I'm having problem with destructive night time Raccoons trying to break in through the roof to nest. They would succeed if I hadn't stopped them. Does anyone have experience with using a low fixed power or low variable 2.5 - 5x scope with a gun mounted led light. The raccoons are not in the least bothered by light at night nor my presence. Shot 2 at 10 ft with my springer, they watched me as I pulled the trigger on them while wearing a head lamp. I would prefer a 40 - 45 mm objective lens or smaller. To be used for night work with raccoons from 3 meters to 20 meters. Tried laser dot and laser sight. Their not working for me. I still have fair luck with a Diana 36 springer, factory iron sights in .22 with a head lamp on my head which illuminated the sights and the raccoon's eyes. I use the eye reflections as an aiming point. Only head shots with this springer, through the eye is best. Have a nice Airforce talon SS psp in .25 modified for 50 ft/lbs. The laser dot sight was not much good ( $150 ) Now it's lost the green dot and I see the interior mirror is moving and it's totally out of commission. My eyes are beginning to act up also. I'm hoping a low power scope with a large objective lens and a gun mounted led light will allow me to see the raccoons and hit them. I think a large objective lens and low power will work. Especially at these ranges. A 50 mm lens might be hard to mount. I have no desire to try and use or pay for "night vision equipment". Looking for your suggestions, experiences and ideas. I still set live traps but they have become wary of them. Have had 2 female raccoons and 8 kits stroll by me and the house in the light of my quartz spot light. They seem to feel they own the place. GBGUNNER
night pest control with low power scope and gun mounted light
- Thread starter GBGUNNER
- Start date
Dont get too fixated with the size of the Objective Lens, GB. The most important criteria are low (mag) power & ease of use (or mounting).
Close range work around buildings & yards is pretty fast & furious & you need the depth of field advantages of a low mag (1.5-4 max. IMO). That type of scope is also smaller, lighter & probably better suited to a springer anyway.
The marketing talk of "light gathering front lens" etc is 90% rubbish ! A great little scope (now old) like the Simmons WTC 1.5 will have a MUCH BRIGHTER sight image than most 50mm (front) monsters
. That's the very reason they were designed !! (clue is in the name 'White Tail Classic' - good for hunting fast moving deer in woodland settings).
As to your light source I think you want it mounted on the rifle, perhaps with a 'remote' off/on switch, and I would go for an LED torch as they tend to give a better (more even) beam without the glaring brightness/shadows that lasers can give. Dont bother with anything calling itself 'Target Designateor' or similar and dont bother with trying to use a spot beam for aiming (like the military) that method is EXTREMELY limited to a certain pre-set range. Shooting at night makes range estimation very difficult.
Close range work around buildings & yards is pretty fast & furious & you need the depth of field advantages of a low mag (1.5-4 max. IMO). That type of scope is also smaller, lighter & probably better suited to a springer anyway.
The marketing talk of "light gathering front lens" etc is 90% rubbish ! A great little scope (now old) like the Simmons WTC 1.5 will have a MUCH BRIGHTER sight image than most 50mm (front) monsters
. That's the very reason they were designed !! (clue is in the name 'White Tail Classic' - good for hunting fast moving deer in woodland settings).As to your light source I think you want it mounted on the rifle, perhaps with a 'remote' off/on switch, and I would go for an LED torch as they tend to give a better (more even) beam without the glaring brightness/shadows that lasers can give. Dont bother with anything calling itself 'Target Designateor' or similar and dont bother with trying to use a spot beam for aiming (like the military) that method is EXTREMELY limited to a certain pre-set range. Shooting at night makes range estimation very difficult.
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Hey BRS Thx for the response I figured low power for light gathering and I know it makes for good target acquisition.. I appreciate your info. Makes sense to me.
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I've had great results on raccoons using a powerful bike light strapped to my scope. The light below comes with a helmet mount (with straps) that will allow you to strap it to a scope or gun stock. Super bright with several different power levels. You can also buy a weaker version for a lot less money. These bike lights also make fantastic flashlights, they are small and unbelievably bright. I use mine for mountain biking at night. I've shot raccoons at 30 yards with this light.
http://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Lumina-750-Headlight/dp/B00O8FP4GI
http://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Lumina-750-Headlight/dp/B00O8FP4GI
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You really don't need much light for airgun ranges. A UTG 90 lumen with a pressure switch is more than enough. I used a cheapo Tasco 2.5X10, and a 3x9 BB. the thicker reticle seems to stand out on the target better than a fine etched like an Aeon. Get a weaver top mount scope ring, PA has a cheapo flashlight with a 1" slightly plus tube. A UTG quick mount ' ring works good with that light. You will take a few, then they smarten up.
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