7 Steps to Choosing the Perfect Rifle Scope

Picking the right scope can be challenging. We want to help you pick the right one! There's a few questions to ask yourself and things to consider. We've highlighted 7 of them below.

1.) What are you using your scope for and where?

So many factors play into picking the right scope for the job. In addition to environmental factors, you should consider if your need a scope for self-defense, target and/or competition shooting, or hunting.

2.) Eye Relief:

Common eye relief on most high-powered rifles is four inches. This is the distance between your eye and the rifle. Proper relief is a safety issue!

3.) Objective Lens Diameter Needs:

The size of the glass at the leading end of the scope is your “OLD” number. The higher the magnification, the larger the OLD.

4.) Magnification Needs:

Fixed versus variable magnification – When using your rifle for primarily target shooting, fixed magnification is best. Variable magnification is most beneficial for varying distances – I.E. a hunter shooting at different yardage.

5.) Crosshair (Reticle) Considerations:

Crosshairs can be variable, and it is best to use the classic “duplex” style. Once you understand the purpose of Reticles you can up your accuracy by using Mil-dot or BDC style crosshairs.

6.) Parallax Dilemma:

Most scopes are Parallax free – meaning the crosshairs in your scope are fixed, even if you move. Parallax scopes that are not free have an adjustable knob to improve accuracy.

7.) Making Adjustments:

There are two types of adjustment systems when you are trying to dial in your scope. MOA is the most common method. MOA corresponds to one inch when shooting at 100 yards. The other method – MRAD, is complicated and more suited towards long range shooters.

In conclusion – take into consideration all the above listed factors when considering and purchasing a scope!