FAQ - How to buy a rifle scope
FAQ - Rifle Scope Buying Guide
How do I choose the right rifle scope?
The most important factor in choosing a rifle scope is how you plan to use it. Are you looking for a general-purpose scope, or will you mostly shoot at the range? Do you use your rifle for stand hunting or driven hunts, or are you considering bird hunting in the future? Once your main use is clear, we’ll help you find a scope that fits your budget – whether it’s €100 or €3000, we’ll provide a suitable option in your price range.
What magnification should I choose for a rifle scope?
One key aspect of selecting a scope is choosing the appropriate magnification. Just like in golf, where different clubs are used for different shots, scopes are matched to specific shooting scenarios.
Magnification determines the field of view. The higher the starting magnification, the narrower the view. For example:
- 1–1.5x magnification offers a field of view of about 35 meters.
- 3x gives around 15 meters.
- 5x offers a maximum of 6–7 meters.
How does lens quality affect rifle scope performance?
In more affordable scopes, lens polishing and coating quality is typically lower, and often only the center of the lens is precisely finished. This results in uneven light transmission and a blurry image, especially near the edges. In scopes priced between €1500 and €2000, the entire lens is finely polished, providing sharp and clear images across the entire field of view. The difference is especially noticeable in low-light conditions.
What makes a rifle scope durable?
Scope durability is closely linked to price. Budget models can withstand a few hundred shots, while high-quality scopes handle thousands – the best can last through hundreds of thousands of rounds. There are also differences in weight. Cheaper scopes tend to be lighter due to cost-saving materials. High-end scopes are machined from a single aluminum piece, whereas budget scopes may be glued together from multiple parts.
Adjustment precision also varies. Premium scopes offer precise, reliable adjustments. Budget models may have inconsistent or imprecise adjustment mechanisms.
What type of rifle scope is best for stand hunting?
Stand Hunting
Scopes for stand hunting feature large objective lenses and high-quality optics, including excellent light transmission, brightness, and clarity. Lens grinding precision significantly affects these features, and is especially important if your eyesight is not perfect. The image must be bright enough to clearly distinguish details of distant animals. With top-tier optics, you can see fine details like feather outlines. Lower-quality optics blur those contours. In low-light conditions, premium optics keep the image sharp. A red dot feature is also essential, as it helps aim when the reticle becomes difficult to see in the dark.
Recommended scopes:
What kind of scope do I need for driven hunts?
For moose, bear, or wild boar hunting – including trips abroad – driven hunt scopes are ideal. You’ll need a wide field of view and low magnification to track fast-moving game. Red dot sights are commonly used in driven hunts, often without magnification (e.g., Aimpoint). They also assist in low-light conditions when the reticle fades from view.
Recommended scopes:
What rifle scope should I use for bird hunting?
Bird hunting requires a scope with a thin reticle for accurate long-distance shooting at small targets. A higher magnification (10x or more) provides a narrow but bright field of view.
Recommended scope:
Which scope is best for target shooting?
For range shooting, choose a scope with a reticle suitable for the target – typically a thin one for small, distant targets. For larger or closer targets, a thicker reticle can be used.
Can I use one scope for different hunting and target shooting situations?
While scopes are often selected specifically for each rifle, you can opt for an all-round scope suitable for both stand and bird hunting. These versatile scopes are ideal for diverse hunting activities.
The key feature of an all-purpose scope is a wide magnification range, which offers both narrow, detailed views and flexibility for various situations.
Recommended scopes:
How to Choose a Rifle Scope or Red Dot Sight for IPSC Shooting?
IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) rifle shooting is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring quick target acquisition, precise shooting, and efficient movement. Choosing the right optic is essential to perform at your best. Here's how to pick between a rifle scope and a red dot sight for IPSC.
Red Dot Sight for IPSC
Best for: Close to mid-range shooting with fast transitions
Red dot sights are a popular choice in IPSC due to their:
Recommended for:
Top features to look for:
Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) for IPSC
Best for: Mixed stages with both close and long-range targets
A Low Power Variable Optic, typically in the 1–4x, 1–6x, or 1–8x range, offers the versatility of both close-up speed and long-range precision. It combines red-dot-like performance at 1x with the ability to zoom in when needed.
Benefits of LPVOs:
Ideal for:
What to look for:
Which Should You Choose?
Red Dot Sight
LPVO
If your IPSC stages are mostly close-range or you're using a PCC, go with a red dot sight. If you're competing with a rifle and expect longer distances, a LPVO gives you the edge in precision while still being fast at close quarters.