Choosing the right optic can feel overwhelming with so many options. This guide will show you how to pick a rifle scope that fits your specific needs and budget. We’ll break down the key features in simple terms, so you can make a confident decision and get back to shooting.
A scope is a long-term investment in your accuracy. Getting the right one means understanding a few core concepts first.
How to Pick a Rifle Scope
This main principle covers the essential steps. Think of it as your roadmap. We’ll start with the most important question you need to answer.
Step 1: Define Your Primary Use
What will you use the rifle for most? Your answer dictates almost every other choice. Be honest about your main activity.
* Hunting: Weight, light gathering, and durability are key. A lower magnification range (like 3-9x) is versatile for most big game.
* Target Shooting: High magnification, precise adjustments, and a large objective lens for clarity are priorities.
* Tactical/Long-Range: You need robust construction, first or second focal plane reticles, and very precise turrets.
* Plinking & General Use: A simple, fixed-power or low-power variable optic is often perfect and affordable.
Step 2: Understand Magnification & Objective Lens
These two numbers, like “3-9×40,” are the most visible specs. The first number(s) are magnification. The last number is the objective lens diameter in millimeters.
* Variable vs. Fixed Power: A 3-9x scope is variable; you can zoom from 3 to 9 times magnification. A 4x scope is fixed. Variable scopes offer more flexibility.
* Choosing a Range: For most hunting inside 300 yards, a 2-7x, 3-9x, or 4-12x is excellent. For long-range, look at 5-25x or similar.
* Objective Lens Size: A larger lens (50mm) gathers more light but sits higher on the rifle. A smaller lens (40mm) allows for a lower, more comfortable mount.
Step 3: Consider Optical Quality & Coatings
This is where price really becomes a factor. Good glass and coatings mean a brighter, sharper, and clearer image, especially in low light.
* Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: This is the standard to look for. It means every air-to-glass surface has multiple anti-reflective coatings. This maximizes light transmission.
* Glass Quality: Higher-end scopes use better glass (like ED or HD glass) that reduces chromatic aberration (color fringing) and provides better resolution.
Reticle Selection: The Heart of the Scope
The reticle is the crosshair or pattern you aim with. There are two main types and two focal plane placements.
* Simple Duplex: Thick outer lines that thin at the center. Excellent for quick target acquisition in hunting.
* BDC/MOA/Mil Reticles: Have holdover points for windage and elevation. Essential for shooting at varying distances without adjusting the turrets.
* First Focal Plane (FFP): The reticle grows and shrinks with magnification. Holdover marks are accurate at any zoom level. Preferred for long-range.
* Second Focal Plane (SFP): The reticle stays the same size. Holdover marks are only accurate at one specific magnification (usually the highest). Common and often more affordable.
Step 4: Evaluate Adjustment Turrets
Turrets are the knobs you turn to adjust for wind and elevation. They should feel precise and track accurately.
* Exposed vs. Capped: Target/long-range scopes have exposed, tactile turrets for easy adjustments. Hunting scopes often have capped turrets to prevent accidental bumps.
* Resettable Zero: A great feature that lets you return to your zero after making adjustments.
* MOA vs. MRAD: These are the units of adjustment. Choose one system (1/4 MOA or 0.1 MRAD are common) and stick with it for all your gear. Don’t worry to much about which is “better”; consistency is key.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Durability & Features
Your scope needs to withstand recoil and the elements. Look for these build qualities.
* Construction: A one-piece tube (usually 30mm or 1-inch) is stronger than two-piece designs.
* Nitrogen Purging & O-Sealing: This prevents internal fogging when moving between extreme temperatures.
* Eye Relief: The distance your eye must be from the scope to see the full picture. A longer, consistent eye relief (3-4 inches) is safer and more forgiving, especially on high-recoil rifles.
Mounting It Right
A great scope poorly mounted will never perform. Budget for quality rings and a base. Ensure they are the correct size (1-inch or 30mm) for your scope tube. Proper installation, including leveling and torquing to specification, is critical for accuracy and reliability.
Step 6: Set a Realistic Budget
Scope prices range from under $100 to over $3000. As a general rule, your scope budget should be similar to your rifle budget. It’s the part you look through, so investing in quality glass is rarely regretted. There are many good value options in the $200-$600 range that offer excellent performance for most shooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rifle scope magnification for hunting?
For most deer-sized game in wooded or mixed terrain, a 3-9×40 scope is the classic, versatile choice. It offers enough magnification for ethical shots at distance and a wide field of view for close, quick opportunities.
How much should I spend on a scope for my rifle?
A good starting point is to spend an amount equal to the cost of your rifle. This ensures you are not limiting the rifle’s potential with poor optics. Remember, you can often move a quality scope to a new rifle later.
What does MOA mean on a rifle scope?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It’s an angular measurement used for adjustments. Roughly, 1 MOA equals about 1 inch at 100 yards. If your scope adjusts in 1/4 MOA clicks, each click will move the point of impact about 1/4 inch at 100 yards.
Is a 50mm objective lens better than a 40mm?
A 50mm lens can gather more light, which is beneficial in very low-light conditions at dawn or dusk. However, it requires higher mounting rings, which can affect cheek weld. For most situations, a 40mm or 44mm objective provides excellent performance without the added height and weight.
What’s the difference between first and second focal plane scopes?
In a First Focal Plane scope, the reticle size changes when you change magnification. In a Second Focal Plane scope, the reticle stays the same size. This means holdover points on an FFP reticle are accurate at all magnifications, while on an SFP they are only accurate at one setting (usually max zoom).
Picking a rifle scope is about matching features to your primary task. Start by defining your use, then understand the trade-offs in magnification, optics, and reticles. Always factor in the cost of a solid mount. By following these steps, you’ll find an optic that makes you a more confident and effective shooter. Take your time to compare models, and if possible, look through different scopes in person. The right view will make all the difference.