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Rifle shooting: To make it more accurate and enjoyable, invest in a rifle scope

Rifle shooting, whether at the range or in the field, should be as accurate as possible. To hit the target every time you need to be able to sight with a precision that's repeatable shot after shot. A rifle scope will enhance your experience of rifle shooting. Read on to find some hints for choosing a rifle scope.

The optics are the heart of the scope. At one end, the far end of the tube is the objective lens. The larger the objective, the more light the scope can gather. The diameter of the objective is usually expressed in millimeters. For rifle shooting, look for objectives in the range of 40-50mm. Lenses are usually specially coated to reduce glare and improve the amount of light that passes through the lens to the eye. Coated lenses are more efficient than uncoated lenses. The more coatings on the lens surfaces, the better the light throughput will be. This means a brighter image with good contrast.

The body of a scope must be rugged enough to withstand both the weapon's recoil and the effects of the elements outdoors. The best scopes are sealed with special O-rings and filled with nitrogen gas to prevent interior fogging. Generally constructed of aluminum tubing similar to that used in aircraft, the scope should have a one-piece tube if at all possible. A special exterior treatment called anodizing, hardens the aluminum and helps resist scratching during rifle shooting and everyday use.

All scopes have a reticle (crosshairs) that you look through to take aim at the target. Some scopes have illuminated reticles that are better when rifle shooting in low light conditions. The scope should also have windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) adjustments. Scopes with variable magnification should have internal parts made of brass, not plastic or aluminum.

Two other terms you should know when shopping for a rifle scope are eye relief and
field of view. When rifle shooting, it isn't always possible to have the scope right up to the eye. Eye relief the distance a scope can be held away from the eye and still present a clear, in-focus image and field of view. Eye relief is usually expressed in inches.

Field of view is the width of the circular subject area as seen through the scope. Field of view is usually expressed by the width in feet of the area you can see at 100 yards away.
The higher the magnification in a scope for rifle shooting, the narrower the field of view.

To read more about rifle scopes and rifle shooting, click one of the links below to see complete specifications and detailed descriptions.

Binoculars
Telescopes
Rifle Scopes
Night Vision
Spotting Scopes
Laser Sights
Range Finders
Night Vision Goggles

About The Author:

Rita Liotta is a successful author and publisher at www.1st-at-binoculars.com.  Recommending binoculars, telescopes, rifle scopes, night vision, spotting scopes, laser sights, range finders & night vision goggles.
10-06-04