Scope Basics
A friend once purchase a scope for his rifle with optics that automatically compensated for the kind of ammunition he was using and any other variables that could impact his hunt. After spending several thousand dollars on a hunting trip to Africa, he returned with no game bagged. When asked, he put the blame firmly on the optics that he had spent well over $2500 on, and insisted his skills had no part in the failed hunt. The moral of the story couldn?t be clearer; expensive optics are no substitute for basic skill and technique on a hunt. Selecting the right kind optics can mean wading through some poor choices, but occasionally a diamond can be obtained as well. There are many brand names available when it comes to firearm accessories, but some of the more notable ones include Leupold, Tasco, and Weaver.
When purchasing a scope, several numbers are presented to you. Usually, first given is the power (magnification) of the scope, usually given in shorthand, e.g. 4x20 (the 4 in this case indicating 4 times magnification, while the 20 is the size of the objective lens, in this case 20mm. The objective lens is the light gatherer of the scope. The more you want to magnify an image, the more light is required to provide good image quality. For instance, a 12x40 scope will magnify more, and gathers more light, but the ratio of light gathered to magnification is much lower than the 4x20 scope, so the image quality of the 12x40 will not be as bright. It?s no good having a scope that only shows you a large shadow!
When choosing scope power, you may come across what is referred to as variable power scopes. These scopes have had a bad reputation in the past for being prone to losing their zero due to the complexity of the moving parts contained within them. History being what it is there has been improvement by leaps and bounds in this category of scope. If you are looking for a versatile scope that is effective at multiple engagement distances this is most likely the category you should be looking in. Variable power is usually given with a range, e.g. 1.5-4x20.
The next number given will usually be the field of view. This indicates how wide of an area can be seen through the scope. Generally speaking, higher power means a smaller field of view. When shooting, field of view is important if you want to know what?s going on around your target. The magnification excludes the surrounding area to focus in on the details.
The final number given is the length of the scope. Often this is needs to be matched to your weapon. Trying to fit a riflescope to a handgun can be a frustrating experience, so making sure the scope isn?t too big or small for the application should always be a consideration.
Selecting the right scope for your particular application may be daunting, but the results can be very rewarding, especially when your quarry is bagged.
