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Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x #7143380 04/17/18 07:32 PM
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unclebubba Online Content OP
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I have enough cabelas points to buy a 4.6, but would have to put some extra $ into it if I got the 6.5x. Does anyone have some experience with the two? Any advice on which one to get?...Or advice on not getting either?

I plan on using it on either my .223 or .300 BLK for pigs and coyotes.

Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7143395 04/17/18 07:48 PM
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I’ve owned both, if you hunt over wide open fields get the 6.5x

Otherwise with the calibers your hunting if your hunting 75 yards and in with brush and trees in the equation get the 4.6x

For the price Cabelas is running right now you can’t go wrong with either choice but definitely the 350.00 plus tax on the 4.6x is appealing.

You want to add a decent T30 IR light regardless of the scope choice


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Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7143406 04/17/18 07:53 PM
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I'll be hunting both open fields and thick woods. I assume that the 4.6 would work in open fields as long as in keep the distance to a min? Can you see 200 yards with the 4.6?

Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7143425 04/17/18 08:08 PM
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I've been playing with a 4.6 lately, and have nailed a couple hogs out to about 130 yds with no problem. I think adding some more IR to it would help some with the distances. Basically, I am enjoying using it and it works very good.

Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7143439 04/17/18 08:16 PM
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If woods with shooting lanes that are narrow and long are part of the equation you want the 4.6

200 yards won’t easy - lack of enough focused IR at that distance plus a large reticle pip with the calibers you mention not even talking about environmental and animal conditions ...

4.6 is more versatile if you hunt mixed - bottom line


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Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7143523 04/17/18 09:28 PM
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Have not used the 6.5, have the 4.6 on a 300blk with external ir and it works well. Most of the shooting I have done is open fields or feeders 125 yds and under. Probably not a big deal or difference between the two - but it is not uncommon for pigs to run at you when the shooting starts, lower magnification equals wider field of view and makes it easier to pick them up on the run.

I can pick pigs out in a field at 200 yds plus, biggest problems I have is judging distance at night and target ID. Can be challenging with the Photon and I'm guessing all digital nv. I'll be honest, have mistaken steers or calves standing behind terraces or swells in the ground at a distance which can make them look like short legged pigs.

Never shot one obviously, I like to get close enough to hear the suckers oink before pulling the trigger. Little extra magnification might help with that though.


Shoot. Eat. Repeat.
Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7143530 04/17/18 09:36 PM
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Nah 6.5x is dicey on ID as well, you gotta remember the near eye display on these digi-scopes aren’t high res and there is a lot of noise in the image due to refraction of IR light

I hunted a 6.5x Photon XT for 2 years on 308 and 270 and Grendel

Took maybe one 200 yard shot in all that time - they just aren’t high probability shots

The 6.5x best characteristic is between 75 - 150 yards it makes those shots with ease versus the 4.6x (not in wooded areas)


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Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7143541 04/17/18 09:45 PM
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We’re coming up on the time of year where fields have tall oats or wheat

Here is an example of pigs at 150 yards +

Versus the final shot on two at 100 yards.

6.5x photon

Couldn’t get a clear / steady / clean shot on pigs at 150 yards AND there are cows on that field to factor into t he mix...



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Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7144104 04/18/18 01:04 PM
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Went online to get the 4.6 this morning for $349. Discontinued, and now out of stock.

Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7144112 04/18/18 01:09 PM
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The 6.5 is out of stock now too. Ugh.

Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7144224 04/18/18 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted By: unclebubba
The 6.5 is out of stock now too. Ugh.


There are two 6.5x for sale in the THF classifieds for 350 w rings...

You’re welcome


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Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: Pig_Popper] #7144304 04/18/18 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted By: Pig_Popper
Originally Posted By: unclebubba
The 6.5 is out of stock now too. Ugh.


There are two 6.5x for sale in the THF classifieds for 350 w rings...

You’re welcome


Unless the classifieds sellers take Cabelas points he's still looking...


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Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: TX_LT230FH] #7144535 04/18/18 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted By: TX_LT230FH
Originally Posted By: Pig_Popper
Originally Posted By: unclebubba
The 6.5 is out of stock now too. Ugh.


There are two 6.5x for sale in the THF classifieds for 350 w rings...

You’re welcome


Unless the classifieds sellers take Cabelas points he's still looking...


Or he can change his mind and buy it outright ...


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Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7145009 04/19/18 05:08 AM
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With recent expenditures, Cabela's points are the only way I'm getting night vision this year. ATN is out of the running due to their poor reputation for customer service, so I wait...

Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7147572 04/22/18 01:23 AM
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Stopped by Cabelas today, and even though they didn't show it in stock, they just so happened to have one on the shelf! Used my points and now have a photon XT 4.6x. I'm a little giddy. banana

Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7147697 04/22/18 03:46 AM
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Nice!!!


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Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7148016 04/22/18 05:00 PM
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I run the 4.6 and it’s plenty of magnification. With good moonlight and/or IR with zoom you can identify and shoot at 200. That said I never took shots that far because it’s easier to do follow up shots on additional hogs when you’re close. The 6.5 seems like it would really narrow your field of view.

Re: Photon XT 4.6x vs Photon XT 6.5x [Re: unclebubba] #7148353 04/22/18 11:21 PM
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Congrats. Night vision is a game changer and hunting pigs at night isa whole lot of fun.


Shoot. Eat. Repeat.
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