Duplex Reticle for Range Finding Squirrels

[sscoyote]

Subtention applications for rangefinding and downrange zeroing in my opinion is one of the most fascinating aspects of the shooting sports. The 2 most important qualities are-

1) The mil-ranging formula is not specific to the milliradian subtention unit and any measurement can be used in the equation.

2) Subtention is inversely proportional to magnification in SFP optics.

Have had a lot of fun using these concepts in the field over the years now.

 

[Guest]

For years I have used a duplex for ranging squirrels. I use the taper like a German post, magnification X eye of squirrel = equals X range hold.

I never really tried to used meters/yard but just know what hold to use.

 

[Dairyboy]

While that's great that works for you it's definitely not a precise thing. I shoot sparrows, starlings, dove, pigeons, sage rats and ground squirrels with my airgun from 10-120yds. Can one easily do that quickly with subtensions on a full blown christmas tree reticle with high precision? No way. That's not even getting into where you need to hold exactly. And then if theres any wind. Here's my setup on Strelok. A duplex can't cut it for long range shots like this reticle can with a rangefinder.

 

[DadsKrag]

While that's great that works for you it's definitely not a precise thing. I shoot sparrows, starlings, dove, pigeons, sage rats and ground squirrels with my airgun from 10-120yds. Can one easily do that quickly with subtensions on a full blown christmas tree reticle with high precision? No way. That's not even getting into where you need to hold exactly. And then if theres any wind. Here's my setup on Strelok. A duplex can't cut it for long range shots like this reticle can with a rangefinder.

So just what does that have to do with hunting squirrels in heavy foliage at the prime times of dawn and dusk? Under those conditions your reticle will get lost while a simple duplex reticle will still stand out. 

Totally of topic and next to useless under the conditions that I will use my pellet rifle on game. 

BTW how does your reticle compensate for steep upward angles?

 

[Bocephus]

That Athlon Ares ERT has an illuminated reticle, which is very useful in the conditions you described. 

If you have to ask how that reticle compensates for steep angle, you clearly don’t understand how to use it. That’s ok, it is human nature to fear what we don’t understand. You would compensate the same as you would with a duplex, but you would have actual reference points to use.


Siting down and taking a few readings on various trees and branches with a rangefinder is a whole lot easier than fiddling with your scopes magnification ring for every shot. 

 

[DadsKrag]

1. That Athlon Ares ERT has an illuminated reticle, which is very useful in the conditions you described.
2.  If you have to ask how that reticle compensates for steep angle, you clearly don’t understand how to use it. That’s ok, it is human nature to fear what we don’t understand. You would compensate the same as you would with a duplex, but you would have actual reference points to use.
3.  Siting down and taking a few readings on various trees and branches with a rangefinder is a whole lot easier than fiddling with your scopes magnification ring for every shot. 
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   1. An illuminated reticle is just another unnecessary complication over a duplex reticle which was the original low light reticle that still had a fine crosshair in the center.
   2. I asked how the reticle compensates for steep angles because I understand that it doesn't. In fact, I understand your "tacticool reticle" completely enough to know it is superfluous for real world stalking of gray squirrels in late summer mast trees.
   3. If I sight in at 22yds I will be dead on at 47yds and have a + or - 3/8" MPBR from 17 to 52 yds. If the squirrel's head fills the subtention of the crosshair to the bottom of the top post it is 50yds away. If it fills the subtention between the top and bottom posts it is 25yds away. In either case I can hold dead center vertically on the neck under the ear and have an instant humane kill from 17 to 52yds. A lot quicker than "sitting down and taking a few reading with a range finder" when I am stalking up on a squirrel that is dropping cuttings from a Shagbark Hickory tree. If the squirrel is more than 50yds away I will stalk to try and get closer. That's the difference between "hunting" and "shooting".
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      As far as the steep angle shots? I have killed enough squirrels with a .36 Flintlock shooting subsonic .350 round balls as well as scope sighted 22lr standard velocity to know how to compensate for those steep angles.

 

[Bocephus]

I do not “stalk” squirrels. Would be impossible in the woods that I hunt in. I’ve always had to sit quietly and wait on the squirrels. I guess that makes me a “shooter” not a “hunter”. 

 

[Bocephus]

I’ve also never shot a squirrel with a .280.