What Scope Does the Military Use?
The military uses a variety of scopes for its sniper rifles, depending on the specific needs and applications of each branch of the service. In this article, we will explore the types of scopes used by the military and their characteristics.
Direct Answer:
The military uses a range of scopes, including:
- Optics made by companies like Leupold, Swarovski, and Trijicon, which are specifically designed for military use and offer features such as high magnification, waterproofing, and rugged durability.
- Scope combinations, which are scopes with multiple reticles or illuminated reticles for low-light use.
- Precision scopes, which are designed for long-range accuracy and often feature high-powered lenses and precise adjustments.
Scope Types Used by the Military:
Here are some of the most common scope types used by the military:
- F-1 Sniper Scope: Used by the US Marine Corps, this scope has a 6-18x magnification and a 24mm objective lens. It features a fixed power reticle and is designed for use on the M40A1 rifle.
- M821A1 Scope: Used by the US Army, this scope has a 4-16x magnification and a 32mm objective lens. It features a variable power reticle and is designed for use on the M2010 sniper rifle.
- SR-25 A1 Scope: Used by the US Army and US Marine Corps, this scope has a 6.5-20x magnification and a 35mm objective lens. It features a variable power reticle and is designed for use on the M24 and M40A3 rifles.
- ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) Scope: Used by the US military, this scope has a 4x magnification and a 35mm objective lens. It features a fixed power reticle and is designed for use on the M4A1 and M16A2 rifles.
Reticle Types:
Reticles are an important component of a scope, and the military uses a range of reticle types, including:
- Milliradian (Mil) Reticles: These reticles are calibrated to subtend one milliradian at the target distance. They are useful for precise shooting at long ranges.
- BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) Reticles: These reticles have marks or hash marks that indicate the amount of bullet drop at different ranges. They are useful for shooting at long ranges without having to adjust for windage.
- Mil-Dot Reticles: These reticles feature dots or lines that are spaced at 0.5 mil intervals. They are useful for making precise aiming and holdovers.
Adjustments and Turrets:
Military scopes often feature adjustments and turrets that allow for precise elevation and windage adjustments. Some common adjustments and turrets used by the military include:
- 1/4 MOA Click Adjustments: These adjustments move the reticle by 1/4 MOA (one minute of angle) with each click. They are useful for precise shooting at long ranges.
- 20 MOA Windage Adjustments: These adjustments move the reticle by 20 MOA (20 minutes of angle) with each rotation of the turret. They are useful for making precise windage adjustments at long ranges.
- Power Adjustment Turrets: These turrets allow the shooter to adjust the magnification of the scope in fine increments. They are useful for adjusting the magnification to suit the target distance.
Additional Features:
Military scopes often feature additional features that enhance their performance and functionality. Some common features include:
- Illuminated Reticles: These reticles can be illuminated to provide better visibility in low-light conditions.
- Low Light Mode: This mode adjusts the reticle to be more visible in low light conditions.
- Scope Rings: These rings attach the scope to the rifle and provide a secure and adjustable mounting system.
- Sun Shade: This device provides a barrier between the shooter’s eye and the scope to reduce glare and improve visibility.
Comparison Table:
Here is a comparison table of the scope types used by the military:
Scope Type | Magnification | Objective Lens | Reticle | Adjustments | Turrets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
F-1 Sniper Scope | 6-18x | 24mm | Fixed Power | 1/4 MOA | None |
M821A1 Scope | 4-16x | 32mm | Variable Power | 1/4 MOA | 20 MOA |
SR-25 A1 Scope | 6.5-20x | 35mm | Variable Power | 1/4 MOA | 20 MOA |
ACOG Scope | 4x | 35mm | Fixed Power | None | None |
Conclusion:
The military uses a range of scopes that are designed to provide high accuracy and precision for its snipers and sharpshooters. The scope type used depends on the specific needs and applications of each branch of the service, and each scope features unique characteristics and adjustments.