So I received my new scope today, it's a 5-30x56. It has a MSR2 reticle. When I was examining it I turned on the illumination and discovered it is green. Everything in the advertisement that I read mentioned nothing about green as even being an option. Even the picture of the reticle on the outside of the box shows it as red. I contacted the vendor and he told me that they only come with the green and his only explanation was they must have made a change and never updated their product info. I have never used a green ret. My other high power scope is red and I am fine with it. I am wanting to know from those who have experience with both what your opinion is of a green ill. I know the eye is more sensitive to green light than red. Other than that I don't know what disadvantage there might be down the road if I keep it. I only have 15 days to return it and cannot mount it so I will have very little opportunity to try it out for myself. I am counting on your experience to let me know if keeping it would be a mistake. I should mention if you are not familiar with the MSR2 ret. that the only portion that is illuminated is the small central crosshair not the whole thing.
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Question about illuminated reticle
- Thread starter Kingfish
- Start date
I can't do green. I tried with a Holoson for a few weeks and couldn't get it in my brain. My front sights on all handguns are fiber optic green or just plain black and every rifle has always been a red dot.
One issue I found was hitting it on a backdrop of green like trees and grass. Unless the dot was turned up very bright, it washed out on a green backdrop. I work with guys who swear on everything holy green is the way to go, but I couldn't make it work.
That said, I have switched 7 optics over from Vortex to Leupold in the last yearish and none of them have illuminated reticles. I really can't say I've missed illuminated reticles in that time...
One issue I found was hitting it on a backdrop of green like trees and grass. Unless the dot was turned up very bright, it washed out on a green backdrop. I work with guys who swear on everything holy green is the way to go, but I couldn't make it work.
That said, I have switched 7 optics over from Vortex to Leupold in the last yearish and none of them have illuminated reticles. I really can't say I've missed illuminated reticles in that time...
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Although I've used scopes with illuminated reticles since at least 2002, I don't use the illumination much. And if I do, it's to provide contrast in low light, and not to see at night or in bright light. That said, both colors have their issues. Both wash out heavy in daylight with green being worse, but low light, green tends to provide really good contrast.
If you're looking for color to use as a primary reticle though, red's probably better, but if it's an occasional thing where you're providing contrast when your black reticle disappears, it doesn't matter much.
Most people don't know that the illuminated reticle is used to provide contrast against a background that makes your black reticle disappear. You only turn it up enough to see your reticle...your should still see the black edge with the illumination in the center-ish. Most people crank it way up like it's a red dot or something so they can't see the etch. That's why most people don't like green or blue because 1. they're not as familiar as red, and 2. they tend to blend with other cool colors in the background. Blue is the worst. But used correctly, green can be as effective as red.
But, if it's gonna bug you, and you can't make a decision, then I'd say just send it back and go find a red one for peace of mind.
If you're looking for color to use as a primary reticle though, red's probably better, but if it's an occasional thing where you're providing contrast when your black reticle disappears, it doesn't matter much.
Most people don't know that the illuminated reticle is used to provide contrast against a background that makes your black reticle disappear. You only turn it up enough to see your reticle...your should still see the black edge with the illumination in the center-ish. Most people crank it way up like it's a red dot or something so they can't see the etch. That's why most people don't like green or blue because 1. they're not as familiar as red, and 2. they tend to blend with other cool colors in the background. Blue is the worst. But used correctly, green can be as effective as red.
But, if it's gonna bug you, and you can't make a decision, then I'd say just send it back and go find a red one for peace of mind.
I’m with @rockchalk06 about illuminated scopes, for most shooting situations you’ll never need it. The scope on my RWS springer has both red and green illumination and I’ve never needed either. My Razor and Match Pro have red and I’ve never used the illumination. Now I use the day light bright DOT on my LPVO. If it bothers you, send it back and get what you want but, don’t compromise on the the more important aspects of a scope.
I’ve got it mounted on a tripod right now and am checking it every 10 minutes or so as it’s getting dark. So far I’ve seen nothing that’s troubling to me. It shows up really well without washing out the fine subtend tics. I was just concerned about the green since you don’t see it offered in other high end brands. Since I got it at a close out price, I’m sure I can live with it. Thanks all for your input.
Green diodes whether laser or LED are usually Chinese AF. In fact, there's only a few places outside China that make them and they're kinda spendy. That why you see them predominantly in Chicom or cheap-er optics.
Since this is Steiner, they're probably sourced elsewhere OR, sourced from a non-Chinese company that builds out the diodes from Chinese foundries. I know them, I can ask.
Eotech def sources their green diodes from Asia.
So it’s bad enough that green is better for my astigmatism and then you nail me with it’s made in china bullshit! For fucks sake. Guess I’m stuck with irons.
