How to Determine Rifle Scopes

The proper scope on a rifle can significantly improve accuracy.

Determining which scope should be mounted on your rifle will depend on its use, caliber and whether it will be hiked through rugged terrain or just taken to a hunting stand. A rifle of a large caliber will have substantial recoil. For that scenario, adequate "eye relief" is imperative. Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the portion of the scope you are looking through. If you will be hiking and climbing when hunting, the rifle should have a scope that "holds its zero," or doesn't need to be re-sighted every time it's used.

Instructions

1. 

   The rifle and the scope must be compatible.

   Decide how much money you want to spend on your rifle scope. Prices can range from under $100 to several thousand dollars. The higher the price of the scope, generally the better the quality and number of features. The scope you choose needs to be compatible with your rifle. If your rifle is a large caliber, make certain you have plenty of eye relief.

2. Visit a store that has a wide selection of scopes. Ask to see a scope in which you have an interest. Look through the scope at a distant object. If the scope has adjustable magnification, move the eyepiece so that the object gets bigger. It is important that the object appear extremely clear. Perform this experiment with every scope you are considering. It is important that the scope maintains clarity at every magnification level.

3. Ask to see some fixed magnification scopes. Scopes with either 4x or 10x magnification are popular. Look again at the distant object. The object should be crystal clear. Some people find fixed magnification scopes to be much simpler to use than adjustable scopes. Decide whether you prefer a fixed power scope of one with adjustable magnification.

4. Determine how much magnification you need. While it seems that more magnification is always better, this is not the case. Too much magnification makes every movement of the rifle unsettling and will cause a need to refocus. Consider the distances you will be shooting at and let that help guide you to the correct scope. Typically, the more magnification a scope has, the more expensive it will be. Buy a scope that provides great clarity and magnification for the distances you will be using it.

References

• OpticsPlanet: How to Choose a Rifle Scope