That means that they use one inch rings. Magnification. I’ve actually reviewed (and hand-tested) scopes for almost EVERY major rifle and calibers (like the Mini 14). If you hunt in medium to long range (150+ yards) with medium recoil, go for 30-44mm. But for now, let’s answer the lingering question that we left unanswered: This is HIGHLY dependent on your rifle usage. They are useful when you are using the scope under high magnification. For example, a scope from our Elite Tactical™ line has the magnification 3.5-21× which means that the scope can magnify anywhere between 3.5× and 21×. Why High Magnification Is Not Always Better. So, keep that in mind when you’re choosing your scope. However, fixed power scopes are faster, higher quality, and cost less. It helps estimate target’s distance. Instead, test all these reticles and see which one you like best. He was tenured as General Manager of one of the country's largest gun stores and ranges, a buyer in a big box outdoor sporting goods store, and is currently OpticsPlanet's Director of Product Intelligence. You’re now fully armed with EVERYTHING you need to know about choosing a rifle scope. However, something you DO have to sweat is…. He was a US Navy nuclear gunners mate, a private investigator, and is an NRA certified instructor in ten categories, as well as an Illinois CCW instructor. It’s easier and more popular. Alexis B. Betances. Easy, right? This is dependent on the scope (and cheekweld). It may come packaged in fancy names, however ALL rifle coats fall under one of these criteria: Most scopes today are fully multi-coated. The eyepiece’s focal length (for example, 25mm) To find the magnification, we’ll simply divide the numbers: 1200mm / 25mm = 48x magnification That’s it! The next part is easy: Yes, it’s true… you’re going to have to do a BIT of Googling before finding the right scope for you. 1. Contrary to popular belief (especially by new astronomers), high magnification is not always better and there are several reasons for this. Breaking: shots fired at Capital Hill visitors center, Blood Spilled In the ‘Shining City on a Hill’, Great and Terrible Leadership Examples in the Navy SEAL Teams, The Quiet Professional, Navy SEAL Sniper Matt Axelson, Navy SEAL to Plead Guilty to Killing of Green Beret, Your Subscription Supports our Veteran Staff. days of receipt and we'll cover the cost of return shipping. This refers to the cone size of light emerging out from the eyepiece lens. For example: if a scope says 3×32… then the first number (‘3’) is the magnification. Here is my article on Choosing Mounts, Rings, and bases. The telescope’s focal length (for example, 1200mm) 2. The height of the rings is determined mainly by the objective lens diameter, but also the barrel thickness, action size and type, ocular bell diameter, and bolt lift. So be careful. And vice versa for lower recoil. With a scope, you simply have to line up your crosshairs (reticle) with your target. Continue following Steve's gun-laden lifestyle with never-ending firearm excursions and experiments with related products! Join our community. Variable magnification scopes have a specification that describes the range of magnifications provided by the scope. This is for the long-range shooter. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have found reliable windage and elevation turrets. Keep in mind, a 20-power scope was rare 30 years ago, and, I know from conversations with some of those shooters, most of those scopes were European models costing nearly $500 back then. Magnification, or sometimes called power, is the amount of magnification the scope has. This is the most common scope question I get asked: “Should I choose the First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane?”. They all do their job. Newtonian telescopes). Visit his blog page at Riflescopeblog.com. Do this part wrong and you’ll look like Mad Eye Moody from Harry Potter. Only look at parallax adjustment as a tiebreaker between scopes. And there you go! Over 700 hours of military entertainment and video content, 12 free e-books, breaking news from the front lines and exclusive interviews with the people in charge. Rifle Scope Basics for Beginners to Explain what the Model Numbers mean on Variable and fixed power Scopes. With a spotting scope, you don’t have to get physically closer to your target just to get a better view. This is usually the second feature advertised. Finders come equipped with crosshairs. That’s why I wrote this article — to help serve as a guide through the scope maze. A 4-power scope enlarges the image four times. So if you’re having problems finding a good rifle scope, then feel free to stop by for some tips. It’s cheaper and doesn’t obscure your view while the first focal plane does. Such a pair of binoculars are light and perfect for long viewing sessions. Read Next: AMTAC Shooting: Getting into precision rifle shooting. Some new scopes have a magnification range of 8x or more. You need to know what kind of base you have to find out the exact type of the one inch or thirty millimeter rings you will use for your specific scope. With your magnification and objective lens in hand, now it’s time to talk…. If left unchecked, it can lead to bluriness, fuzziness, and missed shots. And if it’s not fully multi-coated, don’t sweat it — coats don’t make up for poor glass quality. If you don’t mind the smaller reticle, or, if the smaller reticle is an issue, and you don’t mind shooting a deer on a higher magnification, then an FFP scope for deer might be a good option. Because of this, there are actually two scope types: Fixed power scope means there’s only 1 magnification (Ex: 3X), while variable allows you to choose from a range of magnifications (Ex: 2-7X). This is a good magnification for looking at objects that will be about 1000 yards or more away. Easy enough? Some scopes have a 3x magnification range such as a 3-9. In practice, two or three times that magnification is more comfortable. Spotting scope magnifications are usually listed in ranges. You can be spending anywhere from $50 up to $1,000+. Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter! If you are shooting 20" steel plates at 1000 yards a cheap fixed 10 power may be adequate. Shop now and get Free Value Shipping on most orders over $49 to the Once you’ve got your focal plane selected, it’s now time to discuss adjustment systems…. Support authentic military journalism and a 100% veteran editorial staff. In fact: This will be the LAST guide you’ll ever have to read to find the right scope…for YOU. Couple that with the countless landmines of confusing technical jargon, specs, acronyms — and you might be in the maze for LIFE. There are two types of scopes where magnifications are concerned, the fixed and the variable. Some scopes have a 3x magnification range such as a 3-9. Monocular Lens Diameter You can attach most monoculars to a tripod to resolve this issue (if you care). That way you know when you’ve adjusted. Here’s what you’ve got to know about windage and elevation: First, make sure the turrets produce a loud “click” sound when they adjust. Explaining the numbers on a spotting scope is very simple once you look at an actual example. In fact, they operate interchangeably like miles per hour and kilometers per hour. (If you do, you’ve got bigger problems than scopes). Finding the right scope is like running through a maze, you don’t know WHERE you’re going. 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