Yes, a rifle scope reticle can be changed, but the process requires a manufacturer or professional custom shop. Reticle replacement is not a DIY task due to precision alignment requirements. Costs usually range from $175 to over $700, which often makes buying a new scope more cost-effective.
Can You Change a Rifle Scope Reticle?
The world of rifle scopes involves several technical components, but few are as crucial as the reticle. Understanding what reticles are and whether they can be changed is essential knowledge for any serious shooter.
What a reticle is and how it works
A reticle is simply a series of fine lines or fibers in the eyepiece of an optical device that forms the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through your scope. Essentially, the reticle serves as the critical interface between you and your target, helping you aim and enhance your field of vision. These fine lines or wires are typically very thin—around 0.001 inches in diameter—and are strong enough to withstand recoil despite their delicate appearance.
Types of reticles commonly used
Several reticle designs exist, each serving different shooting purposes:
- Original/Simple Crosshair: The most traditional design with horizontal and vertical lines that converge at the center
- Duplex: Features thick outer posts that taper to fine crosshairs in the center, making it ideal for quick target acquisition
- Mil-Dot: Contains small dots spaced at precise milliradian intervals along the crosshairs, excellent for range estimation
- BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation): Provides holdover points for specific cartridges at varying distances
- Christmas Tree: Contains graduated horizontal lines that widen toward the bottom, designed for long-range shooting
Furthermore, reticles may be illuminated or non-illuminated, and they can be positioned in either the first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) of the scope.
Can reticle be changed in Leupold scope?
Yes, Leupold does offer reticle change services for many of their scopes. According to information from Leupold, they can convert reticles to different styles such as TMR or Mil Dot for approximately $160. The service generally requires about three weeks to complete, not including shipping time.
During the process, you’ll need to send only the scope itself (without mounts, rings, or accessories) along with your contact information and specific instructions. It’s worth noting that some older forum posts mentioned prices around $100 plus shipping, though costs have increased slightly over time.
Not all scopes are designed for easy reticle changes, though. The feasibility depends largely on your specific scope model and how the reticle is secured within it.
Why You Might Want to Change Your Reticle
Several legitimate reasons exist for swapping out your rifle scope reticle. Understanding these motivations can help you decide if a reticle change is necessary for your situation.
Reticle damage or wear
Riflescopes, being mechanical devices, are subject to failure occasionally. While catastrophic failures like a reticle falling out are immediately obvious, subtle issues can be more problematic. Over time, internal components may shake loose, causing your scope to shift zero or fail to hold zero consistently. These problems aren’t uncommon, and even quality brands experience failures. In many cases, the reticle itself is the component most vulnerable to damage since it consists of extremely fine wires or etched glass.
Changing vision or eye comfort
As we age, our vision changes, necessitating adjustments to how we interact with our optics. Some shooters discover that the thickness of their reticle no longer suits their eyesight, either appearing too thick or thin for comfortable viewing. Additionally, with certain scopes, the eyepiece adjustment for reticle focus can affect point of impact by as much as 2 MOA, making a reticle replacement potentially necessary for consistent accuracy.
Preference for a different reticle style
Your reticle is the feature you’ll interact with most on your optic, making its design crucial for performance. The two predominant styles today are basic crosshairs and “Christmas tree” reticles. Crosshair designs provide clearer target views with less distraction, while Christmas tree reticles offer graduated measurements for windage and elevation adjustments without touching the turrets. Upgrading from a basic duplex to a reticle with precise holdover points can dramatically improve accuracy at varied distances.
Rifle scope reticle canted or misaligned
Perhaps the most serious issue warranting a reticle change is canting or misalignment. A canted reticle is a manufacturing defect where the reticle sits off-axis relative to the turrets. Even one degree of cant is noticeable, while three degrees is glaringly obvious and uncomfortable to use. Canted reticles create serious accuracy problems—when you adjust elevation, you’ll simultaneously shift windage. This defect undermines the precision of long-range shooting, making replacement or repair the only viable solution.
How to Remove and Replace a Reticle
Changing a rifle scope reticle requires precision and the right tools, but it’s a manageable task for the careful DIYer. Based on my experience working with various scopes, I’ll share the exact process for safely swapping reticles.
Tools you’ll need
For most reticle replacements, you’ll need:
- Phillips or Torx driver (depending on your scope model)
- Magna-Tip screwdriver set with interchangeable tips
- Adjustable torque wrench (15-70 in.-lbs. range)
- Level surface or gun vise for stability
Notably, older Malcolm scopes like the 8X Unertl or 20X require minimal tooling compared to modern designs.
Step-by-step removal process
- Position the scope body either level or objective-down (never eyepiece-down)
- Remove the eyepiece
- Remove the eyepiece lock ring
- Locate and remove the two reticle frame screws (typically 180 degrees apart)
- Slide off the reticle lock ring
- Carefully tilt the scope eyepiece-down to slide the reticle frame out
Installing the new reticle
The installation process is essentially the removal steps in reverse order:
- Tilt the scope objective-down
- Slide the new reticle into the tube, ensuring screw holes align with slots
- Position the reticle with the wire side facing the eyepiece
- Replace the reticle lock ring, aligning holes with slots
- Install both screws with minimal torque (few inch-pounds only)
- Reinstall the eyepiece lock ring and eyepiece
Tips to avoid damaging the reticle wire
Remember that reticle wires are extraordinarily delicate—approximately 0.001 inches in diameter. When handling the reticle frame, always touch only the edges or corners, never the center where the wire is located. Even slight finger contact can permanently bend these fragile wires. For replacement wire material, options range from tungsten wire to carefully extracted steel wool strands.
What to Know Before You Attempt a Reticle Swap
Before diving into a reticle replacement, you should understand certain critical factors that will determine whether your project is feasible or not.
Scope models that support reticle changes
Not all rifle scopes are created equal when it comes to reticle swapping. Hi-Lux specifically designs three models with easily changeable reticles: the 8X and 20X Unertl-style scopes and the 6X Long Parallax. These use reticle frames secured by just two screws, making replacement relatively straightforward. In contrast, most modern scopes require more specialized tools and techniques.
Can you change reticle on a scope with fixed design?
For scopes with fixed designs, the unfortunate answer is typically no. Certain manufacturers like Burris explicitly state they cannot change reticles in specific lines like their XTR2 series. This limitation exists primarily because the work required to change illuminated, etched, front focal plane reticles often “approaches the value of the scope itself”. Fixed-design scopes usually have permanently etched glass reticles or sealed assemblies that make replacement impractical.
When to consult a professional gunsmith
You should seek professional help when:
- Your scope is from a premium manufacturer
- The reticle is etched rather than wire-based
- You lack specialized tools or steady hands
- Your scope has illumination features
Moreover, professional reticle changes typically cost between $200-$700 depending on the manufacturer and model. For licensed reticles like Horus patterns, expect to pay upwards of $500 due to additional licensing fees.
Leupold reticle change: is it possible?
Indeed, Leupold actively supports reticle changes across most of their product lines. They offer conversions to TMR or Mil Dot reticles for approximately $160, though prices vary by model: VX-1, VX-2, and VX-Freedom cost $167.19; illuminated models run $234.06; while high-end models like VX-5 start at $367.81. The service typically requires three weeks plus shipping time.
Conclusion
Changing a rifle scope reticle certainly proves possible, though the feasibility depends largely on your specific model and manufacturer. Throughout this guide, we’ve seen that while some older Malcolm scopes allow straightforward reticle swaps, many modern designs require specialized knowledge or professional assistance.
Undoubtedly, several legitimate reasons might prompt you to consider this modification. Damaged reticles, changing vision needs, preference for different styles, or correcting misalignment all justify exploring replacement options. As a gunsmith, I’ve encountered each situation numerous times and can attest that addressing these issues significantly improves shooting performance.
The actual process demands precision and care, especially considering how delicate reticle wires truly are. Therefore, you must assess whether your scope supports such changes before proceeding. Leupold stands out among manufacturers for offering comprehensive reticle change services, albeit at varying costs depending on your specific model.
