Just out of curiousity, has anyone tried those cross hair illuminators that strap on the side of your scope. I was just wondering how well they work. Does the fiber optic have to be centered in the eye-piece for it to work? Are they too bright where they would provide too much light in the scope to a point where you could not see the target.

Thanks.

Lightning

Normally I don't give advise if I haven't had direct personal experience with a product but just looking at these devices they seemed to be more of a hassle than they were worth( I know not very scientific) , I do know that darn neer every one sold at my store has been returned because the buyer either couldn't figure it out or didn't feel it was working right or well enough to be of any value. We have about a dozen of these on the rack stapled and taped back together and imagine we will have them until the end of time. ( Maybe my gut instinct was right for once)


444fitch.

Just out of curiousity, has anyone tried those cross hair illuminators that strap on the side of your scope. I was just wondering how well they work. Does the fiber optic have to be centered in the eye-piece for it to work? Are they too bright where they would provide too much light in the scope to a point where you could not see the target.

Thanks.

Lightning
I always thought that if it was too dark to see your crosshairs, it was time to be eating supper. I've never used them. However, I do understand that some people might have sight problems that this could solve.
I'm on a quest to stop taking things hunting with me that require batteries.
Two way radios, GPS units, range finders ,digital cameras electronic calls. etc.
MAybe I won't be so tired by the end of the day.

Hope someone can give you a good answer. I'll listen
TPV

I know some hog hunters that like them. Shooting black hogs in low light calls for all the help you can get!

That's a pretty specialized application, though. For regular deer hunting.... I'd say if you need that product, you are very likely after legal shooting hours, in the U.S., anyway.

I haven't tried them myself. My scopes are good enough and my eyes are young enough that so far it hasn't been a problem. But the time will probably come when it will be something of a help.

Personally I'd rather use a spotlight or other light source at the target for pigs, so I can pick and choose my exact target and shot.

I know some hog hunters that like them. Shooting black hogs in low light calls for all the help you can get!

That's a pretty specialized application, though. For regular deer hunting.... I'd say if you need that product, you are very likely after legal shooting hours, in the U.S., anyway.

I haven't tried them myself. My scopes are good enough and my eyes are young enough that so far it hasn't been a problem. But the time will probably come when it will be something of a help.

Personally I'd rather use a spotlight or other light source at the target for pigs, so I can pick and choose my exact target and shot.

MikeG, tpv, and 444,
Thanks for the replies. Here in South Carolina, we can shoot deer up to one hour after legal sunset. No artificial light is allowed other that illuminated crosshairs. I was considering the illuminator because on the last day of deer season this year, my son had a chance at a really big deer. It came out late and didn't present a shot until about 6:15 (legal shooting time was up at about 6:35). We could see the deer clearly through the binos and his scope. There was a full moon and the deer was only 15 - 20yds away. Only, my son could not see his cross-hairs on the deer. As a result, he elected to let the deer walk. The problem was that the deer was what we call a swamp deer (very dark brown, almost black on parts) and crosshairs disappear on them (just like they do on hogs). So, I am just trying to give my son a little edge. He is using a Weaver Grand Slam 3X10X50, which in my opinion is a great scope for the money. It performs well in low light.

Mid-South Shooters supply advertises the illuminators for about $12.00 each, so I thought we would try them out. I figure since we hunt hogs too, it might be a something worth trying. Not a lot of money so if they don't work that well, no sweat.

Take care.
Lightning

For $12, I'd sure try it. Let us know how it works on the piggies.

For $12 it would be worth it to experiment. I look thru the hunting catalogs now and see page after page of stuff that makes me wonder who really needs that? Just another accessory someone dreamed up to try to slip your bucks out of your wallet. But you know, someone somewhere is going to say "thats just what I've been looking for"!