Rifle Scopes Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

[DP425]

For some reason I had just taken it as a given that the quality name brand scopes all had etched glass reticles on their better models. After checking out the new made for Midway Viper HS scopes and seeing their reticle construction listed as wire (REALLY?!?!?)... I'm now questioning my assumption.

Anyone know if the weaver tacticals, Vortex HS, PST and Bushnell Elite Tactical's have wire or etched glass? This may go a ways toward influencing what someone would buy. I'm going to ASSume the HS is wire where the PST and Bushnell's are etched. Unsure on the Weavers though.

 

[LVdubbin]

Re: Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

This is of interest to me as well.

 

[ChielScape]

Re: Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

Etched on the Bushnell ET. Floating elements = always etched.

 

[Flyingbullseye]

Re: Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

Weaver is etched.

 

[Bedlam]

Re: Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChielScape</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Floating elements = always etched.</div></div>

Yes, usually it is obvious when an entire line of reticle choices are available. If none of the choices have floating elements, I'm guessing wire. If there are floating elements, it is certainly glass.

I tend to like numbered reticles, so my scopes will always have glass reticles. I have nothing against modern wire reticles though, after reading about the difference between them and how wire reticles used to be made. They are so different now they should probably have a different name other than wire.

 

[DP425]

Re: Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

So general consensious is floating elements in the line= etched for the entire model line.... no floating elements=wire?

I personally would much rather run etched; it just seems more durable.


Anyway, if that's the case one should be able to deduce the construction by looking at the available ret options in that line of optics. Which would likely mean the weavers, and Viper HS are likely all wire and the Viper PST and Bushnell's are likely all etched.

 

[sawman556]

Re: Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

My bushy elite is etched.

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

Re: Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

"If I may throw this out there-

Wire reticles of today are nothing like wire reticles of 30yrs or even 20yrs ago. The amount of abuse that modern wire reticles can take is astounding.

In all honesty arguing the strength/durability of high quality modern wire reticles is really a moot point.

I guess all I am trying to say is that I would not let this be my deciding factor on any scope as I feel there are much more important things to consider on a new scope purchase."





I posted this in the original 5-15 HS thread were it was discussed a little if anyone would like to read a little more into it.




Best Regards
Scott

 

[DP425]

Re: Reticle construction- bushnell, weaver and vortex

Thanks Scott- I assume since you didn't specify such is true with Vortex, that thus is the case with wire reticles throughout the industry on respected brands with similar price points? At least that's the way I took it to sound- that it's pretty much industry wide that they are vastly better.

I appreciate the reply- gives some confidence in looking at scopes with differing reticle construction. I don't think it applies to me since It would seem all the optics I choose to use are etched anyway (without that even being a factor in buying them), but it helps for knowledge to pass along to others.