How To Pick A Rifle Scope?
How to Pick a Rifle Scope
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a first-time shooter, choosing the right rifle scope can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider, from magnification power to objective lens size to reticle type. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing the perfect rifle scope for your needs. We’ll cover everything from basic terminology to specific features to look for. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently pick out a rifle scope that will help you take your shooting to the next level.
So whether you’re looking for a scope for hunting, target shooting, or self-defense, read on for all the information you need to know.
| Criteria | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | The magnification of a rifle scope is measured in x’s, such as 4x, 6x, or 8x. The higher the magnification, the closer the target will appear. | The magnification you need will depend on the type of shooting you plan to do. For hunting, a lower magnification (4x-6x) is typically preferred, as it provides a wider field of view and makes it easier to track moving targets. For target shooting, a higher magnification (8x-12x) is often preferred, as it allows you to see more detail on the target. |
| Objective Lens Diameter | The objective lens diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the scope. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope can gather, which results in a brighter image. | A larger objective lens is especially important for hunting in low-light conditions. |
| Eye Relief | Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and your eye when you have the scope adjusted for a clear view. If the eye relief is too short, you will have to put your eye too close to the scope, which can cause eye fatigue and discomfort. | Adequate eye relief is essential for comfortable shooting. |
| 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 makes it easier to track moving targets. | A wider field of view is especially important for hunting. |
| 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 the type of shooting you plan to do. |
| Price | Rifle scopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of a scope will depend on the features it offers. | You should set a budget before you start shopping for a rifle scope. |
What to Consider When Choosing a Rifle Scope
When choosing a rifle scope, there are a few factors you need to consider in order to get the best scope for your needs. These factors include:
- Magnification
- Objective lens diameter
- Eye relief
- Field of view
- Reticle
- Turrets
- Mount
- Price
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Magnification
The magnification of a rifle scope is the amount by which it makes objects appear closer. Rifle scopes typically have magnifications ranging from 2x to 24x. The higher the magnification, the closer objects will appear, but the narrower your field of view will be.
For most hunting applications, a magnification of 4x to 12x is sufficient. If you plan on shooting at long distances, you may want to consider a scope with a higher magnification. However, keep in mind that a higher magnification will also make it more difficult to track moving targets.
Objective lens diameter
The objective lens diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the scope. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope will gather, which will result in a brighter image. A brighter image is especially important in low-light conditions.
Objective lens diameters typically range from 24mm to 50mm. For most hunting applications, a scope with an objective lens diameter of 40mm to 50mm is a good choice.
Eye relief
Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece of the scope and your eye when you have the scope focused on a target. If the eye relief is too short, you will have to put your eye too close to the scope, which can cause eye fatigue and discomfort. If the eye relief is too long, you will have to hold your head at an awkward angle in order to see through the scope.
Eye relief is typically measured in millimeters. For most hunting applications, a scope with an eye relief of 3 inches or more is a good choice.
Field of view
The field of view is the amount of area you can see through the scope at a given magnification. A wider field of view is helpful for tracking moving targets.
Field of view is typically measured in feet at 100 yards. For most hunting applications, a scope with a field of view of 30 feet or more at 100 yards is a good choice.
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.
Some of the most common types of reticles include:
- Mil-dot reticle: This reticle is made up of a series of dots that are spaced evenly apart. The dots can be used for ranging targets or for making windage and elevation adjustments.
- Crosshair reticle: This reticle is simply a pair of crosshairs. It is the simplest type of reticle, but it is also the most versatile.
- Duplex reticle: This reticle is a combination of a crosshair and a dot. The dot is typically used for aiming, while the crosshairs are used for ranging or making windage and elevation adjustments.
The type of reticle you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the type of shooting you will be doing.
Turrets
The turrets on a rifle scope are used to make adjustments to the scope’s magnification and focus. There are two types of turrets:
- Windage turrets: These turrets are used to make adjustments to the scope’s windage (left-right) setting.
- Elevation turrets: These turrets are used to make adjustments to the scope’s elevation (up-down) setting.
The turrets on a rifle scope are typically graduated in either MOA (minutes of angle) or MRAD (milliradians). MOA is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/60 of a degree. MRAD is a unit of angular measurement equal to 1/1000 of a radian.
The number of clicks per revolution on a turret will vary depending on the manufacturer. For example, a turret with 10 MOA per revolution will move the point of impact 10 inches at 100 yards for each click.
Mount
The mount is the device that attaches the scope to the rifle. There are two main types of mounts:
- Pica
How to Pick a Rifle Scope?
Choosing a rifle scope can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing the perfect rifle scope for your needs.
We’ll start by discussing the different types of rifle scopes available, and then we’ll go over the factors you need to consider when making your decision. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to choose a rifle scope that will help you take your shooting to the next level.
Types of Rifle Scopes
There are three main types of rifle scopes:
- Magnification scopes magnify the image of your target, making it easier to see and hit your target. These scopes are typically used for hunting and target shooting.
- Variable power scopes allow you to change the magnification, giving you the flexibility to use the scope for a variety of purposes. These scopes are a good option for hunters who need to be able to shoot at different distances.
- Red dot scopes don’t magnify the image, but they do have a red dot that helps you to aim your rifle. These scopes are a good option for self-defense and close-range shooting.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rifle Scope
When choosing a rifle scope, there are a few factors you need to consider. These include:
- 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 options.
- Your shooting needs: What will you be using the scope for? If you’re a hunter, you’ll need a scope that’s powerful enough to reach out to long distances. If you’re a target shooter, you’ll need a scope that’s accurate at close range.
- Your rifle: The type of rifle you have will also affect the type of scope you need. For example, if you have a bolt-action rifle, you’ll need a scope with a long eye relief.
- Your personal preferences: Some people prefer scopes with illuminated reticles, while others prefer scopes with simple crosshairs. There are also scopes that come with a variety of other features, such as windage and elevation turrets, side focus, and parallax adjustment.
How to Mount a Rifle Scope
Once you’ve chosen a rifle scope, you need to mount it on your rifle. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly so that the scope is secure and doesn’t move when you’re shooting.
To mount a rifle scope, you’ll need:
- A rifle scope
- A rifle scope mount
- A set of tools (a screwdriver, a hammer, and a punch)
Step 1: Remove the factory scope mount. If your rifle already has a scope mount, you’ll need to remove it before you can install the new one. To do this, you’ll need to remove the screws that hold the mount in place.
Step 2: Install the new scope mount. Once you’ve removed the old scope mount, you can install the new one. To do this, you’ll need to align the holes in the mount with the holes in the rifle’s receiver. Then, you’ll need to install the screws that hold the mount in place.
Step 3: Level the scope. Once the scope mount is installed, you need to level the scope. To do this, you’ll need to use a bubble level. Place the bubble level on the scope and adjust the scope until the bubble is centered.
Step 4: Zero the scope. Once the scope is leveled, you need to zero it. To do this, you’ll need to shoot a group of shots at a target and adjust the scope until the shots are all grouped together.
Tips for Choosing a Rifle Scope
Here are a few tips for choosing a rifle scope:
- Get professional advice. If you’re not sure what to look for in a rifle scope, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional. A gunsmith or a knowledgeable salesperson can help you choose a scope that’s right for your needs.
- Read reviews. Before you buy a rifle scope, read reviews from other shooters. This can help you get a better idea of how the scope performs and whether it’s worth the money.
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, or long-range shooting?
- Your budget: How much money are you willing to spend on a scope?
- Your rifle: What type of rifle do you have? The caliber, action, and barrel length will all affect the type of scope you need.
- Your personal preferences: What features are important to you? Magnification range, eye relief, reticle type, and weight are all personal preferences that you’ll need to consider.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right scope for your needs:
- Start with a budget: This will help you narrow down your choices and focus on scopes that are within your price range.
- Read reviews: Read reviews of different scopes to get an idea of what other shooters have to say about them. This can be a helpful way to learn about the pros and cons of different scopes and to find one that is a good fit for your needs.
- Try before you buy: If possible, try out different scopes before you buy one. This will allow you to get a feel for the scope and to see how it performs on your rifle.
By following these tips, you can choose a rifle scope that will meet your needs and help you achieve your shooting goals.
What are the different types of rifle scopes?
There are two main types of rifle scopes:
- Magnification scopes: These scopes magnify the target, making it easier to see and hit. Magnification scopes are typically used for hunting and target shooting.
- Non-magnification scopes: These scopes do not magnify the target, but they do provide other features that can be helpful for shooting, such as a reticle or illuminated crosshairs. Non-magnification scopes are typically used for close-range shooting, such as self-defense or law enforcement.
Within each of these two categories, there are a variety of different scopes to choose from. Some of the factors you’ll need to consider when choosing a scope include:
- Magnification range: The magnification range of a scope refers to the range of magnifications that the scope can provide. For example, a scope with a magnification range of 2-7x can magnify the target from 2x to 7x.
- Objective lens diameter: The objective lens diameter is the diameter of the lens at the front of the scope. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light the scope can gather, which can improve image quality in low-light conditions.
- Eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and the shooter’s eye. A scope with good eye relief will allow the shooter to see the entire field of view without having to put their eye too close to the eyepiece.
- Reticle type: The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming point in the center of the scope. The type of reticle you choose will depend on your shooting goals.
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a rifle scope?
The most important factors to consider when choosing a rifle scope include:
- Your shooting goals: What will you be using the scope for? Hunting, target shooting, or long-range shooting?
- Your budget: How much money are you willing to spend on a scope?
- Your rifle: What type of rifle do you have? The caliber, action, and barrel length will all affect the type of scope you need.
- Your personal preferences: What features are important to you? Magnification range, eye relief, reticle type, and weight are all personal preferences that you’ll need to consider.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right scope for your needs:
- Start with a budget: This will help you narrow down your choices and focus on scopes that are within your price range.
- Read reviews: Read reviews of different scopes to get an idea of what other shooters have to say about them. This can be a helpful way to learn about the pros and cons of different scopes and to find one that is a good fit for your needs.
- Try before you buy: If possible, try out different scopes before you buy one. This will allow you to get a feel for the scope and to see how it performs on your rifle.
By following these tips, you can choose a rifle scope that
choosing the right rifle scope for your needs can be a daunting task, but it is one that is essential to ensuring that you get the most out of your rifle. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can narrow down your choices and select a scope that will meet your specific requirements.
Here are a few key takeaways to remember:
- The magnification range of a scope is determined by the objective lens diameter and the power of the eyepiece.
- The field of view of a scope is the amount of area that you can see at a given magnification.
- The eye relief of a scope is the distance between the eyepiece and the rear of the scope body.
- The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming device in the center of the scope.
- The turrets on a scope allow you to adjust the point of impact of the bullet.
By considering all of these factors, you can choose a rifle scope that will help you reach your shooting goals.