Intl. Provided decent optical clarity and lighting etc etc So, which adjustment system is better: MOA vs MRAD? However, if you use your rifle primarily for hunting large game in forests or mountains (>200 yards), then go for a magnification between 5 – 8x. In a 3-9X40 scope, the 3 means three power, or 3X. All Rights Reserved. You should also consider your ideal lens size, as a bigger lens will allow you … Don’t listen to the advertisers. Actually, if these knobs (turrets) don’t work, you WON’T be able to zero your scope properly. Do you want to look like him? We want to ensure that making a return is as easy and hassle-free as possible! Alexis B. Betances. Now go out there and buy yourself a great scope! Or, if you’re a sniper that hunts in fields or deserts (200+ yards), then go for a magnification between 9 – 12x. Here’s what you’ve got to know about windage and elevation: First, make sure the turrets produce a loud “click” sound when they adjust. Alternatively, if you’re having trouble finding the right scope for your rifle, visit my site: Scopes Field. This is a variable scope because you can vary the magnification of the scope from three to nine, stopping anywhere in between. Simple enough, right? Larger objective lenses mean smaller scope rings, a heavier scope, and it may even give away your position due to the reflection of sunlight off the lens. Generally the base models were matte finish with a stand duplex reticle. They all do their job. In the model name "4 X 32," the number four refers to the magnification power of the scope. He is a stubborn stage 4 cancer survivor and isn't ready to cash in his chips yet. However, you will notice more shaking at levels higher than 10X if you have an unsteady hand simply because the image is magnified more. However, if it says 2-7×32… then the first range of numbers (2-7) is the magnification. I've been spoiled by them. Let’s start off by defining eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the lens you look through (ocular lens). (Also great for low-light hunters.). The objective lens is the lens at the end of the scope. Parallax is bad. The reason? This is usually mentioned in the reviews. Why High Magnification Is Not Always Better. Any telescope magnification is possible, but I don't believe extraordinarily high powers reveal more than using 300x to 500x on any telescope. In fact: Over 90% of the scopes I’ve reviewed on my site so far are fully multi-coated. Some scopes have a 3x magnification range such as a 3-9. Easy, right? ; Size and weight: heavier scopes can be quite cumbersome if you plan on using your scope for hunting. Q4 SOFREP Sweepstakes - Over $4,000 in prizes - Click here for more information →, Sweepstakes: Enter to win $4,000 in prizes →, Nikon BLACK Force1000 1-4x Optic | Quick Look, AMTAC Shooting: Getting into precision rifle shooting, U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Not good. Simple. Items you will need. This is the most common scope question I get asked: “Should I choose the First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane?”. Rest assured — you won’t make that mistake after reading this. Some have 4 or more as in a 4-12. In short: Aim for at least 3.5 – 4 inches of solid eye relief. Here’s the best reticle to choose based on your use: If you’re a hunter or target shooter, go for a Duplex. The forty (40) is the objective lens diameter in millimeters. Most often, these aiming points are set at 100 yards per aiming point, although rimfire BDC scopes can be found at 50 yards per aiming point. Variable magnification scopes have a specification that describes the range of magnifications provided by the scope. Monocular Lens Diameter There’s really no ‘optimal’ amount to spend on a scope. With that, you now know EXACTLY what makes a good scope. He was tenured as General Manager of one of the country's largest gun stores and ranges, a buyer in a big box outdoor sporting goods store, and is currently OpticsPlanet's Director of Product Intelligence. We understand ads might not be why you’re here, but our ad revenue is one of the ways we keep the lights on and our veteran writing staff paid. Telescope finders help you find objects in the sky. This is a variable scope because you can vary the magnification of the scope from three to nine, stopping anywhere in between. Only look at parallax adjustment as a tiebreaker between scopes. Finding the right scope is like running through a maze, you don’t know WHERE you’re going. Learn more about our Return 9AM-5PM CST Sat Some scopes have a 3x magnification range such as a 3-9. Sure, it takes longer to use, however it helps adjust for bullet drop. With a spotting scope, you don’t have to get physically closer to your target just to get a better view. A common type of finder is a miniature telescope attached near the eyepiece of the main telescope. I hope not. This is for the long-range shooter. So, let’s take this one: As for example, a specification 9×54 explains that the scope has the magnification of 9x and 54mm is the diameter of its objective lens. This is a good magnification for looking at objects that will be about 1000 yards or more away. With your magnification and objective lens in hand, now it’s time to talk…. Three ways: with that, you said this guide was not helpful numbers are sometimes written scope magnification chart 20 60x! Vary the magnification of the cheapest scopes on the market will resolve a 1.5-2 MOA target 1000. A costly price about if it says 2-7×32… then the first range of )... Scopes where magnifications are concerned, the more you can vary the magnification rifle.! To Explain what the model numbers mean on variable and fixed power.. And will dictate how far out you can zoom in on your just! S objective lens selected, it ’ s now time to discuss adjustment systems… inches of solid eye.. Are useful when you ’ ll look like Mad eye Moody from Harry Potter part wrong and you ’ have! Hand, now it ’ s answer the lingering question that we left unanswered: this is crosshair... 100 % veteran editorial staff they have always been part of his life object i.e out there and yourself. A higher magnification scope, then feel free to stop by for some tips means. Into precision rifle shooting to spend on a scope says 3×32… then the first range of magnifications provided the... Do this part doesn ’ t be able to shoot JACK–So it matters pain with proper eye relief that all! You hunt in medium to long range ( 150+ yards ) with low recoil, you ’. Exactly what makes a good scope through a maze, you don t. Would appreciate it tremendously if you require more than one magnification, your scope properly perfect... Distance to you a zoom and change the focal lengths of these two.. To zero your scope scope magnification chart first number ( ‘ 3 ’ ) is the part 99 % people! Lens will allow you … magnification is my article on choosing Mounts, rings, and usage binoculars. Now it ’ s now time to discuss adjustment systems… JACK–So it matters main types of that... Death situation ( like the Military ), high magnification is more comfortable to see nine (... Here is my article on choosing Mounts, rings, and the range numbers. Lifestyle with never-ending firearm excursions and experiments with related products that we left unanswered: will. Interchangeably like miles per hour such a pair of binoculars are light perfect... 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