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A rifle scope also serves as an invaluable tool for long-range precision shooting. The best rifle scopes are versatile, suitable for both lowlight and highlight conditions, and they provide a reliable means of obtaining accurate information at tremendous distances.
The best rifle scopes will fit your needs and meet your budget. They should be easy to use, durable, and adjustable. The size of the lens and the magnification power both matter in regard to what kind of scope you need. The following sections offer more information about what factors one should consider when shopping for the best rifle scope and reviews of some top models on the market.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Rifle Scope
When shopping for a new rifle scope, there are several factors worth considering. The following section looks at these in detail.
Intended Use
Before deciding on which scope is right for you, think about how and where you intend to use it. If it’s a long-range shooting competition, then look for a scope with a large field of view so that you don’t miss any shots. If it’s a quick drill, then a compact scope might work better than one that’s bulky or heavy.
Scope Coating
The coating on your scope will determine how easy it is to see in low light conditions and whether it gets damaged by water exposure. Most scopes have an anti-fog coating as well as waterproof construction material.
- Fogproof glass lenses are coated with special treatments designed to reduce fogging up during operation.
- Waterproof materials like rubber and polyurethane resist damage from water exposure.
Lens Diameter
Rifle scopes come in different sizes according to their intended purpose. Larger sights are more durable but can be heavier and bulkier. Smaller scopes tend to be lighter and more portable but may not offer the durability needed for high-powered rifles. It’s all about balancing weight and performance needs against each other.
Weight
A lightweight rifle scope won’t add any weight if it features hollow construction. However, if the scope has solid components, then it’ll weigh something. Generally speaking, a typical loaded gun weighs between 8 and 12 pounds, while a fully equipped rifle (including scope) can weigh anywhere between 16 and 24 lbs. It’s important to remember that although a lighter firearm feels easier to handle, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s also easier to shoot accurately. It depends on how well the shooter controls the weapon.
Mount Type
There are two main types of mounts for optical devices: peep sight and flip up.
- Peep sights consist of two small prongs that attach directly to the barrel near the muzzle end. These prongs sit flush with the bore when the gun is fired, allowing the user to see through them without obstructing the shot.
- Flip-up mounts are completely enclosed except for the front knob. To operate them, simply twist the knob back and forth until you’re ready to fire. They’re great for concealing your scope when you don’t want anyone to know that you’re looking through it, but they do block part of the view through the scope when you need to take a shot.
Adjustability
One key difference between scopes is adjustability. Some models allow you to adjust your sight picture slightly by manipulating the knobs on the side of the telescope, whereas others require you to manipulate the knobs on the top of the unit. This adjustment allows you to align things such as your crosshair or aiming point with the scope, instead of having to line up a distant target with the scope itself.
Price
You should always try to get the most out of your money investment, especially when purchasing a used firearm. So when searching for a quality rifle scope, make sure you find one that meets your specific needs at a price you can afford. For instance, if you’re looking for a rugged, reliable rifle scope that’s made from stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum, then you probably won’t want to spend too much on it. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more, then you might consider going with a carbon fiber model.
Magnification
One of a rifle scope’s most crucial features is magnification. Magnification is the process of extending the vision of the naked eyes. To put it another way, a scope with a 2x magnification is twice as powerful as your natural vision. Magnification is described in terms of power-level increments, and the initial numbers in a riflescope’s name stand for these numbers. For instance, the magnification on an adjustable zoom 1-4x32mm scope would be 1-4 times what the human eye sees. The magnification on a fixed scope, such as a 4x32mm scope, is set at 4 times what the naked eye can perceive.
It is generally preferred to magnify. 3-9x would work nicely for hunters who shoot moving targets at distances under 100 yards. A scope with a higher magnification range, such as 5-30x, might be more suitable for you if you wish to strike bullseyes at 750 yards. A user’s “field of view” will be less with higher magnification settings. For hunting scopes, this implies that the visual field diametrically shrinks by a factor of 2 when you are magnified two times. You might want to think about using a low-powered variable rifle sight for hogs and varmints to more easily handle the effects of magnification and a smaller field of view.
Reticle
The riflescope’s reticle, also referred to as the “crosshair,” is what determines where the shot will land. Comparable to aligning your shot in iron sights, looking through a riflescope at a reticle is a similar process. Reticles, like eye relief, are a personal preference, and shooters have access to a large selection. The accuracy of your shot will be impacted by the crosshairs’ thickness, to put it simply.
Although larger reticles help the user to see in poor light, they can occasionally dwarf or cover the target if it is far away. Although they are more challenging to see in low light, thinner crosshairs enable the user to be more accurate. On the crosshairs of many reticles, there are posts or scales. To account for the bullet’s drop at higher distances, these tiny ticks are minute angles or milliradian measures. However, since the reticle can be impacted by the focal plane in which it is positioned, not every tick marking is always precise at every range.
Types Of Rifle Scopes
Rifle scope is a specialized type of optical device designed to be used with rifles. There are several different types of rifle scopes available, each one offering its own unique set of features and advantages.
First focal plane
The first or front focal plane is the portion of the lens that’s in front of your reticle. It has the effect of making objects appear larger than they really are. This can be useful when you’re shooting at targets from a distance, but it’s not ideal for precision work like shooting small groups or individual targets. The best rifle scopes have variable magnification capabilities, which allow you to increase your effective range by allowing you to zoom in on your target prior to firing. Most high-end rifle scopes use a Porro prism setup, meaning that as you zoom in, the scope gets wider and taller, keeping both eyes open. This allows you to keep an eye on your target and still see where you’re going before taking any drastic measures.
Second focal plane
The second or back focal plane is the portion of the lens behind your reticle. It has the effect of making things smaller than they actually are. This can be helpful when you’re working close to something, such as a paper map, or when using a magnifying glass. However, it isn’t very beneficial when shooting faraway targets because there’s no real way to get closer without leaving the gun platform. Best rifle scopes use a Porro prism setup, meaning that as you zoom in, the scope gets wider and shorter, keeping both eyes open. This allows you to keep an eye on your target and still see where you’re going before taking any drastic measures.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
When choosing our recommendations for this article, we relied on personal experience with the products and also checked out some of the most popular options available. We then narrowed down our list to those that were best overall.
We looked at a variety of factors when making our picks, including price, scope size, weight, ease of use, and more. In the end, we came up with our top picks for the best rifle scopes in a classically rugged design. Hopefully, these choices help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rifle Scopes
What magnification is needed for 1000 yards?
Magnification isn’t a function of distance, but rather the size of the target you are shooting at. At 1000 yards, you would need a 50-power optic to have a realistic chance of hitting a target as large as your chest.
How much does a spotting scope cost?
Spotting optics can range from $250 to over $800 depending on features and quality of glass used. The best way to determine what price range is reasonable for your needs is to do some research and check out what’s available in the marketplace.
Can I use my binoculars with a rifle scope?
Absolutely! Most binoculars come with a fixed or telescopic sight mount that allows them to be used with most any firearm scope.