[Tnmtns]

What is better than the XBR?

In my 200 yard rifle scope testing, the manually parallex adjustable Razor set on 15 does better than the XBR set on 15. However, as reported, in the 50 yard crossbow test with both set on 10, and the Razor’s p-adj optimized, there is virtually no difference.

Again, what is better than the XBR?
Duke has a Razor (I think I remember it), but is using an XBR.

Why?I think he has a reason.

That Huskemaw is getting pretty rave reviews lately, but just not convinced it's really better. I haven't seen a heads-up comparison between the two.

 

[longbow42]

That Huskemaw is getting pretty rave reviews lately, but just not convinced it's really better. I haven't seen a heads-up comparison between the two.

I believe there was actually a side by side test of the XBR and Husky a few months back by a member, but can't recall for sure. If I remember correctly, it was very close and can't go wrong with either. I personally prefer a non-cluttered sight picture and like the Huskemaw for that reason.

 

[SEW]

I don’t know enough about scopes to give a really informed answer. Weight is a major factor for many of us with crossbows or light rifles. I spent $$$$ to have a robust, ultralite smokeless MLing 40 cal rifle. An ultralite scope was a must for me - Razor 3x15, 50 mm (20.5 oz). The rifle shoots a 253g, full sized Hammer at 2760 with 1”, 3-shot groups at 300 yards. With a suppressor and internal and an external MB it’s recoil is light (less than a 243) and is quieter than a 22 LR std speed.

The heavy (16# rifle only) and ultralite (6# 12 oz) 40 cals. Not shown with suppressors.

Don K and Brian Miller and others on this board know much more about scopes than I do. It was their recommendation that I get the Razor as the best overall scope for my ultralite: light weight, tough, simple reticle, warrenty , superb optics, great price (esp for a DV thru Vortex’s program). I am not disappointed.

Hard to beat 1/3 MOA MLers and any of the SWATs for accuracy.

 

[Tnmtns]

I believe there was actually a side by side test of the XBR and Husky a few months back by a member, but can't recall for sure. If I remember correctly, it was very close and can't go wrong with either. I personally prefer a non-cluttered sight picture and like the Huskemaw for that reason.

I don't recall that, maybe because they do seem to be close and not enough difference for me to invest more dollars. I feel the same about cluttered scopes, but the XBR doesn't really bother me. The great glass and very fine illumination settings just checks the boxes for me for crossbow hunting.

I like them so much, I have one on one of my 350 Legends. Most of my other rifles have German #4 illuminated reticles though. My ultimate favorite....

 

[One eyed archer]

I don't recall that, maybe because they do seem to be close and not enough difference for me to invest more dollars. I feel the same about cluttered scopes, but the XBR doesn't really bother me. The great glass and very fine illumination settings just checks the boxes for me for crossbow hunting.

I like them so much, I have one on one of my 350 Legends. Most of my other rifles have German #4 illuminated reticles though. My ultimate favorite....

I think it was @rt2bowhunter that did the comparison. The Husky fixed 4 power will serve its purpose for what I wanted it for. Point and shoot in a hurry to 50 yards. If I was target shooting with the 505 or shooting longer distance a variable power Vortex scope would have been my choice. I have a Vortex Strike Eagle on my AR that is just as clear as the Husky IMO. It would make an interesting crossbow scope if it had more than a 24mm objective. With that said the light gathering of the scope is really good. I have been shooting under squirrels at my feeder to scare them off. Some of the shots have been dark enough where I can barely make out the feeder profile with my eye but can see the squirrels sitting under it enough to shoot their tails lol. The feeder is 45 yards from my house. Wonder how the reticle would line up for a crossbow? 🤔

 

[Tnmtns]

No idea how it would line up, but would be interesting to see! Go for it,LOL.

I mainly just use my XBR as point and shoot in my hunting ranges. Mainly leave it set on 5 power, but when looking out farther into the woods, if I catch movement, I like being able to dial it up to get a look see.

 

[longbow42]

I don't recall that, maybe because they do seem to be close and not enough difference for me to invest more dollars. I feel the same about cluttered scopes, but the XBR doesn't really bother me. The great glass and very fine illumination settings just checks the boxes for me for crossbow hunting.

I like them so much, I have one on one of my 350 Legends. Most of my other rifles have German #4 illuminated reticles though. My ultimate favorite....

rt2bowhunter said:
Again its close between the XBR and Huskemaw testing under low light. But i gotta give the edge to the Huskemaw crossbow scope. The smaller dot combined with it being dimmer. Just let me see to shoot better latter. That single dot that's the only thing lit up in the scope along with being so dim and its glass, it just whooped Butt. To date the Huskemaw crossbow scope is the best low light sight i have ever looked through.

With the turret fixed and the rear scope lenses cover fixed. I find no fault with this scope. Sight in and shooting holding zero. That kinda stuff remains but i trust it will test out with flying colors.

I'm glad i bought it.

 

[Tnmtns]

rt2bowhunter said:
Again its close between the XBR and Huskemaw testing under low light. But i gotta give the edge to the Huskemaw crossbow scope. The smaller dot combined with it being dimmer. Just let me see to shoot better latter. That single dot that's the only thing lit up in the scope along with being so dim and its glass, it just whooped Butt. To date the Huskemaw crossbow scope is the best low light sight i have ever looked through.

With the turret fixed and the rear scope lenses cover fixed. I find no fault with this scope. Sight in and shooting holding zero. That kinda stuff remains but i trust it will test out with flying colors.

I'm glad i bought it.

Thanks and sounds like a winner!

 

[rt2bowhunter]

When i did that test i ran the XBR as close to 4 power as i could guess as its not marked. The Huskemaw is a fixed 4 power.

So far after shooting it when weather permits. I still like it i do have to bare down to shoot good groups at 50,60 yards because of the 4 power vs turning the XBR up to 10 power. But it's a hunting scope IMO.

Still no regrets .

 

[Iron Duke]

Why would ... anybody want a fixed 4x scope in this day & age of a vast variety of variable power scopes??? You can get a variable from $59.00 to 59 hundred dollars. Makes no sense to me. But then again speed dial scopes that lock you into one oddball magnification make little sense to me either.

 

[Zebrafive]

I am waiting to see if Huskemaw comes out with a variable power for crossbows. I was very tempted to buy a Huskemaw when the price was about $200

 

[Zebrafive]

I probably should have explained why I chose this particular setting for my scope test.

1) For a crossbow scope evaluation, I use a deer decoy against a background where and when I will most likely take a shot at a trophy deer. A deer trail crosses my shooting lane at 51 yards, generally left to right. A little corn or doe scent will usually cause a brief stop there.

2) That is the earliest, darkest place I hunt. I’ve killed most trophy deer there over the past 40 years.

3) 50 - 60 yards is my preferred shot distance. The closest distance that is virtually assured to have zero deer response to the shot noise other than maybe a slight head raising to look around. and that’s usually looking away since that’s where they heard the sound bounce back to them, since I virtually only shoot when the deer is looking away from me. 50-60 yards thru an excellent rifle scope on 8-10x is a very easy shot.

4) When testing a scope, I try to always have the same background that will exist in the most trying conditions . For a crossbow, the above conditions are it. For my smokeless powder, 40 cal MLers, it’s 200 yards with a deer in the field right against the woodline for my ultralite (3x15 Razor now, formerly Duralyt 2x8) and 300 yards for my heavyweight rifle (6x24 Sightron 3).

5) For working up loads, I’d use a sign with letters or #s as mentioned in post #16.

This is just how I do it. Not necessarily the best or right way. It’s just what I’ve come up with.

Your testing was probably more real world than mine. The only thing I would do different is set all the scopes to same magnification. Whatever is lowest maximum power. If your "smallest" scope is a 1.5-5x, set them all at 5x.

 

[longbow42]

I am waiting to see if Huskemaw comes out with a variable power for crossbows. I was very tempted to buy a Huskemaw when the price was about $200

When I spoke with them, they said that they are considering a variable scope option, but wasn't in the works yet. That was 6 months ago.

 

[Tnmtns]

When I spoke with them, they said that they are considering a variable scope option, but wasn't in the works yet. That was 6 months ago.

A single aim point with variable power and I may have to look closer! If anything changes, please post it up!

 

[fly]

does those vortex´s also dim at higher power like my hawke?
it dims at 7.5x as Duke pointed out while ago (thanks)

 

[JOE PA]

Comparing the XBR to the Huskemaw is picking nits, IMO. Both are great low light scopes. Husky is limited to 4 power, which bothers some, but not me in the slightest. It is smaller, a bit lighter, easier to mount with standard ring vs the XBR needing a cantilever. The dimmest setting on the Husky’s dot is dimmer than the XBR’s dimmest, if that is a factor. Still think the XBR is excellent in low light, even though I no longer have one.

 

[rt2bowhunter]

Why would ... anybody want a fixed 4x scope in this day & age of a vast variety of variable power scopes??? You can get a variable from $59.00 to 59 hundred dollars. Makes no sense to me. But then again speed dial scopes that lock you into one oddball magnification make little sense to me either.

I had been looking for a good scope for the bulldog 360 for some time. Then this scope showed up for under $200. So I ordered one.
My goal when I bought this BD 360 was to have a cheap but high quality hunting rig. This scope just seemed to fit right in. And boy it has fit the bill there big time. In this day and age of $3000 bows and $500 plus scopes. Having a rig that’s well under $1000 total shoots $60 a doz arrows. And still shoots a ragged hole at 60 yards is just what I was hopping for.

 

[rt2bowhunter]

does those vortex´s also dim at higher power like my hawke?
it dims at 7.5x as Duke pointed out while ago (thanks)

If you mean as you turn the power up it has dimmer sight picture. Then yes to my eyes it does. Vortex put a indent or bump at 5 power on the power ring. I can see the best with the xbr at that setting in low light.

But I have see times that turning the power up or down a little bit seems to give me a better sight picture.

 

[Supermurrao]

That's the ... way I cut a shooting lane...lol

Would anyone please explain to me this hunting technique?

Its just to cut a lane in the forest and expect the animals walk along it in front of my scope?

Thanks,
Atb

 

[No1Rackmaster]

wow....i guess i did not realize the cost of the Vortex Razor models.................... 😱