Sight preference
#98899
12/28/2011 4:10 AM
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SBHunter81
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After reading through posts from the past few years I have fined a pretty thorough understanding of scope choices. Below is my summary of pros and cons with a question to follow.
Magnified scope:
Pros Great for aging eyes Great target clarity Good in low light Increased range Cons Can be heavy Something that could break Increased error in shakiness Not as quick in target aquisition
Red dot Pros Quick target aquisition Not as heavy as traditional scope Easy on aging eyes Increased range (seems to be as a result of less target obstruction) Cons Possible mechanical failure No magnification Some have argued low light difficulty (probably reserved to models without adj) Holo sights Pros Very quick target - great field of view Light Low profile Cons Some have reported issues in sunlight No magnification Mounting can require extra pieces on some guns
Good old iron Pros Always there always functional Cheapest Seems to be some sense of accomplishment Ease of carry and desirable balance Cons Can obscure target Can make target aquisition difficult in low light and thick cover difficult No magnification Can limit range due to size of front sight
I am sure I missed some things and I have tried to be unbiased in summarizing.
Feel free to add your insights from your experience.
My question is what are your preferences and why? I have a new SBH and am considering all four options. Thanks!
The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: SBHunter81]
#98904
12/28/2011 4:29 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
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I like irons on most of my revolvers but I've used all of the above. I'm back to playing with red dots and the reflex (holo) sights. My eyes are finally giving out some so I'm researching options. I love all the pros of scopes but the two cons that I have the biggest issue with is size/weight and I like the classic looks of a revolver without any optics but that con goes for the above mentioned sights too.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: SBHunter81]
#98906
12/28/2011 4:39 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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I find a red dot to be better in low light than a scope.
Scopes have eye relief and parralax issues that a dot sight doesn't.
Shakiness has nothing to do with magnification, other than confidence.
I use all four, and none are perfect.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: s4s4u]
#98911
12/28/2011 11:47 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I find a red dot to be better in low light than a scope.
Scopes have eye relief and parralax issues that a dot sight doesn't.
Shakiness has nothing to do with magnification, other than confidence.
I use all four, and none are perfect.
Well said. I think the red dot has no equals in low light and believe it really does extend your hunting time. It's my preference. I do like irons as well.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: SBHunter81]
#98915
12/28/2011 1:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 139
Mark Schronce
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SBHunter81
I got back into handgun hunting this year. I used a red dot on a 35 rem Contender. I had some mechanical problems, not a big deal, could not see well in low light, and missed the magnification. I am back to a scope.
Mark
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: SBHunter81]
#98919
12/28/2011 1:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 738
98Redline
old hand
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old hand
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I think that the red dot (tubular type) sights are really the best balance between all of the sight types.
My Super Blackhawk Hunter wears one and has been perfectly reliable in the field.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: 98Redline]
#98926
12/28/2011 4:42 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 108
WVShiner329
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My SBH Hunter with a Burris 1 1/4-4 installed had some serious weight issues for me as I'm limited to shooting with one hand so I installed a 30mm red dot that I had on my bench which will take some getting used to in the target acquisition department.
A 37 gram Ultradot L/T reflex is on order and I suspect we'll make a good team.
For general target shooting I much prefer a good rear blade and a patridge front.
WVS329.
You learn a thing a day, you store up smart. Festus Haggen
Blued steel and open sights.
NRA Life
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: 98Redline]
#98927
12/28/2011 4:45 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
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Scopes slow things down, I can not get on fast moving game in a wooded setting. Dots are somewhat better on moving animals as there is no magnification. There is no %$#@&^% magnification with dots,as I get older I want some magnification. Open sights are always there and are hard to break , the batteries never go bad just when you need them. Open sights are hard to see with older eyes #@%%$# it. I carry two pistols, one with scope or dot(primary gun) and one open sighted for close range work and follow up on game.Scopes work best from short to long range on non moving targets.(4x on the low end unless its a variable) Dots, depending on dot size, go from short to medium range 0 -125 yds for me (mine has a big dot)
junebug
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: junebug]
#98935
12/28/2011 6:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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Speaking of batteries, I have one Ultradot 30 that has been getting abused by me for more than four years and it still has the original battery. Oh I carry spares, but it just doesn't seem to want to quit. Odd.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: Whitworth]
#98941
12/28/2011 6:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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Those batteries last a long time. I replace them when I check my zero prior to season and have never had a dead battery when I needed to shoot.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: s4s4u]
#98957
12/28/2011 9:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 493
SBHunter81
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So do red dot tube sights offer any specific advantage to red dot holo sights?
Last edited by SBHunter81; 12/28/2011 9:43 PM.
The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: SBHunter81]
#98959
12/28/2011 10:31 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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So do red dot tube sights offer any specific advantage to red dot holo sights? I use both, and one thing the tube does is that is helps guide your eye to the objective. One other thing a tube does is enclose the dot which can cause halo in low light if the intensity is set too high. This is not an issue with a heads up sight as there is no tube, but it will take a little practice getting on target until you develop a little muscle memory.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: s4s4u]
#98964
12/29/2011 1:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I think they are more durable as well. I had one take a couple of spills (only once was it my fault!) out of a tree stand and never was the zero affected. They're tough as nails!
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: s4s4u]
#98966
12/29/2011 2:12 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306
EricS
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I'm passing back and forth between irons, red dot(tube), and scope. Each have their pros and cons and none are perfect. I just put a red dot on my revolver and am enjoying it. It took me a little while to get used to it but it is nice. Haven't hunted with it yet since I just got it to sit still in the rings monday. My glock actually has plastic sights for irons. I miss the last ten minutes of hunting because of not being to see the sights clearly. Isn't that big a deal because it is rarely my primary weapon when hunting. My 14 inch contender is way out of balance regardless of sight choices so it wears a scope. It's a pain at times with the eye relief being so critical. A variable may actually help me as I could use less eye relief to better take advantage of shooting rails on some of my stands. Scopes wo show wobble when your shooting. They don't create it they just show you what you couldn't see without magnification. You just have to practice enough to accept it and have confidence in your shooting. The width of your front sight has little to do with practical shooting. As long as it fits the rear sight well that's all I need. Your aiming at what is imediately on top of and in the middle of the front sight not what's behind it. I like the looks of the little reflex sights like the docter but have yet to try one.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: EricS]
#98968
12/29/2011 2:19 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375
Dan B.
Distinguished Expert
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Scopes wo show wobble when your shooting. They don't create it they just show you what you couldn't see without magnification. You just have to practice enough to accept it and have confidence in your shooting. X 1000!!
Exodus 20:5-11 Matthew 5:18 Revelation 22:14
ISPBS--Expert Level
Please don't use e-mail, contact me w/ PM.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: Dan B.]
#98970
12/29/2011 3:02 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 493
SBHunter81
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Thanks for all the great info. I think I am leaning towards the hologram or red dot sights. I want to look into the holograms a little more.
On the SBH are there any that mount over the rear sight, I saw a few weigland mount pictures, perhaps that is the best way to go. I was hoping to keep the system a little mor e streamlined than some of the others I have seen.
Seems like joint, ultra dot, Leupold, docter are good options for the price.
The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: EricS]
#98972
12/29/2011 3:59 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
Shootist
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I'm passing back and forth between irons, red dot(tube), and scope. Each have their pros and cons and none are perfect. I just put a red dot on my revolver and am enjoying it. It took me a little while to get used to it but it is nice. Haven't hunted with it yet since I just got it to sit still in the rings monday. My glock actually has plastic sights for irons. I miss the last ten minutes of hunting because of not being to see the sights clearly. Isn't that big a deal because it is rarely my primary weapon when hunting. My 14 inch contender is way out of balance regardless of sight choices so it wears a scope. It's a pain at times with the eye relief being so critical. A variable may actually help me as I could use less eye relief to better take advantage of shooting rails on some of my stands. Scopes wo show wobble when your shooting. They don't create it they just show you what you couldn't see without magnification. You just have to practice enough to accept it and have confidence in your shooting. The width of your front sight has little to do with practical shooting. As long as it fits the rear sight well that's all I need. Your aiming at what is imediately on top of and in the middle of the front sight not what's behind it. I like the looks of the little reflex sights like the docter but have yet to try one. do you have the factory night sights on the Glock? I have those on my 22 and they are real visible, I can see them in pitch black just can't see the target.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: Whitworth]
#98974
12/29/2011 5:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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I think they are more durable as well. Without a doubt.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: s4s4u]
#98976
12/29/2011 7:23 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306
EricS
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No I don't have night sights installed yet. I have been considering the tru-glo that have the fiber optic insert in front of the tritium. They sey they aren't as bright as the factory sights in the dark but brighter in low light. My local gunsmith has ordered several sets for other people I just haven't got to be there when he put them on to handle them and see what I think. It's not a big deal not seeing them in low light because most of the places I hunt it would ba a big no-no to shoot a spike for a doe in low light. One place I have access to is free to me and shoot any buck you want as long as you mount it. That kind og cuts out those last minute shots unless you have been watching the deer for a while and shoot it before getting down.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: EricS]
#99196
12/30/2011 7:30 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 104
Team Amish 1
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I did some distance plinking yesterday afternoon using a red dot tube. Toward sunset the target and the berm behind it got some shade from the berm on the side, the sun was disappearing behind it. I could easily see my steel target against the back berm but had a hard time finding it through the tube which seemed a tad darker. I know I've never had the issue with a C-more (heads up screen, kinda like a Docter or JPoint). Has anyone else ever noticed that or could it be because I did not use a top end red dot tube? From my perspective, the heads up dot has a low light advantage to the tube.
Food for thought: Is anyone aware of a pistol system that lets irons co-witness the dot for pistols? That'd be the bee's knees.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: Team Amish 1]
#99198
12/30/2011 7:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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That is why they have brightness adjustment.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: Team Amish 1]
#99207
12/30/2011 9:31 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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Has anyone else ever noticed that or could it be because I did not use a top end red dot tube? What maker of red dot? I had a Millet for about 2 seconds as it was tinted and made low light impossible. Never have had that problem with Tasco or Ultradot.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: s4s4u]
#99508
01/02/2012 9:17 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 104
Team Amish 1
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That's exactly what I was referring to. My brightness is usually adjusted to project the crispest, not brightest, dot. The greyish tint is on a TruGlo, it has a red-golden mirror front lense that I believe makes it hard for me to shoot in lower light. Even held against a white wall the darker shade is noticeable through the tube. If there are higher quality tubes without a special finish on the front lense, they may not have the problem. I may have to borrow my buddy's aimpointed 22/45 again to do some serious plinking, err, testing.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: Team Amish 1]
#99562
01/03/2012 2:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 75
.41magfan
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I suspect your preference is relative to your hunting style. I hunt from the ground mostly, and while I spend a lot of time motionless, I'm seldom sitting down.
I can't use iron sights in poor light or at distances much beyond 50 yards anymore, and the critical eye relief factor of a scope has caused a missed opportunity on more than one occasion. Last year a 140" 8-pointer came in on me really quick at less than 20 yards in a thicket. The only shot I had prevented proper eye relief with the scope and by the time I mentally switched gears to bring my Glock 21 into play he was gone.
So, for my primary gun (I always carry two) I've gone back to a RDS - specifically an Aimpoint Micro. All my shots come at less than 100 yards anyway so a RDS is really not a limiting factor.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: .41magfan]
#99563
01/03/2012 2:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 66
whywait
journeyman
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journeyman
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One thing to consider, target definition will be clearer on paper than it will be on actual animals. The best way to pick your sighting system is by actually looking at animals.
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: whywait]
#99604
01/03/2012 11:59 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
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I like irons and for me it's the best.I use scopes but mainly for accuracy test,and I have yet to get a red dot on something. My buddy whit swears by ultras and kills stuff with them, they don't work for my brain. It is easier for me to see a deer, especially moving, pull up get my sight picture and squeeze. Whit help me set up a ultra and I had a deer come in say 25-30 yards toward the end of shooting time and for the life of me I couldn't get the dot,deer,and gun to co-operate(upon arriving home I removed the dot from my gun). For me with irons I loose no "legal" hunting time,our time is 30 minutes after sunset and I can see after that but usually use that time for binos.
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
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Re: Sight preference
[Re: cottonstalk]
#99627
01/04/2012 1:49 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 493
SBHunter81
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I agree that much of it will depend on the situation. As I love the balance of the gun now, it is tough to put anything on top. However, WVS is putting an ultradot LT on his sbhh so I am wanting to hear how that works out.
I greatly enjoy being close to game for the shot, makes it much more enjoyable for me. I shot one buck at 200 yards, didn't mean much in hindsight, not compared to being up close and personal. Some enjoy that and that's grear, me, i think magnification isn't for me and my preferred hunting style.
The God who gave us such a beautiful land, wonderful game, and the sport of hunting is worth knowing.
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