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Choosing a rifle scope: Some terms you should know

Are you in the market for rifle scope? These items are available from a variety of manufacturers like Simmons, Weaver and Burris. Regardless of make or model, every rifle scope has features in common with every other. Read on to find some general terms and concepts that apply across the board to these devices.

Optics: Every rifle scope has lenses or optics. Optics can be coated to improve light throughput and image clarity. In the case of coatings, more is better. For the best light transmission, choose optics with multiple coatings. When you see the term "coated" it means there is a single-layer coating on at least one lens. "Fully-coated" means there is a single-layer coating in all air-to-glass surfaces. "Multi-coated" lenses have multiple layers on at least one lens and all lens surfaces are coated at least once. "Fully multi-coated" optics have multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces.

Magnification (power): Rifle scope magnification values are defined by two numbers separated by an "x", for example "4x40". The first number (4) is the power or magnification of the scope. With "4x" magnification, the object being viewed appears to be four times closer than when seen with the naked eye. The second number in the formula (40) is the diameter of the objective or front lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light that enters the scope, and the brighter the image. Low power scopes are used at close range and for moving target. Medium power works well for big game at intermediate range. High power is for target shooting, motionless targets or small game.

Field of view: This term refers to the size of the circular viewing area as seen through the rifle scope. Defined in feet or meters, field of view is the width of area visible at 1000 yards or meters. A wide field of view makes it easier to spot game and track moving targets. Generally the rule is the higher the magnification the narrower the field of view.

There are other terms specific to the rifle scope, like windage, elevation and eye relief. To learn more about these terms, to see specifications and read comprehensive descriptions, click on one of the links below.

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. 17-05-04