GEN 5. Rifle Scopes Explained: How To Choose the Best Type | Academy How to Choose a Rifle Scope | Beginner's Guide to Buying Rifle hunting. Sign up and get exclusive access to promotions, sales events, pre-order sales & more! This article should steer the reader in the direction of the correct magnification of either a fixed power scope or an appropriate magnification range of a variable power scope for their hunting rifle. Used with skill and a laser rangefinder, these reticles and websites combine to make you feel quite empowered. measures 0.36 inches per 100 yards. Rifle scopes can range in price from $30 to even $1,500 or more. It receipt, and we'll cover the cost of return shipping. game and hunting conditions. 330 at EuroOptic. AND were sure youll also agree the right magnification scope is crucial to, Inexperienced shooters dont take into consideration the magnification power of their rifle scope, vis-a-vis the distance when they hunt. 6 X 32 sight means the scope with a six times magnification power. So, Night-vision I say most of the time because when a big-game animal is in the clutter of woods, uncut corn or thick brush, this might not be enough magnification for you to clearly see the animal. How small and dark will that exit pupil be? The more magnification you have, the harder it is to find your sight picture and target, and the more critical and closer your eye relief becomes. If you ask us, theres a number of magnification power scopes out there thatll hardly break your bank. But what exactly is the difference between rifle scope magnification vs distance? His enthusiasm for handling firearms and hunting gear inspired him to create the Shooting Mystery blog. Examples include the .357 Mag., .38-55, .44-40, .44 Rem. Start a petition. Shop now and get Free Value Shipping on most orders over $49 to the You can read more about scope numbers here. Your gun will work when you pull the trigger, but if you can't see where to place the bullet, the gun is useless. Just enter in any cartridge's ballistic information, whether factory or hand-loaded, and get the trajectory for that cartridge with any type of atmospheric information. Use them. A lower-end scope will typically also not have a need a close-range one. Bushnell trs Less is more. One of its important purposes is to magnify the target, focusing your field of view on that target alone. CONTACT INFORMATION 2400 NW 95 Ave, Doral, FL 33172. "Shooting a box" is a good test of repeatability. WebThere is a small ADS zoom for irons and red dots (1.5x as far as I can tell), a bit larger one for assault scopes (2x or so) and a still larger one for rifle scopes (+3x, not sure about this one). "keywords": ["rifle scope magnification vs distance"], But you need the right tool for the job. At least one of the scopes lenses has a multicoated layer. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Here is my article on Choosing Mounts, Rings, and bases. Three power is low enough, with a large enough exit pupil and field of view for close shots in most applications, and nine power gives you plenty of magnification for longer shots. Fixed power scopes - Minimum magnification 3x; Maximum magnification 6x; 4x scope recommended. This happens because high magnification exacerbates the wobble of the rifle to the point it seems like you cannot hold the rifle steady on the target. This reticle is Dynamic and adjusts with magnification throughout the entire zoom range. 2 models AccuScope Scope Charts - 1/4 MOA, 1/2 MOA, 30mm Tube, First Focal Plane, ACSS HUD DMR Reticle and TRYBE Optics Enhancer Rifle Scope Magnification As magnification is decreased, FOV goes up. reticle for all shooters. So the magnification on this particular scope starts at 20 times and zooms to 60 times (the x indicates times). Another trend today is the sale of anything called "tactical." is an imperial measurement of accuracy that measures 1 inch per 100 yards. The higher magnification you choose, the more likely youll close the range between you and your target. Holdovers and hold under vary depending on the type of scope youre using. Field of view (FOV) is measured in feet at 100 yards. investment. Your target is 600 yards away from you. Mag, .470 NE and similar cartridges. hunting a single target. Rifle Scope are great for creating a clear and bright image to improve your accuracy, even in SCOPE COMPARISON CHART. article on mounting For instance, a typical 3x variable scope might have a FOV at 100 yards of a bit over 30 feet, and at 9x, the FOV would be around 14 feet. Variable power scopes - Minimum magnification 3x to 6x; maximum magnification 10x to 15x; 4-12x (approximate) scope recommended. On the other hand, Leupolds VX-3i 3.5-10x40 mm model has a 1-inch tube and weighs only 3/4 pound. for you and your own unique needs. All Rights Reserved, Step 1: Understand the Basic Parts of a Rifle Scope, Step 3: Decide What Features You Actually Need, Step 4: Know the Different Types of Rifle Scopes, Night-vision An Essential Guide to Choosing a Rifle Scope What Do the Numbers on a Scope Mean scopes helps you pick the best kind for your specific uses and preferences, preventing theyre becoming less popular. Variable scope magnification lens showcases a narrower viewing angle at a greater distance and a wide viewing angle at a shorter distance when shooting. ", Shooting Mystery is an independent website that provides content for informational purposes only. Scopes for medium to long range varmint cartridges. This type of scope doesnt allow for zooming in or out, which is why Example: if your 3-9x40 scope is set at 3x, 40 divided by 3 equals 13.3 millimeters, which is large enough for almost all low light applications. EuroOptic (See Price) Amazon (See Price) My most affordable pick is the Strike Eagle 4-24x. No boresight, even a laser boresight, will sight in your gun for you. Steve has never not known guns. and a safe setup. For better performance, get scopes that also have 12x and 20x power magnification options. Step 4: Know the Different Types of Rifle Scopes The range could be as close as arms length, or as far as an entire football field. The general consensus we recommend the same features, so its helpful to understand the differences in uses and features. function is to help you line up your shot and improve your accuracy. Lower powered scopes will have a larger range of distance available for a full view. Step 3: Decide What Features You Actually Need Not In a lot of cases, a versatile scope means that you can use one optic for multiple applications instead of buying another one. For general big-game hunting, something around the 3-9X or 4-12X magnification range is still about optimal. To fully understand and unlock the potential of your rifle scope magnification, lets start by understanding what magnification is in the first place. Most of us are whitetail hunting and very Mag., .45 Colt, .45-70, and cartridges with similar trajectories. fixed magnification level. A 3x9x40 will work just fine! High-quality scopes are repeatable. is better for experienced hunters who dont mind spending more money on their scope. These are CXP3 and CXP4 class game cartridges intended for hunting large predators (the great bears and big cats), bovines, rhino, and elephant. their importance and tips on choosing the best one for you. Whether its near or far, you can always look at the target as if it was just close to you. Target turrets are most suited to use where they won't get banged around or snagged on gear or brush. With a variable magnification scope, you can swiftly change the magnification of your lens to get that shot easily. These parameters include Fully Multicoated: Multiple layers on all air to glass surfaces. Whether its a big or small target like prairie dogs, you shouldnt have any problem. Some scopes have no flared bell end (they use a front lens that fits into the main tube), and some have a lens large enough to gather more light than your eye can use. Makes it easier to quickly hit targets at a close to medium range, Can help improve the standard engagement range in ground combat. I needed more magnification, not to make a 75-yard shot but to see the deer I wanted to shoot. Mag. Most scopes today are at least fully coated. setting provides a fairly large field of view for close shots and the 9x magnification is good for Just as those bold Navy pilots, it's prudent to know how low a scope goes, not how high. The small circle of light that appears in the eyepiece when you hold a scope at arm's length is called an exit pupil. scope tube up to the size of the objective lens, Elevation Adjustment At times, your scope lens may even be the cause of why you arent able to perfect your shots. That is the exit pupil. distance. Visit his blog page at Riflescopeblog.com. magnification, parallax adjustment, eye relief, and more. spending limits when searching for the Start there for your adjustments. In most cases, these are unwarranted, and the largest ones are laughable. Its not much of a cause of concern. Although theres no set formula, keep these two things in mind: Just because a rifle scope is larger in size or has bigger numbers does not mean it's a fit for Sure it may cause minor arm discomfort, but it should go away in a few minutes or so. Want to improve your skills when hunting or target shooting? rifle, scope Long eye relief Fixed power scopes - Minimum magnification 2x; maximum magnification 4x; 3x scope recommended. Fixed power scopes - Minimum magnification 1x; maximum magnification 2.5x; 2.5x scope recommended. Atmospheric conditions are varied, but the BDC dials stayed the same regardless of cartridge velocity, projectile BC (ballistic coefficient), temperature, barrel length, or elevation. Rifle Scope Glossary of Terms Common examples of such varmint cartridges include the .17 Rem, .204 Ruger, .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22-250, .220 Swift, .243 Win., 6mm Rem. Distance: Why They Go Together. That should be plenty of magnification to make a precisely aimed shot. This is a variable scope because you can adjust the magnification of the scope from three to nine, stopping anywhere in between. As with every other category in this rifle scope buyers guide, this will first be driven by the intended use of the rifle. Plus, image quality isnt bad at all. are best for short-range shooting not long-range shooting. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Included in this category are most of the "all-around" big game cartridges. If the distance calls for more magnification than that, or if you cannot see the animal clearly enough with the scope at 12X, you might want to reconsider taking the shot. You must shoot the gun and adjust your scope accordingly to sight it in. Copyright 2007, 2013 by Chuck Hawks. All rights reserved. is for. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. If a particular gun shoots a certain kind of ammunition well, there's absolutely no guarantee that an identical gun will like it at all. Standard eye relief Out to 300 yards, the view through a 3-9X riflescope set at a magnification respective to the range (3X at 300 feet, 4X at 400 feet, etc.) The optimal distance between your eye and the front ocular lens you can keep while still Well, lets take an example. Manufacturers measure light transmission differently, sometimes for specific wavelengths to boost their numbers. It is used to find the distances that the Nikon BDC reticle circles line up with at any magnification. Hit the FIRE button that the program will automatically calculate the distance that each circle represents. scopes is great for beginner hunters, when you want clearer images, or want to spend less money on With metallic sights, you are required to line up the rear sight with the front sight and your target. breaks down each parameter a bit more to help you out: Magnification is how much closer you can see the target compared to the naked eye. When comparing these models the base models were used whenever possible. From 600 yards, the target or image can look as if its just 100 yards away from you. Used to adjust the position of the bullets point of impact to the left or right of the Your head should be placed on the stock in the position you will be shooting the most. You have to take light transmission figures with a grain of salt. ], If you hunt from a shoot-house or blind, that may not matter. Youd also want to choose lenses by taking into consideration the size of your game. That coverage can mean peace of mind when it matters most! The larger the magnification range, the more you will pay, but it makes for a more versatile scope. They may also have Magnification plays an important role in your rifle scope. WebStep 1 Choose your scope/reticleStep 2 Select the caliber and actual cartridge you wish to match to your scopeStep 3 Select the distance you wish to zero the firearm. Overpowered calibers and high-magnification scopes account for more missed and wounded game than standard loads with appropriate scopes. Why has the 3-9X riflescope been the most popular model for hunting for so long? Allow us to shed some light (pun intended): And if you cant see properly, then how do you expect to fire your shot accurately? The two work together in making sure you have a clear and full view of your target. } For competition shooters, BDC reticles are a fantastic option! The 3 equals the lower end many times greater than what the naked eye can see. When you buy a scope, turn the dials all the way one way and then the other, counting how many full and partial turns, then split that number and find the middle. Wide area on the rear of the scope that houses the ocular lens, Eyepiece Some people "tap" on their scope with a coin or cartridge case to help this process. A rifle scope works similarly to a telescope: It consists of a metal tube with glass lenses inside where light passes through to focus on Parallax is often factory set at 50, 60, or 75 yards. rifle for an in-depth explanation. focal plane as the target. These flat shooting, centerfire varmint and small predator (CXP1 game) cartridges can often get by with the scopes recommended in the category above, but sometimes they can use more magnification. Every true outdoorsmans dream! { The higher the magnification level of your lens, the less light transmission there is. Pro Tip: Go for a fixed power scope. might hear, you can buy too little or too much rifle scope than you really need. "@type": "Organization", But what if, instead of using a handheld gun, youre using a hunting rifle. [ If you ask us, theres a number of magnification power scopes out there thatll hardly break your bank. Some scopes have 30mm main tubes. Take a variable scope, put it at its lowest power, and hold it at arm's length. WebWhat is a Rifle Scope? a target point. Bells and whistles like giant turrets and bubble levels are often a waste, particularly in lower-priced models. Do your homework on any scope and company before you buy. inaccuracy. Good quality does not come cheap. See the circle of light in the ocular lens? Competitive shooters arent looking for or prioritizing the same features as a beginner. Fixed power scopes - Minimum magnification 6x; maximum magnification 12x; 10x scope recommended. This can take a little effort, but it will prove to be well worth it! The cartridges in this class include the .17 M2, .17 HMR, 5mm Rem, .22 LR, .22 WRF, and .22 WMR. The four types of lens coatings include: Coated Its a lot closer and clearer to look at, as compared to using the rifle without a scope magnification. GOOD LUCK!, Enter your email address to receive our latest deals, personalized offers, and MVP access to pre-order notifications.See Details, 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors. A 2x scope is the most common for a handgun in a magnified scope. If you aren't experienced enough to know why you want these upgraded features, then you're just adding a more complicated and less-reliable optic to your firearm. are best for what youd think shooting in low-light or night conditions. Its more predictable and allows you to practice target shooting and precision long-range shooting, hitting with better accuracy each time. AND were sure youll also agree the right magnification scope is crucial to perfect your aim, right? harsh weather. "url": "https://shootingmystery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Rifle-Scope-Magnification-vs.-Distance.jpg" Keep in mind though, on hot days, mirage and heatwaves can make a high power scope almost unusable. The 9 means nine power, or nine times (9x) closer than it appears with your naked eye. It shouldnt be difficult to aim at an animal that appears as though its at 30 yardsmost of the time. Whether you need Choosing the right type of rifle scope for Put silk tapestry over a pressboard couch and you still have a piece of junk. Lets do the math on a 3-9x40 scope: 1. The range could be as close as arms length, or as far as an entire football field. Web20-6060 Spotting Scope Everything before and including the X indicates magnification. Scopes transmit available light through the lenses to your eye, always losing a bit in the process. In other terms, a target thats viewed through a 6x magnification scope will appear 6 times closer than its actual distance. "I love it when a plan comes together:" Thomas Allen may have missed a day-starting coffee and chill time, but his planning before a recent turkey hunt in Minnesota had him ready when gobblers showed up earlier than expected, and just before an April winter storm blew in. An adjustable objective (AO) or side focus scope adjustable for parallax is recommended. These are CXP2 and CXP3 class game cartridges with a MPBR +/- 3" typically between 200-250 yards. Many scopes now have large dials, but with locking adjustments, to prevent their inadvertent movement. Rifle Scope Magnification vs Distance: What You Should Know scopes, Eye Bell Shooting a handgun with a scope requires lots of practice, especially with anything over 2x. 9AM-5PM CT Sat-Sun (Chat & Email Only), Tips for Magnification Options in Riflescopes & Binoculars, Rifle Scope Mounted on an AR 15 Platform Rifle, Choosing a Rifle Scope is as Important as Choosing a Gun, Leupold Rifle Scope are Considered Among Some of the Best in The Industry, Have Fun Hunting With Your New Rifle Scope. Last year I used it to take a nice Nebraska whitetail buck at a bit more than 100 yards and a whitetail doe beyond 300. "@context": "http://schema.org/", Some scopes can give you a close field of view of the target or image, Some give you a good view but not as close you might like, Lets discuss what these drawbacks are. This is especially true if youre looking at a premium or high-quality magnification lens, which can give you a quality image each time. That being said, are you willing to buy expensive magnification optics? A 3-9x variable scope has been a favorite among deer hunters for many years now because the 3x If you hunt on your hind legs, it will. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://shootingmystery.com/rifle-scope-magnification-vs-distance/", With todays magnification multipliers of 4X to even 8X, now 3-15X and 2-16X riflescopes are a reality. reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, simply return the item within 30 days of I had a fixed 2.5X riflescope and couldnt even find the deer through all the brush, let alone aim at it. Rifle Scopes For example, if youre using a 1/4 Mil-Dot Scope, youll want to shoot at 1/4 Mil-dots. Rifle Scope When this is the case, choosing variable scopes is usually the best. Examples include the .243 Win., 6mm Rem., 6mm Magnums, .257 Roberts, .25-06, .25 Magnums, .260 Rem., 6.5x55, 6.5mm Magnums, .270 Win., .270 Magnums, 7mm-08, 7x57, .280 Rem., 7mm Magnums, .308 Win., .30-06, .300 Magnums, 8x57JS, 8mm Magnums, .338-06, .338 Magnums and cartridges with similar trajectories.