Trijicon’s dual-illumination riflescopes are available in a choice of reticle colors and a B.A.C. post or traditional crosshair.

For the budget minded, look to the high end of midrange optics. My hunt in Texas provided plenty of game. I was on a management hunt where we were only allowed to take bucks scoring between 125 and 145 inches, and they had to be at least 51⁄2 years old. Glassing was an absolute necessity. The Duval County ranch is not the place to make a mistake by shooting a buck that is too young. Not to mention the thrill of seeing multiple bucks in the 170 to 180 class.

My choice of optics is a fairly new player on the scene--Vortex. The Razor 10x42s I used provided plenty of clarity without eyestrain, even after a couple of hard hours of watching game from a blind. They also performed great at dawn and dusk when activity was at its peak.

Vortex Razors have a rubber coating that resists scratches and quiets accidental bumping from other metallic objects. The eyecups twist in and out. I had one problem where one of the cups became stuck, most likely from a wedged piece of brush. I wrenched on it with everything I had, fearing breaking it. After a few choice words, the jam became free and I haven’t had a problem since. The objective end of the binos has rubber cups that fit securely to protect from dust and water (a necessity in an open jeep with a driver with a lead foot on ranch roads). Every detail about the Vortex binocular scored high marks with me, right down to the neoprene neck strap that reduces fatigue resulting from long hours around your neck when hiking or still hunting.

Vortex; (800) 426-0048