I didn’t want to pose this question on the Optics sub-forum because it isn’t related to an M4 and I didn’t want to clutter that area up, but if the mods feel it is better suited for that forum and I will get more hits let’s move it on over there…
Anyway, here’s the backstory. I’ve been hunting the NY forests with my Marlin 336 for several years now and I love the gun for both this environment and the game I am hunting. I’ve pulled deer, it is very quick for me to shoot, and it’s perfect for this environment as I seldom have shots that stretch out past 75 yards. This year however was the first year I debated investing in an optic, and these are the two reasons I’m considering glassing my brush gun:
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I’m having a bit of an issue with lining up my sight posts when the light conditions are optimally bad right at dawn. You know that nice neutral grey/blue almost fog that is optimal for deer and hard for you and me. This is where a Red Dot would excel, I would have a full freezer x3 this season and a small little rack for the birds to munch on over the winter, but…:
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I hunt in an antler restricted zone that extends well beyond what I am reasonably capable of driving out of. The antler restriction is needed in my area, but this is the first year I experienced how much of a pain in the ass it can be. The restriction is: Deer must have one antler with at least 3 tines over 1" long.
Here’s the condition I want to optimize: Glassing deer in low light, lots of over growth, possibly a need for a really quick shot, and the above antler restrictions.
I was standing within 40 yards from a nice little 3 point (NY 6 point, IE 3 on each antler) playing with a little spike this season pre dawn. I sat and glassed while counting the tines on the bigger buck for about 20 minutes. I was looking up hill, in a standing position switching between glass and the hammer of my rifle the entire time. When it was all said and done by the time I visually confirmed it was legal to shoot the small buck, I had my hammer cocked, and was drawing the gun, he heard something I did, saw me and bolted. It was totally the transition from glass to rifle that spooked the guy… I’m not upset with my performance for the season as I could have reached out and touched this buck ten times over in a different world, but an optic would mean steak on my plate tonight.
I’ve determined a convoluted list of needs for the optic I’m looking for:
+Illuminated/Low Light reticle
+1x5 Magnification
+Light weight
+Limited/No Eye Relief
+Low Profile that can be mounted to a rail on a 336 Marlin
+(optional) Has the possibility of a slim quick release mount so I can mount it only during optimal conditions.
What optic would you suggest, and keep in mind that I am not really willing to spend more then I would on an Aimpoint T1.
Sorry I’m long winded, I’ve had a satisfying and disappointing season this year, it’s been a long day and I’m really excited to set this gun up a bit better for next year.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.