Choosing the right rifle scope might sound like such an easy task in theory, but it’s not. This is because there are many things you need to learn before you can make your decision.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced firearm enthusiast, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to pick a rifle scope. Here is everything you need to consider before choosing a rifle scope:
Magnification
Magnification refers to how much closer a target appears when viewed with a rifle scope than the naked eye. For example, if your rifle has a 6× magnification, it means that the target will appear six times closer than it is to the naked eye.
So, what exact magnification do you need? BadAssOptic has a wide selection of the magnified optics you might need for your firearm. Most beginners will tell you to go and get as much magnification as you can, which is very wrong.
This is because if you settle on the highest magnification possible, it will cost you more money, and you might not even end up using it.
Below is a guide that will help you know which magnification is best for what purpose;
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Magnification 1-4× is ideal for use for up to 100 yards. This means that it is best used for target shooting, homestead defense, and stalk small games.
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Magnification 5-8× is best suited for stalking large game and hunting in closed landscapes such as forests or mountains.
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Magnification 9-12× is ideal for hunting in open landscapes such as deserts and fields.
There are two types of magnifications that you should be versed with, namely, variable and fixed power. Variable power magnification means that your rifle scope will be using more than one magnification, while fixed power means that the scope only uses one set of magnification.
Therefore, if you plan on shooting from only one distance, fixed power magnification is the best choice for you. However, variable power magnification is the ideal choice for your rifle scope if you’ll be shooting from multiple distances.
Objective lens
This is the lens located at the end of the rifle scope, whose main job is light transformation. When going out shopping for a rifle scope, it’s important to know that the bigger the objective lens, the lighter inside the scope hence the clearer the image.
Here is something to guide you with how much objective lens you require;
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If your firearm has lower recoil, low power scope, and you’ll only be using it for close-range hunting, it’s best to go for an objective lens size of 28mm and below.
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If your firearm has a higher recoil, high power scope, and you’ll be using it for low light hunting, a 30-44mm objective lens is the ideal choice for you.
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If you’ll be using your firearm for long-range shooting while using high magnification, an objective lens of 50mm and above is suitable for your rifle scope. Lens coating
This refers to an invisible coating that reduces glare and enhances light reflection. It’s important to note that these lens coatings are expensive and might vary in quality, type, and number.
However, it’s not unusual to have a single-coated lens outperforming a multilayered coated lens. It all depends on the quality of the coating, which never comes cheap. The most common types of lens coating include;
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Coated: One layer on at least one lens surface.
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Multicoated: Multiple coating layers on one lens surface.
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Fully multicoated: Multiple layers on all glass surfaces.
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Fully coated: One layer on surfaces
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Scope reticles
This refers to the aiming point you see when you look through the rifle scope. The three common scope reticles include;
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Duplex: It is the simplest form of crosshair pattern and is mostly used for hunting and target shooting purposes.
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Mil-Dot: The dots on this reticle help estimate the target’s distance based on size.
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BDC: It mostly estimates bullet drops and is ideal for long-range shooting.
Focal planes
There are two types of focal planes. A first focal plane (FFP) is adjusted as you change magnifications and is ideal for long-range shooting purposes.
A second focal plane (SFP) is preferred by most people because it is cheaper and never obscures your view like the first focal plane does. In addition, the SFP is more accurate than the FFP since the reticle size adjusts and you move up in the magnification.
MOA vs MRAO
They are both measurements of accuracy. This isn’t such an important aspect to consider when choosing a rifle scope because you can use either you want, and deliver the same results. Both of them are interchangeable, which means that you can settle for either.
Eye relief
This refers to the distance between your eye and the ocular lens. A rifle scope with adequate eye relief will protect you from a bruised eye. However, all this depends on your firearm’s recoil. In that case, if your firearm has high recoil, ensure you go for even more eye relief.
Parallax
When shopping for a rifle scope, it’s important that you go for the one with the least parallax. This is because with less parallax comes better accuracy.
Windage and elevation turrets
This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a rifle scope. This is because they are responsible for your scope’s horizontal and vertical adjustments.
When shopping for a rifle scope, ensure that both turrets are adjustable and produce a loud click sound whenever you adjust them.
Red dot sights
This is a type of optic that uses an electric sight system that produces a red dot-shaped reticle. Choosing the right red dot sight mostly depends on your budget. The common types of red dot sights are;
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Holographic sight: It is a rectangular red dot that provides a more accurate view of the target.
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Reflex sight: It is a non-magnified sight proven to be so easy to use among many people.
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Prism sight: This is a more magnified sight that provides a bigger sight picture than a normal reflex sight.
Although choosing the ideal riflescope for your firearm might be an overwhelming task at times, it doesn’t have to be. Following the above guide will help you pick the best rifle scope suitable for your needs.
