Riflescope frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Riflescopes
Our answers to frequently asked questions about riflescopes will help you understand how riflescopes work and which features are best for your needs. For even more information about choosing riflescopes, check out our buying guide. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact us – we’re always happy to help.
What do the numbers on a riflescope mean?
The numbers on a riflescope represent the magnification and objective lens size. For example, a 3-9x40 scope has a magnification range from 3x to 9x and an objective lens diameter of 40mm. The larger the objective lens, the more light the scope gathers, offering a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions.
What’s the best riflescope magnification?
The right magnification depends on the distance of your target. Low magnification (3-5x) is best for close-range hunting or fast-moving targets, while medium magnification (5-9x) suits mid-range big game hunting. For long-distance shooting or small targets, higher magnification (10x or more) is ideal. Always balance magnification with your field of view for easy target acquisition.
Do I need a fixed or variable (zoom) riflescope?
Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, making them a good choice for beginners or those who shoot at a consistent distance. Variable scopes (e.g., 3-9x) offer versatility, allowing you to adjust magnification depending on the shooting distance. If you need flexibility across short and long ranges, a variable scope is more practical.
What size objective lens do I need for my riflescope?
The objective lens size affects light transmission and brightness. Larger lenses (e.g., 50mm) gather more light, making them better for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk hunting. However, they add weight to the scope. For general hunting purposes, a 40-50mm lens offers a good balance between light gathering and portability.
What is a riflescope reticle?
A reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point inside the scope. Reticles come in various designs, including duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticles. Duplex reticles are simple and quick for general use, while mil-dot and BDC reticles provide additional aiming points for long-range shooting, compensating for bullet drop at various distances.
Which riflescope reticle should I choose?
For general hunting, a duplex reticle is simple and fast to use. For precision shooting, a mil-dot reticle provides additional aiming points for different distances. BDC reticles are designed to compensate for bullet drop, making them ideal for long-range shots. If you hunt in low-light conditions, an illuminated reticle can improve visibility. For more information on choosing a reticle, see our riflescope buyer’s guide.
What is an illuminated reticle, and do I need one?
An illuminated reticle enhances visibility in low-light conditions by lighting up the crosshairs. It’s particularly useful for hunting at dawn or dusk when traditional reticles can be hard to see against dark backgrounds.
What is parallax in a riflescope?
Parallax is when the reticle appears to move off-target if your eye isn’t perfectly aligned with the scope. This can happen at longer distances and affect your accuracy. Most scopes are set to eliminate parallax at a specific distance, usually 100 yards. For long-range shooting, scopes with adjustable parallax let you manually correct for this error at different distances.
Why does my parallax adjustment feel tight or sticky?
If your parallax adjustment feels sticky, the issue might be due to improper mounting. Scope rings placed too close to the turret can put pressure on the parallax adjustment system, causing it to stick. Try repositioning the rings, and if the problem persists, consult a professional for repair.
Why do some riflescopes have adjustable objective lenses (AO)?
Scopes with adjustable objective lenses (AO) allow you to manually adjust for parallax at various distances. This is particularly useful for long-range shooters who need precise alignment between the reticle and the target. AO helps keep the reticle steady regardless of distance or shooting angle.
What are windage and elevation adjustments on a riflescope?
Windage controls the horizontal (left/right) adjustment of your scope, while elevation controls the vertical (up/down) adjustment. These adjustments are crucial for zeroing your scope so that the bullet hits exactly where the reticle is pointing. Adjustments are typically measured in MOA (Minute of Angle) or MIL (Milliradian).
What is MOA, and what does it mean for scope adjustments?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, a unit used to measure scope adjustments. 1 MOA equals approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. So, a 1/4 MOA adjustment means that each click of the adjustment knob moves the point of impact by 1/4 inch at 100 yards. This allows for precise tuning of windage and elevation.
What size and height scope rings do I need for my riflescope?
Scope rings come in different heights to accommodate the size of your objective lens. Larger lenses, like 50mm, often require high rings to ensure proper clearance from the rifle barrel, while smaller lenses, like 40mm, can use low or medium rings. For the best performance, mount the scope as low as possible without it touching the barrel.
What’s the difference between first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) scopes?
In FFP scopes, the reticle changes size as you adjust the magnification, keeping your holdovers consistent at any zoom level. In SFP scopes, the reticle stays the same size regardless of magnification. FFP scopes are preferred for long-range shooting, while SFP scopes are more common for general hunting and shooting.
What is eye relief in a riflescope, and why does it matter?
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s ocular lens while maintaining a full sight picture. Proper eye relief (typically 3-4 inches) ensures you don’t get "scope eye" from recoil and that you have a clear, comfortable view. This is especially important for rifles with heavy recoil, where more eye relief may be necessary to avoid injury.
How do I zero my riflescope?
Zeroing a scope involves adjusting the windage and elevation turrets so that the reticle aligns with the point of impact of your bullet. Start by shooting at a target and making small adjustments until the bullet consistently hits the center of your aim. Most scopes are zeroed at 100 yards, but you can choose a distance that suits your shooting needs.
For even more information about choosing riflescopes, check out our buying guide. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact us – we’re always happy to help.
