NavList:

I've used both kinds of mirrors extensively at sea.  I greatly prefer the whole horizon with anything less than a 6x scope.  It is much easier to find the bodies as you can use the whole field to find them if your azimuth is a bit off.  It also makes them much easier to rock.

 

 

I await any documented evidence of a pair of experienced shooters, with identical sextants except for the mirrors, taking simultaneous observations in imperfect conditions to see how much worse the whole horizon mirror does.

 

To anyone who would immediately dismiss a whole horizon mirror, I would ask how much time they have spent taking observations with each type.  Most people I have run into have just dismissed them without any real experience with them (a prejudiced sight or two perhaps).

 

Jeremy

 

So, is the difference caused by the traditional mirror or the sight tube?
I ask because Mr. Burch at the Starpath School of Navigation does not seem to be a big fan of the whole horizon mirror and I am just curious as to others' opinions.
That said, I already have a sextant with a traditional mirror, and haven't had a chance to use it yet (Chicago winters are not too conducive to standing at the lakefront at twilight for any reason), so I have no opinion.
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