Deer hunters who embrace long-range rifles and shots from 500 to 1,000 yards love Sig Sauer Optics that pair the ballistics of a specific caliber and bullet weight with a sight that calculates the hold-over at long range. You may be surprised to learn that the Sig Ballistic Digital Exchange (BDX) algorithm also works with arrows. I topped a Ravin R26 X with the Sig Sauer Sierra 2-12X40mm scope featuring a SmartBDC reticle. If this sounds like a premium high-power rifle scope, it is. A big advantage of using this scope with your crossbow is the ability to easily switch it to a rifle with premium optic options for each.
Kilo 5K Rangefinder Too
The Sig Sauer rangefinding system begins with an app that pairs the scope to readings from the Kilo Rangefinder. The Kilo operates like a standard rangefinder and sends a Bluetooth signal to the scope. During set-up, the Sig Sauer app calculates the path of an arrow based on the weight and speed of the shaft. In this way, you can vary the weight of the arrows and they all become part of the sighting system.
Quality Adjustments
Most crossbow scopes are average at best but remember that this optic is designed to handle .300 Weatherby Magnums and even much harder recoiling cartridges. Elevation and windage adjustments click with precision and crispness that you will not find in factory crossbow scopes. The Sierra features an illuminated dot with 10 levels of brightness adjustment.
Tank-like Construction
I once zeroed a crossbow and leaned it against a post while I retrieved arrows. Returning, I found that the bow had fallen into the grass and decided to take one more shot to double-check my settings. The first arrow flew at least a foot high and I was astounded that such a light bump could cause the scope to be so far off target. You will immediately see that the scope rings which come with the Sierra are built for adventure. Everything about the mounting process is ultra strong and ultra snug.
Ultra-long Range- 100-Yard Group
In preparation for my spot-and-stalk African safari, I wanted to test ultra-long-range shooting and began practicing at 100 yards. By ranging the Morrell Kinetic target with the Kilo rangefinder, the algorithm picked the dot for the shot. This launch was made from a rest similar to a hunting situation. I quickly learned that by practicing well beyond my expected shooting range, the additional distance challenged my physical shooting skills like breathing, trigger squeeze, and target focus. The added distance in practice forces a shooter to be at his best on every shot.
Arrow Variables
In my long-range tests, I quickly learned that all arrows don’t shoot the same. Arrows #1 and #2 impacted one inch apart, while #3 and #4 flew three inches to the right. Regardless of the range you shoot, numbering your shafts is important and it’s fairly common for one arrow to fly slightly different than its apparent twin. The same applies to broadheads. It’s absolutely critical that you test your shafts with your hunting heads. Most expandable heads come with a practice point and you can use the same fixed broadhead to test multiple arrows in a foam target.
Impala at 55 Yards
Much of the game I stalked in South Africa was rifle-hunted year-round. Not surprisingly, the animals were very, very, spooky. I spotted this male impala at 300 yards and made a circular stalk using small trees for cover. It had moved slightly from the location of the first sighting, yet not fast enough to avoid a shot. After ranging the animal with the Kilo, the scope showed the exact aiming dot for a perfect quartering-away shot. I used a Final Rest tripod which greatly improved accuracy at long range. It’s fun to shoot at paper and foam targets at long range, yet an entirely different world on game animals. Forty yards can be “long-range” on a whitetail and each hunter must assure the excitement of the moment doesn’t override ethical shooting choices. When you practice successfully at 60 yards, that 30-yard shot seems much easier.
