Thinkin about a New scope
- Thread starter ToddGeddes63
- Start date
I used to think that illumination was mostly unnecessary but that has definitely changed from various hunting experiences that I've had. Early mornings, late evenings, even dark buildings all make it difficult to be effective in these scenarios without some illumination. With the light gathering capabilities of todays optics you really are handicapping yourself if you don't have illumination, in many situations.
FFP scopes with a broad magnification range are another reason to have illumination. The reticle is very small and basically ineffective at low magnification with most FFP scopes unless you have illumination.
Personally, I'm going to stick my head way out there and say that I value illumination over FFP as a feature, at least for the scenarios that I find myself in while pesting. For others that may not be the case because of their applications. The reason that I find FFP not so important is that with the superb tracking and precision of quality scopes dialing is effective and efficient. I'm amazed by how often I see people with FFP scopes using their turrets!
The only real world advantage that I can see FFP giving over SFP is when targeting rapidly moving targets at distances greater than my point-of-aim/impact distance. But even in this scenario, chances are that you are running at max magnification with your SFP scope and your reticle holdovers are now accurate(on most SFP scopes max magnification is where the reticle holdovers are correct) so that you can use your reticle exactly like you would a FFP.
Oh, shoot...I just convinced myself to buy a SFP scope.
FFP scopes with a broad magnification range are another reason to have illumination. The reticle is very small and basically ineffective at low magnification with most FFP scopes unless you have illumination.
Personally, I'm going to stick my head way out there and say that I value illumination over FFP as a feature, at least for the scenarios that I find myself in while pesting. For others that may not be the case because of their applications. The reason that I find FFP not so important is that with the superb tracking and precision of quality scopes dialing is effective and efficient. I'm amazed by how often I see people with FFP scopes using their turrets!
The only real world advantage that I can see FFP giving over SFP is when targeting rapidly moving targets at distances greater than my point-of-aim/impact distance. But even in this scenario, chances are that you are running at max magnification with your SFP scope and your reticle holdovers are now accurate(on most SFP scopes max magnification is where the reticle holdovers are correct) so that you can use your reticle exactly like you would a FFP.
Oh, shoot...I just convinced myself to buy a SFP scope.
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The old aimsport alpha 6 4.5-27×50 is a decent low cost scope. The reticle is kind thin but illuminated. I've got 2 now and they've been wonderful for me.
www.budk.com
Aims Alpha 6 4.5 27X50 30MM Riflescope
Always on the cutting edge, this Aims riflescope brings professional grade features and performance previously not seen.
www.budk.com Upvote 0
I shoot field target and hunt and for me the athlon argos gen 2 is the best I’ve found so far and can’t complain. As some have said in very bright conditions the illumination really doesn’t help unless your target is very dark. My 2 cents
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Take a look at the Athlon Helos Gen 2, 6-24x56 with the 34mm tube. It's FFP and illuminated. Just put one on my Vulcan 3 Long and have really enjoyed it. With 20 moa built into my mount and a 34mm scope tube, I've got elevation adjustment out the wazoo for long range shooting. It's a very good choice in the $500-$600 range.
Glenn in Texas
Glenn in Texas
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I've been well pleased with the Athlons, 1 Talos and 4 Argos. Bang for the buck quotient is high, if need their service is great. The IR feature is a game changer in low light situations. I called them about caps, they sent me a set of caps no charge. Their caps are delicate. I ended up putting on Vortex Defender caps on.
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Personally I look at the Aztec Emerald as strictly a holdover scope.
2 years ago I had SFP and FFP 5-25's for a few months to critique.
The few I tested had very disappointing turrets which had excessive lash, turret lines didn't line up in the least with the mark on the housing, and no revolution indicator. If a person wants to dial a lot this isn't the scope to get IMHO.
Also I thought the glass wasn't as good as I expected it to be for the price either.
Have these been improved since, I don't know?? Would I choose other brands for the same amount of money if these haven't been improved, that's a "BIG" yes.
2 years ago I had SFP and FFP 5-25's for a few months to critique.
The few I tested had very disappointing turrets which had excessive lash, turret lines didn't line up in the least with the mark on the housing, and no revolution indicator. If a person wants to dial a lot this isn't the scope to get IMHO.
Also I thought the glass wasn't as good as I expected it to be for the price either.
Have these been improved since, I don't know?? Would I choose other brands for the same amount of money if these haven't been improved, that's a "BIG" yes.
Upvote 0