Airsoft Using a Scope Ring as a Sight

Today I'm going to show yous everything you demand to know almost scopes.

In fact:

This guide has helped THOUSANDS of people (just like you) cut through complex technical jargon and go straight to the bacon.

So if y'all're trying to find the best rifle scope, y'all'll honey this guide.

Let's become started.

What is a Riflescope?

A riflescope is pretty much a miniaturized telescope that helps y'all shoot more than accurately.

With eyes, you'll either shoot like John Wick…

…or a Stormtrooper:

The determining factor?

Whether yous choose the correct telescopic or non.

For me, choosing the all-time AR-15 optic was the difference between making dirt clouds and ringing steel.

And to do that, you get-go demand to understand rifle scopes 101's nigh important topic…

Magnification

What is magnification?

Magnification is how much closer y'all can come across the target compared to the naked eye.

For example, accept a look at this target:

That's how it would look without a scope. Difficult to encounter, huh?

That'south about to change when you wait through a 9X scope:

See how much closer information technology is? That's…

Why Magnification Is So Of import?

It helps yous 'see' far abroad targets.

Purchase the wrong amount of magnification and you'll bring less meat dwelling. Nobody wants to make that mistake.

Yet, the right magnification will depend on a few factors. Later all, the best AR-10 telescopic will look very different from the best scout telescopic. Here'southward…

How to find your magnification (stride-past-pace)

First off, start past looking at the telescopic's championship:

Nikon Buckmaster III Magnification Example

You see the first number (or range of numbers)?

Nikon Buckmaster III First Range of Magnification Numbers

That'due south your magnification. This number tells y'all how far away your telescopic can see. The more magnification you lot've got, the further you can encounter.

That said, there are 2 types of scopes…

Stock-still vs. Variable Scopes

Fixed scopes are unmarried magnification scopes. Here's an example:

(Notice how the telescopic has only one number.)

In comparing, variable scopes accept more than i magnification. Hither's an case:

(Find how the scope has a dash with two numbers.)

The difference? Versatility.

However, which one should y'all cull? Hither'due south the elementary answer:

If you chase from a variety of ranges, get with a variable telescopic — similar the best LPVO. Otherwise, go with a fixed power scope.

Why?

A fixed ability telescopic costs less, aims faster, and is normally higher quality than variable power scopes. Simply it does come at a price…

…you can only use just i magnification.

In other words:

Y'all can only shoot from a specific range rather than a variety of ranges.

The takeaway? Cull a telescopic type based on your range uses.

That's it. At present you've selected your scope type, it's time to observe…

How much magnification do you need?

This pretty much sums it up:

Yous'll want a scope whose magnification matches the range yous'll be using information technology for, like finding a nine-12x for long range shooting. Or y'all could read my best long range scopes guide.

But don't worry about choosing a magnification correct now. We'll make that determination together later.

For now, let's talk…

Objective Lens

What is objective lens?

Y'all see this lens at the terminate of the scope?

Yeah, that's the objective lens. You might be wondering…

Why is information technology of import?

Scope clarity.

You see, the objective lens is responsible for your rifle scope's clarity and effulgence.

But put: the bigger objective lens you have…the meliorate.

But there's a hefty price tag:

The more objective lens you have, the more issues yous see like…

Heavier scope
Scope Band Issues
Position Giveaway (due to the sunlight reflecting off the objective lens)

…leading to a ruined hunt.

So that's the good and bad with objective lens. With all that said…

How to find objective lens?

Outset, starting time by looking at the telescopic's title once more:

Practise you meet the number after the 'X'?

Nikon Buckmaster III Objective Lens Example

That'due south your objective lens. But…

How much objective diameter do you need?

This should help yous out:

No matter how large your objective, it won't aid y'all see with no light at night. For that, yous'll want to cheque out the best night vision scope.

One time you have your objective lens in-hand, it's time to cover…

Rifle Telescopic Lens Coatings

What is a rifle telescopic lens coat?

An invisible coat that enhances the sight.

Why is it of import?

It increases clarity and brightness through proprietary coatings that increase light manual.

It likewise enhances your scope's view. Here are…

The 4 different kinds of coatings

Coated: But one surface of the scope is covered with a single layer. Shrek's pick.
Fully-Coated: All your external drinking glass is coated in a single layer. The standard option.
Multicoated: One surface is covered in several layers. Unremarkably used in expensive scopes.
Fully Multicoated: All your telescopic's external glass is coated in several layers. John Wick's option.

And then…

Which blanket should y'all choose?

Go for a fully-coated scope and above.

This is the option 90% of good scopes use. However don't stress besides much near choosing a lens coating — they don't make up for bad glass quality.

Instead, you should really stress…

Field of View

What is field of view?

This is how much of your surround y'all can see from left to right.

For case, at 6X you can run across everything:

In comparison to the 24X, yous can only see one affair…

…the target'south eye.

Practice you come across the difference? Put another way: the more than you zoom in, the less field of view you'll accept. But…

Why is it important?

Because you want to look out for something called 'tunneling'.

(Not THIS kind of tunnel. Although with a similar result)

Tunneling is when the scope looks like you're through a tunnel as you increment the magnification. It's a bad thing.

To understand what I mean, watch this video:

Did you see why information technology's and then bad? In case you haven't, tunneling means the scope manufacturer has cut corners and CHEATED you out of a (or several) magnifications.

Yous'll probably finish upward feeling like:

The moral of the story? Never buy a scope that tunnels…EVER.

Got it? Skillful, permit'southward motion onto the adjacent thing…

Scope Reticles

What is a scope reticle?

This is the crosshair y'all see when you wait through a scope.

Why is it of import?

Information technology makes shooting easier and tin can even judge altitude. At that place are…

three Main Telescopic Reticle Types

Duplex: The default scope reticle. Information technology'due south fast and easy to use (neat for beginners).

Mil-Dot: The reticle that estimates the target's distance. Used primarily past police force enforcement and the war machine.

BDC: This reticle estimates bullet driblet, holdover, and more. Information technology's designed for long-range shooters.

Here are the 3 telescopic reticles, side-by-side:

Most popular scope reticles: Duplex, Mil-Dot, BDC Reticle

Now that you know the 3 principal types of reticles…

Which reticle should you choose?

The answer is simply based on your employ:

Can't make a decision? Simply remember: the best reticle is the 1 that you understand just like…

MOA vs MRAD

This video demonstrates the difference in a applied sense:

Let's intermission it down a picayune further…

What is MOA?

Minute of angle (MOA) is a common measurement of accuracy. It basically measures ane" per 100 yards. This uses the 'murica regal organisation.

On the other hand…

What is MRAD?

Milliradian (MRAD) is a less common measurement of accuracy. It measures at 0.36" per 100 yards. This uses the metric measurement organization.

So…

Which adjustment system should you cull?

The truthful answer?

Whatever you like.

Thing of fact, information technology doesn't thing. MOA and MRAD are interchangeable just like miles and kilometers.

However, I'd definitely recommend picking the adjustment organisation your hunting buddies use.

And I'thou betting your hunting buddies utilize MOA. Why? Because it'due south simple, pop, and uses familiar American measurements like inches.

That bated, I'd yet highly recommend you telephone call your buddies up and enquire them: "Do y'all use MOA or MRAD?"

Whatever answer they give you is the one you choose. A very similar logic applies to…

First Focal Airplane vs Second Focal Plane

FFP vs SFP

This picture details the divergence simply:

Rifle Scope First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Explained

Don't notice the difference? Allow me break it down, starting with…

What is the get-go focal plane (FFP)?

The scope's reticle enlarges as you increase magnification. Like this:

Although the first focal plane riflescope is perfect for long-range, it does obscure your view at shorter ranges. In comparison…

What is the 2nd focal plane (SFP)?

The telescopic's reticle remains the same size regardless of your magnification. Here'south an case:

Notice how the 2d focal airplane riflescope's reticle doesn't alter. What does that hateful? SFP DOESN'T obscure your view at whatsoever range and it's likewise the cheapest. Yet…

Why is it important?

To save yourself from a plush (and serious) mistake.

That'south considering:

The first focal airplane costs more than coin AND information technology obscures your short-range view while the second focal aeroplane doesn't obscure your view.

That said…

Which focal plane should y'all choose?

This might help:

First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane Explained

With your proper focal plane in-hand, information technology'south time to find solid…

Rifle Telescopic Turrets

What are windage and peak turrets?

They're knobs responsible for your scope'south vertical and horizontal adjustments.

Each click (or adjustment) is measured in either MOA or MRAD (from earlier). Here are…

The different kinds of turrets:

Windage Turret: Knob that adjusts your scope'due south aim left to right. Hither'due south how it looks:

Height Turret: Knob that adjusts your scope'due south aim top to lesser. Here'south a flick:

Parallax Adjustment Turret: An optional third knob that eliminates parallax. We'll encompass parallax in just a bit. Only for now…

Why are turrets of import?

They're responsible for zeroing — or the LITERAL 'accuracy' of your scope.

In uncomplicated terms:

Screw your turrets up and you lot won't striking ANYTHING. Here'due south how to avoid that by learning…

What to await for in turrets:

At that place are iii things:

Reliable Turrets: This tells you the reliability of the turrets. You find this in the product description and comments.
An audible "click" sound: This lets y'all know if you've adjusted. This is usually mentioned in the comments.
Repeatability: This means the telescopic adjusts immediately. Although information technology's not that important, it is an indication of high-quality turrets.

And that's all in that location is to it. At present that you've got solid turrets, it'southward time to get some solid…

Eye Relief

What is middle relief?

The distance between your middle and the scope's ocular lens (forepart lens) you tin go on while having total visibility of the scope's view.

Hither'due south an example:

A visual representation of Eye Relief - the distance between your eyes and ocular lens

Why is it important?

Do you know who Mad Eye Moody is?

He's a guy from Harry Potter that rocks a mad looking eye patch.

Have ya' heard the REAL story of how he got it?

He got scrap in the eye…by a scope.

The reason? He didn't have enough middle relief.

As a result, he had to stone that centre patch for the rest of his dreadful life. Even Mad Centre Moody himself regrets cheaping out on a scope.

Don't make his mistake. Save yourself by investing in proper middle relief.

Hither's how much centre relief you need:

Aim for at least 3.five – 4 inches of center relief.

If your rifle kicks similar a donkey, go for even more than middle relief. Simple plenty.

Let'south move onto…

Parallax Adjustment

What is parallax in a scope?

It'south when your scope reticle kind of bobs around with your head move.

Why is information technology important?

Left unchecked, scope parallax leads to blurriness and ultimately missed shots.

Not expert.

How to fix it? There are…

3 ways scopes correct parallax

Parallax Adjustment Turret: This is a third turret knob (from earlier) that adjusts parallax.
Factory-Set: Parallax adjustment is automatically congenital-in by the manufacturer. It's usually gear up at nearly l yards to 100 yards.
Adjustable Objective (AO): This is a ring on the scope that you twist to kill parallax.

This video offers a few more than pro tips:

And so, past now it's fourth dimension to decide…

Which parallax correction method should you choose?

Believe it or non, all the same methods Impale parallax.

However, if you lot're looking for the 'easiest' parallax adjustment — yous should go for Manufacturing plant-set. Luckily, nigh scopes nowadays are manufactory-set, and so nothing to stress about.

And if your telescopic isn't…don't worry near information technology besides much. Just make sure your scope can eliminate parallax.

Later on that, it's fourth dimension to…

Choose a Scope Shooting Range

Brusque-Range

This is up to 100 yards. Let'due south breakdown your…

Uses

Y'all probably use your telescopic for dwelling house defense, hunting pocket-size game (or varmints), plinking, or perchance even some tactical employ.

If then, the doctor orders a…

Magnification & Objective

Between 1 – 4x and an objective lens betwixt 28mm & under.

Alternatively, y'all can opt-in for either a…

Red dot vs Holographic vs Reflex

Here'due south the truth almost these sights:

Red dot, holographic, and reflex are Yet thing — they're red dot sights. Seriously. They simply have a few slight differences between them.

Let me explain, starting with…

Holographic Sights

The holographic sight is a rectangular red dot that'southward extremely accurate and precise.

The smashing role?

You can even keep both eyes open. It's no wonder the military machine uses it.

But, it has one major flaw:

Information technology's costly.

EOTech owns the patent on the holographic sight design, so they monopolized the holographic sight marketplace.

As a result, they charge artillery and legs for holo sights. From my experience, I wouldn't recommend an EOTech holographic unless you have astigmatism.

If you do have astigmatism (or see blurry red dots), check out my all-time red dots for astigmatism.

Otherwise, invest in a…

Reflex Sight

Reflex sights are the OG red dot.

You get…

Ease-of-employ
UNLIMITED eye relief
Can keep BOTH eyes open
Don't require batteries (on some models)

…all at the same time!

Only in that location's a drawback with reflex sights…they don't zoom.

However, for short-range encounters yous don't need a zoomed in sight.

That said, do I recommend it?

Definitely.

Subsequently all, it's cheap and can be used aslope a rifle scope like this:

It also lasts for YEARS without worrying near battery life. If you lot're interested in buying 1, check out my best pistol red dot sights buyer's guide.

With all that said, if you However need a magnified cherry dot, so you lot need a…

Prism Sight

This is a magnified reddish dot.

You get…

Ease-of-use
Fast
Increased Accuracy
Operates batteryless (due to the etched reticle option)

…an all-in-one short range packet.

But there's a catch:

The eye relief isn't unlimited. It's also a bit bigger than the other blood-red dot types. However, it still contains Enough of eye relief while remaining relatively compact.

And so in that location yous accept it folks: the four top shut-range options to cull from. Only one concluding burning question on your mind remains…

Does my burglarize qualify every bit 'brusk-range'?

Fair question.

From my research (and experimentation), these are the 3 virtually common short-range rifles/calibers:

#one: AR-xv Rifles

The AR-fifteen falls underneath the short-range (and medium-range) category. If you lot're looking for the best AR pistol sight, check out my guide.

#2: Rimfire Rifles

Rimfire are a brusk-to-medium cartridge. For scope recommendations, check out my ii guides on rimfires cartridges: all-time scope for 22LR and best 17 HMR scope reviews.

#3: Pistol Caliber Carbines

These are rifles that use pistol ammo. Some examples: CZ Scorpion EVO, Kel-Tec Sub 2000, HK USC and more than. Use a carmine dot telescopic for these.

Speaking of recommendations, hither are some generally…

Good Short-Range Scope Recommendations

Master Artillery Classic Series i-iv×24
Barska i-4×28 IR Hunting Scope
UTG 3-9X32
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25
EOTECH EXPS2
Vortex Optics SPARC

Now that we've covered the brusk-range, it's time to discuss…

Medium-Range

This ways ranges upwards to 200 yards. Hither'south the breakdown, starting with…

Use

You're either i of 2 things:

A big game hunter (like white-tailed deer hunting)…

…or a target shooter. You besides probably hunt in forests or mountains.

Either manner, you'll need a…

Magnification & Objective

Between 5 – 8x and an objective lens between 30 – 44mm.

Alternatively, yous tin use an ACOG for medium-range, however, that's an expensive alternative.

Instead, become a scope. Nevertheless, before nosotros practice, you might be wondering…

Does my burglarize qualify as 'medium-range'?

From my experience, the ii nearly commonly used medium-range rifles are:

#i: AR-15

The AR-15 and M1A falls underneath the short and medium-range category. Information technology's personally my favorite home defense rifle, especially when I pair information technology with the best AR-15 nighttime vision scope.

#2: Rimfire Rifles

Y'all're probably using your rimfire cartridge for varmint hunting. If so, check out my 22LR and 17 HMR scope guide.

If you don't meet your rifle here and your rifle qualifies as medium-range, then here are some…

Good Medium-Range Telescopic Recommendations

Main Arms Silver Serial 1-6×24
Nikon P-223 3-ix×twoscore
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24
Trijicon ane-6×24 VCOG

With medium-range covered, it's fourth dimension for the final range…

Long-Range

This is defined as 200 yards and upwards. Hither's probably your…

Utilize

You're a sniper.

You do precision long range shooting in actually open up landscapes (like fields)…

…or you lot might do competitive long-range competitions.

With either option, you demand a large helping of…

Magnification & Objective

Betwixt 9 – 12x and an objective lens betwixt 50mm & upwards. You can but apply a long range scope for this task.

That said, you still may take one big question on your mind…

Does my rifle qualify as 'long-range'?

For long-range, there's only i rifle type that comes to mind…

#1: Bolt Action Rifles

These rifles apply massive cartridges. Some examples of these are: Ruger Precision rifle, Browning X-bolt, and Remington 700.

Use only larger magnification scopes (9X+) for these kind of rifles.

Speaking of burglarize scopes, here are the…

Best Precision Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 4-24×50
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T half dozen-24×50
Leupold VX-3i LRP 8.5-25×50

And now for the final (and neglected) use…

Target Shooting

At that place's no defined yardage for this because of your…

Use

In that location's no mystery. You either use your rifle solely for target shooting…

…or plinking.

Either fashion, there's no one right answer for…

Magnification & Objective

Considering let's face it:

You can shoot from ANY range while yous're target shooting. For that, I highly recommend choosing a magnification based on your personal use.

This tabular array might help you lot determine:

Afterwards you've decided on a range, it's time to find out…

How much to Spend on a Rifle Scope?

This is the #i question I get asked.

My usual reply?

Spend up to half of what the rifle costs itself.

For example, if yous bought your Mini 14 for about $1000, consider spending up to $500 on the best mini 14 scope. And that's for a reason.

Think about it:

On a hunting trip, what's the Final affair y'all want to pause on a burglarize? Besides the rifle (or ammo) itself, it would be the scope.

I've been on and so many failed hunts where 1 of my hunting buddies scopes unexpectedly blew out on them.

The cause? They followed Mr. Krabs philosophy on a rifle scope…and cheaped out.

Because of their costly mistake, they ruined their hunting trail. And that's exactly why I DO Not recommend cheaping out on a scope.

Instead:

Invest up to half of your rifle price on a quality scope. Believe me…it will pay itself over SEVERAL FOLD in the future.

How to Mount a Scope

Scope Nuts? Check.

Found your best rifle telescopic? Check.

Now it's time to put your scope on your rifle. To do that, I'yard going to evidence you how.

Read on…

How do you mountain a telescopic on your rifle?

This process used to be piece of cake…before people made mounting a scope a freaking ROCKET SCIENCE.

Nowadays, it's 'required' to have a consummate shop of the latest sci-fi gadgets merely to throw a scope on your rifle.

And I'm gonna be honest…that's nonsense.

The average person doesn't have the time (or money) to practise that. And so I looked for the easiest (and cheapest) fashion to properly mount a scope.

This video was the answer. Here's what you'll need for the video:

Torque Fashion Screwdriver (For screwing)
Scope
Telescopic Base (if needed)
Scope Rings (if needed). If y'all do need some, read my best scope rings guide.
Paper-thin Box (for DIY gun vise unless you lot ain a real gun vise)

Subsequently y'all've got the proper supplies, watch this video:

Once yous've watched the video and successfully mounted your telescopic, it'south time to figure out…

How To Sight In A Scope

Now it'south fourth dimension to make your scope accurate. Earlier nosotros tin do that, we first have to define…

What is zeroing?

This is where you align your rifle scope with your rifle. That manner, you can accurately striking whatever you lot're looking at.

Why is it important?

Without a proper cypher, you'll join the Stormtroopers' accuracy order…

…missing everything you lot endeavor to shoot all because you lot didn't know i thing:

How do you zero a rifle scope?

Picket this video:

Afterwards you've watched the video and zeroed your scope, the natural next affair to ask is…

How to Make clean a Burglarize Scope

You don't need to exist Consuela from Family Guy to clean your scope.

Instead, utilise this elementary hack that I'm going to share with you on…

How to clean telescopic lens (the EASY way)

The fact is this:

Scopes are waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. In other words: they're DESIGNED to have a beating.

A few smudges of clay and debris WON'T kill your scope. But something that volition are…

…gun cleaning solvents and powders.

These two ingredients will wreak HAVOC on your scope, damaging your lens and causing irreparable damage — Fifty-fifty if you wipe them off immediately.

The solution? Throw on some quality Lens Caps.

Here are iii skillful choices:

Butler's Flip-Open Covers
Monstrum Flip-Upwards Lens Caps
Vortex Flip Open Lens Caps

Then, after y'all've gotten yourself some caps, make sure to do this 1 thing every bit little as possible:

Touch your scope with your paw.

This is the FASTEST way to dirty your scope. The reason? Whenever there's any unwanted smudge (or dirt), y'all'll apply your dirty shirt. This causes scratches.

Instead, use a microfiber fabric for unwelcome smudges and a lens pen for unwanted debris and dirt. With that…

How oftentimes should yous make clean your gun telescopic?

The terminal reply?

When it gets dirty (duh).

However, with proper flip-opens covers and keeping your bare DIRTY easily away from your telescopic, you'll keep your scope prestine for years.

In fact, you might not have to worry almost cleaning for a very LONG fourth dimension. With that out of the style, information technology'southward time for the last question…

How to Maintain a Riflescope

This role is direct-forward. For…

Basic Maintenance

Just make sure you inspect your telescopic subsequently each hunt.

For example, after a day of hunting with my best xxx-06 scope, I inspect information technology from height to bottom.

Whatever corrosion, cracks, or external issues should be IMMEDIATELY resolved by contacting the manufacturer. Most scopes are covered with cracking warranties.

That aside (forth with the tips higher up), the last matter you have to worry nigh is…

Storing a Riflescope

Before you place your riflescope in your dehumidified gun rubber, make certain you wrap it in a solid scope encompass…and yous're gilded.

Speaking of beingness gold, here'due south a recap of everything we've learned then far explained in plain english…

Rifle Scopes Glossary

Magnification & Objective

Magnification: The zoom of a telescopic in comparison to the naked middle.
Stock-still Ability Scope: Scopes with merely a single magnification. (Ex: 3X)
Variable Ability Scope: Scopes with more than than one magnification. (Ex: 3-9X)
Objective Lens: The lens at the end of the scope (contrary of your center), responsible for brightness and clarity.

Lens Coating

Coated: Only one surface of the scope is covered with a unmarried layer.
Fully-Coated: All your external drinking glass is coated in a unmarried layer.
Multicoated: 1 surface is covered in several layers.
Fully Multicoated: All your scope's external glass is coated in several layers.

Scope Reticles

Field of View: How much y'all can encounter from left to right. Equally you lot zoom in, your field of view closes.
Duplex: The default scope reticle. It'due south fast and like shooting fish in a barrel to utilize.
Mildot: The reticle that estimates the target'south distance. Used primarily past law enforcement and the military.
BDC: This reticle estimates bullet drop, holdover, and more. It's designed for long-range shooters.
First Focal Plane: The telescopic'southward reticle zooms in as y'all increase magnification. This obscures your view at short-range.
Second Focal Airplane: The scope'southward reticle remains the same regardless of your magnification. It doesn't obscure your view and it's the cheapest.

Burglarize Scope Turrets

Windage Turrets: The left and correct adjustment.
Superlative Turrets: The upward and downward adjustment.
Parallax Adjustment Turret: This turret eliminates parallax. It'southward only included on some scopes.

Centre Relief & Parallax

Heart Relief: The distance between the back of the scope's drinking glass to your eye while maintaining view of the telescopic'southward reticle and view.
Parallax: Your scope's reticle bobs effectually with your head movement. This leads to missed shots if left unchecked.

Red Dots

Holographic Sight: A rectangular red dot that works well for people with astigmatism.
Astigmatism: You meet blurry red dots due to a vision trouble.
Reflex Sight: An average cerise dot that'south platonic for everyone (except for people with astigmatism).
Prism Sight: A magnified red dot that'southward a bit bigger than other ruby dots.