How to Buy a Rifle Scope for Birding

In choosing the right rifle scope for birding, you should look for a lightweight and compact design that will allow you to react quickly to the movement of birds in the field. In addition, you should take advantage of certain crosshair (or reticle) types that will give you a distinct advantage while birding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Rifle scope for birding
• Rifle

Buy a Rifle Scope for Birding

1. Choose a rifle scope that is lightweight and compact in size. A popular size of rifle scopes for birding would be 9x36, which means that the magnification is nine times the normal image, and that the diameter of the lens is 36 mm. In addition, the scope should be made of aluminum, or another type of lightweight metal.
2. Pick a type of crosshairs (or reticles) for your rifle scope that is relatively unobtrusive. For instance, German reticles are popular because there are fewer markings, which leave the line of sight clearer during quick movement. In addition, many bird hunters prefer some of the more modern reticles that include illumination, or markings that help estimate bullet drop and wind direction.
3. Buy a scope that has detachable rings for mounting, so you can quickly and quietly change scopes if conditions change, or if your primary scope is damaged or knocked out of alignment. Being able to adjust your equipment both quickly and quietly is a true advantage while birding.
4. Purchase a rifle scope for birding from a local gun shop or sporting goods store, where you will be able to ask for advice, and even try out the scope for target practice if they have a range on site. Be sure to bring your rifle to confirm that the sight will fit all of your needs.
5. Consider an online resource, such as SWFA.com, to buy a rifle scope for birding (see Resources below). You may be able to save a few dollars, providing you know exactly what kind of scope you want in advance, and that the costs for shipping and handling do not inflate the price of the scope to where it is more costly than dealing with a local gun dealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning how to boresight a rifle scope quickly and quietly while in the field is an important part of birding. Boresighting involves aligning your scope by focusing on a fixed object nearby through both the bore (or barrel) and the scope, until the two sight lines are the same.

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