illuminated reticles

[Gamo X-Ring Shooter]

I've never shot with an illuminated reticle before but I'm kind of skeptical about buying a scope with one.  I don't want to have to deal with batteries and wondering whether or not the thing will turn on.  I'm looking into getting a Nikko Stirling and its everything I want except it comes with the illuminated reticle.  If you don't turn it on will you still be able to see the crosshairs?

thanks Brian

[NMCA_Ron]

I recently purchased a Centerpoint scope with an illuminated reticle and yes, you can see the crosshairs quite clearly without the illumination. If you do not turn on the illumination, it works just like a regular scope. I have found the illuminated reticle to be quite helpful in low-light conditions and have been using the scope for a couple of months with no problems. If you only use the illumination when you need it, the battey will last a long, long time.

Ron

[Gene_SC]

Hiya Brian

I feel the same way about the illuminated scopes... They add weight and I am not into adding more weight than necessary.. plus of course the  hassle with batteries and remembering to shut it off after your done. lol.. They do enhance the cross hairs allot but I find that I can still see the cross hairs fine as they are...

No you do not have to turn on the illumination to aim or shoot using the scope. They work great without the lite on.. Also I have a Nikko Stirling scope but not illuminated and it works just fine on my springers.

Gene

[longislandhunter]

Hey Brian,
     I have a couple of leapers scopes with the illuminated reticle and they work great.  The scopes work great with the reticle left off, however in low light conditions the illuminated reticle makes it possible for me to take a shot I might not otherwise be able to take..  

I will admit I don't use the feature very often, however it does certainly come in handy for me at times.    

AS for the batteries going bad,,,, I only use the batteries infrequently and they've lasted so far.  They are very easy to replace though.

Jeff

I have a leapers 4-16x50 scope which has green/red illuminated recticle.  The only time I use it is early morning or dusk.  It is very helpful when I'm shooting targets that are dark and its cloudy or low light.  All I ever need is the recticle on its lowest setting, so the battery lasts quite a while.  It isn't very hard replacing either, its a large button battery that you can pick up at walgreens or similar stores for a few bucks.  If your planning to shoot during the day or in well lit areas, I wouldn't pay extra just to have that feature.  I'd shop for a scope that fits my needs and if it has illuminated recticle, great, if not, no problem.

[dank]

I have some illuminated scopes,
I think,
not sure though as all of the batteries are dead from not turning them off!
Really neat & fancy. I love the look of the extra knob but hate the feel of the extra money.
30+ scopes  + 50+ batteries later I could care less if it is illuminated.
I think I have a Gremlin that sneaks into my house and turns them on at night!
Nice if you remember to turn them off.
I also found 10 packs of CR2032 lithium batteries at one of those Chinese discount stores for $199. Beats $2.?? ea. Duracell's at Walmart.