Quick Tip: How To Choose the Right Scope

Brownells Gun Techs Steve Ostrem and Caleb Savant peel up the corner of a big can o' worms and talk about choosing the right scope for your rifle. The first step is to really think about what you want to accomplish, and then work back to find the tool (the scope) to do that job. You don't want "too much scope" for your purpose, but you also don't want "not enough scope." Example: If you want to hunt whitetails, your longest shot may be 250 yards. A 3-9x40mm variable-power scope is great for that. Caleb recommends sticking to a 40mm objective. A wider objective gives you a wider field of view, which you don't necessarily need with a 3-9x (and it's bulkier). A 30mm scope tube, rather than a 1" tube, will give you better performance in low-light conditions. If you're doing precision shooting (PRS), you might want to up the maximum magnification, maybe as high as 25x, with some extra adjustment capability. Bullet-drop compensation systems are nice for serious target shooting, but they are usually geared to very specific ammo loads. Get the best scope you can afford, because in optics you really do get what you pay for! You don't have to buy the most expensive scope; there are many excellent optics that don't cost an arm and a leg. Steve's Addendum: Put a really good scope on the rifle you shoot the MOST. How often do you shoot your .22 vs your deer rifle? Make sure you get a scope calibrated for rimfire rifles.