How To Choose The Right Rifle Scope: The Ultimate Guide

Choosing the right riflescope is like hitting a bullseye: it's all about precision, understanding, and making the right calculations. From magnification to lens coatings, each feature of a riflescope plays a vital role in your hunting or shooting experience.

This guide will be your trusty companion, leading you through the seemingly complex terrain of rifle scopes. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision. So, let's dive in, shall we?

Magnification is a pivotal aspect of your riflescope. It's the feature that brings faraway targets into your sightline with utmost clarity. But how much magnification do you actually need? This question is like asking, "How much sugar do you want in your coffee?" The answer largely depends on your personal preference and usage.

For close to mid-range shooting, which is typically within 200 yards, a lower magnification between 3x to 9x is more than adequate. This range provides a wider field of view, allowing you to quickly spot and track your target. On the other hand, if you're a long-range sharpshooter aiming over 200 yards, a higher magnification will be your ally, bringing those distant targets within your grasp.

In a study by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, they found that "higher magnification levels are not necessarily beneficial for all types of shooting. Excessively high magnification can actually hinder target acquisition due to a smaller field of view."

Fixed Vs. Variable Power

The next major crossroads on our journey is the fork between fixed and variable power scopes. Fixed power scopes are like that trusty old bicycle you've had for years; they offer simplicity, reliability, and require minimal adjustment. They are a solid choice for consistent range shooting, where the distance to the target doesn't vary greatly.

In contrast, variable power scopes are like a well-tuned sports car: they offer flexibility and can adapt to various shooting scenarios. With just a tweak of the zoom ring, you can alter the magnification level to suit different target distances.

Expert shooter and author Wayne van Zwoll asserts that "variable power scopes offer versatility for those who hunt in varied environments, from open fields to dense forests. They allow the shooter to adjust magnification to the situation, making them a more adaptable option."

Objective Lens Size

Think of the objective lens as the window of your riflescope, allowing light to enter and form an image of your target. A larger objective lens size allows more light, resulting in a brighter image. However, it also adds weight and size to your scope, a trade-off you need to consider.

For general hunting in good lighting conditions, an objective lens size of 40-42mm is often sufficient, striking a good balance between light intake and overall scope size. But for low-light hunting, a larger objective lens size can be beneficial.

According to a study published in the Applied Optics journal, "a larger objective lens can significantly improve image brightness and clarity in low-light conditions, but the benefits must be weighed against the increased size and weight."

Lens Coatings

Lens coatings are the unsung heroes of your riflescope, enhancing image clarity by reducing glare and increasing light transmission. Lens coatings can be categorized into four types:

• Coated: A single layer on at least one lens surface.
• Fully Coated: A single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces.
• Multicoated: Multiple layers on at least one lens surface.
• Fully Multicoated: Multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces.

Each level of coating brings its own benefits, with more layers typically offering better image quality. As optics expert Alan Hale from Hale Optics puts it, "Lens coatings are essential for reducing reflections and maximizing the amount of light that reaches the shooter's eye. A fully multi-coated lens will always deliver superior performance."

Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane

Entering the domain of the focal plane, we find ourselves faced with two options: First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP). In an FFP scope, the size of the reticle changes in tandem with the magnification level, providing accurate holdover and windage calculations at every magnification setting. This can be especially useful for long-range shooting.

In contrast, an SFP scope features a reticle that stays the same size irrespective of magnification level. It's simple, consistent, and ideal for a majority of hunting and shooting scenarios.

Expert shooter and author Bryan Litz weighs in on the debate, saying, "FFP and SFP scopes each have their strengths. FFP is beneficial for tactical and long-range shooting, while SFP offers simplicity and ease of use. It's a matter of choosing what fits your shooting style and needs."

Scope Parallax

Parallax is an optical illusion that occurs when the target image doesn't align perfectly with the reticle plane, resulting in apparent target movement. This can lead to significant accuracy issues, particularly in high magnification scopes. However, many scopes come equipped with adjustable parallax knobs that allow you to correct this.

Renowned gun writer Richard Mann explains, "Correcting for parallax is crucial for precision shooting. An adjustable parallax knob is an invaluable tool for any serious shooter looking to maximize accuracy."

Moa Vs. Mrad

Moa (Minute of Angle) and Mrad (Milliradian) are units of measurement used to adjust windage and elevation settings on a riflescope. While MOA provides finer, smaller adjustments, MRAD allows broader adjustments.

According to David Tubb, an 11-time National High Power Rifle Champion, "Both MOA and MRAD have their merits. Choosing between the two often boils down to familiarity and personal preference. In a tactical situation where you need to make quick adjustments, MRAD might be more efficient. But for benchrest shooters or varmint hunters, the fine adjustment of MOA could be more beneficial."

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the comfortable viewing distance from your eye to the scope's ocular lens while still seeing the complete field of view. It's essential for protecting your eye from recoil, especially when using high-recoil firearms.

NRA firearms instructor, Jeff Johnston emphasizes the importance of eye relief: "Good eye relief can mean the difference between a successful shot and a scope-scarred brow. Always look for a scope that offers generous eye relief, particularly if you're shooting powerful rifles."

Durability

Your riflescope should be as robust as the terrain you're navigating. Look for a scope that's shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, capable of withstanding all the rigors of outdoor shooting.

Expert outdoor writer and hunter Ron Spomer advises, "

Durability is non-negotiable. Choose a scope that can withstand not only the recoil of your rifle but also the demands of the environment. The last thing you want is for your scope to fog up in the middle of a hunt or break due to harsh conditions."

Adjustable Turrets

Turrets are the knobs on a riflescope that allow you to adjust the windage and elevation, ensuring your shot lands exactly where you want it to. Adjustable turrets, especially ones with a 'zero reset' feature, can be a boon, allowing you to reset your settings back to your original zero after making adjustments.

Mark, a competitive shooter and firearm instructor, puts a premium on this feature: "Adjustable turrets give me the flexibility to fine-tune my scope for any shooting situation. The zero-reset feature is like a safety net, giving me the confidence to make adjustments knowing I can easily return to my baseline setting."

Find The Perfect Price Range

Riflescopes can range from budget-friendly options under $200 to premium models costing over $2000. It's important to determine a budget that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

• Budget Scopes ($100 - $200): Suitable for casual shooters and hunters who don't require highly sophisticated features.
• Mid-Range Scopes ($200 - $800): Offers a balance between price and performance, providing higher quality glass and features.
• High-End Scopes ($800 and above): Designed for professionals and serious enthusiasts, these scopes boast superior optics, precision adjustment capabilities, and high-quality construction.

As financial expert Dave Ramsey often says, "A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went." Set a budget that reflects your shooting needs and stick to it.

Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect Riflescope for Your Needs

Choosing the right riflescope is an art that combines knowledge, understanding, and a dash of personal preference. Each component, each feature of the scope, plays a role in shaping your shooting experience. This guide has aimed to demystify the complex world of rifle scopes, helping you navigate this territory with confidence.

Remember, the perfect riflescope is the one that suits your specific needs and shooting style. As renowned hunter and author Peter Hathaway Capstick once said, "The best equipment in the world is useless if it doesn't do what you need it to." With this comprehensive guide at your side, you're well on your way to finding your perfect riflescope match. Now, go forth and make your mark!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of using a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope?

FFP scopes offer the advantage of reticle scaling with magnification, allowing for precise holdover and windage calculations at any zoom level. This feature is especially valuable for long-range shooting and tactical applications where quick adjustments are essential.

2. How can I choose between MOA and MRAD adjustments on a riflescope?

The choice between MOA and MRAD often comes down to personal preference and familiarity. MOA provides finer adjustments, making it suitable for benchrest shooting or varmint hunting, while MRAD allows broader adjustments, proving more efficient in tactical situations requiring quick changes.

3. What is the ideal eye relief for a riflescope?

Generous eye relief is crucial, especially when using high-recoil firearms. It's the comfortable distance between your eye and the ocular lens while maintaining a complete field of view. For safety and comfort, always look for a scope that offers sufficient eye relief.

4. How do I know if a riflescope is durable enough for my needs?

Look for scopes that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to ensure they can withstand the demands of outdoor shooting and various environmental conditions. A durable scope will handle the recoil of your firearm and remain reliable throughout your hunting or shooting adventures.

5. Are there any budget-friendly riflescope options with quality features

Yes, there are budget-friendly scopes priced between $100 to $200 that are suitable for casual shooters and hunters. These options may not have all the advanced features, but they can still offer decent performance for those on a budget.