How to read rifle Scope numbers?

How to Read Rifle Scope Numbers: A Guide to Understanding Your Scope

When it comes to selecting the right rifle scope for your shooting needs, there are numerous options available, each with its own unique features and specifications. As a result, it’s essential to understand how to read rifle scope numbers, which can seem like a foreign language to some individuals. In this article, we’ll break down the key components of rifle scopes and provide a comprehensive guide on how to read the numbers, ensuring you can make an informed decision about your scope.

The Anatomy of a Rifle Scope

Before diving into how to read rifle scope numbers, it’s essential to understand the basic components of a rifle scope:

• Objective Lens: This is the front-most component of the scope, which collects and focuses light, allowing you to see through the scope.
• Eyepiece: Located at the rear of the scope, the eyepiece is where you gaze through to observe the image.
• Eyreticle: A scale, usually etched on the eyepiece lens or a reticle inserted through the eyepiece lens, helps you gauge bullet drop, wind drift, and range estimation.
• Reticle Pattern: The pattern of lines and dots on the eyreticle can be customized to specific shooting disciplines, such as hunting or target shooting.
• Adjustments: Most scopes have three key adjustments:

• Elevation (Turret): Adjusts the scope’s vertical alignment for bullet trajectory compensation.
• Windage (Turret): Adjusts the scope’s lateral alignment for bullet trajectory correction due to wind drift.
• Parallax: Adjusts the scope’s focus for different shooting distances.

Understanding Scope Measurements

To comprehend how to read rifle scope numbers, let’s explore the measurements you’ll encounter:

• Magnification: Expressed as a multiplier (e.g., 3x, 6x, or 10x), it represents the scope’s zoom capability. Higher magnifications provide more detailed views at longer distances.
• Objective Lens Size (Objective): Measured in millimeters (mm), it indicates the front lens’ diameter, impacting light transmission and low-light performance.
• Elevation and Windage Increments: These represent the scope’s adjustment range (e.g., 10 MOA, 5 MOA, or 1/4 MOA). One MOA (Minute of Angle) is equivalent to 1/60th of a degree.
• Total Range (TR) / Elevation Adjustment (EA): Specifies the scope’s total range adjustment, which is usually equivalent to the scope’s entire elevation adjustment range.

How to Read Rifle Scope Numbers

Now that we’ve covered the scope components and measurements, let’s focus on deciphering the numbers:

1. Magnification:

   • Example: A scope has a 4-12×40 configuration. This means the magnification ranges from 4x to 12x, and the objective lens is 40mm.
   • Key takeaways: Check the lower range (4x in this case) for lower power and better low-light performance, while the higher range (12x) is ideal for longer-range engagements.

2. Elevation and Windage Adjustment:

   • Example: A scope has a 20 MOA/100 yards elevation adjustment with 1/4 MOA increments. This indicates the scope can be adjusted up to 20 MOA (about 15 inches at 100 yards) with 0.25 MOA steps.
   • Key takeaways: Consider the elevation adjustment range for your shooting distances and adjust accordingly.

3. Objective Lens Size:

   • Example: A scope has an 56mm objective lens. A larger objective lens generally allows more light into the scope, resulting in better low-light performance.

Tips for Selecting the Right Scope

Based on our understanding of how to read rifle scope numbers, here are some guidelines for selecting the right scope for your needs:

1. Magnification range: Consider the range of your target shooting discipline, such as 1x-4x for competitive shooting or 6x-18x for precision hunting.
2. Objective Lens Size: Prioritize low-light performance, especially if you hunt at dawn or dusk, with a larger objective lens (>50mm).
3. Adjustment Range: Ensure the scope has enough elevation and windage adjustments for your shooting distances (e.g., more than 10 MOA).
4. Eyretrical Pattern: Customize your reticle to fit your shooting style or preferred discipline.
5. Parallax Adjustment: A parallax adjustment mechanism, especially at lower magnifications, helps maintain accuracy across various shooting distances.

Conclusion

Reading rifle scope numbers requires understanding the unique components and measurements involved in scope design. By understanding magnification, elevation, windage, and parallax adjustments, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions when selecting a scope. Remember to prioritize your specific shooting needs and consider the scope’s durability, quality, and construction when making your selection.

Scope Specifications Comparison

Remember, this table is a fictional example, and you should research actual scope specifications based on your specific needs.

By understanding how to read rifle scope numbers and evaluating the right scope specifications, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that suits your shooting requirements and preferences.