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Here is a great write-up provided to us by
Bushnell
rifle scopes. We present it
here in order to help you with your rifle scope selection. As with any
other product offered in our online
Optics Planet, email us
info@opticsplanet.com with any questions that you might have.
What is a riflescope?
A riflescope indicates a bullet’s point of impact and makes distant targets
and surrounding objects appear closer. A riflescope is recommended for
safer, more accurate shooting in the field and on the range.
Let's start from some
important riflescope definitions.
Coated Optics
Coatings on lens surfaces reduce light loss and glare due to reflection for
a brighter, higher-contrast image with reduced eyestrain. For example, Bushnell®
riflescopes we offer are coated with a microscopic film of magnesium
fluoride. More coatings lead to better light transmission.
Types of Coating
Coated - A single layer on at least one lens.
Fully-Coated - A single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on at least one lens and all surfaces
are coated at least once.
Fully Multi-Coated - Multiple layers on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Exit Pupil
The size of the column of light that leaves the eyepiece of a scope. The
larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image. To determine the size, divide
the objective lens diameter by the power (a 4x40 model has an exit pupil of
10mm).
Eye Relief
The distance a scope can be held away from the eye and still present the
full field of view. Riflescopes with high eye relief provide an extra margin
of comfort and recoil safety with extended eye relief and soft neoprene
eyepiece guards.
Field of View (F.O.V.)
The side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area.
It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 100
yards or meters. A wide field of view makes it easier to spot game and track
moving targets. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the
field of view.
Magnification (Power)
Riflescopes are often referred to by two numbers separated by an “x”. For
example: 4x40. The first number is the power or magnification of the scope.
With a “4x”, the object being viewed appears to be four times closer than
when seen with the unaided eye.
Objective Lens Size
The second number in the formula (4x40) is the diameter of the objective or
front lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light that enters the
scope, and the brighter the image.
Ocular Lens
The lens closest to your eye.
Parallax
A condition that occurs when the image of the target is not focused
precisely on the reticle plane. Parallax is visible as an apparent movement
between the reticle and the target when the shooter moves his head or, in
extreme cases, as an out-of-focus image. Bushnell center-fire riflescopes
under 11x are factory-set parallax-free at 100 yards; rim-fire and shotgun
scopes at 50 yards. Scopes of 11x or more have a special range focus to
adjust for parallax.
Precision Adjustments
The windage and elevation adjustments affect accuracy. Windage is the
horizontal (left-to-right) adjustment, usually the side turret of the scope.
Elevation is the vertical (up-and-down) adjustment, usually the top turret
of the scope. Bushnell scopes feature 1/4 M.O.A. (1/4" at 100 yards) or
finer windage and elevation adjustments with audible clicks for greater
precision.
RAINGUARD®
Now the hunter won’t miss the shot of his life by accidentally breathing on
his eyepiece while aiming. Rainguard is Bushnell’s exclusive, patent
pending, hydrophobic (water-repellent) coating that causes condensation from
rain, fog or snow to form in much smaller droplets than on standard
coatings. Smaller droplets scatter less light resulting in increased light
trans-mission and a much clearer sight picture. Also, water sheets off of
Rainguard much more readily than off a standard coating.
Resolution
Resolution, or definition, is the ability of a scope to distinguish fine
detail and retain clarity.
Rugged Body Construction
Bushnell riflescopes use high-durability aluminum alloy formed into a
one-piece tube. They are also anodize finished and are sealed to protect the
inside from the elements. Each riflescope is rustproof, virtually
scratch-proof and a beautiful complement to the most expensive rifles.
Sealed, Waterproof and Fogproof
Bushnell riflescopes remain crystal-clear in all types of weather. All 1"
and 30 mm diameter riflescopes are not only nitrogen-purged to remove any
vestige of internal moisture, but they are also O-ring sealed to prevent the
entry of dust or moisture.
How To Choose
A quality riflescope is the key to a successful day at the range or in the
field. Riflescopes bring distant targets and surrounding objects up close
and personal allowing safer, more accurate shooting. They gather and utilize
available light making it possible to shoot in lower light conditions and
allowing the hunter to hunt from dawn to dusk.
Pairing just the right riflescope with your gun and ammunition will help you
get the most out of each and every shot. Selecting the correct scope to fit
your needs involves a number of considerations from mechanics and
construction, to image quality and magnification. Keep in mind when and
where you shoot most often and choose a riflescope with features that best
fit the requirements of your particular sport.
Mechanics
The inner workings of a scope have a direct affect on shooting accuracy. As
adjustments are made during sight-in, the cam tube, which holds the reticle
and lenses in place, moves inside the scope. To stay on target and produce a
quality image, this tube must be strong enough to absorb the impact of heavy
recoil during shooting and remain in place. When selecting your riflescope
look for precision (positive) adjustments, point-of-impact consistency,
reticle strength and waterproof, fogproof and shockproof durability. You’ll
also want to consider weight, bulk and ergonomics, which are especially
important during long days in the field.
Image Quality
For optimum image quality, it is important that the optical system of a
riflescope deliver as much light as possible to the eye of the shooter. The
lighter or brighter the image, the sharper the resolution, and the clearer
the shot. The quality of the glass, lens design and optical coatings all
contribute to a riflescope’s ability to manage light effectively. When
selecting your scope, consider magnification, objective lens size, exit
pupil, resolution, field of view and eye relief.
Magnification
Choose a riflescope with the magnification or power that is appropriate for
your particular application.
Low power - (example: 1.5–6x32, 2–7x32) These riflescopes are ideal
at close range and for shooting moving targets. They provide the most
effective light management and produce a brighter sight picture and wider
field of view—even in low-light conditions and thick brush.
Medium power - (example: 3–9x40, 2.5–10x50) Select these riflescopes
for hunting big game at medium range.
High power - (example: 6–18x40, 6–24x40) These riflescopes are best
for target shooting, when the target is motionless and for varmints and
other small game.
Types of Reticles
A reticle is the crosshair or pattern placed in the eyepiece of the scope
which establishes the gun’s position on the target. |
