A good subject Craig that a lot of hunters seem to be interested in. I've been using a Tikka 6.5 CM for the last three years with a variety of Maxtoch torches mounted on the scope in conjunction with a hand held pulsar thermal and bipod. This is what several mates use also. I've had quite a bit of success on the japs with this in tussock country. However, I've had many balls ups too when the torch lit up a clump of tussock in front of me that I didn't know was there. Instant animal gone every time. The deer normally will bolt after about three seconds with the spot on them anyway so getting all lined up before throwing the switch is crucial. Probably a result of their genetics imprinted with sixty years of being spotlighted. Tried a green beam and found it worse than white. Haven't tried a red spotlight yet. Use a red torch for walking around and it is okay if it's pointed at the ground where it normally would be pointed anyway.
Decided this year that I'd splash out and shout myself a thermal scope to use with my hand held. Currently looking at options for that. So far the Pard SA45 with rangefinder looks like getting my spondoolies.
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