New scope with illuminating dot?

[n_mathews13]

Illuminated dot
4 or 6 power
Compact would be nice
200$-300$

Going on a bear gun for 50yard shot. Low light situation

Ideas ?

[Tiger1358]

Maybe Vortex Spitfire 3X? It's a fixed 3x red dot that has a laser etched reticle that you can use during the day without turning on the illumination. You can find brand new ones for 250-260 on Ebay.

I don't know exactly where you'll hunt and how, but for moving game at 50 yards 6x might not work very well, but if you'll hunt from a blind or something, it should work just fine.

If you want a scope with illumination, maybe Vortex Eagle Strike 1-6x or Athlon Argos BTR 1-4x, they both have good warranty. You can also try Primary Arms 1-6x24. There are many options...are you gonna use it on a rifle, shotgun, or something else? Depending on the caliber and action some of them might not last long.

[10thmountainarcher]

Vortex crossfire II 1-4. It’s got an etched reticle as well as a red dot. Won’t break the bank and it’s a decent optic.

[n_mathews13]

.35 whelen , or .308

[AWS]

Amazon has the Leupold VX-R 3x9 w/ firedot for $412.

https://www.amazon.com/VX-R-3-9x40mm-FireDot-Riflescope-Reticle/dp/B004NKSOLK

You can find Millet DSM 1-4 with Ill dot.

Most of the Mueller scopes have Ill. dot reticles,  I've had good luck with their scope for being on the low end of the price range.

http://muelleroptics.com/products/mueller-3-9x40-sport-dot/

[Alchase]

What trifle and caliber?

[n_mathews13]

.308 or .450 bushmaster

[Alchase]

For those ranges in low light I would want clarity over power.
The Steiner P4Xi 4x24 has great clarity, and you can find them in the $400 dollar range

https://www.opticsplanet.com/steiner-1-4x24mm-p4xi-30mm-tactical-riflescope.html

[n_mathews13]

It would be at a bait
So, what scope would help bring more light vs clarity and power?

[Tiger1358]

All of the scopes mentioned above would pretty much perform on the same level at 50 yards. Honestly, I don't think Steiner's clarity is much better than Vortex or Leopold. When it comes to turret adjustment, Steiner will beat them all no doubt, but i wasn't really impressed with Steiner's clarity, whether it's their scopes or binoculars.Don't get me wrong, they have decent clarity just like the others mentioned above and are also very tough, but the clarity is not something that you'd go like "Woow".

Nikon's clarity is actually pretty impressive, especially for a scope that cheap. I got a basic 3-9x40 Nikon on one of my rifles and the clarity in low light conditions is pretty good, without any illumination. But their 1-4 scopes with illumination are about 350. Don't know if that fits your budget.

If you're planning to use it just for hunting at the bait, I think they'll all work, cuz it's only 50 yards.
Also, I'd recommend stopping by Cabelas or Bass Pro and check them all out to see which you like the most. This way you'll know what you're looking for and you'll be able find the cheapest place to buy it.

[n_mathews13]

What am I going to loose going with a scope with no objective bell on it?  Is the light that a normal scope would bring in make that much of a difference vs not having one?

[AWS]

You will lose nothing as far as light transmission with the low power scope.  A larger objective only comes into play when you get over 4x in power.

[Alchase]

What you will gain by going to a low power variable, is a large eye box that allows for fast target acquisition for shorter ranges and just enough range to reach out and touch something at decent distances.