What Do the Numbers on a Rifle Scope Mean?
What Do the Numbers on a Rifle Scope Mean?
When you’re looking through a rifle scope, you’re likely to see a series of numbers and letters printed on the lens. These numbers can be confusing to beginners, 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 you should consider when purchasing a rifle scope, such as magnification, objective lens size, and field of view.
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 | Milradian | 1 Mil = 1/1000 of a degree |
| 2 | Click value | 1 click = 1/4 Mil |
| 3 | Total adjustment | 50 Mils |
A rifle scope is a telescopic sight that is mounted on a rifle. It is used to magnify the target and make it easier to aim. Rifle scopes come in a variety of magnifications, objective lens diameters, and other features. The numbers on a rifle scope tell you about its magnification, objective lens diameter, and other features.
Magnification
The magnification of a rifle scope is the ratio of the image size to the object size. Magnification is expressed as a number, such as 4x or 10x. The higher the magnification, the closer the object will appear. However, higher magnification also reduces the field of view.
For example, a 4x scope will make an object appear four times closer than it would to the naked eye. A 10x scope will make an object appear ten times closer than it would to the naked eye.
The magnification of a rifle scope is important because it determines how close you can see your target. If you are shooting at a target that is far away, you will need a higher magnification scope. If you are shooting at a target that is close, you will need a lower magnification scope.
Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the scope. The objective lens diameter is measured in millimeters. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light the scope can gather. This results in a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions.
For example, a scope with an objective lens diameter of 40mm will gather more light than a scope with an objective lens diameter of 20mm. This means that the scope with the 40mm objective lens will produce a brighter image in low-light conditions.
The objective lens diameter is also important because it affects the field of view. The field of view is the area that you can see through the scope. A scope with a larger objective lens diameter will have a wider field of view than a scope with a smaller objective lens diameter.
For example, a scope with an objective lens diameter of 40mm will have a wider field of view than a scope with an objective lens diameter of 20mm. This means that you will be able to see more of the target area through the scope with the 40mm objective lens.
Other Features
In addition to magnification and objective lens diameter, there are a number of other features that you should consider when choosing a rifle scope. These features include:
- Eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and the rear of the scope. Eye relief is important because it ensures that you can see the entire field of view without having to put your eye too close to the eyepiece.
- Exit pupil: The exit pupil is the size of the light beam that exits the scope. The exit pupil is important because it determines how bright the image will be.
- Field of view: The field of view is the area that you can see through the scope. The field of view is important because it determines how much of the target area you can see.
- Turrets: Turrets are used to adjust the scope’s magnification and focus. Turrets are important because they allow you to fine-tune the scope’s performance.
- Reticle: The reticle is the crosshairs that are located in the center of the scope. The reticle is important because it helps you to aim the scope.
The numbers on a rifle scope tell you about its magnification, objective lens diameter, and other features. These numbers are important because they help you to choose the right scope for your needs.
When choosing a rifle scope, you should consider the following factors:
- The magnification that you need
- The objective lens diameter that you need
- The other features that you need
By considering these factors, you can choose a rifle scope that will meet your needs and help you to improve your shooting accuracy.
3. Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and the shooter’s eye. It is important for comfort and accuracy. If the eye relief is too short, the shooter will have to squint to see through the scope. This can cause fatigue and lead to mistakes. If the eye relief is too long, the shooter will have to move their head back and forth to see through the scope. This can also cause fatigue and lead to mistakes.
The ideal eye relief for a rifle scope will vary depending on the shooter’s individual preferences. However, a good rule of thumb is to choose a scope with an eye relief of at least 3 inches. This will provide enough room for the shooter to comfortably position their head behind the scope and make accurate shots.
4. Reticle
The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming device in the center of the scope. It is used to make accurate shots by providing the shooter with a reference point to aim at. There are many different types of reticles available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the most common types of reticles include:
- Crosshairs: This is the simplest type of reticle and consists of two lines that intersect at a point. Crosshair reticles are easy to use and are a good choice for beginners.
- Mil-Dot: This type of reticle has a series of dots spaced evenly along the vertical and horizontal lines. Mil-Dot reticles are more precise than crosshair reticles and are a good choice for hunters and competitive shooters.
- BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator): This type of reticle has a series of hash marks that can be used to compensate for the drop of the bullet over distance. BDC reticles are a good choice for long-range shooters.
When choosing a reticle, it is important to consider the type of shooting you will be doing. If you are a beginner, a simple crosshair reticle is a good option. If you are a more experienced shooter, you may want to consider a more precise reticle, such as a Mil-Dot or BDC reticle.
5. Magnification
Magnification is the ability of a scope to make objects appear closer than they actually are. It is measured in power, which is the ratio of the image size to the object size. For example, a scope with 10x magnification will make an object appear 10 times closer than it actually is.
The magnification of a scope is important for determining how far away you can see an object. The higher the magnification, the farther away you can see an object. However, higher magnification also comes with some disadvantages. For example, higher magnification scopes are more difficult to hold steady, and they can make objects appear smaller and less detailed.
When choosing a magnification for your scope, it is important to consider the type of shooting you will be doing. If you will be shooting at close range, a lower magnification scope will be more appropriate. If you will be shooting at long range, a higher magnification scope will be more appropriate.
6. Objective Lens Diameter
The objective lens diameter is the diameter of the lens at the front of the scope. It is measured in millimeters. The objective lens diameter is important for determining the amount of light that can enter the scope. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light that can enter the scope, and the brighter the image will be.
The objective lens diameter is also important for determining the field of view. The field of view is the amount of area that you can see through the scope at any given time. The larger the objective lens diameter, the wider the field of view will be.
When choosing an objective lens diameter for your scope, it is important to consider the type of shooting you will be doing. If you will be shooting in low-light conditions, a larger objective lens diameter will be more appropriate. If you will be shooting at long range, a smaller objective lens diameter will be more appropriate.
7. Exit Pupil
The exit pupil is the smallest diameter of the light beam that exits the scope. It is measured in millimeters. The exit pupil is important for determining how bright the image will be. The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image will be.
The exit pupil is also important for determining the minimum focusing distance. The minimum focusing distance is the closest distance that you can focus the scope on an object. The larger the exit pupil, the closer you can focus the scope on an object.
When choosing an exit pupil for your scope, it is important to consider the type of shooting you will be doing. If you will be shooting in low-light conditions, a larger exit pupil will be more appropriate. If you will be shooting at close range, a smaller exit pupil will be more appropriate.
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What Does the Numbers on a Rifle Scope Mean?
The numbers on a rifle scope are called *turret markings*. They indicate the amount of elevation and windage adjustments that have been made to the scope.
- Elevation is the adjustment that is made to compensate for the drop of the bullet as it travels through the air. The elevation turret is usually located on the left side of the scope. The numbers on the elevation turret are marked in MOA (minutes of angle). One MOA is equal to 1/60th of a degree.
- Windage is the adjustment that is made to compensate for the wind blowing the bullet off course. The windage turret is usually located on the right side of the scope. The numbers on the windage turret are also marked in MOA.
To make an elevation adjustment, turn the elevation turret clockwise to increase the elevation of the scope, or counterclockwise to decrease the elevation of the scope. To make a windage adjustment, turn the windage turret clockwise to move the point of impact to the right, or counterclockwise to move the point of impact to the left.
It is important to note that the turret markings are only accurate when the scope is properly zeroed. Zeroing a scope means adjusting the scope so that the point of impact of the bullet is exactly where you are aiming.
Here are some additional tips for understanding rifle scope turret markings:
- The numbers on the elevation turret will increase as you move the turret up, and decrease as you move the turret down.
- The numbers on the windage turret will increase as you move the turret to the right, and decrease as you move the turret to the left.
- The amount of elevation or windage adjustment that is made by turning the turret one click will vary depending on the scope. This information is usually listed in the scope’s owner’s manual.
- It is important to make small adjustments to the turrets when making zeroing adjustments. Make one click at a time, and then fire a shot to see how the point of impact has changed. Repeat this process until the point of impact is where you are aiming.
By understanding the numbers on a rifle scope, you can make accurate adjustments to the scope and ensure that your shots are hitting where you are aiming.
Additional Resources
- [Rifle Scope Turret Markings: A Beginner’s Guide](https://www.opticsplanet.com/blog/rifle-scope-turret-markings-a-beginners-guide/)
- [How to Zero a Rifle Scope](https://www.pewpewtactical.com/how-to-zero-a-rifle-scope/)
- [Rifle Scopes: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/rifle-scopes-everything-you-need-to-know/)
the numbers on a rifle scope represent the magnification power, the objective lens diameter, and the reticle type. The magnification power is the number of times the image is magnified, and it is typically expressed as a ratio, such as 4x or 10x. The objective lens diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the scope, and it is measured in millimeters. The reticle type is the design of the crosshairs or other aiming points in the scope, and it can vary depending on the intended use of the scope.
Understanding the numbers on a rifle scope can help you choose the right scope for your needs. If you are unsure what type of scope you need, consult with a qualified firearms instructor or retailer.