Hawke 2-7x32 AO IR - Mil Dot Reticle visibility

[puddleglum]

Hi all. I used my Westhunter 3-12 FFP on my Taipan .25 Compact for a while, and realized I pretty much have only been using it on 12x for shooting pest birds out my windows. I want to use the compact for squirrels this fall, and also will be using it for rabbits in the yard that like to nibble in the flower beds. When I dial the Westhunter down to lower magnification, that reticle all but disappears, to my eyes. I am thinking that, for the closer range applications I will be using it for, I might want a SFP scope for reticle visibility. I also think a lower magnification might suit my needs, with a wide FOV at 2x helping me spot squirrels and rabbits and, if I see one quite a ways out, dialing up to 7x should be enough magnification for a 40-50 yard shot on a squirrel.

How is the Mil Dot reitcle on the Vantage 2-7x32? Is it extremely fine like the Hawke AMX reticle, or is it heavy enough to pick up easily against a dark background? I know this is subjective, but any feedback you all have would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-pg

 

[puddleglum]

I almost forgot the obligatory pic of the little beastie

 

[citojaso]

I almost forgot the obligatory pic of the little beastie
View attachment 557435

I know some will poopoo this but I love my ffp scopes. Especially the one with a lighted cross hair. I use it in darkened conditions and low magnification and with my old eyes (75) it is a life saver.

 

[puddleglum]

I know some will poopoo this but I love my ffp scopes. Especially the one with a lighted cross hair. I use it in darkened conditions and low magnification and with my old eyes (75) it is a life saver.

I certainly agree there are applications for a FFP, I am thinking a SFP will be better for this particular gun/use case.

 

[PEP3]

Hi all. I used my Westhunter 3-12 FFP on my Taipan .25 Compact for a while, and realized I pretty much have only been using it on 12x for shooting pest birds out my windows. I want to use the compact for squirrels this fall, and also will be using it for rabbits in the yard that like to nibble in the flower beds. When I dial the Westhunter down to lower magnification, that reticle all but disappears, to my eyes. I am thinking that, for the closer range applications I will be using it for, I might want a SFP scope for reticle visibility. I also think a lower magnification might suit my needs, with a wide FOV at 2x helping me spot squirrels and rabbits and, if I see one quite a ways out, dialing up to 7x should be enough magnification for a 40-50 yard shot on a squirrel.

How is the Mil Dot reitcle on the Vantage 2-7x32? Is it extremely fine like the Hawke AMX reticle, or is it heavy enough to pick up easily against a dark background? I know this is subjective, but any feedback you all have would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-pg

The reticle in the Vantage is good for what you want, I have a few of those and the West Hunter too. I actually have a new Vantange 3-9 x40 IR that I'm going to put in the classifieds, let me know if you're interested, I will go ahead and post it. My West Hunter is 16x and I love it but the reticles do get very small at the lower zoom, I run it maxed out anyway.

 

[RadioFlyer]

@puddleglum the reticle/crosshair of scope you have posted in the title of this thread Hawke 2-7x32 AO IR Mil Dot does indeed have a finely etched reticle like an AMX. The scope you are inquiring about in your thread Hawke 2-7x32 Vantage has no IR, and features a wire reticle that is thicker and perfect for the application you are speaking of. These are two different scopes; I have both models and each has their own application. For hunting/pesting during the day the non IR is my go to (reticle size is perfect) when the sun goes down and darkness falls I go IR. Hawke makes a great scope; the build is very good, nice glass, tracks wonderfully and has one if not the best warranty in the business.

Have a Blessed day

 

[puddleglum]

@puddleglum the reticle/crosshair of scope you have posted in the title of this thread Hawke 2-7x32 AO IR Mil Dot does indeed have a finely etched reticle like an AMX. The scope you are inquiring about in your thread Hawke 2-7x32 Vantage has no IR, and features a wire reticle that is thicker and perfect for the application you are speaking of. These are two different scopes; I have both models and each has their own application. For hunting/pesting during the day the non IR is my go to (reticle size is perfect) when the sun goes down and darkness falls I go IR. Hawke makes a great scope; the build is very good, nice glass, tracks wonderfully and has one if not the best warranty in the business.

Have a Blessed day

There is a Vantage IR 2-7x32 AO with a Mil Dot
https://us.hawkeoptics.com/vantage-ir-2-7x32-ao-mil-dot-ir.html
This is the one I was referencing.

It sounds like you are saying it will have a finer reticle because the IR reticles are etched? And the non-IR will be a bit wider?

 

[RadioFlyer]

Indeed there is a Vantage IR 2-7x32 AO with a Mil Dot; model number 14211.

The second paragraph in your initial post is where I became unclear of what model Hawke 2-7x32 you were referring to as you simply stated “ How is the Mil Dot reticle on the Vantage 2-7 X32”?

You asked a question and I answered it to the best of my knowledge and previous experience. Wire reticles are notorious for being wider than glass etched reticles. Fifty-five years of looking through telescopic rifle sights has me convinced.

Have a wonderful day

 

[DARKHORSE1967]

@puddleglum the reticle/crosshair of scope you have posted in the title of this thread Hawke 2-7x32 AO IR Mil Dot does indeed have a finely etched reticle like an AMX. The scope you are inquiring about in your thread Hawke 2-7x32 Vantage has no IR, and features a wire reticle that is thicker and perfect for the application you are speaking of. These are two different scopes; I have both models and each has their own application. For hunting/pesting during the day the non IR is my go to (reticle size is perfect) when the sun goes down and darkness falls I go IR. Hawke makes a great scope; the build is very good, nice glass, tracks wonderfully and has one if not the best warranty in the business.

Have a Blessed day

I don’t have the non-IR wire, but I have peered thru one.

I find it thick for my taste, although not as thick as those UTG/Leapers wire reticles.

Saying this, I much prefer the glass-etched IR mildot version; have it on my Crosman 2400KT in the Philippines for rat pesting

 

[JimD]

I have the non illuminated version on my Prod. I really like it. It is the only scope around $100 that I think can be trusted to work well. The reticle is very visible all the way from 2X to 7X, I just pulled it out and checked it. I've used it a little on targets but it doesn't really have the magnification for that. The reticle is great for pesting/hunting. Not too fine or too thick in my opinion. I've taken 18 squirrels and counting with my Prod/Hawke combination.