Black Scope Reticle on Black Target

[chkunz]

There was a post here some time back where we discussed the problems of seeing the black reticle on the black bull for some targets at some distances. I am one of those who expressed having such problems. The Leupold target dot was ok when I first started using it ten years ago but my eyes are now having some difficulty with this configuration.

Someone recommended using a sigh picture where the reticle dot is in the white to solve the problem. I finally decided to try that and I am amazed at how easy this change was and how well it works. The NRA target has ring numbers at 3 o'clock and I decided to hold on the ring number in the first white ring. The distance from the X to the ring number in the white is about four minutes so I simply moved the reticle four minutes left and zeroed for sitting and prone. Since I have some cant sitting it also takes an elevation change; since I have the reticle adjusted to be plumb for my prone position that zero is easier to establish.

I wish I had tried this sooner and I will also probably try a similar sight picture for a 6 o'clock hold before I try this in a match.

 

[Leeman]

I would say you would better holding at 6 o'clock as that to me would be far easier to maintain than the 3 o'clock hold as you are far more likely to be adjusting for wind, either by hold off's or clicks and having to think about the correction you have already got on the scope just to maintain zero would be one too many things to consider, at least for me.

I shoot F class and apart from the first sighter, I doubt there would be more than two or three shots in succession where I am maintaining the same wind hold. From time to time I will make an elevation correction, generally holding off, but that would be of much smaller magnitude and occasion than the corrections for wind.

 

[dcali]

Another option is to look at using scopes with illuminated reticles. A green or red illumination can make a big difference.

 

[chkunz]

Another option is to look at using scopes with illuminated reticles. A green or red illumination can make a big difference.

I agree but I have two medium priced scopes with illuminated reticles and I can not see the illumination in bright daylight. It may be that the high end scopes will work.

Anyway, I have now tried the 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock holds and they work well enough to clean the target so I think I have solved the problem for now. I think I prefer the 6 o'clock hold but they both work well.