Red Dot vs Variable Scope for Predators
Hey guys just wondering what everyone is using for predator hunting?
Most of my shots come within 100 yards. That being said, I was looking at a few red dot sights for quick follow up shots on running yotes but have no experience with red dots and also don't know of anyone who uses one for hunting. If you are using a red dot, how well do you like it for predator hunting?
Red dots are great if you anticipate shooting under 100 yards most of the time. I have used my Micro Dot for predator hunting a few times, and it works very well. Watch the dot size, though - I prefer a 2MOA dot. My main predator rifle wears a variable scope, but I've actually been thinking of putting my ACOG on it - that red chevron makes for quick target acquisition, especially when they're close.
I hunt with a guy who has an EOTECH and I've watched him drop dozens of predators out to 100 yards with no issues at all. My main piece of advice for red dots is this: you don't have to spend $400, but don't spend $20. If you are tight on the budget, take a look at Primary Arms - great products, I've beat a few of them up pretty badly and they still work like the day I pulled them out of the box. Primary Arms is also an ARFCOM vendor - you can find them in the 'Industry' forums. Other than that, there are lots of good used EOTECH and Aimpoint units in the Equipment Exchange here and on other forums.
I use my HD/SHTF gun. Its a 14.5" M4ergy with a M68 Aimpoint on top. Same set up I've used down range and proficient with. Few more months to go here.
CD
Hey CD - where do you live when you're not deployed?
rizzo,
I'm on the NC coastline between Wilmington and Mrytle Beach, SC.
CD
Thanks guys, I checked out Primary Arms and noticed they have a green reflex sight that you can mount on your scope. You might be able to get the best of both worlds there
II will be going with an offset red dot
also with a 3-12 compact scope in rings. But, I will be going off of the
picatinny upper. By mounting off the
upper, and not the scope, you are putting your optic 45 degrees from just above
the bore, as compared to 45 degrees off of 2-2.5 inches off the bore. I just picked up a 45 degree picatinny rail
on ebay. It will fit under the rings and I don't have to worry about finding the right scope mount. If I don’t like
it I can mount the optic off of the YHM customizable handguard, which will be directly off of the bore.
If I don’t like that, I will mount it on my father’s rimfire pistol and
steal back the scope he took from me.
The Vortex Sparc might be something worth taking a look at as well. Seems to be getting pretty good reviews.
Video Review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16ZB4itTusM
I run an Aimpoint M3 with 2 MOA dot on my AR, and a fixed 10x Bushnell Elite 3200 mil-dot on my Savage .308.
I'm mostly hunting timber with the AR, and across large open fields with the Savage. A variable just doesn't seem quite suited to my usual hunting grounds.
I wouldn't do well if I had to use a red dot, maybe if I was in an area with timber. Ever thought about a 2.5x10 variable? That way you can shoot distance if the situation presents itself.
