Your favorite DG scope reticle?

[matt85]

never liked the scout scope idea. not only does it look strange but it also messes with the balance of a rifle.

-matt

 

[Velo Dog]

never liked the scout scope idea. not only does it look strange but it also messes with the balance of a rifle.

-matt

+1.

 

[IdaRam]

Velo Dog,
I think you are spot on with both Jeff Cooper and Clint Smith. I can't speak from first hand experience, but your observations match nicely with the general consensus of folks I know. Clint Smith - top shelf. Jeff Cooper - royal douche
Cooper laid claim to the scout scope concept, but in reality it had been applied long before. Don't know the history beyond that.
Some people like 'em, some don't. It requires a little practice to get comfortable with but that may also be true of an aperture sight too if you've never used one. I've shot a bit of competition and used all sorts of configurations of scopes and dots and sights so I may adapt more naturally than others, who knows?
One thing I am pretty sure of is that the scout scope concept is not likely be overwhelmingly popular because it is just "different" or "foreign" to most people. However, it is quick and effective for people who like it.
While we're talking and just out of curiosity, Velo have you used or tried the CQB/Counter Sniper technique of closing the objective lens cap on a scope for close range, moving target, quick acquisition work and using the scope reticle with both eyes open and just focusing on the target? Just curious as I have met very few people familiar with the technique, but have used it in LRTR matches before when a curve ball was thrown and you had to use your sniper rifle (with high power scope ) in circumstances where you would normally use a carbine or handgun such as close in fast movers. It has proven very effective and intuitive for me, but does require a bit of practice.
All the best!

 

[matt85]

IdaRam, im familier with the shooting method your talking about. ive had plenty of time to play with an aimpoint and it always amused me when your brain super imposed the red dot into you off eyes field of few. the technique isnt the easiest to use and takes alot of practice to use effectively but its a very fun way to impress your friends at a shoot.

-matt

 

[IdaRam]

Yes it is Matt The response is usually "how did you do that" or "how the hell does that work"?
Works even better with a lit reticle.

 

[ActionBob]

Cooper laid claim to the scout scope concept, but in reality it had been applied long before. Don't know the history beyond that.

I recall seeing some WWII vintage rifles with scout type scope.. Little vague but I think German Sniper units?

 

[IdaRam]

Yes, I think you are exactly right Bob.

 

[Velo Dog]

Velo Dog,
I think you are spot on with both Jeff Cooper and Clint Smith. I can't speak from first hand experience, but your observations match nicely with the general consensus of folks I know. Clint Smith - top shelf. Jeff Cooper - royal douche
Cooper laid claim to the scout scope concept, but in reality it had been applied long before. Don't know the history beyond that.
Some people like 'em, some don't. It requires a little practice to get comfortable with but that may also be true of an aperture sight too if you've never used one. I've shot a bit of competition and used all sorts of configurations of scopes and dots and sights so I may adapt more naturally than others, who knows?
One thing I am pretty sure of is that the scout scope concept is not likely be overwhelmingly popular because it is just "different" or "foreign" to most people. However, it is quick and effective for people who like it.
While we're talking and just out of curiosity, Velo have you used or tried the CQB/Counter Sniper technique of closing the objective lens cap on a scope for close range, moving target, quick acquisition work and using the scope reticle with both eyes open and just focusing on the target? Just curious as I have met very few people familiar with the technique, but have used it in LRTR matches before when a curve ball was thrown and you had to use your sniper rifle (with high power scope ) in circumstances where you would normally use a carbine or handgun such as close in fast movers. It has proven very effective and intuitive for me, but does require a bit of practice.
All the best!

IdaRam,

Likewise, I do not know the true origin of the forward mounted "scout scope" concept but like ActionBob said, it was used at least as far back as WW-II (Germany).
I would not be shocked if the Germans were using it in WW-I as well.
They seem to often invent clever things (like beer and rocketry) before the rest of us do.
Very deep thinkers.

To answer your question, even though my SWAT position and subsequent tactical training was primarily "Entry Team/Hostage Rescue", all of us did cross-train with our Snipers sometimes.
Thereby I had done some shooting with a bolt action / scoped .308 on moving targets with both my eyes open.
After a bit of instruction and proper practice, I was not too bad at it.

However, I never did get used to it and to this day I am still more comfortable closing my off side eye for scope use, actually with any rifle or handgun, no matter what the sights are (even when shooting grouse with a shotgun).
As far as closing a scope cap during practice, I do not recall if we did or did not.
I do recall being able to hit things at close range in a hurry, by ignoring the scope and looking down the left side of the barrel with my right eye (vis-verse for shooting left handed).

Cheerio,
Velo Dog.

 

[IdaRam]

"After a bit of instruction and proper practice, I was not too bad at it"
There's certainly no substitute for trigger time, whether it be dry fire or live fire practice. As the saying goes, Perfect practice makes perfect.
I love to shoot them movers! We used to shoot IPSC targets as slow and fast movers (2 - 5 mph) from 25 to 400 yards. One of the guys figured out that putting a frisbee under the feet of his bipod made it much easier to pivot and track as opposed to having them stuck in the dirt. Damn cheater got his frisbee turned into a giant clay pigeon! It was a great idea and I shamelessly stole it for future use

 

[ActionBob]

German ZF-41 Sniper Rifle

 

[IdaRam]

Well, there ya go! Thanks Bob

 

[Velo Dog]

"After a bit of instruction and proper practice, I was not too bad at it"
There's certainly no substitute for trigger time, whether it be dry fire or live fire practice. As the saying goes, Perfect practice makes perfect.
I love to shoot them movers! We used to shoot IPSC targets as slow and fast movers (2 - 5 mph) from 25 to 400 yards. One of the guys figured out that putting a frisbee under the feet of his bipod made it much easier to pivot and track as opposed to having them stuck in the dirt. Damn cheater got his frisbee turned into a giant clay pigeon! It was a great idea and I shamelessly stole it for future use

My favorite Gunfighter's Motto:
"Always Cheat-Always Win".

My favorite Hunter's Motto:
"Practice, practice, practice and then, practice some more".

 

[IdaRam]

Words to live by Velo Dog!

 

[matt85]

i went ahead an ordered a Leupold VX-6 1-6x24 with the firedot circle reticle. i found a good price for a new one on gunbroker but i still had to hit my credit card with a fire extinguisher!

now to decide on a good set of 30mm QD rings...

-matt

 

[IdaRam]

That is some dang nice glass Matt! I bet you never regret it for a second.

 

[IdaRam]

I saw that you mentioned it is going on a .505 Gibbs. What's the rifle it's going on? Should be fun

 

[matt85]

this optic will go on the rifle i take to Africa next september which i havent decided on yet. however, for the time being it will go on the 505 Gibbs. hopefully the 505 Gibbs wont destroy the poor thing. the true 1x power and firedot reticle should make this an ideal DG scope.

-matt

 

[joester]

I love my Zeiss Duralyte 2-6x w/illuminated reticle. I put four .375 Ruger rounds into a cape buffalo (BLR rebarrelled from .300 Win mag) in way less time that its taking to type this... The lighted red reticle on that black hide made it all come together quickly!

 

[bassasdaindia]

i went ahead an ordered a Leupold VX-6 1-6x24 with the firedot circle reticle. i found a good price for a new one on gunbroker but i still had to hit my credit card with a fire extinguisher!

now to decide on a good set of 30mm QD rings...

-matt

good choice of scope Matt , remember you can always turn the fire dot off if you want.

 

[bassasdaindia]

what make 505 Gibbs or did I miss that ?