Departments | Sportsman’s Corner
Bushnell
Optics Worth A Look
Bushnell
A hunting buddy traveled halfway around the world and lined up on a huge ram. “The range was 350 yards down a steep ridge—a long shot, but the sheep stood broadside and I had a perfect rest…and shot over it three times in a row,” said the red-faced man, shaking his head. “Luckily, the sheep ran straight up the mountain and the next shot (at a reduced angle) downed it.” Ironically, this dude is a career big game guide and had coached hundreds of clients about vertical and horizontal range. Gravity affects bullet drop based on the horizontal distance to a target, regardless of vertical straight-line range.
Archers face this situation, too—especially those who crank their self-climbing stands just short of orbit. A big buck finally makes its “last” mistake, and your arrow soars right over its shoulder. Luckily, today’s new angle-compensating laser range finders will alert you to the true distance of your game and can prevent these mental mistakes.
Nikon
Bushnell’s new Scout 1000 ranges targets from five to 1,000 yards and operates in a bow mode (five to 99 yards) and rifle mode, where it provides bullet-drop/hold-over data in inches from 100 to 800 yards. Leupold offers the RXB-IV Range Finding Binocular that combines traditional magnification and range-finding in a single unit, including ballistic information. Their RX-IV Boone & Crocket has special markings that help judge antler height and width, which is a big deal if you are a trophy hunter.
In rifle scopes, bullet-drop compensation models allow you to adjust the recticle based on the range and trajectory of your bullet so that you can aim dead-on and eliminate hold-over guestimations. They’re a good investment if you enjoy long-range shooting and are willing to practice.
Joe Byers
“The 3-9X40 is still the most popular scope model,” says Matt Highby, Optics Product Manager for Cabela’s and a 12-year professional who deals with all brands of scopes. “Bushnell and Swarovski now offer six-times zoom,” he says. “For a good all-around scope, the 6X zoom will go from a wide open 2.5 magnification up to 16-power. [Normally, you’d go from 2.5 to 10.] You’ll likely see more models like this,” he adds, reminding, “with variable power scopes you get the most light at dawn and dusk on the lowest power.”
Recently, I was extremely impressed with a Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Series scope on an African hunt. Not only was it bright and clear, but eight clicks of elevation changed bullet impact exactly two inches. This doesn’t sound like much, but imprecise scope adjustments have become common even on expensive models. “Our scopes and binoculars are made by a company that builds telescopes, which gives us a lower price and excellent quality,” Highby explained.
Binoculars are among a hunter’s most valuable and expensive tools. “Phase-coated binoculars offer a better resolution, and usually start at about $299 across the lines,” Highby says, adding, “Several companies now offer ‘open bridge’ models that fit a hunter’s hands well and reduce weight.”
Binoculars come in many shapes and sizes, and the best one for you is use-specific. Characteristics like size, weight, magnification and field of view mean that no one glass is perfect for all applications. Put them around your neck, hold them in your hands, give a hard look and then decide.
Finally, Highby recommends buying a good lens cleaning kit to keep all of your optics clean. “A small 3-oz. bottle of compressed air is ideal in the field,” he says. “It’s light, effective, won’t scratch your lenses and keeps the hunt coming through loud and clear.”
—Joe Byers