Hunting Rifle Scopes

Hunting scopes prioritize low light performance, durability in field conditions, and ease of use. Common magnifications include 3-9x40, 4-12x50, and 2-10x42. They typically feature simple, uncluttered reticles like duplex or BDC (bullet drop compensating). A rifle scope with illuminated reticle is especially valuable for hunting during the first and last minutes of legal shooting light.

Precision and Long Range Scopes

A high magnification precision scope is built for shooting at extended distances. These scopes offer magnifications like 5-25x, 6-24x, or even 7-35x. They feature exposed turrets for easy adjustment, tactical style reticles like mil dot or Christmas tree, and are often first focal plane rifle scope designs where the reticle scales with magnification. These are the tools of competitive shooters and serious long range hunters.

All Purpose and Tactical Scopes

Sitting between hunting and precision scopes, all purpose scopes offer a balance of features. Magnifications like 3-15x or 4-20x cover both close and distant targets. These scopes work well for hunters who occasionally shoot at longer ranges, or for tactical applications where versatility matters. A durable waterproof rifle scope in this category will handle anything from rain to recoil.

Do not buy more magnification than you actually need. A 3-9x scope is adequate for most hunting situations out to 300 yards. A 4-12x or 4-16x is better for open country hunting to 400 or 500 yards. Only invest in 5-25x or higher if you regularly shoot at 600 yards or more. Higher magnification narrows your field of view and makes the image shakier.

The objective lens diameter affects light gathering. A 40mm objective is standard and works well for most daylight hunting. A 50mm or 56mm objective gathers significantly more light for dawn and dusk hunting, but adds weight and requires higher mounting rings. Match the objective size to your typical hunting hours.

In a first focal plane rifle scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with magnification. This means your holdover points remain accurate at any power setting. FFP is preferred by long range shooters who use holdovers. In second focal plane scopes, the reticle stays the same size. Holdovers are only accurate at one magnification. SFP is simpler and often more affordable, fine for hunters who always use maximum magnification.

Standard tube diameter is 1 inch. A 30mm or 34mm tube allows for more internal adjustment range, which is important for long range shooting. Capped turrets are protected from accidental bumps and are ideal for hunting. Exposed turrets allow for quick adjustment and are preferred for precision shooting where you dial for distance.

Be realistic about how far you actually shoot. Most hunters never take shots beyond 300 yards. Do not buy a 6-24x scope for a rifle that will only be used in dense woods. Match your magnification to your actual needs.

A good rule of thumb is to spend at least as much on your scope as you spent on your rifle. A 500 rifle deserves a 500 scope. Cheap scopes fail in tracking, durability, and low light performance. Quality optics start around 200 and go up from there.

If you use holdover points at various magnifications, choose first focal plane. If you always shoot at maximum magnification or prefer a simple reticle, second focal plane is fine. Most hunters are perfectly served by quality SFP scopes.