Having the proper scope can be a game-changing experience. It’s basically a small telescope you can use to shoot as accurately as possible. Nowadays, you have plenty of choices on the market, and if you know what you’re looking for you’ll find it in no time. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in a loop looking for the right scope.
Magnification
One of the first things to consider when buying a rifle scope is the magnification. In simple words, it’s a representation of how much closer you can get a clear view of the target compared to the naked eye. It’ll help you see far-off targets and shoot with clarity. How much magnification you need depends on several factors.
To find the magnification in a product, look for the number followed by an “x.” For example, if a scope has an 8x magnification, it means you can see 8 times closer than the naked eye. How much magnification do you need? Many beginners will say as much as you can get, but that’s not the case. If you get a scope with too much magnification, you’ll just waste your money and won’t use it.
If you’re shooting at close range, no more than 100 yards, get a 1-4 magnification. If you’re shooting up to 200 yards or hunting in closed landscapes like forests and mountains, a 5-8x magnification will work best. If you’re shooting at more than 200 yards and hunting in open landscapes like fields and deserts, a 9-12x magnification is the right choice.
There are two main types of scopes: fixed and variable. The fixed ones have one magnification and the variable one has multiple. A variable scope is better if you’re constantly hunting at different distances. It’s more versatile and suitable for different types of hunting. There’s a variety of rifle scopes on the market made for precision. Choose the one that matches your needs and preferences.
Field of View
The term “field of view” shows how much of your surroundings you can see starting from left to right through your scope. You’ll notice that as the magnification goes up, the FOV goes down and vice versa. However, when you’re buying the scope, keep an eye on a thing called “tunneling”.
You won’t miss it because as you’re increasing magnification the view through the scope will look like you’re looking through a tunnel. This is never a good thing and you should always avoid scopes with tunneling.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is the lens you see at the end of the scope. It’s the main part of the scope that’s responsible for clarity and light transmission. In general, if the lens is bigger you’ll get a clearer and brighter image. However, it’s not always a good idea to get the scope with the biggest objective lens.
Too big of a lens can have a negative impact on your hunting experience. It’ll add weight to the rifle, so you’ll need taller scope rings and you’ll most likely get more sunlight reflection. More sunlight reflection means that animals can see your shooting position and flee.
There are several suggestions on what size lens you should get. If you’re into close range hunting, and your firearm has low recoil and a low power scope, a lens of 22 mm or lower will do a great job. In case the firearm has more recoil and you have a high-power scope, get a 30-44 mm lens. And if you love long-range shooting, get a 500 mm lens or more. You can find the lens objective by looking at the number after “x”. For example, if the scope has 4×30, it means it has a 30 mm objective lens.
Lens Coating
There are plenty of quality rifle scopes that are waterproof or even fogproof. This is because of their coated lenses. There are several types of coatings and they can vary in number, quality and price. They’re usually expensive but are an investment worth making. In some cases, a scope with one coat can function better than a multi-coated scope. This mainly depends on the coating and the glass.
In general, a more expensive coating means more quality. Top-notch brands like Leupold, Vortex, Simmons and Nightforce are options to consider if you’re after something reliable. Additionally, it’s best to get familiarized with the terms. If the description says “coated” it means there’s one layer on at least one lens surface. If it says “fully coated” it means one layer of coating on all air to glass surfaces. If you see the word “multicoated” there are several layers on one lens surface. And if there’s the term “fully multicoated” you’ll get multiple layers of coating on all surfaces.
Coating has the power to reduce glare and improve light transmission. It can also help with sharpening the contrast. Some rifle scopes in Canada have a scratch-resistant coating, which is very practical when you’re in the wild among tree branches and rocks. There are also hydrophobic coatings that will help you on rainy days.
Scope Reticles
The scope reticle is the crosshair you see when you look through the scope. It’s there to make the shooting much easier. There are three main types of reticles. The first one is the duplex. This one is considered the default and it’s easy to use, perfect for beginners. The second one is the mil-dot. This one can estimate the distance to the target and it’s mainly used by the military and law enforcement. The third one is the BDC (bullet drop compensator). This one is made for long-distance shooting and can estimate the bullet drop and holdover. Which one you choose will depend on your hunting needs and preferences.
