By Glen Wunderlich Outdoor Columnist Member Professional Outdoor Media Association
This week’s topic will focus on rifle scopes and two high-tech options available to serious hunters. Before getting into specifics, a brief overview of terminology is in order. Understand that there is no one perfect scope for all applications, because tradeoffs exist between magnification (or power), light gathering ability, and even reticle choices. Let’s start there.
A reticle is the pattern placed in the eyepiece of the scope which establishes the gun’s position on the target. While crosshairs are widely used, even those are configured in many different ways. Fine crosshairs are good for long-range use, but tend to vanish under poor light conditions, such as those encountered in twilight hours of deer hunting. Conversely, heavy crosshairs may not produce the smallest groups, but in real-life hunting conditions may offer better opportunities at taking game.
With low light in mind, and as an alternative, red dot optics can be a good choice for a number of reasons; however, I have found that the inexpensive red dot sights are rendered useless in poor light – exactly when game tends to move most. I installed an inexpensive red dot sight on my compound bow years ago and instantly became about twice as accurate. Was I excited! But, when I discovered that the contraption’s red light overpowered the lens in low light, I relegated it to the shelf, and replaced it with fiber optic pins.
Since then, I have used two high-end, red dot scopes on firearms, which have eliminated red light reflection back to the eye. One is the Bushnell HoloSight, which was made by EOTech, but today is only marketed by EOTech. It incorporates a laser, which is not projected onto the target but rather superimposed onto it, which makes it perfectly legal for Michigan deer hunting. The precise red dot holographic sight only subtends an inch at 100 yards and is fully operational in low light because the power can be dialed down significantly. There is no parallax, which means it gets on target fast. Magnification options are available, also.
The EOTech HWS is actively in use with military forces around the globe, including many special operations forces, like USSOCOM, where it is standard for close quarter, urban combat. Military units like Stryker Brigade, 10th Mountain and 3rd Infantry have chosen the holographic weapon sight as its optic of choice. It is battle proven to withstand the abuse that any harsh environment, high-powered weapon platform, or military mission can dish out. I have had one on my .45-70 Contender pistol for many years and it has taken the most brutal punishment of a true handcannon and never missed a beat. These units don’t come cheap, but they’re as tough as cement nails.
Another red dot option with over a million in use by the U.S. armed forces is the Aimpoint. The Swedish manufactured sight was originally designed for Scandinavian moose hunters, who desired rapid target acquisition in thick cover. As with the EOTech, there’s no need to center the red dot or to find the right eye relief (the position of your eye relative to the scope). If the red dot is on target, you’re good to go, making it a good choice for not only rifles, but handguns and shotguns, as well.
I have recently mounted an Aimpoint model 34L on a Browning BAR in .30-06 caliber and consider its quick target acquisition to be perfect for the task at hand – varmint hunting. Normally, I don’t concern myself with fast-action shots, but this rig is designed for predator hunting, where more than one opportunity may present itself. And, any chance at a double on coyotes will be difficult at best. That’s where the semi-automatic Browning, Aimpoint, and my handloaded 100-grain V-Max verminators combine for one lethal, fast-handling package. For those that are involved in deer drives, you won’t go wrong with the quality of an Aimpoint and its quick-strike capabilities.
Like most things in life, quality doesn’t come cheap, but these scopes will not disappoint – especially in most of Michigan’s relatively short-range hunting conditions.
