When you’re out in the field, having a solid tactical scope might be the difference between life and death. They are what people refer to as “the eyes of the sniper.” Images are focused through a small, rapidly moving window onto an objective lens that can either be fixed in place or adjusted. The optic lens is responsible for this focusing. After that, the image is transmitted to a quick-release mechanism, which is typically a lever, that enables the user to quickly and conveniently attach the scope to their firearm.
The military is the most common user of this type of scope; however, there are types designed specifically for civilian use as well. The vast majority of people have the misconception that they are only worn by military personnel; nevertheless, they are available in a vast array of sizes and designs, and many of them have features that make them appropriate for both professional and personal use.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Tactical Scopes
When looking for a new tactical scope, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before making a purchase. The following section will go into further detail on these topics.
Intended Use
Think about how you want to use a new tactical scope before making a decision on which one to buy. Think about what features would help make using the scope easier and more effective. For instance, if your profession demands you to engage in hand-to-ha
If you’re searching for a device that can be used for both hunting and fishing, you could find that a scope with a lower power and a wider range of vision is more effective. And on the other hand, a remote watching device might be more your speed if you’d rather not be too near to the action.
Scope Coating Material
When it comes to performance, the coating that is applied to the lens of a scope is an important factor to consider. Because it can have an impact on both visibility and the amount of light that passes through it, you should select the option that is most suitable for the circumstances.
- A unique coating on fog-proof glass prevents moisture from forming beads, which would otherwise obstruct the view through the glass.
- Low dispersion glass contains a coating of plastic that is added during the production process. This layer helps to lessen the distortion that is caused by unequal thicknesses in the glass.
- Polycarbonate of the highest grade is utilized in the production of lenses that are long-lasting and resistant to cracking and breaking.
Lens Diameter
The diameter of a tactical scope is what determines the level of magnification it has, and consequently how well it can see small details or huge areas. A larger optic will provide you with an enlarged perspective; however, this comes at the expense of increased bulk and weight. You will be able to see things that are closer together if you use optics that are smaller, but you will lose some of the distance (magnification) between the objects.
For instance, if you are tracking a deer, a scope with a lower power will allow you to see the antlers from a greater distance, but a scope with a higher power and a larger objective lens will allow you to get within ten feet of the animal before you need to adjust your focus. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Weight
It is essential to keep in mind that even while the tactical scope’s weight can be reduced by using lighter materials like titanium, this does not necessarily mean that the sight will feel lighter to the user. Many industry professionals are of the opinion that heavier guns generally have a firing platform that is more stable than that of lighter ones. However, the optimal balance between weight and stability is determined not only by personal choice but also by the individual’s preferred method of shooting.
A lighter variant is probably the best option for people who want a weapon that isn’t going to weigh them down too much but is still going to be able to take down opponents quickly.
Mount Type
There are two main types of mounts for tactical scopes: peep sight and flip up.
- Peep sights consist of three tiny prongs that attach directly to the firearm barrel just behind the muzzle end. These prongs sit flush against each other when the gun is unloaded, allowing them to slide over the top of the barrel when fired.
- Flip-up mounts have a base plate that screws onto the gun barrel and a lid that flips open to reveal a set of lenses. This design allows the user to adjust their sight line without removing the gun from service.
Adjustability
One of the key advantages of using an optical sight is that the angle of the sight can be adjusted according to where the shot will fall. Sight adjustments usually require tools, however, so don’t expect to use this feature every day. Most scopes include adjustable turrets that rotate the direction of the sightline through 360 degrees. Some even allow for multiple sight lines to be set simultaneously.
Price
Tactical scopes aren’t cheap; they typically run for $100-$300 per unit. However, there are plenty of inexpensive options available, especially if you purchase a second hand scope.
Types Of Tactical Scopes
Tactical scopes are designed for a specific type of shooting. For example, the shooter who’s using an MOLLE-mounted sniper rifle is in need of a scope with a magnification range that spans across the 10x power mark (or even beyond). He also needs a reticle that’s large enough to be used at extreme ranges and has sufficient detail to provide him with necessary information about his target.
First focal plane
The first or front focal plane contains all the visual cues you’re going to get from your optic – things like reticles, reticle scaling, reticle markings, etc. It’s what most shooters see when they look through their optic. It doesn’t contain any glass; it’s just how well-designed your optic is. Keep this in mind as you consider which lens will give you the best FFP performance.
Second focal plane
Second focus planes are favored by some shooters because they reduce chromatic aberration, which results in higher clarity even at greater distances. This gives them an advantage over other shooters. This impact is brought about by the fact that the second focus plane provides a more expansive view of what lies ahead in time. Because the second focus plane does not contain any actual glass, the entirety of its structure is composed of lenses and prisms.
These components, in comparison to conventional binoculars, are often smaller, lighter, and less expensive to manufacture. The second focal plane will not function properly throughout the night unless there is sufficient ambient light to shed light on the mechanisms that make it work.
Low-light/night vision
Low-light and nighttime optics tend to incorporate a lot of other subtypes because there are several different methods for improving low-light capability. Best of breed means having the highest possible capabilities within each category.
These include thermal technology, night vision devices, and infrared technology. Thermal imaging works by detecting heat signatures, while NVDs use phosphors that glow in response to incoming light. Infrared technology relies on filters that block out visible light and allow only infrared light to pass through. Together, these technologies create a sharp image in complete darkness. You’ll find options that utilize one or two of these technologies along with a standard set of binoculars.
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 looked at a variety of factors to choose our top picks for the best tactical scopes, including image quality, build quality, field of view, and price.
We tested various aspects of each product to get a better sense of how they performed in real life. In particular, we focused on how well the optics did in comparison to other brands’ offerings and how consistent the focus was over time. We also took into account reviews from independent sources and customer feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tactical Scopes
Can you use tactical scope for hunting?
If you have decent aim and know what you’re doing, you can hunt successfully with a tactical scope. The majority of them have a lighted reticle so they may be used for hunting in dimly lit areas as well.
How do I mount a tactical scope?
Follow the instructions. Most optics are designed to be mounted in either a bench rest or shoulder stock position, so it’s important to understand how your chosen optic fits into those two categories before you buy it. If you plan to purchase a quick-attach plate (QAP) system, make sure you get one that matches your firearm’s platform.