Calguns.net  

Home My iTrader Join the NRA Donate to CGSSA Sponsors CGN Google Search
CA Semiauto Ban(AW)ID Flowchart CA Handgun Ban ID Flowchart CA Shotgun Ban ID Flowchart
Go Back   Calguns.net > FIREARMS DISCUSSIONS > Optics, Mounts, Rails and Sights
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Optics, Mounts, Rails and Sights If it aims your firearm, post about it here.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-22-2020, 4:28 PM
McTrigga's Avatar
McTrigga McTrigga is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 118
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default Illuminated reticles for hunting???

I read a whole bunch of different terms being tossed around haphazardly. It can be quite confusing.
Especially since it's difficult to find high quality optics these days that don't have illuminated reticles.
Infra-red (IR) is NOT an "illuminated reticle". Illuminated reticles do not sense/amplify or"see" heat from an object/animal. They do not pick up the infra-red wavelength.
My understanding of "night sights" is that they are are either fiber optic (Light gathering) or tritium painted (light reflecting). They also do not make the ambient light of the environment brighter like with classic night vision (IR). They do not make the darkness brighter and they do not sense heat from an animal like with "thermal imaging".
Illuminated reticles and night sites, either fiber optic or painted, merely illuminate your sight pattern.
So my question, before I drop $500 on a scope, is "Can you use an illuminated reticle for hunting"???

Last edited by McTrigga; 04-22-2020 at 9:50 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-22-2020, 6:08 PM
Brush Guard Brush Guard is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 875
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Are you asking if it is legal to use an illuminated reticle for hunting?

Or are you asking if there any practical applications for using an illuminated reticle for hunting?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-22-2020, 7:54 PM
smoothy8500's Avatar
smoothy8500 smoothy8500 is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 3,681
iTrader: 26 / 100%
Default

Yes, "illuminated reticle" is OK. You are correct that thermal imaging/infra-red is not. IR does not mean illuminated reticle.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-22-2020, 9:10 PM
McTrigga's Avatar
McTrigga McTrigga is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 118
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by smoothy8500 View Post
Yes, "illuminated reticle" is OK. You are correct that thermal imaging/infra-red is not. IR does not mean illuminated reticle.
Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-22-2020, 9:44 PM
McTrigga's Avatar
McTrigga McTrigga is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 118
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

After digging a little deeper on the CDFW site, this is the wordage of the regulation on illuminated scope reticles for hunting:

Chapter 3: Big Game
SS352: Shooting Hours On Big Game
Sub-section (j) "Except as otherwise provided, while taking or attempting to take big game under the provisions of this section or Section 354 of these regulations, it is unlawful to use any device or devices which: 1) throw, cast or project an artificial light or electronically alter or intensify a light source for the purpose of visibly enhancing an animal; or 2) throw, cast or project an artificial light or electronically alter or intensify a light source for the purpose of providing a visible point of aim directly on an animal. Devices commonly referred to as "sniperscopes", night vision scopes or binoculars, or those utilizing infra-red, heat sensing or other non-visible spectrum light technology used for the purpose of visibly enhancing an animal or providing a visible point of aim directly on an animal are prohibited and may not be possessed while taking or attempting to take big game. Devices commonly referred to as laser rangefinders, ***"RED DOT" SCOPES*** with ***SELF-ILLUMINATING RETICLES***, and *FIBER_OPTIC SIGHTS*** with self-illuminating sight or pins which do not throw, cast or project a visible light onto an animal ***ARE PERMITTED***."

Again, thanks to Smoothy8500 for additionally clarifying my ignorance.

Last edited by McTrigga; 04-22-2020 at 9:47 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-23-2020, 1:08 PM
CWL's Avatar
CWL CWL is offline
Senior Member
CGN Contributor
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,488
iTrader: 1 / 100%
Default

You've still got some definitions wrong.

Fiber optic are NOT "night sights" as they need a light source to operate. They are for daytime and low light conditions.

Tritium is a gas. It is NOT painted on anything. Tritium is enclosed into glass capsules which are then inserted into sights. Tritium sights are "night sights" as they do not need other sources to amplify their presence.
__________________
Vae Victis
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-23-2020, 2:47 PM
Divernhunter Divernhunter is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Denair, Ca
Posts: 8,742
iTrader: 13 / 100%
Default

For a hunting rifle the answer is simple.
Leupold VX3i 3.5X10X40 Duplex reticle Non-AO 1" tube sighted in 2.75" high at 100 yards and hold on the animal for meat in the freezer . Been working since the 1970's.
If you feel a need for a lit reticle then the Leupold VXr 3X9 with Firedot reticle will work well and not break the bank.

There are many scopes that do not have lit reticles. Not sure where you were looking.
__________________
A 30cal will reach out and touch them. A 50cal will kick their butt.
NRA Life Member, NRA certified RSO & Basic Pistol Instructor, Hunter, shooter, reloader
SCI, Manteca Sportsmen Club, Coalinga Rifle Club, Escalon Sportsmans Club, Waterford Sportsman Club & NAHA Member, Madison Society member
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-23-2020, 3:19 PM
smoothy8500's Avatar
smoothy8500 smoothy8500 is offline
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 3,681
iTrader: 26 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Divernhunter View Post
Leupold VX3i 3.5X10X40 Duplex reticle Non-AO 1" tube sighted in 2.75" high at 100 yards and hold on the animal for meat in the freezer . Been working since the 1970's.
Funny how the invention of First Focal Plane and "Christmas-tree" reticles have made things so difficult...Although I can see the merit in a (slightly) lit dot/reticle as the light starts to wane before dusk.

Last edited by smoothy8500; 04-23-2020 at 3:22 PM..
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-24-2020, 10:22 AM
theduracellbigd's Avatar
theduracellbigd theduracellbigd is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Huntington Beach
Posts: 1,133
iTrader: 10 / 100%
Default

I second Diver hunters sentiment on the Leupold. When you hunt, less gimmicks the better. You want simple, reliable, good optics , basic duplex reticle. streamline, lightweight. Good optics with good duplex reticle is all you need, illumination not needed even in low light.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-24-2020, 10:31 AM
Dirtlaw Dirtlaw is offline
CGN/CGSSA Contributor - Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: OC
Posts: 3,456
iTrader: 5 / 100%
Default

Diverhunter is the man. No doubt about it. But my eyes really "appreciate" the help illumination sometimes provides. Old body parts sxxk.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-25-2020, 8:00 AM
theduracellbigd's Avatar
theduracellbigd theduracellbigd is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Huntington Beach
Posts: 1,133
iTrader: 10 / 100%
Default

I feel ya . One of the best illums for hunting IMHO is the Trijicon acupoint 3x9x40
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 05-25-2020, 8:07 AM
Dirtlaw Dirtlaw is offline
CGN/CGSSA Contributor - Lifetime
CGN Contributor - Lifetime
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: OC
Posts: 3,456
iTrader: 5 / 100%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by theduracellbigd View Post
I feel ya . One of the best illums for hunting IMHO is the Trijicon acupoint 3x9x40

Also looking at Burris. Because weight is another enemy I also consider weight. Did anyone see that post about getting new eyes in five years? Now if I can just get the rest of my body bionic I can fulfill the bucket list
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 05-30-2020, 6:03 PM
McTrigga's Avatar
McTrigga McTrigga is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: California
Posts: 118
iTrader: 0 / 0%
Default

I ended up buying an Athlon Talos 4-14X44 FFP MRad Illuminated. Got it for $389.00 on sale. Got great ratings. I probably won't even touch the turrets. Zeroing at 200 yards.
We'll see how it performs in the field.
It's taken me nearly 3 months to find and buy my left handed rifle, and I'm still in the DROS process.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 05-31-2020, 2:14 PM
Divernhunter Divernhunter is offline
Calguns Addict
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Denair, Ca
Posts: 8,742
iTrader: 13 / 100%
Default

let us know how it works out especially in bad weather and rough use.
That is a fairly new brand on the USA market as I remember.

I will stick with Leupold on all my hunting firearms myself
__________________
A 30cal will reach out and touch them. A 50cal will kick their butt.
NRA Life Member, NRA certified RSO & Basic Pistol Instructor, Hunter, shooter, reloader
SCI, Manteca Sportsmen Club, Coalinga Rifle Club, Escalon Sportsmans Club, Waterford Sportsman Club & NAHA Member, Madison Society member
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 3:19 PM.




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Proudly hosted by GeoVario the Premier 2A host.
Calguns.net, the 'Calguns' name and all associated variants and logos are ® Trademark and © Copyright 2002-2021, Calguns.net an Incorporated Company All Rights Reserved.
All opinions, statements and remarks made by Calguns.net on this web site and elsewhere are solely attributable to Calguns.net.



Seams2SewBySusy