What Do the Numbers on a Rifle Scope Mean?
What Do the Numbers on Rifle Scopes Mean?
When you’re shopping for a new rifle scope, you’re likely to encounter a dizzying array of numbers and letters. What do all of these mean? And how do you know which scope is right for you?
In this article, we’ll break down the most important numbers on rifle scopes, so you can make an informed decision about which one to buy.
We’ll cover everything from magnification and objective lens diameter to reticle type and windage adjustment. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on rifle scopes and be able to choose the perfect one for your needs.
So let’s get started!
| Number | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Objective Lens Diameter | 4-16×40 |
| 2 | Magnification | 4-16x |
| 3 | Objective Lens Focal Length | 40mm |
| 4 | Eye Relief | 3.5-4.5 inches |
| 5 | Field of View | 100 yards at 100 yards |
| 6 | Exit Pupil | 2.5-7.5mm |
| 7 | Twilight Factor | 12x |
Rifle scopes are an essential piece of equipment for any serious shooter. They allow you to accurately aim your rifle at a target, even at long distances. But what do all the numbers on a rifle scope mean?
In this article, we will explain the different markings on a rifle scope and what they mean. We will also discuss the different types of magnification and how to choose the right magnification for your needs.
Magnification
Magnification is the ability of a rifle scope to make objects appear closer than they actually are. It is measured in terms of power, and the higher the power, the closer the object will appear.
For example, a 10x magnification scope will make an object appear 10 times closer than it actually is. This can be a great advantage when you are shooting at a target that is far away.
However, it is important to note that more magnification also means less field of view. This means that you will be able to see less of the surrounding area when you are using a high-magnification scope.
There are a few different types of magnification on rifle scopes. The most common type is variable magnification, which allows you to change the magnification power from one setting to another. This is a great option for shooters who need to be able to adjust the magnification depending on the range of the target.
Another type of magnification is fixed magnification, which means that the magnification power cannot be changed. This type of scope is usually less expensive than a variable magnification scope, but it is not as versatile.
Finally, there are also some rifle scopes that offer a combination of variable and fixed magnification. These scopes typically have a fixed magnification power at the lower end and a variable magnification power at the higher end.
Factors that affect magnification
There are a few factors that can affect the magnification of a rifle scope. These include:
- The size of the objective lens: The objective lens is the lens at the front of the scope that collects light. The larger the objective lens, the more light it can collect, and the brighter the image will be.
- The focal length of the objective lens: The focal length of the objective lens is the distance from the center of the lens to the point where the light rays converge. The longer the focal length, the more magnification the scope will have.
- The eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and the shooter’s eye. The greater the eye relief, the more comfortable it will be to use the scope for extended periods of time.
Choosing the right magnification
The right magnification for a rifle scope will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The type of shooting you will be doing: If you will be shooting at targets that are close up, you will need a scope with a lower magnification power. If you will be shooting at targets that are far away, you will need a scope with a higher magnification power.
- Your eyesight: If you have poor eyesight, you will need a scope with a higher magnification power so that you can see the target clearly.
- Your budget: Rifle scopes with variable magnification are typically more expensive than scopes with fixed magnification.
Magnification is an important factor to consider when choosing a rifle scope. The right magnification will allow you to accurately aim your rifle at a target, even at long distances. By understanding the different types of magnification and the factors that affect it, you can choose the right scope for your needs.
Additional Resources
- [Rifle Scope Magnification: What You Need to Know](https://www.opticsplanet.com/blog/rifle-scope-magnification-what-you-need-to-know/)
- [How to Choose the Right Rifle Scope Magnification](https://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/how-to-choose-the-right-rifle-scope-magnification/)
- [Rifle Scope Magnification Chart](https://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle-scope-magnification-chart.htm)
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter is the measurement of the front lens of a rifle scope. It is typically measured in millimeters (mm). The objective lens diameter is important because it determines the amount of light that can enter the scope and impact the image quality. A larger objective lens diameter will allow more light to enter the scope, which will result in a brighter and sharper image. However, a larger objective lens diameter will also make the scope heavier and more expensive.
What is the objective lens diameter?
The objective lens diameter is the measurement of the front lens of a rifle scope. It is typically measured in millimeters (mm). The objective lens diameter is important because it determines the amount of light that can enter the scope and impact the image quality. A larger objective lens diameter will allow more light to enter the scope, which will result in a brighter and sharper image. However, a larger objective lens diameter will also make the scope heavier and more expensive.
How is objective lens diameter measured?
The objective lens diameter is measured in millimeters (mm). The measurement is taken from the edge of the lens to the opposite edge.
What are the different types of objective lens diameters?
Rifle scopes typically have objective lens diameters ranging from 24mm to 56mm. The most common objective lens diameters are 40mm and 50mm.
What factors affect objective lens diameter?
The following factors affect objective lens diameter:
- Magnification: The higher the magnification, the larger the objective lens diameter will need to be. This is because a larger objective lens diameter is required to gather enough light to produce a sharp image at high magnifications.
- Field of view: The wider the field of view, the smaller the objective lens diameter will need to be. This is because a smaller objective lens diameter will allow for a wider field of view at the same magnification.
- Eye relief: The greater the eye relief, the smaller the objective lens diameter will need to be. This is because a smaller objective lens diameter will allow for a longer eye relief at the same magnification.
The objective lens diameter is an important consideration when choosing a rifle scope. A larger objective lens diameter will allow more light to enter the scope and impact the image quality. However, a larger objective lens diameter will also make the scope heavier and more expensive.
When choosing an objective lens diameter, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Magnification: The higher the magnification, the larger the objective lens diameter will need to be.
- Field of view: The wider the field of view, the smaller the objective lens diameter will need to be.
- Eye relief: The greater the eye relief, the smaller the objective lens diameter will need to be.
By considering these factors, you can choose the objective lens diameter that is best suited for your needs.
What Do the Numbers on Rifle Scopes Mean?
The numbers on a rifle scope refer to the scope’s magnification power, objective lens diameter, and field of view.
- Magnification power is the ratio of the size of the image seen through the scope to the size of the object being viewed. It is expressed as a number, such as 4x or 10x. The higher the magnification power, the closer the object will appear to be.
- Objective lens diameter is the diameter of the lens at the front of the scope. It is measured in millimeters. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light the scope can gather, which results in a brighter image.
- Field of view is the area that can be seen through the scope at a given magnification. It is expressed as a number, such as 100 yards at 100x. The larger the field of view, the more of the surrounding area you will be able to see.
How Do I Interpret the Numbers on a Rifle Scope?
To interpret the numbers on a rifle scope, you need to know what each number represents.
- Magnification power: The first number in the set of numbers on a rifle scope is the magnification power. For example, a scope with the numbers “4-12x” has a magnification power of 4x at the lowest setting and 12x at the highest setting.
- Objective lens diameter: The second number in the set of numbers on a rifle scope is the objective lens diameter. For example, a scope with the numbers “4-12x40mm” has an objective lens diameter of 40mm.
- Field of view: The third number in the set of numbers on a rifle scope is the field of view. For example, a scope with the numbers “4-12x40mm 100 yards at 100x” has a field of view of 100 yards at 100x magnification.
What Are the Different Types of Rifle Scopes?
There are many different types of rifle scopes available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some of the most common types of rifle scopes include:
- Hunting scopes: Hunting scopes are designed for hunters who need to make quick, accurate shots at moving targets. They typically have a high magnification power and a wide field of view.
- Target shooting scopes: Target shooting scopes are designed for shooters who need to make precise shots at stationary targets. They typically have a low magnification power and a narrow field of view.
- Tactical scopes: Tactical scopes are designed for military and law enforcement personnel who need to make accurate shots in a variety of conditions. They typically have a variable magnification power and a range of features that make them suitable for use in a variety of situations.
How Do I Choose the Right Rifle Scope for Me?
The right rifle scope for you will depend on your specific needs and shooting goals. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a rifle scope:
- Your budget: Rifle scopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you can narrow down your choices.
- Your shooting goals: What will you be using the rifle scope for? Hunting? Target shooting? Tactical applications? Once you know what you will be using the scope for, you can start to look for features that are important for that activity.
- Your rifle: The type of rifle you have will also affect the type of scope you need. For example, a bolt-action rifle will require a different type of scope than a semi-automatic rifle.
- Your personal preferences: Some people prefer scopes with a lot of features, while others prefer scopes that are simple and easy to use. It is important to choose a scope that you are comfortable with and that you will be able to use effectively.
Resources for Learning More About Rifle Scopes
There are many resources available to help you learn more about rifle scopes. Here are a few of the best places to start:
- The National Rifle Association (NRA): The NRA offers a variety of resources on rifle scopes, including articles, videos, and online courses.
- Ballistics by the Inch: Ballistics by the Inch is a website that provides detailed information on rifle scopes, including reviews, comparison charts, and technical specifications.
- Sniper Central: Sniper Central is a website that is dedicated to long-range shooting. It offers a wealth of information on rifle scopes, including articles
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 determines how much light 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.