide a visible target at 100 yards or further. I tried all sorts of paints and tapes in different colors and dimensions but ultimately found that the VGA black/white display is the limiting factor in conjunction with an abundance of sunlight. So then I turned to LED lights as targets, the point is not to shoot the light but to utilize it as a consistent aiming point in order to zero to your needs. For me I want my bullets impacting 2-3 inches high (above) the bulb at 100 yards. I haven't come up with a 100% surefire solution in terms of bulb color and intensity, it is a work in process but each time I go out with my LED targets I learn more and get some interesting looks at the range...
Photos below and part numbers, cost is less than 10 bucks per light to build it yourself.
Video link to shooting at an LED bulb from 200 yards, I was able to group at 1 1/2.
200 yard zeroing with LED bulb
As for recording your hunts, I have used pretty much all of the available devices, your best option is a mini DVR with a self contained battery. The Angel Eye KS-650M would be my recommendation although the unique audio/video cable is a PITA. The connections are chinese quality and I was dropping video signal after recoil based on poor fitament between the RCA connections. The fix for me was using hot glue on the RCA connection to the scope in order to create a rigid/solid connection. Since doing this I haven't had a single video drop out and the best part is if you need to remove the cable you just heat up the glue and remove it without damage to the scope. I went ahead and clipped the cable and added quick connect/dis-connect connections so that when I hunt without recording I don't have a cable swinging around connected to the scope.
Lastly, although the scope has a built in illuminator it isn't going to do much for you beyond 30 yards. I would recommend any weapons mountable IR illuminator over the onboard model. Just recently I tried out the TNVC Torch Pro and I was impressed with the results from 100 yards and in. I need to do more testing at longer distance to see if it can rival the Bosch AEGIS LED illuminators that I use from the stand.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I intend to continue my field use of the digital riflescope, for me and my budget it offers more advantages than disadvantages.
I may even give the next evolution of the Pulsar Digisight a go which has a few enhancements. If I can I will post a side by side comparison of the two models to assist others in judging which model is best suited for their needs.
Until then, Happy Hunting!
BB
