Complete guide to buying rifle scopes. Magnification, reticles, turrets, mounting, and top picks for hunting, precision, and tactical use.
How to Choose a Rifle Scope — Step by Step
Determine Your Shooting Distance: For hunting under 200 yards, a 1-6x or 2-7x scope works well. For medium range (200-500 yards), consider 3-9x or 4-12x. For long range, 5-25x or higher.
Choose Reticle Type: Duplex reticles work for most hunting. BDC reticles help with holdover at distance. MOA or MRAD hash mark reticles are best for precision shooting.
Select Tube Diameter: 1-inch tubes are standard and affordable. 30mm tubes allow more adjustment range and light transmission. 34mm tubes are for long-range precision.
Consider Glass Quality: Higher-quality glass provides better light transmission, clarity, and color accuracy. This matters most in low-light hunting conditions.
Mount and Zero Your Scope: Use quality rings matched to your tube diameter and action type. Zero your scope at an appropriate distance for your intended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification scope do I need?
For hunting under 200 yards: 1-6x or 2-7x. For 200-500 yards: 3-9x or 4-12x. For long-range precision: 5-25x or higher. LPVOs (1-6x or 1-8x) offer the most versatility.
How much should I spend on a scope?
A good rule is to spend at least as much on your scope as your rifle. Budget options from Vortex and Primary Arms start at $200-$400. Mid-range scopes run $500-$1,000. Premium glass starts at $1,500+.
What is the difference between MOA and MRAD?
Both are angular measurement systems for scope adjustments. MOA uses 1/4 MOA clicks (1.047 inches at 100 yards). MRAD uses 1/10 mil clicks (0.36 inches at 100 yards). MRAD is becoming more popular for its simpler math at distance.