In each category
we will evaluate what kinds of device fits with the aims of the hunter,
and their budget, as well as the conditions and terrain under which they
will be used. After reading through each overview, the reader should be
able to determine whether that type of device is right for them, and
what to look for when evaluating competing products.
Scopes and Sights
Typically, a hand
held scope such as a spotting scope can be used to magnify the immediate surroundings in the hope
that a target can be acquired and tracked before the scope is swapped
for the rifle, complete with mounted sight, ready for the kill.
Clearly, being
constructed around single optics, the best rifle scope tend to be very
high quality, light weight, and hence reasonably expensive. It is, on
the other hand, worth spending the extra money to get best rifle scope
that is both reassuringly rugged (it will take some knocks) and has good
quality optics.
The scope will
also need to be fairly light weight, especially if you are not used to
the additional weight that an optical sight can bring. Most sights tend
not to contain glassware at all for this reason. However, if you want to
have any magnification, or light enhancing properties, then glass optics
are a must.
The weight is also
important in terms of the mounts that are available to fix the sight or
scope to the rifle. Lightweight, solid materials tend to be expensive,
and, while the mounts are less important than the quality of the optics,
it is important to be sure that the consequences of spending less are
understood when making the decision:
The final decision
that needs to be made is whether the system should combine a laser sight
with a standard sight or scope, or whether two devices should be
acquired – a scope on top and laser sight underneath the rifle, for
example.
Reticule or Laser
The most common
sight is known as the reticule, which is a piece of glass or plastic
with a printed design on it (crosshairs) which help to center the
target. Optical rifle scopes will also have lines which enable the
hunter to gauge the distance to the prey, thus allowing them to
compensate for bullet drop over distance.
Some ‘red dot’
reticules also have a light that appears to float in the center of the
sight, enabling the hunter to aim with greater and more natural
accuracy. No light is actually projected onto the target, but the
floating dot gives the impression that this is the case.
Subtly different
is the true red dot laser sight, which comes in two flavors – with and
without an optical lens. Those with can correct in wet conditions and
have a more accurate dot over distance than those without. In short, the
extra cost of a laser sight with optical correction will only make sense
if the hunter is going to be using the sight under certain conditions –
usually humid or night hunting.
The major
difference is that the true laser sight will beam a dot onto the target,
which means that it is easier to acquire and track the target over a
certain distance, in conjunction with a magnifying optical rifle scope.
In fact, the two together can make for an unbeatable combination to the
extent that some hunters frown upon them as being a little too easy.
A laser sight is
normally mounted on the underside of the rifle barrel, since they tend
to be too large to mount on top of the scope. It is also a good idea to
keep them vertically as close to the barrel exit as possible so that
bullet drop over distance is minimized. In order that the bullet ends up
on the dot, it is necessary to take the rifle to a range and make sure
that you know (or can record) where the dot needs to be, when you look
through the reticule, to guarantee a hit.
Magnification or Not
Typically, the
best rifle scope tends not to magnify very much, if at all. The
principle difference in terminology between rifle sight and rifle scope
is the fact that a sight will not magnify, and a scope is assumed to
perform at least some magnification.
However, the two
terms have become interchangeable, as in the phrase night vision rifle
scope – this may or may not magnify. Magnification is only helpful when
hunting with guns that are exceedingly powerful and accurate over long
distances.
Most times you
will not want to magnify the varmint at all because, unless you are a
very experienced hunter, it gives a false sense of perspective and makes
natural compensation for drop very difficult. This is why many sights
and rifle scopes magnified view or not, are marked with lines to give a
range estimate; it helps estimate distance and hence drop, making aiming
easier.
Hunting at Night
Finally, we need
to mention that there are also special scopes available for hunting in
low light and night conditions. Those familiar with
binocular
and telescope theory will be aware that a large objective lens (close to
the object) can be used in conjunction with good quality optics to
produce an image which is brighter than when viewed with the naked eye.
This is the same
principle that allows owls to have superior night vision – larger eyes
soaking up all available light – combined with good use of eyepiece
magnification which condenses the light into a smaller area; hence
making it brighter.
Such rifle scopes
are good for use at dawn or dusk, and can even give good results when
the night is lit by the full moon. However, for use in absolute dark,
the only option is an infra red night vision rifle scope, which uses
projected light which lies just outside the human visible range and can
also combine it with whatever light there is in the visible spectrum to
produce an excellent image.
There are two
kinds of night vision rifle scopes – passive and active. Passive night
vision scopes simply amplify what light there is, rather like an
enhanced version of the owl eye that we discussed above. Active night
vision scopes are sensitive to infra red light, and produce an image
which is electronically enhanced on a screen inside the scope.
Cheaper models are
only useful when the subject is likely to be slow moving, since fast
movement will cause the image to smear across the sight, making it
impossible to aim with any reliability. It is worth spending the
additional $200 to $1,000 and getting a good quality sight with
additional features.
The best of the
best can be used as standard scopes, or with full night illumination
switched on, which will mean that you only need to carry around a single
scope on your hunting expeditions. Remember – always carry fresh
batteries; the disadvantage with active night vision equipment is that
it needs to be powered.
As you can see
there are many aspects to consider before coming to a decision about
which equipment is best for you. Hopefully this article will have made
your job easier. For more information on where to find you’re best rifle scope and laser
sights you can visit the relevant links on this site.
About the Author
Guy Lecky Thompson
is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for
consumers regarding how to choose the best
rifle scope,
laser sight or
spotting scope for your needs. His many articles give
information and tips to help people save money and make smarter
decisions.
