What Do the Numbers on a Rifle Scope Mean?
What Do the Numbers on a Rifle Scope Mean?
When you’re looking through the glass of a rifle scope, you’re likely to see a series of numbers printed on the side. These numbers can be confusing to the uninitiated, but they actually provide a wealth of information about the scope and how it will perform.
In this article, we’ll explain what the numbers on a rifle scope mean, and how you can use them to choose the right scope for your needs. We’ll also cover some of the factors that affect the performance of a scope, such as magnification, objective lens diameter, and eye relief.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how rifle scopes work, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which scope is right for you.
| Number | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magnification | 4x |
| 2 | Objective Lens Diameter | 50mm |
| 3 | Eye Relief | 3.5 inches |
| 4 | Field of View | 100 yards at 100 yards |
Rifle scopes are an essential piece of equipment for any hunter or shooter. They allow you to see your target clearly, even at long distances. But what do all the numbers on a rifle scope mean?
In this article, we will explain the different numbers on a rifle scope and how to choose the right one for your needs. We will cover the following topics:
- Magnification
- Objective lens diameter
- Eye relief
- Field of view
- Exit pupil
- Parallax
- Turrets
- Reticle
By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of the different numbers on a rifle scope and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Magnification
Magnification is the most important number on a rifle scope. It tells you how much bigger the image of your target will appear through the scope.
Magnification is measured in powers of 2. For example, a 4x scope will make your target appear 4 times bigger than it would to the naked eye.
The amount of magnification you need depends on the type of shooting you will be doing. For hunting, a magnification of 3x to 9x is typically sufficient. For target shooting, you may want a scope with more magnification, such as 10x or 12x.
How is magnification measured?
Magnification is measured by the ratio of the objective lens diameter to the eyepiece lens diameter. For example, a scope with an objective lens diameter of 40mm and an eyepiece lens diameter of 20mm would have a magnification of 2x.
What are the different types of magnification?
There are two main types of magnification: fixed and variable.
- Fixed magnification scopes have a single magnification setting. This type of scope is best for hunters who know exactly how much magnification they need.
- Variable magnification scopes have multiple magnification settings. This type of scope is more versatile and can be used for a variety of shooting applications.
How to choose the right magnification for your needs
The best way to choose the right magnification for your needs is to experiment with different scopes and see what works best for you. However, here are a few general guidelines to follow:
- For hunting, a magnification of 3x to 9x is typically sufficient.
- For target shooting, you may want a scope with more magnification, such as 10x or 12x.
- If you are not sure what magnification you need, a variable magnification scope is a good option.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter is the second most important number on a rifle scope. It tells you the diameter of the objective lens, which is the lens closest to the target.
The objective lens diameter is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope. A larger objective lens will allow more light to enter the scope, which will result in a brighter image.
The objective lens diameter is also important for determining the field of view (FOV). The FOV is the amount of the surrounding area that you can see through the scope. A larger objective lens will result in a wider FOV.
How is the objective lens diameter measured?
The objective lens diameter is measured in millimeters. For example, a scope with an objective lens diameter of 40mm would have a 40mm objective lens.
What are the different types of objective lens diameters?
Objective lens diameters typically range from 20mm to 60mm. The most common objective lens diameters are 40mm and 50mm.
How to choose the right objective lens diameter for your needs
The best way to choose the right objective lens diameter for your needs is to experiment with different scopes and see what works best for you. However, here are a few general guidelines to follow:
- For hunting, a scope with an objective lens diameter of 40mm or 50mm is typically sufficient.
- For target shooting, you may want a scope with a larger objective lens diameter, such as 60mm.
- If you are not sure what objective lens diameter you need, a scope with a variable magnification setting is a good option.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between the rear of the eyepiece and your eye when you have the scope properly adjusted for your vision.
Eye relief is important because it determines how far you can comfortably look through the scope without your eye getting too close to the lens. If your eye is too close to the lens, you will get a blurry image.
Eye relief is typically measured in millimeters. For example, a scope with an eye relief of 1
3. Eye Relief
What is eye relief?
Eye relief is the distance between the rear of the rifle scope and your eye when you have the scope adjusted for a perfect sight picture. If the eye relief is too short, you will have to put your eye too close to the scope, which can cause eye strain and headaches. If the eye relief is too long, you will have to hold your head at an awkward angle to see through the scope.
How is eye relief measured?
Eye relief is measured in millimeters (mm). The standard eye relief for a rifle scope is 3 inches (76 mm). However, some scopes have shorter or longer eye relief, depending on the design.
What are the different types of eye relief?
There are three main types of eye relief:
- Fixed eye relief: This is the most common type of eye relief. The eye relief is the same regardless of how far you zoom in or out on the scope.
- Variable eye relief: This type of eye relief changes as you zoom in or out on the scope. The eye relief is longer when you are zoomed out and shorter when you are zoomed in.
- Infinite eye relief: This type of eye relief is the same regardless of how far you look through the scope. Infinite eye relief is typically found on spotting scopes and binoculars.
How to choose the right eye relief for your needs
The best way to choose the right eye relief for your needs is to try out different scopes and see what feels comfortable. You should be able to see the entire target through the scope without having to strain your eyes. You should also be able to hold your head in a natural position.
If you are not sure what eye relief you need, a good rule of thumb is to choose a scope with a minimum eye relief of 3 inches (76 mm). This will give you plenty of room to move your head around without having to worry about losing your sight picture.
4. Field of View
What is field of view?
Field of view (FOV) is the area that you can see through the scope when you are looking at a target. Field of view is measured in degrees, and the larger the field of view, the more you can see.
How is field of view measured?
Field of view is measured at 100 yards (91.44 m). This means that the field of view is the width of the area that you can see at 100 yards when you are looking through the scope.
What are the different types of field of view?
There are two main types of field of view:
- Linear field of view: This is the traditional way of measuring field of view. It is the width of the area that you can see at 100 yards.
- Angular field of view: This is a newer way of measuring field of view. It is the angle that you can see at 100 yards.
How to choose the right field of view for your needs
The best way to choose the right field of view for your needs is to consider the type of shooting you will be doing. If you will be doing a lot of hunting, you will want a scope with a wide field of view so that you can quickly find your target. If you will be doing a lot of long-range shooting, you will want a scope with a narrow field of view so that you can see your target more clearly.
Here is a table that shows the typical field of view for different types of scopes:
| Type of Scope | Linear Field of View (at 100 yards) | Angular Field of View (at 100 yards) |
|—|—|—|
| Varmint scope | 30-40 degrees | 6-8x |
| Hunting scope | 40-50 degrees | 8-10x |
| Tactical scope | 50-60 degrees | 10-12x |
| Long-range scope | 60-70 degrees | 12-14x |
The numbers on a rifle scope can tell you a lot about the scope’s performance. By understanding what these numbers mean, you can choose the right scope for your needs.
Here is a summary of the key points:
- Eye relief is the distance between the rear of the scope and your eye when you have the scope adjusted for a perfect sight picture
What do the numbers on a rifle scope mean?
The numbers on a rifle scope are called turret markings. They indicate the amount of adjustment that has been made to the scope’s crosshairs. The most common turret markings are MOA (minutes of angle) and MRAD (milliradians).
What do the different turret markings mean?
- MOA: One MOA is equal to 1/60 of a degree, or 1.047 inches at 100 yards.
- MRAD: One MRAD is equal to 1/1000 of a degree, or 0.36 inches at 100 yards.
How do I use the turret markings to make adjustments to my scope?
To make an adjustment to your scope, first identify the turret that you need to use. The windage turret is used to make adjustments left or right, and the elevation turret is used to make adjustments up or down.
Once you have identified the correct turret, turn it in the direction that you want to make the adjustment. Each click of the turret will make a small change in the crosshairs. The amount of change that is made will depend on the type of turret markings that your scope uses.
For example, if your scope uses MOA markings, one click will move the crosshairs 1 MOA. If your scope uses MRAD markings, one click will move the crosshairs 0.1 MRAD.
How can I calculate the correct turret adjustment?
To calculate the correct turret adjustment, you need to know the distance to your target and the amount of correction that you need to make.
The formula for calculating the turret adjustment is:
- MOA: Turret adjustment = (target distance in yards) * (correction in MOA)
- MRAD: Turret adjustment = (target distance in yards) * (correction in MRAD)
For example, if you are shooting at a target that is 100 yards away and you need to make a 10 MOA correction, the turret adjustment would be 100 * 10 = 1000 MOA.
How do I know if I have made the correct adjustment?
The best way to check if you have made the correct adjustment is to shoot a group of shots at your target. If the shots are grouped together, then you have made the correct adjustment. If the shots are spread out, then you need to make a further adjustment.
What are some common mistakes that people make when using rifle scopes?
Some common mistakes that people make when using rifle scopes include:
- Not using the correct turret markings. Make sure that you are using the correct turret markings for your scope. If you are using MOA markings on a scope that is calibrated in MRAD, your adjustments will be incorrect.
- Not making enough adjustments. When making an adjustment to your scope, make sure that you make enough of an adjustment to correct the problem. If you don’t make enough of an adjustment, your shots will still be off target.
- Making too many adjustments. It is important to be careful not to make too many adjustments to your scope. If you make too many adjustments, you will make it difficult to track your shots and make corrections.
How can I improve my accuracy with a rifle scope?
There are a few things that you can do to improve your accuracy with a rifle scope:
- Practice regularly. The best way to improve your accuracy is to practice regularly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with your rifle and scope, and the better your shots will be.
- Use the correct ammunition. Make sure that you are using the correct ammunition for your rifle and scope. The wrong ammunition can cause your shots to be inaccurate.
- Make sure your rifle is properly sighted in. Your rifle should be properly sighted in so that the shots hit where you are aiming. If your rifle is not properly sighted in, your shots will be off target.
- Use the correct shooting techniques. There are a number of shooting techniques that you can use to improve your accuracy. Make sure that you are using the correct shooting techniques for your rifle and scope.
the numbers on a rifle scope represent the magnification power, the objective lens diameter, and the field of view. The magnification power is the number that tells you how much closer an object will appear when you look through the scope. The objective lens diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the scope, and it affects the amount of light that can enter the scope. The field of view is the amount of area you can see at once when you look through the scope.
When choosing a rifle scope, it is important to consider the type of shooting you will be doing and the features that are important to you. For example, if you will be hunting in low-light conditions, you will want a scope with a large objective lens diameter. If you will be shooting at long distances, you will want a scope with a high magnification power.
By understanding the numbers on a rifle scope, you can make an informed decision about which scope is right for you.