Choosing the right rifle scope can be a tough decision, but it doesn’t have to be. When you are shopping for your new rifle scope, there are five main features that you should keep in mind: magnification, objective lens diameter, eye relief, red dot sights, and scope reticles.

These five factors will help determine which type of optics is best suited for your gunning needs. This article will break down these specs to make sure you choose the perfect one.

1. Magnification

The magnification of your rifle scope is essentially the size that objects will appear when looking through it. Higher magnification means enlarging an image, making it easier to see in detail past 100 yards. But a larger power level also makes the target harder to hold steady and increases parallax error meaning that the target will appear to move across your field of vision as you adjust the rifle scope.

A fixed magnification is ideal for beginners who use their rifles out to 100 yards and under it. This power level gives a clear, sharp image without having any complex numbers to remember or balance adjustments that could throw off an aim at the wrong time.

2. Red Dot Sights

Another excellent option for beginners who want to be able to aim quickly is a red dot sight. Using the best AR-15 red dots is much easier to adjust because no crosshair or other image needs to be lined up with the target. Most models will have a single reticle pattern which means you’ll need to position your rifle, so it’s facing directly at your desired mark before firing. They’re best suited for short-distance shooting where accuracy isn’t the primary concern. For this reason, they’re ideal for plinking or target practice but not much else.

The reticle patterns are typically red dot sights with an illuminated center point, which makes it easier to see in low light conditions, or ones that use a simple crosshair with no illumination if you plan on shooting during the day.

3. Objective Lens Diameter

When it comes to optics, the size of your objective lens plays a big role in determining how bright and crisp objects will appear through your scope. The larger the number, the better you’ll be able to see even on low-light days or at night which is why 56mm scopes are great for long-range hunting. It’s also important to consider that the larger the objective lens you choose, the higher your scope will sit above your rifle. It can be an issue if you’re using a low-profile AR15 with fixed front sights because it could interfere with getting an accurate sight picture through the optics.

The perfect solution is buying a rifle scope in between sizes with an objective lens diameter that is big enough to let you see your target clearly, but small enough to not interfere with the fixed rifle sights.

4. Eye Relief

The distance between the lens of your scope and your eye is called eye relief, which you’ll need to see through it. This spec refers to how far away from the ocular lenses the ones that sit right in front of your eyes. You can comfortably hold your head without having to strain. You will want to keep around three inches of eye relief for the best viewing experience with your rifle scope, which means that it’s ideal if you can see about an inch on either side of the ocular lenses. Anything less than this is not good because it could make target acquisition difficult.

Riflescopes are an excellent tool for any gun enthusiast, but it’s essential to consider the specs that make each one unique. If you want to buy an optic worthy of your next hunting trip, be sure to reference this post before making any decisions.

5. Scope Reticles

The reticle is a vital part of your scope that you’ll need to focus on before making a decision. There are two main types:

• Duplex
• Mil-dot

Both work equally well, but it’s best to choose one based on the intended use of your rifle.

A duplex or fine crosshair is a thin, black crosshair with no unique markings. It makes it ideal for hunting because the reticle will be crisp and won’t clutter up your field of view, so you can better spot animals in dense forests or brush.

A mil-dot reticle consists of a thick center line that splits into two thinner lines on either side which are spaced apart in increments of one-thousandth of an inch. It’s called a mil-dot reticle because it uses the exact measurements to determine how far away two objects are from each other when using your rifle scope.

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