How to Select a Rifle Scope

Shooting enthusiasts today are regularly choosing to use scopes on their rifles for a number of reasons. One is that aiming a scope is easier than aiming traditional iron sights. Rather than having to align a post and notch with the target, the shooter can simply place the target in the crosshairs. Additionally, a scope can extend the range of a high-powered rifle. Scopes are available in a wide range of magnification levels and can make shooting smaller targets from farther away much easier. You should select a rifle scope based on your specific needs.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine at what distances you will be using your rifle. This will be based on the range of the rifle itself as well as its purpose. A high-powered rifle used for shooting long-distance competition targets will need a much more powerful scope than a low-powered .22 that is used for rabbit hunting.

    • 2

      Choose between adjustable magnification scopes and fixed magnification scopes. An adjustable magnification scope will be well suited to hunting and other applications where the target may be at a different distance every time it is acquired. For target shooting where the target will always be at a known distance, a fixed magnification rifle scope offers simplicity of use and fewer moving parts.

    • 3

      Consider the lenses available for rifle scopes. Almost all scopes are fog and water resistant. Coated lenses are common today, and they can reduce glare and cut down on reflections of the scope. Lens coatings can also increase contrast, making your target stand out more against its background. Scopes are available with different numbers of coatings, and usually more coatings will provide a higher quality view through the scope.

    • 4

      Take a scope's field of view into consideration. According to the Outdoor Adventures Network, the field of view of a rifle scope is measured by the width of visible field at a distance 100 yards from the shooter. A wider field of view is useful for hunting or shooting moving targets that can be difficult to spot. For target shooting applications, a wider field of view is not as helpful in shooting accurately, and selecting a rifle scope with a higher magnification level may be more useful than a wide field of view.

    • 5

      Determine the type of crosshair pattern or reticle to use in your rifle scope. Hunting small game will require more open area where the crosshairs meet. If you will be hunting large game at longer distances, a reticle with graduations that allow you to adjust for distance and wind conditions may be a better choice. Reticle choice for target shooting is more a matter of taste and the type of targets you will be shooting at.