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Hunting in certain parts of Utah can be likened to trying to spearfish in a mud puddle... There's deer 30 feet away from you, they know you're there, but you have no idea... You can't see or hear them, and they stealthily dip away through the cedars before you reach them. There are very small clearings, slight opportunities that come and go in a flash, you must be quick and ready at all times or else that opportunity will be gone before you can say "venison".
For years I have hunted the northern wasatch range, never straying too far from home. Up north you can count on classic long range shots with your trusty bolt rifle and a quality magnified optic to cover the distance, one well placed shot was enough to bring down your objective. A few years ago we decided to mix it up and switch our hunt area to down south. This area required a complete reinvention of tactics and choice in firearm, the trusty bolt rifle just would not do in most of these areas.
Enter the Trijicon Credo 1-8x28 atop an unconventional AR-15 with some nice, high quality, Federal Gold Medal 73 grain .223 hunting rounds. Admittedly this took me a while to wrap my head around as a viable deer hunting hunting option, but after being skunked our first year in this area and having several opportunities missed from not having the right setup we decided to give this and a few other setups a try (other setups will be covered in subsequent blog posts).
Trying to acquire your target quickly through thick brush reminded me of why I love LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics) like the Trijicon Credo 1-8×28. The deer suddenly couldn't slip away so easily, they were easier to locate as they tried to rapidly slip through the cedars. Dialing the Credo to 1x and keeping both eyes opened allowed me to locate the deer's exact position faster than with a traditional scope. Zooming in with the quick-throw lever allowed me to find the perfect spot to squeeze off a precise shot at just the right second and ensure that my tag got punched that year.
It’s no surprise that the Credo feels like it was forged from the same indestructible stuff as a battle tank, with Trijicon’s pedigree in outfitting warfighters. Designed with military-grade ruggedness, this scope doesn’t just survive adversity—it thrives in it. Drop it, dunk it, or drag it through the mud; the Credo shrugs it off like a grizzled drill sergeant. Trijicon’s gear has been battle-tested in some of the world’s harshest environments, so you can bet this optic is ready to handle anything short of an airstrike.
And they back it all up with a lifetime warranty, which is basically Trijicon’s way of saying, “Go ahead, abuse it. We dare you.” Their rigorous testing protocols include shock, vibration, and environmental extremes that would send most optics crying home to mommy. So whether you're stalking whitetails in a freezing forest or reenacting your favorite action movie scene (safely, of course), the Credo is your unflinching partner in crime. Just don’t be surprised if it’s tougher than you are!
Trijicon pulled out all the stops with this optic, cramming a ridiculous amount of features into a sleek, pint-sized package. At just 10 inches long and a featherweight 21 ounces, this compact dynamo feels like it was custom-built for close-quarters hunting scenarios. The 34mm tube, paired with top-tier glass and a buffet of high-performance coatings, squeezes every photon of available light into your sightline, keeping your view razor-sharp until the very last flicker of legal shooting light.
Feeling sneaky or just want to show off? The illuminated reticle has you covered, offering your choice of red or green with adjustable brightness levels. Whether you're channeling your inner secret agent or just trying to snag that last light buck, this scope is ready to roll. (Pro tip: if illuminated reticles are frowned upon in your state, just pop the battery out)
I originally set up the Credo on my AR-15 as a battle rifle, deer wasn’t the main objective until we inadvertently ran into this completely unexpected hunting scenario. This configuration worked like a champ as I planned on keeping all shots within 50 yards and the 1-8x power range was more than adequate for these distances. If we had the opportunity in the 2-300 range the 8x would be just right but those opportunities are very unlikely in the area that we were hunting.
The Credo line slots seamlessly into law enforcement and military roles, delivering that tactical edge you need when the stakes are high and the quarters are tight. Its versatile 1-8x magnification range is perfect for close-quarters combat, allowing you to keep both eyes open and your situational awareness sharper than a fresh razor blade. It’s built for those split-second decisions where seeing everything—and reacting instantly—makes all the difference.
But don’t let the CQB credentials fool you; this scope isn’t some one-dimensional gadget. With a simple twist of the dial, you can crank up the magnification and effortlessly transition to longer-range precision shots. Whether you’re breaching a door or engaging targets out in the open, the Credo morphs like a tactical Swiss Army knife, proving it’s as adaptable as it is reliable. You could say it’s the multitool of optics—just without the bottle opener (but hey, no one’s perfect).
This scope isn’t just for tactical operators—it’s a dream come true for hunters, too. Whether you’re perched in a tree stand, hunkered down in a Midwest hunting blind, or stalking game across open plains, the Credo adapts to your needs like it was custom-built for the job. Its versatility lets you scan for that elusive trophy buck at low magnification, then dial in for the perfect long-range shot when the moment of truth arrives.
Think of it as your ultimate hunting buddy: a sharpshooter who never misses a detail, doesn’t complain about the cold, and is always ready for action. The Credo doesn’t just help you hunt; it makes you feel like the apex predator out there. Plus, it doesn’t ask for a cut of the venison—what more could you ask for?
Pros:
Practically bulletproof and built like a tank, the Trijicon Credo is as tough as they come. The top-notch glass delivers crystal-clear images, even in low light, while the green or red illuminated reticle offers versatility for any lighting condition. Its wide field of view ensures you never miss a detail, whether you’re tracking a target or scanning the horizon.
Despite its ruggedness, it stays lightweight, sparing you from turning every hunt or mission into an unplanned arm workout. The controls are intuitive and smooth, making adjustments quick and hassle-free. It’s also weatherproof, shockproof, and fog-resistant—ready to face whatever Mother Nature or Murphy’s Law throws your way.
And let’s not forget the cherry on top: Trijicon’s limited lifetime warranty. It’s their way of saying, “We dare you to try and break this thing.” All the essentials and then some, wrapped up in one tough-as-nails, featherweight package—ready for action whenever and wherever you are.
Cons:
None... Seriously, not a single one...
In the end, the Trijicon Credo 1-8x28 proved itself as a versatile game-changer in the unforgiving landscapes of southern Utah. It’s not every day you swap a bolt-action for an AR-15 and end up feeling like you’ve unlocked a secret hunting superpower, but that’s exactly what happened here. From the rugged build quality to the light-gathering glass and adjustable reticle illumination, this optic handled everything we threw at it and then some. Whether you’re after a tactical scope for duty or a flexible hunting companion that thrives in dense, close-quarter environments, the Credo is ready to step up and make those split-second opportunities count. If you’re hunting in tough terrain and need that extra edge, this scope just might turn missed chances into success stories.
Pick up your Trijicon Credo 1-8x28 today!
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