How to Choose a Rifle Scope

Magnification range

More magnification is not automatically better. Higher power narrows the field of view, amplifies mirage and makes the scope heavier.

A 3-9x or 2-10x covers most hunting inside 400 yards. Precision shooters working past 600 yards benefit from 5-25x class optics.

Objective lens and exit pupil

A larger objective gathers more light but raises the mounting height and the weight. Exit pupil — objective diameter divided by magnification — predicts low-light usability better than objective size alone.

An exit pupil near 5mm or larger is comfortable at dawn and dusk.

First focal plane vs second focal plane

In a first focal plane scope the reticle grows and shrinks with magnification, so holdover subtensions are correct at every power. This suits shooters who hold rather than dial.

In a second focal plane scope the reticle stays the same visual size and subtensions are only correct at one magnification, usually maximum. It gives a cleaner picture at low power and is common in hunting scopes.

Reticles and turrets

Match the reticle to your workflow. A simple duplex is fast and uncluttered; a christmas tree reticle supports rapid holds for wind and elevation.

Keep units consistent. If your reticle is in mils, your turrets should be in mils. Mixing MOA turrets with a mil reticle is a reliable source of errors.

Parallax and mounting

Above roughly 10x, an adjustable parallax knob matters. Parallax error moves your point of impact when your eye is off center.

Buy the mount as seriously as the scope. Correct ring height, proper lapping or a quality one-piece mount, and torque to the published spec.

Frequently Asked Questions