Illuminated reticle

VIDEO

Reticle illumination is getting more common in modern rifle scopes. There are, however, two groups of illuminated reticles, meant for two different uses. In both cases, illumination of the reticle substantially increases effectiveness of such rifle scopes. Reticle illumination systems are divided to:

Twilight illuminated reticles
Daytime illuminated reticles

Twilight illumination is used for better reticle recognition in low light situations, when non-illuminated reticle would be hard to see. Such illumination systems must offer fine adjustable intensity, since over illumination of the reticle will cause problems seeing the target behind it. This is especially important when hunting in low light, where fine-tuning of illumination intensity level is one of the main parameters on which rifle scopes are judged. Preferably, such rifle scopes have only the central dot in the reticle illuminated. Some have their entire range of intensity adjustment so dim that illumination cannot be seen during the daytime.

Daytime illumination of reticle serves a different purpose than twilight illumination, and in such rifle scopes, high intensity levels are a necessity. In such rifle scopes, the illumination of the reticle is meant for rapid target acquisition, since a bright red dot is the best possible aiming point. Shooters’ eyes are instinctively drawn to a bright red dot in the center of the field of view. Such strong illumination is feasible only in rifle scopes with magnification lower than 1.5x or ideally 1.0x. Such wide-angle rifle scopes with a real 1.0x magnification and daytime bright illumination of the reticle can even be used with both eyes open, similar to reflex/red dot sights.

Since almost all illuminated reticles are battery powered, an automatic switch off is a usable feature that can significantly prolong battery life and operation time of such systems. Most advance reticle illumination systems even include a motion sensor that turns off the illumination (and saves battery life), when the scope is in non-shooting position (90 degrees sideways or in vertical position).

Video presentation of Illuminated reticle

Filters

Sort

March-X 8-80x56

Ask for price

View Product

Add to compare

March-X 10-60x56 High Master

Ask for price

View Product

Add to compare

March-X 5-50x56

Ask for price

View Product

Add to compare

In stock

Nightforce 12-42x56 Benchrest Scope (1/8 MOA)

Nightforce 12-42x56 (1/8 MOA)

Ask for price

View Product

Add to compare

March Compact 2.5-25x52

Ask for price

View Product

Add to compare

In stock

March 10-60x52

Ask for price

View Product

Add to compare

March-X 8-80x56 High Master Majesta

Ask for price

View Product

Add to compare

In stock

Vector Optics Sentinel-X Pro 10-40x50

As low as $229.00 Regular Price $269.00

View Product

Add to compare

Filters

Sort

VIDEO

Definition

Benchrest is a shooting sport where the competitor, seated, shoots from a rest with the rifle positioned on a bench or a table.
It takes place at a shooting range, where rifles are placed in the front and rear rest, hence the name 'bench - rest'.
In this sport, one has to be extremely accurate and precise since the targets are very small.
There are two main types: Full-bore and benchrest 50 (BR50).

Full-Bore

In full-bore, competitors use heavy rifles and riflescopes, whereas in BR50 a weight limit is specified. In BR50, small-caliber rifles (.22 LR) are paired with lightweight riflescopes, commonly with a tube that measures 1 inch (25.4 mm) in diameter.

Light riflescopes

Weaver T36 had been the most popular bench - rest riflescope before the introduction of Sightron SII 36x42 BRD.
The latter has gradually stolen the spotlight of the legendary Weaver riflescope which has been in production for more than 25 years.
These light riflescopes are equipped with a tube that measures 1 inch (25.4 mm) in diameter.
The parallax adjustment is located on the objective (AO – adjustable objective).

AO (adjustable objective) parallax adjustment

Since benchrest competitors shoot at a known distance, the parallax is only set once, at the very beginning of the competition. The difficulty to reach the adjustment ring while in the shooting position is thus an unimportant factor. Having the parallax setting on the objective is handy because it allows the user to set the parallax more precisely (the larger the knob, the more precise the adjustments). Furthermore, manufacturing an adjustable objective is less complex than manufacturing a riflescope with a side focus, which is why AO riflescopes are usually cheaper. It also requires fewer parts, resulting in a lower mass.

Benchrest Riflescope Adjustable Objective - Burris riflescope

Fixed power

When it comes to fixed power riflescopes, Sightron and Weaver are the most popular choices. Other well-known manufacturers of such riflescopes are Leupold, March, and IOR. These riflescopes often feature a 1-inch (25.4mm) tube but a 30mm tube is also used by some manufacturers. Fixed power riflescopes are advantageous over variable magnification riflescopes in certain aspects; they are lighter and optically better for the price.

Fully-featured F-class riflescopes

In benchrest disciplines where mass is not to be considered, shooters opt for a heavier riflescope, usually with a tube diameter of 34 mm and a high maximum magnification. A 10–50x magnification range is a common choice, as well as a thin reticle, and 1/8 MOA clicks for maximum precision. Sightron has the most of the market's share in this category, but certain Kahles, Nikko Stirling, and Hawke riflescopes are also popular.

Vortex riflescope SCR-1 reticle - rifle

Vortex SCR-1 reticle

The most popular riflescopes

BR50

Weaver T46
Sightron SII 36x42 BRD
Sightron SIIISS Competition 45x45 ED
IOR 36x42 Competition (legendary status in the EU)

Full-bore

A short presentation is available here.

Short Presentation | Optics Trade from Optics-Trade

Illuminated reticle

VIDEO

Video presentation of Illuminated reticle

March-X 8-80x56

March-X 10-60x56 High Master

March-X 5-50x56

Nightforce 12-42x56 (1/8 MOA)

March Compact 2.5-25x52

March 10-60x52

March-X 8-80x56 High Master Majesta

Vector Optics Sentinel-X Pro 10-40x50

VIDEO

Definition

Full-Bore

Light riflescopes

AO (adjustable objective) parallax adjustment

Fixed power

Fully-featured F-class riflescopes

The most popular riflescopes

BR50

Full-bore

Payment methods

Shipping methods

Shopping

Contact us

Certificates

Follow us on

FAQ and Media

Illuminated reticle

VIDEO

Video presentation of Illuminated reticle

VIDEO

Definition

Full-Bore

Light riflescopes

AO (adjustable objective) parallax adjustment

Fixed power

Fully-featured F-class riflescopes

The most popular riflescopes

BR50

Full-bore

Your wishlist