Best Rifle Scope: All Types Explained in 2023

Rifle scopes are designed to improve long-range shooting precision by magnifying the user’s field of view and including an aiming reticle. When using a rifle scope, the shooter must follow the same fundamentals as when using traditional or “iron sights,” but the rear sight aperture and front sight tip are replaced with a single magnification element that may simulate a small telescope. 

There are several different types of these riflescopes, and they may magnify your target somewhere between 1 to about 50 times. Keep in mind that increased magnification does not equal better shooting accuracy, and focus on honing your fundamentals before attempting to use a rifle scope. However, inexperienced hunters may feel lost among the plethora of scopes available, so we’ve compiled this buying guide to highlight key features and characteristics of the top riflescope brands. To learn more, continue!

Rifle Scope: What Does It Mean?

A riflescope is an optical instrument that magnifies distant objects and features a reticle (an aiming aid) to help you hit your target. 

Imagine the childhood telescope you used to gaze at Venus and add crosshairs to the objective lens.

Riflescopes exist in a wide range of sizes, prices, and designs. We’ll save you the perspectives of sports enthusiasts who dispute endlessly over which scope designer, magnification, or reticle is best qualified and instead look at the mechanics of how riflescopes truly function.

The lenses in a rifle scope (including the objective, erector, magnification, and ocular) are its most vital parts. The eyepiece, or “objective lens,” is located at the front of the tube, facing away from the viewer. Light is transmitted to the erector lens, which inverts the image before sending it on to the magnification, which does what its name suggests and amplifies the view. The ocular lens, which is closest to the user’s eye, receives the light and transmits it to the retina. The scope’s objective lens resides in the objective bell, while the erector and amplifying lenses call the scope tube home, and the ocular lens is found in the eyepiece.

Overview of Types of Rifle Scopes

Rifle scopes are well worth the money because they can transmit ninety percent or more of the light. The satisfaction of a well-placed rifle shot is unparalleled. However, the accuracy of your shots will rely on your rifle scope and your shooting ability.

Without the proper knowledge, you could pick a rifle scope that is inappropriate for your needs. If you have a good rifle scope, you can use it to increase your shooting precision by seeing the target more clearly.

Riflescopes come in a wide variety of designs and functions. Find out what they are and how to pick the right one in this session.

Fixed Scope

One of the simplest kinds of rifle scopes, fixed scopes feature a single, predetermined magnification. You won’t be able to adjust the magnification to get a closer look at the target.

In comparison to their variable-magnification equivalents, fixed scopes are more portable and lightweight. Furthermore, they are quite difficult to use and require a great deal of time and practice from their operators. The main draw is that you can buy them even on a tight budget because of how affordable they are. However, scopes with constant magnification are increasingly hard to come by.

Variable Scope

A variable riflescope offers the flexibility to change the magnification, unlike fixed scopes. They let you magnify or reduce the size of an object in your field of view, which helps with aiming. Nevertheless, when the magnification is increased, the image may become darker, fuzzier, or more distorted.

Sighting can be improved with the use of variable scopes, which have many calibrations. A 5X to 20X x56 riflescope, for instance, has a 56-mm objective lens and can magnify objects five to twenty times. This means the instrument has a magnification range of between 5X to 20X.

Red Dot Scope

Given their low magnification, red-dot scopes (which are not typically called scopes) stand out as the most unusual weapon optics on this list. They employ a red-dot sight instead of magnification to hit their targets. The red dot, conveniently located in the middle of the optic, will serve as your target.

The red-dot scope is great for efficient target acquisition in close quarters. Furthermore, the scope can aid in taking potent shots. Since it has almost no magnification, it’s best used at short to medium ranges. Shooters are instructed to keep both eyes open and concentrate on hitting their target.

Night Vision and Thermal Scope

If you often find yourself shooting in dim light, you might want to invest in a night vision scope. There is infrared illumination incorporated inside the scope, making it perfect for nighttime hunting.

Advanced technologies are included in night vision scopes to increase their usefulness. To detect minute amounts of reflected infrared light from non-targets, a conventional system may use optoelectronic image enhancement. You could even discover one that’s up-to-date enough to use color displays and digital image enhancement capabilities.

Scout Scope

Although similar to tactical riflescopes, scout riflescopes are optimized for use in thick forests. Deer hunters can use them to navigate dense woodlands. ( Read more: https://usfclass.com/how-to-hunt-for-deer/ )

Rifle-tube scout scopes are typically attached to the front of the receiver. They come in a portable, lightweight style that nonetheless provides enough eye protection.

The optics have modest magnification, from 2X to 8X. They are likewise very customizable but have a simplistic look. One can be found with or without a zooming feature, depending on the brand and model.

Hunting Scope

Scopes used for hunting are often rugged and constructed to resist extreme conditions. When used for hunting at lesser ranges, the lower magnification is advantageous. Alternatively, the magnification of the scope can be fixed to increase its longevity. A hunting scope is lightweight and simple to operate. In addition to enhancing your shooting accuracy, it can produce a crisp, well-lit image in any lighting condition.

Tactical Scope

Riflescopes in general fall under the category of “tactical,” yet each tactical sight serves a unique function. As an illustration, it can be used to extend the normal contact range in ground warfare. Having a scope with such a specialized definition is useful for military or self-defense purposes. The lowest magnification you can expect from this device is 4x. However, its purpose-built reticles make it simple to hit targets at close and medium ranges.

Knowing the Distinction Between FFP and SFP Scopes 

It is important to learn about some foundational material when learning about the distinction between FFP and SFP scopes. In this session, we’ll discuss how the reticle’s location in the assembly sets these two design concepts apart.

FFP (First Focal Plane) Scopes

The reticle on a first focal plane (FFP) sight is positioned in front of the erector tube assembly, which is situated at the scope’s rear. It’s a frequent misperception that the reticle sits in front of the scope, but in fact, it’s placed between the erector tube and the magnification lenses. This would position it more centrally within the scope than at the front.

The reticle’s position in front of the magnifying lenses and erector assembly makes it possible to peer through the instrument while simultaneously increasing the reticle’s size in direct proportion to the object being observed. In addition to bringing the target into sharper focus, this also improves the user’s visibility through the reticle’s crosshairs, which amplifies and shrinks in size alongside the target.

SFP (Second Focal Plane) Scopes 

Other than the reticle being placed behind the magnifying lenses on the erector tube assembly, the first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) scopes are virtually identical. positioned in the space between the eyepiece and the erector tube. What sets this apart from the FFP scope is that the reticle’s crosshairs will always be visible through the lens at the same size.

Our Recommendations for Fixed Power Scope

Leupold FX-II

• The FX-II 4x33mm rifle sight sends more useful light to your eye thanks to its big, 8.25mm exit pupil.
• Other scopes in the FX-II class cannot equal the brightness, sharpness, and contrast provided by the Multicoat 4 lens system.
• Factory-proven toughness and complete waterproof durability.
• Both the matte and gloss black finished models are uniquely available.

If you’re a hunter or marksman who values reliability, precision, a bright sight picture, a large exit pupil, and the inherent simplicity of a fixed-power riflescope, you’ll love Leupold’s FX-II models. If you’re in the market for a scope that will last you a long time and perform well, you’ve come to the right place.

The big exit pupil of 8.25mm on the Leupold FX-II 4x33mm rifle scope allows for greater light transmission to the user’s eye. Their innovative lens coating method, Multicoat 4, guarantees crystal-clear results. Both a glossy and a matte black version of this device are on the market. The Leupold model with the fixed 4X magnification power is likewise engineered with factory-proven watertight durability.

Bushnell Tactical 10X40 Riflescope

• It operates using a fixed 10x magnification power.
• Its design incorporates tactical target turrets and fully multi-coated lenses.
• It uses Mil-Dot Reticle and has a black matte finish.
• It’s built using RainGuard HD water-repellent coating.

This Bushnell riflescope, the Elite Tactical 10×40 Mil-Dot Riflescope (Matte Black), is equipped with a Mil-Dot reticle in the second focal plane and is designed for durability and optical accuracy. The optics of Elite Tactical scopes are exceptionally brilliant, thanks to the superior coatings used. Light transmission through the lenses is exceptionally high since they are extensively multicoated and tuned. An anti-reflective coating called RainGuard HD is applied to the external lens surfaces to reduce glare caused by rain, mist, fog, and the like.

The Elite Tactical has an argon-purged 1-inch main tube for dependability in any climate. It has 1/4 MOA clicks for windage and elevation, which are compatible with the Mil-Dot system, and a side focus lever for correcting parallax. Sunscreen from the included sunshade is a bonus.

Our Recommendations for Variable Power Scope

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 

• The EBR-8 reticle has a built-in rangefinder and performs similarly to a red dot at 1x and holdovers out to 600 yards. You may adjust the brightness to suit any environment with the 9 daytime and 2 nighttime settings.
• A clear sight image is provided by the XD optical system and completely multi-coated lenses, allowing for quicker target acquisition. Quickly adjust the magnification with the provided throw lever.
• The aircraft-grade aluminum construction of the 30mm tube makes it resistant to shock, and the capped turrets ensure that your zero is always maintained.

Overview

This Vortex Strike Eagle riflescope has a 1 to 8x magnification range incorporated with a 24 FFP lens which is the pinnacle of short- and medium-range riflescopes, giving accurate holdovers at every magnification and fulfilling your every need in an LPVO.

Whether you’re wanting to conquer in close quarters or increase your operational range, the Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP has you covered. With the EBR-8 reticle, you can make split-second adjustments in the field of view, just like with a red dot, at 1x magnification with holdovers out to 600 yards. You may adjust the brightness to suit any situation with the 9 daytime and 2 nighttime settings. A 30mm tube, capped turrets to protect your zero, and a throw lever for fast magnification changes transform this into an LPVO made for the steel cage.

Primary Arms SLX SFP Rifle Scope Gen III

• It has an inbuilt Aurora 5.56 Meter Second Focal Plane ACSS Reticle.
• It supports BDC and automatic target ranging.
• Magnification range of 1x to about 6x in overall sighting.
• It is constructed using a single 6063 metal piece.

Overview

Rifle scopes from Primary Arms’ SLX Series are optimized for close-range shooting. When compared to similar products in their price range, these scopes excel in precision and technological sophistication.

The 1-6x24mm scope that is a part of the SLX line-up is one of their most cutting-edge offerings. The new ACSS reticle is included on several models, making them ideal for avid shooters and hunters who compete at the highest levels.

Hunters and professional gunmen looking for high-quality optics without breaking the bank will appreciate the Primary Arms 1-6×24 scope. Up to 800 yards in range, 1-6×24 optics perform exceptionally well.

Our Recommendations for Red Dot Sight

Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight

Highlights

• Precision and speed in target acquisition with this red dot model measuring just 2 MOA

• The user can capture with both eyes wide open and the lens caps closed thanks to the lenses’ flip-up covers, one of which is solid and the other translucent.
• The threaded slot in the front of the lens allows you to attach an anti-reflective kill Flash (ARD).

• Surface hard anodized to reduce reflection.
• There are ten levels of illumination, including four for use with night vision equipment and six for use during the day.

Overview

The rugged Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) is designed to endure the harsh environments in which police personnel frequently find themselves. This red dot sight model offers a 2 MOA field of view, making it ideal for quick target acquisition. When it comes to physical damage, the sight is impervious because of its wear-resistant, high-tensile aluminum housing. It can withstand drops of up to 150 feet and is impervious to vibration and shock. The sight runs on a single DL1/3N battery, and thanks to ACET technology, it may remain permanently on for more than three years in the daylight position 7 and even longer in the night vision modes.

Trijicon MRO 

Highlights

• With this unique Trijicon model, targets may now be located and engaged more quickly thanks to the larger sight area and the resulting reduction in the “tube effect.”
• The brightness dial may be used by either left- or right-handed users with no need to take a hand off the gun.
• The use of sub-flush adjusters in a capless design prevents accidental adjustment and the loss of zero.
• MRO versions have eight brightness levels, including two that are compatible with night vision goggles. Some MRO HD variants include 16 different brightness levels, four of which are optimized for use with night vision equipment.

Overview

The Trijicon MRO 1×25 Red Dot Sight is an effective reflex sight that may be mounted to a rifle, carbine, or pistol to speed up the process of sighting in on a target. With the Miniature Rifle Optic from Trijicon, you may fire with either eye open, giving you a distinct advantage in close-quarters battles. Despite their small size, the field of view of these red dot sights is so expansive that you may quickly and accurately strike targets from a wide range of shooting positions. The Trijicon MRO Red Dot, with its multi-coated lenses and cutting-edge circuitry, offers clear, undistorted images in virtually any environment.

The Trijicon 1×25 MRO Red Dot Scope is extremely long-lasting, being both fog-proof and water-resistant thanks to its 7075 steel frame and fully sealed construction. 

Our Recommendations for Night Vision and Thermal Scope

Trijicon Reap-IR 35 mm Thermal Rifle Scope 

Highlights

• 640 × 480 resolution is four times as many pixels as 320 x 240 computer screens.
• It produces a frame rate of 60 hertz (Hz) and provides greater visual clarity in moving pictures.
• The focus is now controlled manually.
• The new USB-C port enables the use of external power supplies.

Overview 

Compact but mighty, the Trijicon REAP-IR is a potent thermal rifle scope that may be used in low-light conditions to take down targets. The cutting-edge 640×480, 12-micron thermal image sensor at the system’s core ensures brilliant imagery in any environment. The system’s responsiveness has been enhanced thanks to reworked electronics, and external USB sources of energy and digital video recorders are now supported thanks to a redesigned digital thumbstick. It’s also sturdy enough to last a long time. Using its onboard infrared detectors, the REAP-IR can detect and measure the minute amounts of infrared radiation (heat) emitted by all objects within its field of vision. An onboard central processing unit (CPU) then takes this information and renders it as an image, which is shown on an OLED screen within the viewfinder. This is what the user experiences, and it takes place in milliseconds, so there is no discernible latency; the image refresh rate is at 60 frames per second, giving the impression that the video is playing in real-time. After that, the targeting reticle and information panels are placed on the picture.

ATN ThOR-HD 384 1.25-5x, 384×288, 19 mm

Highlights

• It’s built with a smart range finder
• It supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
• It incorporates a gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, e-barometer, profile manager, e-compass, and GPS geotag.
• It was designed with an ultra-sensitive Gen 4 384×288 high-quality thermal sensor.

Overview

The ThOR-HD 384 with a magnification range of 1.255x to 5x has a transparent 19mm objective lens for capturing infrared and visible light. This thermal scope has a standard field of vision of 16 and 12.5 degrees. It can digitally magnify an image by a factor of five to make details more clear. Eye comfort is ensured by a 65mm distance from the lens to the cornea.

The (unpressurized) 384 x 288-pixel microbolometer, located behind the lens of the ThOR-HD 384 1.25–5x, updates the image 30 times per second.

This thermal scope weighs 680 grams, and its dimensions are 174 by 80 by 80 mm (l x w x h). It can withstand being dropped without damage and is sealed against moisture and dust (splashes).

Our Recommendations for Scout Scope

Burris 200261 Ballistic Plex 2-7×32

Highlights

• It incorporates a Ballistic Plex Reticle and rear focal plane.
• It has a unique design of a one-inch Main-Tube and 1/4 moa/clicks impact point correction.
• It had 66 MOA Windage/Elevation Adjustments and about 9.2 to 12 inches long eye relief.
• It is an anti-reflection multicoated optics.

Overview

Burris Optics’ 2-7×32 Scout Riflescope is optimized for surveillance or fixed use at medium range, thanks to its compact construction and moderate magnification. Light transmission is increased with anti-reflection multi-coated lenses, leading to brighter images with more accurate colors. There are large, easily visible posts on the Ballistic Plex duplex crosshair reticle, making it usable in low light. The supports are narrow to points, drawing attention to the fine strands in the middle. Without blocking the shooter’s line of sight, these make for an accurate aiming position. The aluminum housing is nitrogen-filled for water and fog-proof performance and has a matte black corrosion- and scratch-resistant surface, making it ideal for use in the field. The high-quality optical glass used in its construction ensures maximum visibility and durability for years to come. Having control over the amount of power it outputs allows for greater flexibility and precision over greater distances.

Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope

Highlights

• With its convenient 3:1 zoom ratio, the erector system from Optimum ER is a go-to tool in almost any circumstance. 
• The 1/4 MOA finger click adjustment provides absolute repeatability and dependability, even after years of heavy use. 
• This model’s one-inch main tube is strong and lightweight, and it is compatible with a wider variety of heritage ring sizes. The 1-inch tube of the Leupold VX-Freedom can be accommodated by any scope rings or Leupold scope rings.

Overview

The hunting optics of the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5x to 4x X20 Matte PIG Plex Rifle Scope are crisp and luminous, and the scope’s portable, sturdy, waterproof, and fog proof design ensures it will last for many seasons. The optical system of the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5x to 4x X20 Matte PIG Plex Rifle Scope is coated with Leupold’s patented twilight light control technologies, which permit more usable light and lower glare, allowing the scope to operate effectively even in low-light conditions. The outside lenses are also coated to prevent scratching. The eyepiece has an eye relief of 4.17 to 3.75 inches, while the windage and elevation controls provide a total range of 125 MOA with 1/4 MOA clicks, allowing for precise trajectory changes. The optical system additionally has a pig-plex reticle in the second focal plane for pinpoint targeting; this reticle consists of a target ring, mounts, and two ballistic dots, as well as three bold tapered pins.

Our Recommendations for Hunting Scope

Burris Fullfield E1 4.5-14×42

Highlights

• Elevation and windage turrets that can be adjusted with the touch of a finger give this gun a streamlined look.
• For precise accuracy, turret indications constantly indicate any shift in the point of contact.
• Superior optical clarity and intensity from high-quality glass that will last for years.
• The Hi-Lume multi-coating, optimized for your lens’ index, reduces glare and improves visibility in dim lighting.
• This model is built with a double internal spring-tension system that is resilient against recoil, vibrations, and shock.

Overview

The Fullfield E1 is 4.5x to 14x X42mm and is meant to fill a specific niche in the range, providing a sizeable boost in magnification over the 3x to 9x while maintaining a modest lower-end magnification of 4.5 that makes for a far more generous field of view than the bigger 6.5x to 20x. Parallax focus can be adjusted to the side of this particular Fullfield E1 model. The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle and the Target Acquisition MOA reticle are also available in this size. The Ballistic Plex E1 is a new take on the tried-and-true Burris hunting reticle, a staple in the industry for decades. Thanks to the Long Range MOA reticle’s wealth of information and pinpoint accuracy, this scope can be used in long-distance competitions. Those who like to snipe predators and varmints from afar also choose this weapon. The riflescope can withstand severe recoil and intense vibration for years of reliable service in the field.

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44

Highlights

• It incorporates extra-low dispersion (XD) glass in the lenses to improve image clarity and color accuracy.
• All air-to-glass surfaces have various anti-reflective coatings to maximize light transmission, and the coatings themselves are proprietary.

• Built from a single, sturdy piece of aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum strength and rigidity.
• Reticle size remains proportional to the zoomed image size in the first focal plane. Accurate holdover and range can be performed at any magnification due to the constant suspensions.

Overview

For long-range shooting activities like hunting, target practice, or competitive matches, look no further than this Vortex Diamondback Tactical Rifle Scope. This 4-16×24 Diamondback from Vortex Optics is a tactical scope that offers all the magnification and field of view you could want without the added weight or complexity that could compromise your shooting. The exposed turrets on these rifle scopes give them exceptional tracking capability, and the high-tech optical system ensures crystal-clear images even at the highest magnification settings. Vibrant, high-resolution, and accurate colors are produced by the combination of extra-low diffusion glass and fully multi-coated lenses. There is never a bad time to use the Vortex Diamondback Tactical Scope. While scouting whitetails from a distance, the matte black hard coat finish will help you remain hidden in the brush by reducing the amount of light that reaches your eyes. You didn’t lose your target thanks to the ribbed magnification ring and the fast-focus eyepiece that enabled you to zero in on it in a flash. The Vortex Tactical rifle sight is the key to your best shooting results.

Our Recommendations for Tactical Scope

Pinty Mil-Dot Tactical Rifle Scope 

Highlights

• It produces an enlarged viewing area with a 40mm objective and a magnification range of 2.5-10x, the field of view is 32.5 inches at 2.5x and 8.9 inches at 10x, and the laser can reach up to a hundred yards.
• Its multi-coated green objective lenses outperform their blue counterparts in terms of light transmission, resulting in sharper images.
• There are five different brightness settings for the red and green illuminated reticle, making it suitable for any setting.

Overview

With a 40mm objective diameter and outstanding optical resolution at 2.5x to 10x magnification, this portable tactical rifle scope is ideal for close- to mid-range target shooting. The reticle may be lighted in either red or green, and there are a variety of brightness settings to let you find one that works in any setting. The fast identification of short-range targets is facilitated with an inbuilt, electrically controlled red laser sight. The highest quality eyewear will last a lifetime. The nitrogen gas inside the sight prevents fogging flooding and shocks. In addition, this one-of-a-kind layout is optimal for short- to medium-range sniping. A red laser sight that is both built-in and user-operated speeds up the process of acquiring targets at close range. All Picatinny and Weaver rails may be attached quickly and securely. Longevity is ensured by the sturdy metal frame and premium optical glass.

Nikon P-Tactical Rifle Scope 

Highlights

• From sunrise until night, a Fully Multi Coated Optical System offers the best light transmission and greatest brightness.
• All lenses are made of glass that is free of lead and arsenic.
• Quick magnification changes with smooth zoom control.
• It has a magnification power of 3x and top-notch quality eye relief.
• It features a BDC 600 Reticle and a quick focus eyepiece.
• It is made of visible turrets with smooth, reliable adjustments and engraving for the best reading.

Overview

Nikon’s P-Tactical 3-940 mm MK1-MRAD is more than just a basic MRAD scope thanks to its excellent performance. This reticle is more user-friendly than other commonly used milliradian systems, and its optical efficiency is at least on par with that of some more expensive lenses. Nikon’s P-308 Nitrogen Purged Scope is a tube-mounted model that is pressurized with nitrogen. The 32 mm objective lens provides superb visual clarity. The green color of the reticle’s crosshairs improves visibility in a wide range of lighting conditions. The 23mm x 15mm eye box and the substantial 10mm of eye relief work together to keep the shooter fresh for as long as possible. There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles on the Nikon P-308 nitrogen-purged scope. You won’t find a better lightweight rifle scope with comparable long-range performance than this one. The scope is constructed from a robust material that stands up well to stress. There will be no problems with rain or fog, as it is completely weatherproof.

Our Recommendations for Sniper Scope

Primary Arms GLX FFP Rifle Scope 

Highlights

• This model is built with 6x to 24x magnification power and a 50mm objective lens.
• It has 3.5 to 3.6 inches of eye relief.
• It is built with superior glass
• It has steel-on-steel precision adjustments.
• Tactile and audible 1/10 MIL click value
• Locking turrets protect your zero

Overview

The GLX range of optics is considered to be a solid middle ground, and this rifle scope is a part of it. GLX makes high-quality hardware and components more affordable. The 6x to 24x magnification range of the GLX 6x to 24x50mm rifle scope allows you to find, track, and combat mid-range targets, as well as extend your distance and engage distant targets. The 6x to 24x50mm body provides a wide magnification range while still being compact enough to be used on bolt-action rifles. The Advanced Combined Sighting System reticles are the icing on the cake for hunting, tournaments, or even just plinking at the range. The GLX 6-24x50mm rifle sight has freshly designed turrets, which not only give the scope a fresh new aesthetic but also provide a wealth of fantastic additional functionality. With its durable steel-on-steel design, the turret’s distinctive, visible, and tactile 0.1 MIL click would never wear out, even after many uses. These locking turrets have an extremely fast return to zero on the outside, so after you’ve established your zero, you can’t complain about any shocks or the surroundings messing with your turrets.

Leupold Mark 5HD 

Highlights

• It has 5x strong magnification.

• Reticle for the first focal plane.
• Adjustability is made easy with either M1C3 turrets or M5C3 ZeroLock turrets.
• It supports adjustment of the parallax for a crisper reticle view and less noticeable movement while using side focus.

Overview

Leupold’s Mark 5HD rifle scope is capable of matching the incredible range of your contemporary precision rifle. The optics experts at Leupold pushed technical capabilities to the fullest to design the Mark 5HD with feedback from elite-level military personnel and experienced shooters to fulfill the needs of any professional guide or gunman in the field.

Thanks to its powerful 5x magnification, your modern precision rifle will allow you to take full advantage of the great range at which you may shoot. Accurate, consistent tracking with a pinpoint return to zero is what you get from the M5C3 Zero Lock turret. With 10 mils of adjustability per turn or 1/10 mil per click, you can be confident you’re on the right track thanks to the revolution indicators. With a cheek weld on the barrel, you can easily see the zero indicator point on the main tube, which caps the windage adjustment. The ZeroLock function on the turrets safeguards against accidental changes and guarantees a precise reset to zero. The reticle may be seen more clearly, and motion can be felt less, with the parallax adjustment made possible by the side focus arrangement. The Mark 5HD has a robust 35mm main tube, allowing for extensive turret adjustments, and a rapid power selector with an inbuilt throw lever, allowing you to quickly and easily find the ideal power and field of vision for any given shot.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Rifle Scope

1. Magnification and Field of View

Simply put, the higher the magnification number, the more an object can be seen via the scope in comparison to the naked eye. Targets seem four times closer through a rifle scope when the magnification setting is set to 4. The amplification of sight is crucial because, without it, you won’t be able to zoom in close enough to see your target effectively. A scope’s magnification can be understood solely by its numerical values. Most of the rifle scopes on the market have the scope’s magnification range included in their name to make it as simple as possible to choose the right scope for your needs. The magnification range of the Bushnell Legend 3-9×40 riflescope, for instance, can be adjusted from 3x to 9x that of the unaided eye. It’s important to think carefully about whether you’d be better off with a variable or fixed-power rifle scope. The magnification level of a fixed scope is constant, while that of a variable scope can be adjusted. 

The key factor to magnification range is the expected range of your targets. A modest magnification (1x to 4x) riflescope will do well for bush shooting or hunting small wildlife at distances up to about 120 yards. A scope with a magnifying capability of 5x to 20x or 2x to 8x is an excellent choice if you plan on hunting in open areas at distances greater than 220 yards.

2. Lens Quality

Hunting scopes, tactical riflescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars all rely heavily on their lens coatings. But what exactly is a lens coating for a rifle scope? Coatings used on lenses improve their transparency and, thus, their capacity to transmit light to the wearer’s eyes. The higher the quantity and quality of coatings on a hunting scope, the clearer the images it will create. 

• Completely Coated Lenses: The lenses are coated, but just with a single coating. This feature will be available on just the most basic and inexpensive scope models. All of the exterior lenses of the scope have been coated, a feature known as “fully coating.” Not ideal, however, certain budget scopes are constructed this way.
• Multicoated Lenses: This means that your scope has at least one external lens that has been coated with more than one type of coating. The lenses in this selection include many high-quality coatings, making them superior to coated and fully coated alternatives.
• Extensively Multicoated Lenses: Lately, most of your riflescope’s external lenses are completely multicoated, which greatly improves brightness. It is best to spend extra money to get a rifle scope with extensively multi-coated lenses if you can afford it. This quality of lenses is found in rifle scopes that are between the medium- to the high-price range.

3. Reticle Types

Scope reticles may be something you’ve never heard of if you’re just starting in the world of riflescopes. A rifle sight’s reticle is the target area that can be seen through the scope. The reticle’s pinpointed target dot will make it a breeze to hit your mark. Reticles typically take the shape of a crosshair. There are three primary categories to explore, although each manufacturer offers their twist on these basic designs.

Reticles for scopes typically fall into one of two categories: 

• Duplex: A duplex or bidirectional reticle is the simplest type of reticle and consists of two sets of crossed hairs that converge in the middle to serve as an aim point. Duplex reticles are ideal for novices and novice hunters because of their simplicity and single aiming point. 
• BDC: BDC is an acronym for Bullet Drop Compensation. Simply put, this feature allows you to adjust for bullet drop between when the shot is fired and when it reaches the target, thanks to calibration lines on the reticle’s lower pillar. These reticles require additional calculations to determine how much your specific load (sighting) will be adjusted, making their use more involved. However, it is advantageous for seasoned hunters who plan to fire from afar. 
• Mil-Dot Reticle: These crosshairs feature mil-sized dots that can be used to roughly gauge the distance to a target. Mil-dot reticles are more commonly utilized for target shooting and aren’t typically favored by hunters.

4. Eye Relief

The term “eye relief” is used to describe how far away from the eye a hunting scope may be held without obstructing the user’s view. Rifle recoil makes eye relief an essential component of rifle scopes. A riflescope should be held as far from the eye as feasible for the shooter’s safety and comfort, as this will reduce the risk of the scope being thrown into the shooter’s eye during recoil. Scopes with an eye relief of 3 to 4 inches are ideal, but anything longer is welcome. 

5. Durability 

In low visibility, having a fog-proof scope is essential. While this is the norm, some scopes may not be able to withstand high levels of moisture or heat. Spend the extra cash on high-end weatherproofing if you hunt in a wide range of situations or if you reside in a place with harsh winters and summers. Put your hands on it and see if it feels sturdy. There must be no wiggle room or slack.

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Final Thoughts 

Nowadays, almost everyone who enjoys shooting does so with the aid of an optical sighting instrument. Not only rifles but also shotguns and pistols. This is for the excellent reason of ease of use. One-third of the difficulty in matching up iron sights is eliminated when using a scope or red-dot sight. When using a weapon with metal sights, it is essential to align the rear sight with the front sight and the intended target. 

Simply align the scope’s crosshairs (reticle) with your target, and you’ll be ready to fire. Learning to shoot with a scope is significantly less challenging than learning to shoot with iron sights, and most rifle scopes also magnify, making your target appear closer and allowing you to place a more precise shot. In addition, your intended application for the rifle scope should be a major influence in deciding which scope to purchase. As a result of reading this article, selecting a rifle scope that works for you will be quick and painless.

Travis Mike

Travis Mike is a firearm enthusiast and author passionate about all things guns. With 10 years of experience in the industry, Travis Mike has gained a wealth of knowledge on the subject. He is skilled in gunsmithing and tactical training. In addition to professional experience, Travis Mike is an avid hunter and shooter, regularly participating in local shooting ranges and hunting trips.