The word “illuminated” says a lot about a reticle rifle scope. If you’re a shooter or a hunter, then you know what you’re talking about. An illuminated reticle riflescope features an internally integrated light source. This light source illuminates the reticle or crosshair to make shooting easier in low-light conditions. However, there is always this great debate about Illuminated vs. Non-illuminated reticle sights. The only reason illuminated reticles are recommended is because they are a great help for shooting in low light or in the dark. If you use a non-illuminated reticle scope in the dark, shooting will become a hassle for you. In this regard, Nightforce illuminated reticles are suggested by hunters and shooters around the world. But you can also look for other brands, like Leupold.

These rifle scopes can be classified into 2 types: general purpose scopes for hunting or recreational shooting, and tactical scopes used in self-defense, military, and law enforcement applications. And it is the light source that differentiates the two types. Tactical sights use radioactive tritium lamps or a passive light-gathering fiber optic. On the other hand, hunting scopes use the battery powered LED (Light Emitting Diode). There are several benefits that illuminated reticle scopes offer over traditional iron sights.

First of all, the scopes used by hunters have a higher magnification than iron scopes. When you look through the illuminators, they can bring targets closer even though they are at fairly long distances. Normally an iron sight would produce blurry images for such long ranges. Tactical sights, on the other hand, offer a wide-view image that makes it possible to shoot instinctively even under pressure.

Second, the usual glass sights are not replete with proper light-gathering facilities. This causes the crosshair or reticle to disappear in low light conditions. In this sense, the illuminated reticle rifle scopes are a great help for shooters and hunters who want to use it in low visibility conditions.

When it comes to their design, Nightforce illuminated reticles follow basic design patterns similar to those of traditional optical devices. There is an additional mechanism associated with these types of scopes. A separate light source is built into these scopes. On all standard reticle scopes, the illumination can be changed and is positioned behind the reticle. The LED is powered by one or more discharged batteries that are used in a clock. These are also available with various power settings for lighting. You can choose according to your needs in low light conditions.

Regarding the color of the reticles, red is the most used. This is because it is the easiest color to track in low light conditions. However, there are several visors that are available in green, yellow, and amber shades.

However, there is one problem you may face with this type of scope and that is excessive lighting. In such a condition, the reticle glows so brightly that you have a hard time placing the target. Therefore, it is recommended that you do your research well on the brands that offer these products. It will help you choose a suitable illuminated reticle.