Everyone knows that a quality rifle scope will improve your shooting and allow you to hit targets from a greater distance.
But it's not always easy to know what to look for when you are buying a rifle scope.
In this article we will take a look at the factors you should consider when purchasing your rifle scope.
But first let's examine the benefits that a rifle scope offers.
Benefits Of A Rifle Scope
Simple To Use
Perhaps the best thing about a rifle scope is its ease. A scope is about as simple and elementary as it gets: you rest your eye behind the scope, look forward, and fire with more accuracy.
Makes You a Better Hunter
Hunting is about targeting your animal and making the best, most accurate shot.
That's precisely what a good rifle scope does.
With the right sort of scope, your ability to target your prey becomes radically simple, easy, straightforward. Imagine being hundreds of yards away from a deer, boar, or trophy buck but feeling like you are mere feet from it.
Precise Target
Precision is key when hunting. This goes without saying but you shouldn't be hunting unless every shot is very accurate.
For one, you want to hit the target you're aiming at. Secondly, you don't want to injure the animals you are hunting and put them through undue pain.
Precision is the best way to save bullets, save time, and spare the suffering of your target. When you use a rifle scope, your shot becomes far more accurate.
How To Choose A Rifle Scope
Magnification
When you are choosing the right rifle scope, you need to think about the purpose of the rifle. This is because the magnification needed is based on the sort of targets you will engage with.
Are you stalking small game or using your rifle for home defense? If so, look at a rifle scope with a magnification of about 1-4x.
Maybe you're doing target shooting up to 200 yards or going after large game or hunting in the forest or mountains. If that's the case, a 5-8x scope is more ideal for you.
If you are not sure what magnification specs are right for you, reach out to us. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Objective Lens
An objective lens is responsible for light transmission in your scope. If you purchase a scope that has too much of an objective lens then it could add excess weight, require taller scope rings, and make sunlight reflection much more of a hassle for you.
You need to weigh your options when it comes to objective lenses when you are shopping for the scope that should accompany you.
Lens Coating
What is lens coating? It's an invisible coat that reduces glare and enhances the sight of your scope. It is important to remember that there are four types of lens coating:
Coated: One layer on at least one surface
Fully-Coated: A single layer on all exterior glass surfaces
Multi-Coated: Several layers on at least one surface
Fully Multi-Coated: Several layers on all exterior glass surfaces
While a lens coating is important, you should focus more attention on your scope reticle.
Scope Reticles
Here is perhaps the most important feature to weigh when you are looking for your rifle scope. The scope reticle is the aiming point that you see when looking through your scope.
Now, it's vital that you always remember there are different types of reticles and you should find the one that feels right for you.
Duplex: A duplex reticle is simple, straightforward, and time-tested by so many. It's ideal for hunting or simple shooting and great for beginners.
Mil-Dot: It's similar to the duplex but the dots in this reticle help gauge the distance you are from your target.
BDC: Are you looking for a reticle that estimates bullet drop? If so, a BDC reticle is ideal for you.
Focal Plane
You need to be very aware of the focal plane of your new rifle scope because it can have quite an impact on your shooting ability.
There are two types of focal planes: the first focal plane, or FFP, and the second focal plane, or SFP.
The FFP is where the reticle's size adjusts and changes as you alter magnifications. Meanwhile, a SFP's reticle size remains the same no matter which magnification you use.
For long-range shooters, an FFP is ideal. Otherwise, an SFP is probably the way to go for you.
But before you can really choose the right scope that will help you in your hunting adventures, you need to pay attention to your eyes. Yes, eye relief is the last step to be considered when finding a scope.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the lens. Simple right? Yes, but so very important too.
If you want to avoid hurting your eyes, you should invest in a scope with good eye relief. It depends on how much you want but a minimum of three or four inches of eye relief is the target you should have in mind.
If you pay attention to all these features and all these important steps, you will find that buying a scope isn't that hard at all. And the benefits of having the right rifle scope will be felt and seen immediately. It'll totally change the way you hunt.