Tactical Scopes

Choosing a proper tactical scope can be a task, especially if you are new to scopes and guns and related accessories. Scopes are almost a necessity and should not be purchased with haste. Depending on your intended use, you will need a scope that reflects that. If you are in the police force or military you will need a different scope as compared to someone who will be using theirs for recreation.

Every buyer needs to be able to ask themselves a few questions and answer them accurately according to their gun and their intended use for their scope. This will help immensely in the buying process and allows the buyer to purchase an adequate and high quality scope.

What is your usual shooting range?
-Knowing how far you will be shooting from can help you purchase a good range scope.

What is the maximum range you will shoot from?
-Knowing a maximum can help you choose a good maximum and minimum scope range.

What are your rifle stats?
-Knowing the height, length, weight, and other statistics of your rifle will help you choose a scope that fits and performs perfectly with your gun.

You can choose between variable power and fixed power scopes, both of which have their benefits. A variable power scope is able to change between a set range of powers, giving it ultimate flexibility. A fixed power scope is stuck with one power only. In the past fixed power scopes were the absolute best on the market. With technology becoming increasingly more improved variable scopes are also much better. It’s really a preference when it comes to choosing one or the other, but you can be guaranteed that both will get the job done.

When looking for a scope you will no doubt be faced with what magnification to choose. This is a tough matter even for advanced riflemen. Good magnification is key for any rifleman, and in the military it is even more important to the cause. So what do you need to look for when examining the magnification of a scope?

High ranges, such as ones over 10x are going to look grainy when you do magnify. This makes it difficult and stressing on the eyes so it is best to avoid massive magnification. A high quality scope will have great magnification between 2x and 10x magnification. The higher you go though, the more you suffer from lack of good imaging.

Are Larger Lenses Better?

Most people think the bigger the better. They seem to fall into the trap and believe that buying a big lens means better shooting range and overall improved quality. Not necessarily. Bigger lenses do provide great results, but you suffer by having to lug around the bulky lens and deal with its constant reflecting. If the light reflects the wrong way you are likely to be revealed to whoever you are targeting. If an animal sees a flash of light, your cover is blown. Test out different lens sizes and try to find a good compromise.

Tube Thickness

This is something you should pay attention to when buying any tactical scope. Become very familiarized with the tube sizes, and you will do great when buying a scope. Most scopes go up to a 1 inch diameter. This means that the scope is probably a variable scope, and quite heavy. They can be as small as 30mm, which is the most common size in scopes.

Reticles

While a reticle may seem like an insignificant part of purchasing a tactical scope, it is in fact the most difficult part of choosing. There are so many reticle choices out there, and it can be hard to find one you really like. With that said, illuminated reticles are superior because they offer great visibility in low light conditions.

Final Notes

Tactical scopes can sometimes cost more than the rifle itself. If possible, choose a top of the line scope that will last you many years to come. It doesn’t hurt to get the absolute best on the market, especially if you are an avid shooter or like to collect high quality guns and gun accessories.