Rifle Scopes

Rifle scopes come in many sizes, colors and mounting options and reticle choices. We offer a wide selection for your review so you can pick a riflescope for your application no matter how specialized it is. We are also very careful about offering only the best possible brands. You will surely recognize Leupold, Sightron, Meopta, Minox, EOTech, Sightmark, Firefield, and Trijicon among others as true leaders in the riflescope space.

As the years went by we learned to buy scopes based on our favorite features, not so much a specific brand, although those can be preferred as well. Doing this disqualified a fair amount of the scopes on that old list.

All Co's build to a spec, and that spec is based off cost to profit margins, so there are many compromises to be considered. This Co wants better glass, that Co wants better internals, they choose accordingly to stay within budget because in that budget they can't have both.

Nowadays the scope companies that are the most innovative are morphing into almost the same thing but with different twists, they were forced to do so so they could stay current or lose out on sales.

Market Trends , Updates and Purchase Advise for Rifle Scopes

Recent trends in the rifle scope market indicate significant advancements in technology and a shift in user preferences, providing diverse options for various shooting applications. Here are some key updates and advice based on current trends:

Smart Optics and Augmented Features: Smart rifle scopes, incorporating features like augmented reality displays and environmental adjustments, are becoming increasingly popular. These systems often include real-time analytics, laser rangefinders, and auto-calibration for windage and elevation. Brands like Bushnell, Sig Sauer, and ATN Optics are at the forefront, offering models tailored for precision and ease of use.
Enhanced Night Vision and Thermal Integration: Night vision and thermal imaging technologies have seen substantial improvements, with enhanced clarity and performance in low-light conditions. Adaptive optics that adjust for nighttime visibility are becoming more budget-friendly, allowing greater accessibility for hunters and tactical users. This trend aligns with the growing demand for hybrid systems combining thermal and optical solutions.
Lightweight and Durable Designs: Materials like carbon fiber and advanced alloys are being utilized to create scopes that are both lightweight and highly durable. These advancements cater to shooters who require portability without compromising on resilience, especially in challenging environments.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Manufacturing: Environmental concerns are influencing the industry, with some manufacturers focusing on sustainable production and materials. This approach resonates with eco-conscious users looking for green solutions without sacrificing performance.
Market-Specific Developments: In markets like the UK, customizable interfaces and user-specific adjustments are becoming standard, with innovations like precision laser indicators and multi-focus lenses gaining traction. These features enhance both recreational shooting and professional applications.

Recommendations for Purchases:

For Precision Shooters: Look into scopes with advanced ballistic calculators and laser rangefinding capabilities. The Burris Eliminator VI and similar models are excellent for long-range accuracy.
For Night Hunting: Consider thermal scopes like the IRay Rico II RH50R or hybrid options like the Pulsar Merger Duo, which provide both thermal and optical capabilities for versatile performance.
For Lightweight Options: Choose models like the Hawke Airmax series, which focus on weight reduction and ease of handling while maintaining robust performance.
For Eco-Friendly Options: Research brands emphasizing sustainable manufacturing, as these align with the increasing shift toward environmentally responsible products.

Keep these trends and features in mind when exploring your options, as they reflect the evolving landscape of rifle scope technology and user demands. For specific product comparisons or additional advice, let us know!



You too can hit 1,000 yards with a budget of less than $1,000. No, the suppressor and Atlas bipod are not necessary.	Choosing the right scope for your rifle, shotgun, or handgun is a straightforward process. Watch along as Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA, presents the components of a scope and how to select the right one for your application.	In this video we quickly discuss the reason for a Adjustable Objective/Parallax Adjustment Knob on a Rifle Scope.

An Essential Guide to Choosing a Rifle Scope

Richard Douglas

This guide will show you everything you need to know about rifle scopes.

Including:

Magnification
Different types of scope reticles
Parallax
A little more (with an exclusive, Bushnell-only bonus section)

If you want to go from rifle scope rookie to rifle scope pro, you’ll love this guide.

Let’s dive in.

Magnification

Magnification is how much closer the target appears than what is seen with the naked eye.

For example:

If a scope’s magnification is 8X that means you can see EIGHT TIMES closer than the naked eye. But how much magnification do you need?

A LOT of rookies would say, “buy as much magnification as you can”.

That’s not always the case.

In fact, if you buy too much magnification, not only have you wasted your hard-earned money but you may not even use it. That’s why I recommend the amount of magnification based on your use.

This should help you out:

Do you use your rifle primarily for target shooting (up to 100 yards), stalk small game, or homestead defense? Get a magnification between 1-4x.
Target shooting (up to 200 yards), stalk large game, or hunt in closed landscapes (forests, mountains, etc.)? Get a magnification between 5-8x.
How about target shooting (beyond 200 yards) or huntimg in open landscapes (deserts, fields, etc.)? Get a magnification between 9-12x.

For example, if I’m going to hunt varmints and small game with a Savage A17 that’s equipped with a 17 HMR scope, then I’ll probably need some magnification (like 3 - 9x).

Got it? Good.

To find how much magnification a scope has, look at the first number (or range of numbers) before the x.

For example, if a scope says 2×30, that means the magnification is 2x. What if a scope says 3-9×40? That means the magnification is 3-9x.

You might be wondering: what’s the difference between 2x and 3-9x?

Besides the amount of magnification, the main difference between them is the type of magnification. And actually, there are two types of magnification...

Fixed vs. Variable Power

Fixed power means that your scope uses only ONE magnification. (Like 2×30).

On the other hand, variable power means that your scope uses MORE than one magnification. (Like 3-9×40.)

But the question is, which one should you use?

From my experience, I’d go with variable powered scopes because it allows you to shoot in a variety of environments and situations.

But it also depends. If you plan on shooting from only one distance, then opt-in for fixed powered scope. Otherwise, go with a variable powered scope. Once you’ve selected the type of magnification, it’s time to understand…

Objective Lens

The objective lens is the lens located at the end of the scope and is responsible for light transmission.

Generally, the bigger the objective lens, the brighter and clearer your image will be. That being said, should you get a scope that has A LOT of objective lens? Not really.

The reason?

Buying a scope that has too much objective lens could be harmful by adding excess weight, requires taller scope rings, and makes your scope more prone to sunlight reflection.

(Which gives off your shooting position).

So, if not a lot, then how much objective lens should you buy?

This should help you out:

If your firearm has low recoil, you’re using it for close range hunting, and have a low power scope, then get 28mm & under.
However, if your firearm has quite a bit of recoil, you’re using it for low light hunting, and have a high power scope, then get 30 - 44mm.
Lastly, if you’re a long-range shooter or using high magnification in low light, then opt-in for 50mm & up.

You can find how much objective lens a scope has by looking at the number after the x.

For example, if a scope says 2×30, that means the scope has a 30mm objective lens. Simple enough, right? So now that you’ve selected the right amount of objective lens, it’s time to discuss...

Lens Coatings

A lens coat is an invisible coat that reduces glare and enhances the sight.

There are 4 basic lens coating types:

Coated: One layer on at least one surface.
Fully-Coated: A single layer on all exterior glass surfaces.
Multi-Coated: Several layers on at least one surface.
Fully Multi-Coated: Several layers on all exterior glass surfaces.

I wouldn’t really worry about lens coating since most scopes today are fully multi-coated. And even if a scope is just coated, sometimes that one layer is better than several layers. With that said, I wouldn’t stress scope coats. Instead, invest in a proper reticle.

Scope Reticles

Your reticle is the aiming point (or crosshair) you see when you look through the riflescope.

Each reticle specializes in a different use. Here are the 3 most common scope reticles:

Duplex: A duplex reticle is the simplest crosshair pattern. Ideal for target shooting or hunting.
Mil-Dot: Although very similar to the duplex, the dots in the reticle help estimate your target’s distance based on size. Great for law enforcement and military.
BDC: In a BDC reticle, the reticle estimates bullet drop. Best for long-range shooters.

That said, a reticle can either be mounted on the front or at the rear of the magnification lens.

Focal Plane

There are two different focal planes:

A first focal plane (FFP) is where the reticle’s size ADJUSTS as you change magnifications.

On the contrary, a second focal plane (SFP) reticle’s size remains the SAME regardless of what magnification you use.

Simply put:

If you’re a long-range shooter, go with a FFP reticle. Otherwise, go with a SFP. And now that you’ve selected your focal plane, the next thing to understand is…

Windage and Elevation Turrets

These are the knobs responsible for your scope’s vertical and horizontal adjustments.

The windage knob (located on the side) adjusts horizontally (left to right), while the elevation knob (located on the top) adjusts vertically (up and down).

When choosing the best scope for your rifle, make sure to get turrets that are reliable and produce a loud ‘click’ sound.

That said, sometimes a scope might have a third knob called parallax adjustment turret which helps eliminate parallax.

“What’s parallax?” I hear you saying. Glad you asked because we’re about to cover it.

Parallax

This short, 2 minute video will tell you everything you need to know about parallax:

https://youtu.be/1VPGcq9IVxc

With parallax out of the way, let’s talk measurement systems…

MOA vs. MRAD

In its simplest form:

Minute of Angle (MOA) is a measurement of accuracy that measures 1” per 100 yards while milliradian (MRAD) is another measurement of accuracy that measures 0.36” per 100 yards.

Which one should you use? The straight-up answer:

Either one.

You see, they’re pretty much the same thing.

Just like how MPH and KM/H are interchangeable, MOA and MRAD are interchangeable as well. Simply choose one that your hunting buddies use and you’re golden!

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the ocular lens.

If you want to save yourself from a bruised eye, I highly recommend getting adequate eye relief. How much should you get? Well...it depends on your firearm’s recoil.

The higher the recoil, the more eye relief you’re going to need. Regardless, stick with this range as a minimum: 3 - 4 inches of eye relief.

This will save you from ‘scope bite’.

And that’s all there is to know about riflescopes.

First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane?

by Bryce Towsley - Monday, July 10, 2017

A riflescope’s reticle is placed in either the first focal plane (FFP) or the second focal plane (SFP). The main difference between them is that an SFP reticle will appear to be the same size regardless of magnification. With an FFP reticle, the size of the reticle will appear to change as the scope’s magnification is changed.

Most American hunters are familiar with SFP, as that style has been the most common in American hunting scopes for generations. The FFP reticle has become very popular with long-range shooters, and as we are adopting their techniques, this reticle is gaining favor with hunters wishing to shoot at long range.

With an SFP reticle, the spacing for holdover in the reticle is only correct at one magnification, usually the highest setting. If the scope’s magnification is set lower, the size of the reticle relative to the target changes and the increments of the spacing will change. You can use a mathematical formula to figure out the spacing for each of the power settings, but it becomes complicated and confusing and is no good for hunting.

If you do all your long-range shooting only at the highest magnification, this is not an issue and an SFP scope will work fine. One advantage is that you have a strong and easy-to-see reticle even at the lowest magnification.

An FFP reticle appears to grow larger or smaller as the scope’s magnification is increased or decreased, respectively. In reality, the reticle maintains the same perspective with the target size throughout the magnification range. That means the holdover points remain the same throughout the range of magnification. For example, the 6 MOA line is at 6 MOA on the lowest setting, the highest setting and everything in between.

The downside of an FFP reticle is it appears small and thin at low power and gets thicker at high power, so it can be hard to see at the low settings and can cover too much target at the highest setting. For hunters, the low-magnification setting is often just as important as the high-magnification setting, so make sure you look at the reticle at all power settings before buying an FFP scope. Some have illuminated reticles, which help at low power.

If you use the dial-up technique for long-range shooting both reticles will work just fine as the dial adjustments are not affected by the type of reticle.

Recoil Energy Calculator

Use this calculator to calculate the recoil on you rifles, handgun, and other firearms. After you input the necessary data such as the bullet weight, bullet velocity, powder charge weight, and the firearm weight it will output the recoil impulse, recoil velocity, and the recoil energy of the firearm. With this data you can estimate the felt recoil of a specific firearm and cartridge. Remember that "felt recoil" may be a little different from these numbers because felt recoil depends on the design of the firearm, how you hold it, recoil pads, and other factors. Use the chart below to see the recoil energy of common cartridges. Also you may create your own recoil chart and share it with others.