One of the main aspects to grasp is that the rifle scope quality is more significant than the rifle quality. The main aim of this is to enhance the vision range of the target using the magnification. They have similar functions as that is a high tech magnifying glass.
A hunter can easily hit a target by using an ordinary gun that has high rifle scope. However, a hunter having inadequate scope will find it hard to hit targets even if he uses the best firearm. Not familiar with these items? It might seem slightly intimidating. You can find many varieties in the market. However, the type you want is mainly based on the kind of shooting you do. For instance, a deer hunter and a target shooter require different scopes.
The hunter would prefer the best deer hunting rifle that has the best rifle scope for deer hunting, whereas the target shooter would aim for the best long range rifle scopes.
Read through to find out in detail the various aspects related to rifle scopes.
How Does It Work?
These scopes are firmly attached to the top of the firearm and have a central tube at the center. The magnifying lens that adjusts the views are present here. By adjusting the tube, the shooter can zoom in on their targets, fix their aim, and shoot.
They not only offer excellent visibility but also enhanced accuracy.
Gun scopes work great for long-range shootings.
Types Of Rifle Scopes
As scoops are mostly used for various purposes, each one has a 
specific trait. Here we have some of the available different types.
Sniper Scope.
These have high power optics combined with specific settings. Military snipers mostly use them. You need to be well trained to use this for long-range shootings.
The magnification is the best as it offers a right field of view, visibility, and durability.
Tactical Scopes.
This has a lower magnification of around 4x. It helps to increase the range of open sight engagements from 300m to about 600 m. It is done without restraining the close range capacity. They are small and easy to handle.
The adjustments are also quite simple.
Competition Scope.
Do you own a 40x scope version? This is an excellent option for competitions. These large power scopes shine when you have to shoot with pinpoint accuracy.
- This is usually done at a dot, which is smaller than an inch and lies at a distance of more than 50 yards.
Here you don’t have to worry about the light transition that varies while sitting on a bench or in well-lit areas.
Hunting Scope.
Most of them are easy to use with some additional features attached. They can withstand long duration’s without getting affected by harsh elements or obstacles. The standard options have a plain reticle with a power that is less than 20. They might be either a fixed power or variable power scope. They do come with a large objective lens to give more light for more precise and brighter views.
It is quite excessive to have ones with more than 20 power. Most hunters stick to powers than are near 8-10 powers. However, you need to make adjustments for sightings.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Rifle Scope
Planning to buy a firearm scope? They help you to shoot accurately in competitions, huntings, and long-range shootings. Well, the options are endless. Here are some factors that will help you choose the best rifle scopes.
Objective Lens Size.
This is the lens diameter that is farthest from the gun scope and closer to the gun barrel. The diameter is the figure that lies after the x on the title. The size impacts the amount of light the scope can transmit.
A larger lens allows more light giving a brighter picture but will be quite heavy than a smaller option.
Magnification.
This is one of the significant features of a scope. It helps to magnify the range of vision of your naked eyes.
This is best for those who shoot moving targets at a distance. To hunt with focused optics, you can go for the best rifle scope under 300, which is available on Amazon.
Windage or Elevation Adjustment.
These are mainly used for adjusting the bullet’s impact position. Windage settings help you to move the impact point to the right or left as per the reticle. Elevation settings move the impact points location up or down. For a beginner, you don’t have to make these alterations.
These are useful for tactical hunters involved in long-distance shootings.
Weight.
Before buying, check this aspect well based on the method of shooting you will be doing. If you use sandbags or bipod for long-distance shots, the heavier scopes won’t be an issue. Are you a 
hunter who hikes mountains to catch the prey? Then a lighter version is best as constant lifting and holding might become a burden.
Reticle.
This part decides where the bullet will hit. Based on your preference, you can choose from the available wide varieties. Large ones work great at low light areas but might shield the target if it is far away. Thinner options allow you to be more accurate and precise but won’t work well in low light.
Lens Coating.
These have an important role in light transmissions. While you view through the scope, you prefer to see a clear image. This depends on the amount of reflected light coming from the lens. Lens coatings decrease glares and light loss caused due to 
reflections. More coats give better light transmissions. The main 4 types are:
- Fully coated.
- Coated.
- Fully multi-coated.
- Multi-coated.
Focal Plane.
Focal planes are of 2 types; first and second. For first focal planes, the reticle lies at the front of the erector tube. As for the second option, reticle is mainly seen at the end of the erector tube near the firearm butt. This can alter the magnification to offer more explicit pictures.
How To Mount A Rifle Scope?
Before mounting, you have to hold the gun in a comfortable position to aim. Next, check if you have all the required equipment that is necessary for mounting.
These include the unloaded rifle, scope, base, rings, and some tools. There are various types of bases that are connected to the gun using screws or clamps. However, it is essential to check if the rings match the scope and base.
The mounting rings are 2 piece clamps available in varying heights. The lower portion of the ring is directly attached to the base. The upper part is responsible for holding the scope intact. To secure the gun for shooting, apply little oil at the receiver and bottom of the rings and base. Use the correct screw length for each hole. Ensure that all the connections are fit and secure.
Next, take the gun to a field to target an object 25 yards away. Remove the gun bolt, fix a bore sighter at the muzzle and look through the bore. You can adjust the magnification of the scope and place it on the bottom half of the rings. Place the upper rings over the scope and secure loosely to adjust the scope position.
If you succeed in positioning the scope reticle to the center of the bore sighter reticle, well and good. Or else you will have to re-position the rings and try again. Next, you have to check how to sight in a scope.
How To Sight In A Rifle Scope?
The first step you have to do is sighting-in, which means aligning 
your scope. Though it might take patience and effort, its worth the time taken. As this will give you the confidence to fire your targets accurately. Next, you have to select a suitable target that shows the impact of the bullets well with a tiny bullseye.
You will also need a screwdriver to alter the scope, gun vice, right quality ammunition of 20 rounds
Hit The Paper.
The initial step is to hit the paper using the gun. Accurately fire a shot and check if it is reached near the target using bore sighting. Once you know where you shot, you can find which direction the scope has to be further adjusted. Make the changes and try hitting again. On hitting the paper, you can get to the next step.
Aim, a Group.
Use the same target for aiming and shoot 3 rounds. Make a note of the center of these rounds using a marker. Next, hold the scope at the original aiming point and make adjustments. Make sure to move the crosshairs to the center point you marked.
Repeat.
You can repeat the above steps until you reach closer to the bullseye. You can repeat it n number of times till you hit the target. Consistency and patience are essential to attain the goal. For scopes with higher magnification, you have to practice a lot to hit accurately.
5 Tips For Getting The Right Scope
- Lots of companies are producing scopes that appear to have great maneuver tactics. However, the fact is they lack substance. These models are not suitable for shooting effectively and also have low durability rate.
- Make sure that while buying, you go for the best budget rifles that have great scope options. Also, check for brands that offer good quality models. Research and go through product reviews to get the best one that is available in the stores. Mostly the scope will cost a lot more than the firearms.
- Take the opportunity to visit your local hunting stores and browse through their collections. Look carefully for what you want and understand the scopes they have. Don’t buy just sho around as you tend to get better deals from online stores.
- Purchase a scope that meets your requirements. Do not overlook your needs and get one with many features or the most costly ones. Always select what’s best for you and what matches your gun.
- Don’t get fooled by hypes. Most scope brands print the magnification boldly on their packages but write the other features in tiny letters. Don’t forget to check the other features. This includes the lens coating and optical quality, which is also essential.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s The Best Riflescope Magnification?
The magnification level is mostly based upon the distance at which the target is placed. Closer targets need only low power scopes that won’t alter the target perception. You have to increase the magnification level when the target is farther away. This is essential if the goal is quite small as well.
As smaller targets have to be highly amplified to make them look much more significant than their actual size. This will enable you to shoot at the target accurately. One of the best-recommended scope to have in hand is variable 3 – 9x magnification.
Do I Need A Fixed Or Variable Magnification Scope?
You need to compare all the required features to figure this out. For the same price, a fixed magnification scope offers more durability and better quality compared to a variable option. Each one has its specific benefits attached. However, you will find most military fighters go for the fixed power scopes.
This is because they are more consistent and reliable when you have to endure long fighting periods.
What Size Objective Lens Do I Need For My Riflescope?
The objective lens of a machine gun has to be in coordination with a magnification of the scope.
There doesn’t exist any shortcut to decide on this question. Before buying, you have to look through the scope to see if you can view a bright image.
Which Riflescope Reticle Should I Choose?
As for a beginner shooter, 2 options will work well for you. If you 
want long-range and tactical optics, then a standard mil-dot reticle will do good. For those who prefer to go hunting mostly, a plain reticle with zero or few internal markings will be great.
Final Verdict:
Riflescopes are game-changers in the eyes of a shooter. Low magnification scopes are becoming more popular these days. This is because hunters feel that more power than required is not an essential factor. At times its better go with your needs and instincts rather than going for additional options.
If the above pointers were helpful for you, do let us know in the comments section.
