red dot or multi range scope?
 

i am going to get some type of sighting device, which would be a better choice? i can get a single red dot horton sight with horton rail for $30, or a scope base and 4x32 multirange scope for $85. i have a horton tacoma, thanks

You won't be happy with a red dot. Far better to go with a good scope.

Crossbow scope
 

I can attest that while a Red Dot scope can work, a magnified scope is my choice. I recently had the pleasure of shooting a Ten Point Crossbow with Nikon's Bolt XR mounted onit and was I impressed.
Not only myself, but about 100 other guys as well. All got to shoot using the BDC reticleof the Bolt XR and everyone had a smile on their face after pulling the trigger.
Just so happens the Nikon Bolt XR has a mail in rebate when you buy one form an Authorized Nikon Dealer.

Here's a link to get the rebate.

http://www.nikonpromo.com/step_up_with_bolt_xr.html

Drop me a note if you have any questions.
Bart
Nikon Pro Staff

I agree go with the Multi..you won't be happy with the dot...i had one and took it off....Honkers

I've also tried both and use a Vari-Zone that came with my Vortex. The red dots will work, but I prefer some magnification and the 40yrd aim point is nice if I feel I can take the shot. Also don't like to have to rely exclusively on batteries.

i tried the single dot horton red dot scope, l/r was ok but i couldn't get the u/d to adjust at all. i called horton they said they would replace it, but i have to wait a couple weeks to get it back. looks like opening day is not looking good. thanks

how good are the scopes with a reticle plus dots?, i found a crossbow scope in my price range. it has the crossbow reticle but also has center red or green dots that i can turn on too. thanks

Lighted reticule scopes for crossbows are great. Don't buy cheap as you will not like it. Buy a good one like a Hawk, TenPoint or Excalibur. Most are set up with a speed ring to set for you arrow speed The the lighted dots correspond to 10yd increments one you sight it in.

Yes I agree and get a decent one from the start. You will enjoy much more time shooting instead of trying to keep it zeroed and sighted. Like I said in an earlier post. I too had a Horton reddot but with the 3 aim points. A scope with a "speed ring" is where it's at. My Vortex is dead on at 20,30,40, and very close at 50yds. Which is fine with me. I don't plan on ever taking a 50yd shot at a deer with my crossbow. At first I was very leary even considering a 40yd shot. But now with my current arrow and string setup and the VariZone scope, if the conditions where ideal and the opportunity was there for the shot, I feel comfortable enough with my self and CB to consider taking a 40yrd shot. I would NEVER have been able to even consider a shot like that with a red dot. Its just not comparable in my opinion.

Buck, I unddrstand your concern at shots over 40 yards. Here's a pic a friend took after using his Ten Point and Nikon's Bolt XR CrossBow scope to shoot a 3D deer target. 60 yards using the BDC Reticle on the Nikon Bolt XR.
Needless to say he was thrilled!
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...onBoltXR3d.jpg

wow! no doubt.. I like that...that's some nice shooting for sure.

Buck, I can't take any credit for the shooting or the owners enthusiasm after he finished. Believe me, this is not the first time I've had a guy go a little over board with compliments after using the Nikon Bolt XR on a crossbow. Like I always say, if if works.....
By the way, the Promotion on the Bolt XR is still going on for a little longer.

thought i would update this thread, the barska 3x32 is great. got it tuned in on 10-20-30 yds, and bottom crosshair post i hold about 4-6inches high and it hits at 40. but i think with the speed of the tacoma i'll stick to 30 as my max, unless i get that just right shot at a still deer. those don't happen much, but if it does i know my bow will get it done. the barska is a good buy and i highly recommend it, now with my wifes bow on the way to horton, i'm gonna try and get her one for when it gets back. she's been using peep and pin, she didn't want to get one unless she liked crossbows. well she's a little dissapointed with her bow breaking so soon but i know horton will fix her up. thanks

Yeah, relying on the batteries is bad. Had to do a quick swap out due to my own idiocy of not turning it off. Fortunately the batteries for the LED lights in my hat were the same so I had two spares. Good thing too, I was a long way from the lodge or a store.

Go with the scope...reddots are too easy to miss with....

I don't have a bad thing to say about red dots. I used one for years and taken many deer with them. However, my new Horton vision came with a magnified 4x scope with multiple reticles. I am getting used to using it. I can say it gives you more options on distances.

So far I have only shot one doe this year and I was comfortable with the new scope. go with the one you are most comfortable with and more used to.