What should I look for in a rifle scope and other considerations.

Some terminology explained, or Oh I knew that!

Where and how will I use a rifle scope?

What should I look for in a riflescope and other considerations.

• Is it waterproof, fog proof and shockproof?

• Does it have windage and elevation screws?

• Does it have multicoated optics?

• Adjustable brightness settings?

• Is it a rangefinder also? Do you need this also?

• Compatible with night vision devices? Do you need this?

• Illuminated aiming dot showing exactly where your shot will go?

• Easy to change batteries in the field?

• Crosshairs that light up red or green?

• Some have night vision compatible settings and daylight settings.

• Is the mount base is "keyed" into to the body of the sight to absorb recoil?

• Multiple brightness for precision shot placement?

• Weight and profile can make a big difference to the shooters who actually hump it in the hills with their gear.

• Light weight and compact?

• A crisp sight picture?

• Generous amounts of eye relief have been designed in to allow the scopes to point quickly and to keep your face well away from the potentially abusive recoil of heavy magnums.

• A battery can last as long as five years, a lithium CR2032 battery, which is commonly available.

• A larger exit pupil that allows your eye to receive a greater amount of light field of view.

Some terminology explained, or Oh I knew that!

A reticle is a net of fine lines in the eyepiece of a sighting device which allows you to "crosshair" your target.

There are illuminated reticles, etched reticles and wire crosshairs,some are shaped like the traditional crosshair and some are three meeting at the center.

Interchangeable illuminated center-dot, red, great for any light condition, green illumination for foggy dusk/dawn situations and blue for optimum clarity in low light.

KillFlash a anti-reflective device.

Illuminated aiming dot showing exactly where your shot will go

Where and how will you use the rifle scope?

Some scopes are very rare because they are manufactured specifically for distribution to international dealers and are not normally available in the United States.

Competition shooters and hunters who shoot long range.

Optimized for use with all generations of night vision devices?

Specialty scopes include models designed for black powder guns, very low light conditions, slug guns and long range varmint guns.

High power semi-autos, on slug guns, on shotguns and on high power rifles.

Some manufactures offer packages that include a rangefinder or binoculars in a package deal. Usually it is like paying for the scope and getting the other for free.

Some great names to look for are Burris, Bushnell, Leupold, Nikon, Pentax, Sightron, Simmons, and Tasco. They all make scopes in many configurations and price ranges. You will need to do your research.

A rifle scope can be an expensive investment, look to fit it to how you will use it. All scopes are not made equal to all tasks. Picking the right one, not necessarily and inexpensive one or the most expensive is the answer.

Fitting a scope to your temperament, budget and how you will use it will give you many years of dependable use.