Thanks to all who answered. You've given me some more to think about. Nice to hear from people who seem to understand that the perfect rifle is as much a work of art as a product of technology.
A few comments
jeepnik wrote:Note heresy, it's called getting old. But this works for me, very well.
No argument there. My eyes stopped changing about the time I crossed the half century mark and my vision is just bad enough that I can't cut it with irons sights anymore except in full sunlight. Most animals I hunt are out around sunrise or sunset.
PaulB wrote:There's a scout mount for the BLR? Do tell! I want one, who makes it?
In my case it is the mount Browning makes for the take down model. It uses the holes for the rear sight and a couple of extra holes drilled and tapped into the barrel. It is really slick how it lays in the same plane as the top of the receiver.
There is no reason I can see that a mount like the XS mounts for the Marlin or the couldn't be made for the BLR. Use the rear sight mounting holes and one or both sets of holes for the scope dovetail. AFAIK, no one makes anything like that. More's the pity; if the price was reasonable, I'd buy one for my old steel receiver model 81 in a minute.
AJMD429 wrote:I like the Bushnell Holosight - 'military' durability, FAST acquisition, and IMHO perfect for a home-defense, or 'chore' gun, especially if it might be used at night (like if you're trying to spot a coyote in the goat pen 75 yards away with a flashlight or gun-mounted light, or a raccoon scurrying around the barn in the distant glow of a floodlight)
I have a Gen II Bushnell Holosight on a Marlin 1894C and another on a Keltec SU-16. I really like it. Unless I really need the hardening and/or night vision compatibility of the Eotech (Eotech make the Bushnell sight) it is, IMO, the absolute best 1X sight available.
Dave wrote:I am a true believer in the scout scope. I read some criticisms of them but have not experienced anything but joy with mine. The forward mounting position keeps your gun easy to carry. The extra weight of the scope out front makes the gun hang better too.
I've noticed that my BLR's are much easier to carry without the over the receiver scope. It just seem to balance right were the scope is. That is an important consideration to me because I'll often walk a considerable distance while hunting. I have a good "safari" sling but sometimes I just want the rifle right there in my hand so I can bring it to my shoulder quickly.
As long as you are not cross eye dominant you can use one fine.
I am right handed with a left dominant eye but years of handgun shooting have taught me how to shift gears in my head and see the world from a right-eyed POV long enough to make a shot. It is a strain and for long strings I'll use a blinder over my left eye. However, so far I haven't had any problem with red dots on my 22's so I don't anticipate any significant problems there. How many shots will I make in a day hunting?
If your shot is longer you have all the advantages of a crosshair and scope.
That's why I'm seriously considering the scout scope. I still trust myself to hit down to a coyote in the boiler room at 100 yards with a 1x holosight and my glasses on. Beyond that I'm just not sure anymore. I was brought up that a good hunter doesn't take shot he's not sure he can make.
What most people call a "right" is the equivalent of a dog walking on a leash. Just because your leash is a little longer than the other dogs' does not mean you don't have a master.