Gary,
I am not sure if the "adios" in your last post meant you are done with this thread or not.
But I would appreciate it if you would hear me out regarding additional feedback on the reticle.
I like the idea of the speed circles. I really do. But I am still advocating a center aiming dot. Even with a dot, I think most hunters would use the circles as you had intended from 0 to 75 yards. At these distances the dot is not needed, especially on a moving dog. I think the dot would not be an impediment to the circle, because as you have suggested, at this these distances on a quickly moving animal you are basically shooting at "fur." I think Ursus agrees with this as well (sorry if I am putting words in your mouth Ursus).
Now to include the dot would be giving hunters the best of both worlds. We would have the speed of the circle, and the precision of the dot. I have said this before, but there are many hunters who would not utilize the lower circles. The target dot would benefit these guys who want to shoot dogs at further distances. The dot would also benefit hunters who want to shoot smaller animals such as fox. Now, I know the purpose of the smaller circles. But my experiences as a bowhunter having used multiple pins for varying distances tells me that sometimes in the heat of the moment all those pins can get awfully confusing. Yes, they are nice to fall back on when you have the time. But with a quickly appearing or moving animal it is good to have ONE good aiming point that you can always rely on.
In the next year or two I will be buying my boys their own calling rifles (Mrs. 49 doesn't know this yet). Whether I get the Savage Predator or the Remington, I would consider this scope for them if it had an aiming point. The reason being, other than hunting, is that I want to be able to take them target shooting. A target dot would enable me to do this.
I think you and Nikon are on to something here. As you may have read, I had been conversing with Nikon a bit via email. Nikon is unwilling to add a dot as well. But I think where Nikon is missing the point here is that in order to sell scopes, they have to give people what they WANT, and not just what they think is best.
I don't have a scope yet for my R-15. I am considering a 2x7. But I would consider the Nikon coyote scope if it had an aiming dot, even though my first choice isn't a 3x9 power. As someone mentioned above, the camo matches the rifle, and I like the ARD feature.
Again, don't take my post as being critical. I think you guys are doing a great job, and kudos to Nikon for offering something to hunters that no other manufacturers have done. The reason I am still here is that I like your concept and have an interest in it.
You may not like what I have had to say, Gary. My opinions are nothing other than those of a 44 year old guy who has been hunting since he was 11 years old.
Have a good day.
