How to Select the Correct Rifle Scope

The proper type of rifle scope depends entirely on what type of gun you are using and what type of shooting you are doing. In general, for longer-range shooting, higher magnification is better, and whenever possible, use a wider optical angle. For typical deer hunting, a 40 mm with 3X-9X variable magnification scope is a reliable choice.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if your rifle is rim-fire or center-fire. For rim-fire rifles, you can usually use a fixed-power scope at about 4X magnification. However, if you are planning to use it for variable range hunting, a variable magnification (3X-7X or 3X-9X) would work better.

    • 2

      Determine the maximum range at which you will use your rifle. Most hunting scopes with 3X-9X variable magnification are operational up to 400 to 500 yards. If you are hunting extremely long-range game such as mountain goats or pronghorn antelope, you may want a higher magnification, up to 12X or 15X. Any magnification above 10X is only practical for highly experienced and accurate shooters, because this magnification is necessary only at extremely long ranges.

    • 3

      Determine the most likely range at which you will be using your rifle. In deer hunting, for example, hunters occasionally have a 300+ yard shot, but most of the shots they are presented with are within 100 yards. If most of your shots are likely to be within 150 yards, make sure your scope is variable down to 3X magnification.

    • 4

      Keep your rifle scope set at lower magnification. It is always easier to ratchet up the magnification for a longer shot than to try to locate game or a target at too-close range when your visible window is so much smaller.

    • 5

      Research the brands that make the type of scope you want. Some well-known brands are Leupold, Simmons, Bushnell, Nikon and Alpen, but there are many more. Read customer reviews. Scopes from any of these major makers are likely to serve you well.