One could get lost in all the different optics available these days, from riflescopes to night-vision, thermal, and even military-grade scopes. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to well over five digits for high-end units. This can be daunting for those new to guns, let alone scopes. When trying to save money without sacrificing quality or performance, most people don’t know where to begin. This post will provide you with an overview of the things you should take into account when buying one of these items for a rifle.
Think About How Much Magnification You Require
Magnification is a factor that can determine the usefulness of a rifle scope. It is used to help the shooter see things at a distance. However, the more magnification you have, the steadier your hands will need to be. If you regularly hunt smaller critters, short range scopes will be of greater use to you. Conversely, if you are a hunter of big game, it will be necessary to use a more extended range magnification in order to have a successful hunt. Nevertheless, when it comes to magnification, you have two options:
- Variable: Variable magnification rifle scopes are often used for hunting and target shooting because they allow shooters to adjust their magnification depending on what they are shooting at. A variable magnification rifle scope is typically more expensive than a fixed power rifle scope, but it offers more flexibility in terms of what the shooter can see.
- Fixed: A fixed magnification rifle scope is a type of rifle scope that does not have a variable magnification function. Fixed magnification means the image will stay the same size throughout the entire zoom range, while variable magnifications change in size depending on where they are set. They are often cheaper and provide a more precise image (in some cases) but are less flexible.
Quality Glass Is Important
Glass quality is one of the most critical parts of the rifle scope and will significantly impact your shooting experience. A low-quality glass will be prone to fogging, making it difficult to use in low light or rainy conditions. The image is also likely to be distorted and fuzzy, which can make it difficult to see details or shoot accurately. High-quality glass won’t have these problems, and you’ll find that images are clearer, sharper, and brighter than those with lower-quality scopes. Essentially, the higher the quality, the clearer you will be able to see through it, and it will also be more durable and less likely to break with use over time.
A Large Part Of Your Decision Is Determined By Your Budget
The price of a rifle scope will depend on its features, such as magnification, weight, and size. The cost of a rifle scope will also depend on what you are using it for. For example, if you are looking for a scope to use in low light conditions or shooting at long distances, then the price will be higher than if you were looking for something to use for target shooting at close range.
Consider The Objective Lens Size
When aiming at your target, the size of your objective lens will affect how much light gets through to your eye. A larger objective lens will allow more light to enter the scope, making it easier for you to see in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk or when hunting at night, while a smaller objective lens will make it more difficult for you to see in low-light conditions.
Think About What Kind Of Adjustments You’ll Need
While most novices tend to think only in terms of magnification, there are other variables you need to consider when selecting a rifle scope for your requirements. The most common include:
- Elevation
- Windage
- Parallax
- Eyepiece
- Brightness (more expensive models)
Take Your Hunting Style Into Account
The best rifle scope for your hunting style will depend on what type of game you are targeting. For example, a red dot sight may be the best option if you are stalking smaller prey If you are hunting large game like elk or deer, then a more powerful scope with more magnification may be required. However, there are some other things you should keep in mind:
- Field of view: Field of view is a term used to describe the width of an object that the observer can see. It is typically measured as an angle and expressed in degrees or radians.
- Weight: For static hunters, weight might not be an issue, but for those who cover more ground, the lighter, the better.
- When you hunt: Depending on when you hunt, you might need a scope that has illuminated reticles or even some form of night vision (usually infrared).
- Durability: If you are the kind of hunter who travels large distances and navigates through dense woodland, your scope will need to be durable and able to withstand harsh conditions.
Take Into Account How You’ll Mount It To Your Rifle
Scope mounts come in many shapes and sizes and are often custom-made for specific firearms. They are typically made of metal and are designed to attach the scope in place securely. The most common types of mounts are either one-piece or two-piece designs. One-piece mounts consist of a base with two screws that clamp down on the receiver and an integral ring that clamps around the objective lens end of the scope. Two-piece mounts consist of separate base and ring parts which are screwed together, then attached to the receiver. When it comes to mounting, you have several options:
- Weaver scope mounts
- Picatinny rails (the most common)
- Cantilever scope mounts
- One-piece mount
- Integrated dovetail
The features you look for in a scope should be based on the shooting you plan to participate in. For example, if you primarily use your weapon for home defense, a 10x magnification monster might be less useful. Conversely, if you hunt hogs at night, you will need to spend a decent chunk of change on a variable magnification IR model.