How to Choose a Rifle Scope?

Want to upgrade your rifle scope? Or looking to buy a new scope but don’t know how to choose a rifle scope? Then you are in the right place.

Your demands will determine the type of rifle scope you want. There are a lot of scopes available for everyone, whether they’re hunters or target shooters. Hence, recognizing your true scope needs is crucial.

Let’s know the factors you need to consider while buying a rifle scope next time.

6 Things to Consider While Choosing a Rifle Scope

Choosing a random scope among many options is not wise. You should choose the right one per your needs and budget. Also, there are many fake versions available.

So, keep the things below in mind while buying a new rifle scope.

The purpose of your gun

Are you using the firearm for self-defense, striking targets, or shooting? How far from the object do you typically fire while shooting at it?

The main consideration is distance—exactly how far you see to meet your shared goals.

Self-Defense:

If you’re not protecting a significant area of territory, a scope will slow you down and limit your ability to secure yourself. Buy a scope with a red or green dot as an aiming point.

Firing at targets:

Do you fire from a range of 100 yards or farther? You can buy a spotting scope in this case.

Hunting:

Consider what and where you shoot before you go, such as a 3-9x or 3-9×40 scope is ideal for deer hunting.

The magnification you require

The objective lens diameter is mentioned as millimeters. The image will be clearer if the diameter is bigger. If your objective lens is bigger, it will make your scope heavy.

An objective lens under 28 mm is ideal if you shoot at a shorter distance. An objective lens between 30 and 44 mm is preferable if you hunt in poor light or use a higher magnification.

The objective Lens

The objective lens directs light toward the hunter’s eye through the base of the barrel. For shooting rifle scopes, an objective lens of roughly 40mm broad is the most typical size.

Many hunters choose 50mm objective lenses’ larger fields of vision. Also, they reflect more lighting in the early morning and late evening, providing a hunter with a few more seconds to fire.

An objective lens of 32mm is used by other hunters who desire a lighter, more portable scope. After using them all, neither the 32mm nor the 50mm seem to offer noticeable benefits above the 40mm. Scopes with 50mm lenses weigh more, while those with 32mm lenses have a smaller field of vision.

Hence, choose fixed scopes for cost-effectiveness and variability for a greater range.

Fixed scopes for affordability, variable for higher range

You should be aware that high-range variable scopes cost extra. The term “variable scope” refers to a scope you can change. Such as the 3.5-9x zoom stated before, you can change the magnification from 3.5 times the regular size to nine times the standard size. Naturally, the wider this range, the wider your real reach.

Naturally, this carries a significantly greater cost. Generally, getting a smaller, more focused scope while investing in greater construction is preferable. However, this is unnecessary if you’re shooting large animals.

Ballistic turrets and reticles

Do you want your scope to have a customizable turret, or will you use a BDC-style reticle to adjust for distance? If it concerns ballistics, there are many methods to handle the same issue, so ultimately it comes to personal choice.

The aiming point you view through the riflescope is known as your reticle. Some people prefer a straightforward reticle so they can see the target clearly at maximum magnification.

People with this desire would benefit most from a tailored ballistic turret. The bullet drop compensating (BDC) reticles are the best options for holding wind speed and upgrading changes.

Each reticle focuses on a certain use. The top three scope reticles are listed below:

Duplex:

The most basic crosshair design is a duplex reticle. Perfect for target shooting.

Mil-Dot:

The dots on the reticle assist you in gauging your target’s range depending on the size. Fantastic for the police and the military.

BDC:

A BDC reticle calculates the bullet drop. Long-range hunters should use this.

Having stated that, a reticle can be placed either on the front or the back of the magnifying lens.

Lens coatings

Despite the fancy labels on the packaging, all rifle coats meet one of the following requirements:

Coated:

They completely encompass at least one surface of the scope. It’s a budget-friendly package.

Fully Coated:

They apply a single layer of coating to all exterior glass surfaces. It’s the common package.

Multicoated:

They have many layers that cover at least one surface. It’s the improved package.

Fully Multicoated:

They apply many layers to your scope’s exterior glass surfaces. It’s an elegant package.

So choose one according to your budget.

Do You Need Anything to Protect Your Rifle Scope?

When it comes to protecting your rifle scope, flip up scope covers are a popular option for many hunters and shooters. Flip up scope covers are designed to protect the lenses of your scope from damage and the elements. They can be easily flipped up when you need to take a shot, and then flipped back down when you are finished.

Here are some important things to consider when choosing a flip up scope cover:

• Compatibility: Make sure the flip up scope cover you choose is compatible with the size and type of scope you have.
• Material: Look for covers made from durable materials such as molded polymer or high-impact plastic that can withstand the rigors of hunting and shooting.
• Waterproofing and Dustproofing: If you plan on using your rifle in harsh weather conditions, look for a flip up scope cover that is waterproof and dustproof.
• Ease of Use: Choose a flip up scope cover that is easy to open and close with one hand.
• Secure Fit: Make sure the cover fits snugly on your scope to prevent it from accidentally flipping up during use.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a best flip up scope lens covers that will effectively protect your rifle scope and provide you with easy access when you need it.

Final Words

There are many other factors in choosing a rifle scope. These are the major facts to consider before buying a rifle scope. However, your benefits and needs are the most important points. We hope the article summarizes all the crucial elements for your next buy.​