Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

[mscher]

Anybody using a Nikon scope with the BDC reticle?

Considering a Slughunter, but wondering if it's worth $100 more, than a Prostaff, that does not have the BDC reticle. $220 is not a deal breaker if it is a nice scope.

http://www.nikonhunting.com/riflescopes-bdc-reticle.html

http://www.nikonhunting.com/riflescopes-slughunter.html

Any comments on Nikon scopes in general?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I am using the Nikon Prostaff 3x9 with the BDC on my Rem 308 and I like it. It is the first scope I got like that and actually since the ranges I shoot at a deer are rarely over 100 yd.

I know the Monarch is a step above but the Prostaff does a great job.

I have to give Nikon a +1 on quality .... I got mine from Midway

 

[j_martin]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

My good scope is on the 30-06. On my blunderbuss, a cheap Wal-Mart scope is as accurate as the gun.

my 02
John

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I do not have any experience with the Nikon rifle scope w/ BDC reticle. While watching the video, I noted the the scope must be on max zoom in order for the 2 minute circles to line up correctly. Not sure if this would hinder your hunting style, but something to consider if you have not already.

I use a nightforce nxf for longer range gopher popping. Does not matter what power you are one for it to work with the circles. Really like it, really spendy though. Not real sure I would take it out brush bashing...

The Monarch series is very nice, and fairly rugged. I had a problem with one right out of the box ( windage reticle loose )and the rep fixed me right up. No prob since. Good to deal with.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I guess I don't see the need for a BDC reticle on a shotgun since you probably will be shooting 100yds or less, I would think. If you were shooting 200yds plus on a regular basis, then I would consider it. I guess why pay an extra $100 for a feature that you may rarely or ever use... I've been looking at Nikons too and Leupolds. One thing about the BDC reticle, I thought it added clutter to the viewing area.... I would go to your local store that sells what you're looking for so you can look thru them and decide which one is right for you. Nikon is known for their good optics. Scopes, binoculars, etc...

I was going off the link you provided. Now, I see in the catalog, the aiming points are at 100, 150 and 200yds with zero being at 50yds. For the money and the distances you'll be shooting, I'd stick with the Pro Staff w/o BDC.

 

[mscher]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I guess I don't see the need for a BDC reticle on a shotgun since you probably will be shooting 100yds or less, I would think. If you were shooting 200yds plus on a regular basis, then I would consider it. I guess why pay an extra $100 for a feature that you may rarely or ever use... I've been looking at Nikons too and Leupolds. One thing about the BDC reticle, I thought it added clutter to the viewing area.... I would go to your local store that sells what you're looking for so you can look thru them and decide which one is right for you. Nikon is known for their good optics. Scopes, binoculars, etc...

I was going off the link you provided. Now, I see in the catalog, the aiming points are at 100, 150 and 200yds with zero being at 50yds. For the money and the distances you'll be shooting, I'd stick with the Pro Staff w/o BDC.

This was my first year deer hunting. Had a clear shot at a nice buck (from a tree stand) but it was about 95+ yards away. I could not take a confident shot with rifled slugs and a bead sight, especially with my cruddy nearsight.

I recently purchased one of Ernie's (Badger Barrels http://www.badgerdefense.com/ ) rifled slug barrels, that is supposed to have the nuts for accurate long range shots, using sabots. I will need a good scope, to compliment this fine barrel.

One of the main reasons I have considered the Slughunter, is that it has 5" of eye relief, which is desirable on a gun with high recoil, especially since I wear glasses.

 

[mscher]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I noted the the scope must be on max zoom in order for the 2 minute circles to line up correctly. Not sure if this would hinder your hunting style, but something to consider if you have not already.

Good point and I noted it also.

Other than a $19 Weaver on a squirrel gun, I have never hunted with a scope, so I was not sure how often one has to adjust the zoom. Maybe not often at all.

You were not kidding about the nightforce being pricey. Good thing they don't make a slug gun scope. I'd probably have to have one.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

Actually I like a lower power scope when I can not get the long shot. I am kinda partial to a solid 4x.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

Other than a $19 Weaver on a squirrel gun, I have never hunted with a scope, so I was not sure how often one has to adjust the zoom. Maybe not often at all.

Max zoom(9 power) on a 3x9 would be too much for a 100 yard shot. If you needed a second shot it may be tough to locate the deer again at that range. Given the range of a slug gun, you would adjust the power less than you would with a rifle. I typically shoot deer between 100 and 200 yards. Therefore, I am adjusting the power a fair amount. I crank it up to 9 when shooting 200 yards. The upper powers come in handy to verify it is a deer you're seeing in the brush, or, what exactly is between it's ears especially if you dont have a pair of binoculars.

I noticed on the Slughunter the FOV @100 yds is less than both the Pro Staff and Buckmaster. Again, could be an issue locating deer quickly.

I am currently using a Redfield that may or may not be having issues. The scope is 20+ years old. If I verify the scope has problems, I'm looking at buying the Leupold VX-II. It too has a 4.7" eye relief.

Judging by your responses, if you stick with Nikon, I think you're going to be the happiest with the Slughunter. And when it comes right down to it, that's all that matters.......

 

[mscher]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

Max zoom(9 power) on a 3x9 would be too much for a 100 yard shot. If you needed a second shot it may be tough to locate the deer again at that range. Given the range of a slug gun, you would adjust the power less than you would with a rifle. I typically shoot deer between 100 and 200 yards. Therefore, I am adjusting the power a fair amount. I crank it up to 9 when shooting 200 yards. The upper powers come in handy to verify it is a deer you're seeing in the brush, or, what exactly is between it's ears especially if you dont have a pair of binoculars.

I noticed on the Slughunter the FOV @100 yds is less than both the Pro Staff and Buckmaster. Again, could be an issue locating deer quickly.

I am currently using a Redfield that may or may not be having issues. The scope is 20+ years old. If I verify the scope has problems, I'm looking at buying the Leupold VX-II. It too has a 4.7" eye relief.

Judging by your responses, if you stick with Nikon, I think you're going to be the happiest with the Slughunter. And when it comes right down to it, that's all that matters.......

I always try to keep an opened mind, but the Nikons seem like pretty decent scopes for the money, even though other brands have been around much longer. Nikon does know optics. I have had two Nikon digital cameras, that have performed quite nicely.

Actually, I'm leaning towards the Slughunter 1.65-5x36, which is a new model. It's supposed to be a little better in low light and has a respectable FOV of 45.3-15.1 ft @ 100 yds.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

Lowlight is key in MHO, having deer hunted for the first time ever this season. The NF would be terrible, and the bushnell trophy sitting on top of my 7600 was great. Not that I even got a shot....but I could see in the lowest light permissible.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I always try to keep an opened mind, but the Nikons seem like pretty decent scopes for the money, even though other brands have been around much longer. Nikon does know optics. I have had two Nikon digital cameras, that have performed quite nicely.

Actually, I'm leaning towards the Slughunter 1.65-5x36, which is a new model. It's supposed to be a little better in low light and has a respectable FOV of 45.3-15.1 ft @ 100 yds.

Go for it. I'm sure you can't go wrong with a Nikon. The new Slughunter should be perfect for your needs. The FOV increases as the adjustable power range decreases. 1.65 - 5 should meet your needs just fine.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I agree Musky- The addition of the BDC reticle on a rifled shotgun setup would be useless (sorry) - they just can not reach out that far to make the expenditure worth it. Not only that , but they are set up for center fire cartridges, not slug guns. 150 yds at best for a responsible shot, which is only the 2nd move down in the reticle for the bdc..... Couple the gun/scope/hunting style/range for the best choice. Slughunter seems the way to go.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I always try to keep an opened mind, but the Nikons seem like pretty decent scopes for the money, even though other brands have been around much longer. Nikon does know optics. I have had two Nikon digital cameras, that have performed quite nicely.

Actually, I'm leaning towards the Slughunter 1.65-5x36, which is a new model. It's supposed to be a little better in low light and has a respectable FOV of 45.3-15.1 ft @ 100 yds.

Great choice!!

 

[j_martin]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

My good scope is on the 30-06. On my blunderbuss, a cheap Wal-Mart scope is as accurate as the gun.

my 02
John

When I fired off this SA answer, I didn't know what the BDC reticle was. I can see it really helping with a scope designed to compensate for the rainbow trajectory of a shotgun. If you can hit the cavity with 2000 ft. lbs. of energy, it's an ethical shot for sure.

Someday I may actually spring for a slughunter.

John

 

[mscher]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

I agree Musky- The addition of the BDC reticle on a rifled shotgun setup would be useless (sorry) - they just can not reach out that far to make the expenditure worth it. Not only that , but they are set up for center fire cartridges, not slug guns. 150 yds at best for a responsible shot, which is only the 2nd move down in the reticle for the bdc..... Couple the gun/scope/hunting style/range for the best choice. Slughunter seems the way to go.

The BDC reticle for the Slughunter scopes, only has two ballistic circles, 100 and 150 yards, respectively. The 200 yd hold over point, is the lower thick portion of the verticle crosshair.

The BDC rifle scopes for center fires, have four ballistic circles, for up to 600 yards.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Nikon BDC Shotgun Scopes

The BDC reticle for the Slughunter scopes, only has two ballistic circles, 100 and 150 yards, respectively. The 200 yd hold over point, is the lower thick portion of the verticle crosshair.

The BDC rifle scopes for center fires, have four ballistic circles, for up to 600 yards.

I retract my earlier statement and promise to go straight to the doctor and see if they can treat my rectal-cranial inversion. Then to the the eye doctor:redface: