It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for your first-ever gun scope or just want to find out which one can best suit your collection, this guide on the topic will answer all the questions you might have and help you get an idea of an ideal optical sighting device for your firearm regardless of whether it is a seasonal hunting tool or a dedicated target shooter.
What Is Exactly A Gun Scope?
“Scope” is short for a telescopic sight, a gun scope is an optical sight device designed to help a shooter see a target more clearly and, as a result, shoot more precisely. To put it simply, the scope is a tube enhanced with special lenses that magnify the distant objects, so shooters can see targets that can’t be seen with the natural eye. It is safe to say that simplicity is the main reason for such a huge popularity of gun scopes.
Indeed, it looks like nowadays, it’s hard to find a shooting enthusiast that doesn’t use some type of these devices, all the more so, modern gun scopes do make a great addition to almost any known firearm. Experts from badassoptic.com explain that aiming through a scope eliminates at least 1/3 of the difficulty of lining up traditional iron sights. When using a scope, a shooter simply has to line up his or her crosshairs with the target, which is much easier than with iron sights. Let’s face it, the majority of people can’t brag of 100% vision and scopes are here to give a hand. All you need to do is check some scopes ratings and buy a suitable model.
Benefits Of Using A Scope
So, what can a gun scope can do for you? Make your arms longer, your sight better, and keep you safe! Wittiness aside, a lot depends on your goals and the type of firearm, but, generally speaking, you will be able to shoot more accurately and at long distances, and this is a winning combination that also provides for your greater safety.
While for target shooters it can mean the difference between a 1-inch or 6-inch grouping on a piece of paper, for hunters, it could be a life-saving tip. In addition to that, gun scopes serve well in low light environments because they provide more light. A decent gun scope can become a real game-changer for both newbies and seasoned pros but it’d be wrong to think that this state-of-the-art device can substitute for skills and shooting practice.
How To Figure Out Your Perfect Scope
With a plethora of options available in the market, searching for your perfect fit can be pretty overwhelming. Various extra features and tons of obscure jargon and acronyms do not make the process any easier. Let’s try to dive into the nitty-gritty of how to choose the best scope for your firearm. The main things you should consider first are the magnification power and the size of an objective lens you want, and the size and shape of your reticle. Well, of course, there is also the fourth thing – your budget.
To start with, it’s a good idea to learn to read gun scope specs. Fortunately, it is really easy because all those numbers represent just two things we already mentioned: the magnification power and objective lens size. For instance, if the label says 2-7×30mm, that means this particular scope can adjust from 2x magnification to 7x magnification, featuring a range of options sandwiched in between the two extremes. 30mm is the diameter of the objective lens.
So, depending on whether you have a handgun or rifle, you will look for different numbers on the scope’s label. With a handgun, you don’t need a huge magnification power simply because handguns are intended for close-range shooting. You may even browse through fixed gun scope options, which are definitely more budget-friendly. With a rifle, you will need a 3-9x40mm device, because 9x allows you to shoot at 500 yards precisely.
Think of the primary use of your handgun and if it is self-defense, make sure to buy a miniature red dot sight, which provides for swift target acquisition. If you are planning to shoot at larger distances, opt for a higher magnification power if it is fixed (4×32 mm, for example) or a broader range if it’s variable.
Whatever your shooting skills and goals, a gun scope can make you a better shooter and completely eliminate frustration triggered by the inability to shoot precisely, no matter your firearm. Looking to dig a little deeper? Get more information here.
