Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Schmidt and Bender Varmint Reticle for Big Game - Yes or No

Is the reticle to fine to be of use in low light conditions?

Yes as it is a FFP scope the reticle APPEARS very thin at low power. Great scope, have 2 and used one for Antelope 1 hour after sunrise at 10X. Worked fine.

IMHO the best low light scope is the Trijicon with the big post. Not optically = to S&B BUT certainly VX3 quality. No batteries and post is "hollow" so hold over is easy.
A MOA rifle will shoot MOA groups and it is ALWAYS illuminated, even at night.

Have the old 1.2-4 1" on my 375 H&H Ruger RSM, has taken 100s of full power loads w/o a glitch.

Any other thoughts?

Too fine for big game hunting IMO. Why not just get the SB with the TDS reticle?

Why not just get a P3 Fine MIL-DOT with illumination?

Best of both worlds.


dave

Being that it's a FFP scope that'll help. I've owned scopes with thin reticles and there is nothing more frustrating than to be in legal light with an animal you can see in the scope but can't find the cross hairs. As much cash as these scopes cost I would be scared to chance it. If this is going to be a true "hunting" scope why not get a hunting reticle that will let you take advantage of all that S&B goodness?

A few years ago I bought a S&B Zenith 3-12X50 with a #7 reticle in it. Without a doubt it's the best hunting scope I've ever owned for the type hunting I do these day's. The thing that makes it so usable is 1. the super clear optics and light transmission of the glass and 2. The reticle. If you can see the animal the cross hairs will be there. On 12X they are unmistakable.

Even though the reticle is bold I can still shoot tight little groups at the range.

Of course I don't have an answer but those are my thoughts

Best of luck,
Terry

Agreed.
The 3-12 flash dot is one of the very best.
I have a 3-12x50 classic with the HEAVY 4a style reticle.
S&B has about the thickest reticles if you dont go lighted.
Nice thing about S&B is they have the options to do just about whatever you need doing.
The P3 Fine covers .24 at 100 yards...ie 2.4 inches at 1000.
Thats not alot of coverage compared to my old 4a at .68.
But my P3 is in a PMII.
If it gets to dark to see.You just turn the knob and your problem is solved.
You pay a price for that kind of flexablity.But its better than standing around with your dick in your hand because your reticle is to fine to see in the dark.

dave

I have a 3-12 Zenith with L3, a 3-12 Klassic with a #9, and a 3-12 PH with P3. All of them are Jim Dandy in real hunting conditions. I only asked this because I found a used 4-16 Klassic with the #8 Varmint. I think I might pass. Anyone have a TDS in S&B? I have the FFP Swaro PH 3-12 with TDS and it is great. Is the S&B the same reticle thickness?

MShuntfish
There are certain models of S&B that can be sent in and converted to illumination.
Just a thought.


dave

You are right the 3x12 Swaro is sweet. The TDS in the S&B is actually thicker than the TDS in the swaro. .75moa compared to .5moa in the Swaro. Might not be the best for shooting tiny groups but it great for low light hunting or someone with just plane bad eyes.

Hmmmmmmm

X2

I wonder if that would include the flash dot

Terry

Another FYI,,For those not aware. Premier has come out with a hunting scope 3x15x50 and you can get them with a custom reticle designed to your exact specs for your ballistic data. I designed one for a 7mm wby 180 Berger with strata lines to 800 yards, 3/8 MOA, tics for 5mph wind, tics for the 50's, and tics for the 25's between 600-800yards. Glass is just as good as Zeiss Victory, Swaro PH, etc.

I talked with Mark at S&B. Cannot illuminate the Varmint reticles. But they can change the reticle for 500 or they can put PH turrets on for 300. Might take my Zenith with L3 and send it to have an elevation turret put on. Would make a jam up hunting scope that I could dial out to 6-700 on top of my 300 wsm.

Did some snooping on the Premier hunter. I know they are hugely praised over on Snipers Hide. That feature to customize a reticle is awesome sounding. Makes me want about 10 of them...dangit.

Got a 4-16x50 Long Range w/#7 NIB for 2 large shipped.