A scope is the most important accessory you will put on a hunting rifle. It is also where a lot of shoppers get lost in jargon. Here is what you need to know.
What the numbers mean
A scope labeled 3-9×40 zooms from 3 to 9 power, and its front lens (the objective) is 40 millimeters across.
- Magnification: For most whitetail hunting, 3-9x or 2-10x is plenty. Low power gives you a wide field of view for close, moving shots. Higher magnification helps at longer distances but makes it harder to find a deer close up.
- Objective size: Bigger lenses can gather more light but make the scope heavier and require taller mounts. A 40mm to 50mm objective is common for hunting.
- Tube size: One-inch and 30mm are most common. 30mm tubes usually offer more adjustment range.
Reticles and focal planes
The reticle is the aiming mark. A simple duplex crosshair is still hard to beat for most deer hunting. Long-range reticles add holdover marks for drops at distance.
Second focal plane (SFP) scopes keep the reticle the same size as you zoom. Holdover marks are only accurate at one magnification, usually the highest. First focal plane (FFP) scopes make the reticle grow and shrink with the image, so holdover marks are correct at any power. FFP is popular for long-range shooting; SFP is simpler for typical hunting.
Turrets and features
- Capped turrets are less likely to get bumped in the field. Exposed turrets let you dial for distance, and features like a zero-stop let you return to zero quickly.
- Illuminated reticles help at dawn and dusk.
- Parallax adjustment improves precision at varying distances.
As one example of current value-oriented options, Gun Digest’s September roundup lists Hawke’s Vantage HD 30 SF line in 4-16×50 and 6-24×50 models, with illuminated reticles and zero-stop turrets, at around $490 to $500.
Spend where it counts
Optical clarity, durability and reliable adjustments matter more than extra features. A clear, rugged 3-9x scope from a reputable company will serve a deer hunter better than a cheap scope with every bell and whistle.
Mount it right
- Use quality rings and bases rated for your rifle’s recoil.
- Set eye relief so you see a full image with your head in a natural shooting position.
- Level the reticle to the rifle.
- Tighten screws to the manufacturer’s torque specs, in an even, alternating pattern.
- Then sight in with your hunting ammunition and confirm before every season.
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