How To Choose Rifle Scope?

How to Choose a Rifle Scope

When you’re looking for a rifle scope, there are a lot of factors to consider. You need to think about what you’ll be using the scope for, what kind of rifle you have, and your budget.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing a rifle scope. We’ll cover everything from the different types of scopes to the features you should look for. We’ll also give you some tips on how to get the best possible deal on a scope.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to choose a rifle scope that’s perfect for your needs.

So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, read on for all the information you need to know about choosing a rifle scope.

Criteria	Relevant Data	Explanation
Reticle	Mil-Dot, BDC, or MOA	The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming device in the scope. Mil-Dot reticles are based on the milliradian, BDC reticles are based on the bullet drop compensator, and MOA reticles are based on the minute of angle.
Power	2x-10x, 4x-14x, etc.	The power of a scope is the magnification, which is expressed as a ratio. For example, a 2x-10x scope has a magnification range of 2x to 10x.
Eye relief	3 inches, 4 inches, etc.	Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and the shooter’s eye. A good eye relief will allow you to see the entire field of view without having to strain your eyes.
Field of view	100 yards, 200 yards, etc.	The field of view is the area that you can see through the scope at a given magnification. A wider field of view is better for hunting, while a narrower field of view is better for target shooting.
Weight	1 pound, 2 pounds, etc.	The weight of a scope is important to consider, especially if you will be carrying it for long periods of time.
Price	$100, $200, $300, etc.	The price of a scope is a major factor to consider, especially if you are on a budget.

Rifle Scope Basics

What is a Rifle Scope?

A rifle scope is an optical device that is mounted on a rifle and used to aim and shoot the rifle. Rifle scopes typically have a magnification range of 4x to 20x, and they allow the shooter to see targets at a much greater distance than they would be able to see with the naked eye. Rifle scopes also have reticles, which are crosshairs or other aiming aids that help the shooter to place the bullet on the target.

Parts of a Rifle Scope

The main parts of a rifle scope are the objective lens, the ocular lens, the eyepiece, the turrets, and the reticle. The objective lens is the lens at the front of the scope, and it gathers light from the target. The ocular lens is the lens at the back of the scope, and it focuses the light onto the eyepiece. The eyepiece is the part of the scope that the shooter looks through. The turrets are the knobs on the side of the scope that are used to adjust the magnification and the windage and elevation of the reticle. The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming aid that is located in the center of the scope.

Types of Rifle Scopes

There are many different types of rifle scopes available on the market, each with its own unique set of features. The most common types of rifle scopes are:

• Hunting scopes: Hunting scopes are designed for use on hunting rifles. They typically have a low magnification range (4x to 12x) and a wide field of view. Hunting scopes often have illuminated reticles, which make them easier to use in low-light conditions.
• Target shooting scopes: Target shooting scopes are designed for use on target shooting rifles. They typically have a high magnification range (12x to 20x) and a narrow field of view. Target shooting scopes often have fine crosshair reticles that are designed to help the shooter make precise shots.
• Tactical scopes: Tactical scopes are designed for use on military and law enforcement rifles. They typically have a variable magnification range (4x to 20x) and a wide range of features, such as illuminated reticles, night vision capabilities, and laser rangefinders.

How to Mount a Rifle Scope

Mounting a rifle scope to a rifle is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it correctly in order to ensure that the scope is properly aligned and that it will not come loose during use. To mount a rifle scope, you will need the following tools:

• A rifle scope
• A rifle scope mount
• A torque wrench
• A set of screwdrivers
• A set of Allen wrenches

To mount the scope, follow these steps:

1. Remove the factory-installed scope from the rifle.
2. Clean the mounting surfaces of the rifle and the scope with a degreaser.
3. Apply a thin layer of thread-locking compound to the threads of the scope mount screws.
4. Mount the scope to the rifle, making sure that the scope is properly aligned.
5. Tighten the scope mount screws to the specified torque.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rifle Scope

There are many factors to consider when choosing a rifle scope, including:

• Magnification: The magnification of a rifle scope is the amount by which it makes the target appear closer. Rifle scopes typically have a magnification range of 4x to 20x. The magnification that you need will depend on the type of shooting you will be doing. For hunting, a low magnification scope (4x to 12x) is typically best, while for target shooting, a high magnification scope (12x to 20x) is often preferred.
• Objective lens diameter: The objective lens diameter is the diameter of the lens at the front of the scope. The objective lens diameter affects the amount of light that can enter the scope, which in turn affects the image quality. A larger objective lens diameter will allow more light to enter the scope, which will result in a brighter image. However, a larger objective lens diameter will also make the scope heavier and more expensive.
• Eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and the shooter’s eye. The eye relief of a rifle scope is important because it ensures that the shooter can see the entire field of view without having to put their eye too close to the eyepiece. A good eye relief will allow the shooter to track moving targets more easily.
• Field of view: The field of view is the area that can be seen

How to Choose a Rifle Scope

Rifle scopes are an essential piece of equipment for any serious shooter. They can help you make more accurate shots, and they can also make it easier to track moving targets. But with so many different scopes on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a rifle scope:

• Your budget. Rifle scopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you can narrow down your choices.
• Your shooting goals. What do you plan on using your rifle scope for? Are you going to be hunting, target shooting, or competing in long-range competitions? The type of shooting you’ll be doing will affect the features you need in a scope.
• Your rifle. Not all rifle scopes are compatible with all rifles. Make sure to check the specifications of your rifle to see what type of scope it can accommodate.
• Your eyesight. If you have any vision problems, you’ll need to choose a scope with a reticle that’s easy for you to see.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. Here are a few of the most important things to look for when choosing a rifle scope:

• Magnification. The magnification of a scope refers to how much it can magnify the image of your target. Most rifle scopes have a magnification range of 4x to 12x, but some scopes can go as high as 20x or more. The amount of magnification you need will depend on the type of shooting you’ll be doing. For hunting, a magnification of 4x to 6x is usually sufficient. For target shooting, you may want a scope with a higher magnification, such as 8x to 12x. For long-range competitions, you may need a scope with a magnification of 15x or more.
• Objective lens diameter. The objective lens diameter is the diameter of the lens at the front of the scope. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope can gather, which will result in a brighter image. A larger objective lens is also more forgiving in low-light conditions.
• Eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between the rear of the scope and your eye when you’re looking through it. If the eye relief is too short, you’ll have to put your eye too close to the scope, which can be uncomfortable and can also lead to eye fatigue. If the eye relief is too long, you won’t be able to see the entire field of view. A good rule of thumb is to choose a scope with an eye relief of at least 3 inches.
• Field of view. The field of view is the area of the target that you can see through the scope. A wider field of view is more desirable for hunting, as it allows you to see more of your surroundings. A narrower field of view is more desirable for target shooting, as it allows you to focus on the target more precisely.
• Reticle. The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming device in the center of the scope. There are many different types of reticles available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of reticle you choose will depend on your shooting goals.
• Turret adjustments. The turrets on a scope allow you to make adjustments to the point of impact of your shot. These adjustments are typically made in MOA (minutes of angle). The number of turrets and the type of adjustments they make will vary depending on the scope.
• Waterproofing. A waterproof scope is essential for hunting or shooting in wet conditions. A waterproof scope will protect the internal components from water damage, which can ruin the scope.
• Shockproof rating. A shockproof scope is designed to withstand the recoil of a rifle. A shockproof scope will protect the internal components from damage, which can also ruin the scope.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can start shopping for a rifle scope. There are many different brands and models of scopes available, so you’re sure to find one that meets your needs and budget.

How to Test a Rifle Scope

Once you’ve chosen a rifle scope, it’s important to test it to make sure that it’s working properly and that it’s compatible with your rifle. Here are a few things you can do to test your rifle scope:

• Check the eye relief. As mentioned above, eye relief is the distance between the rear of the scope and your eye when you’re looking through

  How do I choose the right rifle scope for my needs?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a rifle scope, including:

• Your shooting goals. What will you be using the scope for? Hunting? Target shooting? Competition?
• The type of rifle you will be using. A scope for a bolt-action rifle will have different features than a scope for a semi-automatic rifle.
• Your budget. Rifle scopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. Here are a few things to look for in a good rifle scope:

• Magnification. The magnification of a scope is measured in power, and it refers to the amount of zoom the scope provides. For most hunting and target shooting applications, a scope with a magnification range of 4x to 12x is sufficient.
• Objective lens diameter. The objective lens diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the scope. A larger objective lens will gather more light, which can be helpful in low-light conditions.
• Eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and your eye when you are looking through the scope. A good scope will have enough eye relief so that you can comfortably see the entire field of view without your eye pressing against the eyepiece.
• Field of view. The field of view is the area that you can see through the scope at a given magnification. A wider field of view can be helpful for tracking moving targets.
• Reticle. The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming device in the center of the scope. There are many different types of reticles available, and the best reticle for you will depend on your shooting goals.

What are the different types of rifle scopes?

There are three main types of rifle scopes:

• Hunting scopes are designed for quick target acquisition and accurate shooting at short to medium ranges. They typically have a magnification range of 4x to 12x and a wide field of view.
• Target shooting scopes are designed for precision shooting at long distances. They typically have a magnification range of 12x to 24x and a narrow field of view.
• Competition scopes are designed for use in competitive shooting events. They typically have a magnification range of 12x to 24x and a variety of features that can help you to achieve the best possible score.

What are the different reticles available for rifle scopes?

There are many different types of reticles available for rifle scopes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best reticle for you will depend on your shooting goals and preferences.

Some of the most common types of reticles include:

• Crosshairs are the most basic type of reticle. They are simple to use and can be effective for a variety of shooting applications.
• Mil-dot reticles are a type of crosshairs that have small dots spaced evenly along the vertical and horizontal crosshairs. These dots can be used for range estimation and holdover adjustments.
• BDC reticles (bullet drop compensator reticles) are designed to help you compensate for the drop of your bullet at different ranges. They typically have lines or curves that indicate the point of impact for a given range.
• Holographic reticles are electronic reticles that are projected onto a glass screen inside the scope. They are very bright and easy to see, even in low-light conditions.

How do I install a rifle scope?

Installing a rifle scope is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it correctly to ensure that the scope is properly aligned and that you can get the best possible performance out of it.

Here are the steps on how to install a rifle scope:

1. Remove the factory scope mount from the rifle. If your rifle does not already have a scope mount, you will need to purchase one and install it before you can mount the scope.
2. Install the scope rings on the rifle. The scope rings should be securely attached to the rifle so that the scope will not move when you are shooting.
3. Align the scope with the bore of the rifle. This is the most important step in the installation process, and it is critical to get it right. You can use a laser bore sight to help you align the scope.
4. Tighten the scope rings. Once the scope is aligned, tighten the scope rings securely. Do not overtighten the

there are many factors to consider when choosing a rifle scope. The most important factors include the type of shooting you will be doing, the distance you will be shooting, and your budget. Once you have considered these factors, you can begin to narrow down your choices. By taking the time to choose the right rifle scope, you can improve your accuracy and enjoy your shooting experience more.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when choosing a rifle scope:

• The type of shooting you will be doing will determine the magnification range you need.
• The distance you will be shooting will determine the objective lens size you need.
• Your budget will help you narrow down your choices.
• It is important to read reviews and compare scopes before making a purchase.
• By taking the time to choose the right rifle scope, you can improve your accuracy and enjoy your shooting experience more.