Throw lever/cat tail: Good idea?

[The Wolfhound]

So, it sure looks like a good idea, but is it really?  Are they a benefit? What should you know about them? What should you avoid?  Is it better to NOT use them?  The idea of changing my zoom level, easily, while looking through the scope sounds like a beneficial idea.  Overcoming a stiff zoom ring has interest.  Do you use one?  I truly am looking for input.

[NJrefugee]

I have a Vortex throw lever on my Vortex Viper PST 1-4, which is on my Run 'n Gun competition AR.  Given that I will be hot, in a hurry and probably wet, I don't trust myself to be able to efficiently turn what is a very tight magnification ring when I will need it most without the aid of the lever. 

On lower levels of magnification, it does not interfere with my vision or my ability to use the scope as more of a red-dot, and it completely disappears at 4x.  There are a bunch of potential throw lever options out there and the Vortex one is pricey, but anything is better than nothing, especially if you may be in a situation where you need to dial in some magnification in a hurry and under less than ideal circumstances.  Higher-end tactical scopes like Nightforce NXS incorporate a lever into their scopes by default, if that tells you anything. 

[Kennebago]

There is no way I could turn my Viper PST's magnification ring quickly without a lever.

[NJrefugee]

Yeah, it's definitely no easy task.  It was get the throw lever or make friends with this nice lady...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSL4cmFW_GU

[navybowhunter]

On my Long Range rifle (AR10) I use a throw lever, Vortex.

Shooting UKD it is almost a must have.

Here is why, I range target at say 975 yards...., at maximum magnification (14X on my scope).

IF I try to make the shot with the power at 14X at 975 yards, I see a LOT of pulse/movement in the reticle.

I have mine set, so that at 12 o clock it is at like 7X, and that is where I take the shot.

Yes, for ranging it is a good accessory.

On my service rifle, it is a 1-4X Vortex, and I shoot across the course at 4X.  No need to have it on that.

If you plan to use the optic for ranging, it is a great accessory, other than that it is only TACTICOOL Bling! LOL

R/
Chris

[SteelThunder]

If you plan to use the optic for ranging, it is a great accessory, other than that it is only TACTICOOL Bling! LOL

R/
Chris

I have to disagree with your statement about it being tacticool bling.  Tools are meant for specific jobs.  The throw lever is vital if you are doing 3Gun/run-n'-gun.  When your targets are changing from bad-breath distance to 200 to 600 yards and you are on the clock (and tneths of seconds mean the diffrence between placing first and fifteenth, the throw lever is a must have. 

Don't dismiss something just because you don't know what it's for.  3-gunners would likely think all that hardback shooting coat, spotting scopes, etc, etc, is all just Elmer Fudd Bling.

[navybowhunter]

OK...thanks for the lesson in 3 gun

It was a joke..., but...3 gun is TACTICOOL as well.

Do you shoot with a Romper?

JOKE!

LOL

[SteelThunder]

Do you shoot with a Romper?

A tactical romper, yes.

[navybowhunter]

LOLz!

Yeah, some FB bashing going on between PRS and NRA HP shooters, all in good fun!

I'd actually wear a ROMPER in standing, if I could convince someone to do it with me!

Would be hilarious!

And a lot cooler (weather wise).

R/
Chris