Rifle Scope Basics

Rifle scope numbers show magnification and objective lens size. Read them in a “magnification × lens diameter” format, such as 3-9×40. The first numbers indicate zoom range from 3x to 9x power. The second number, 40, shows the objective lens diameter in millimeters, which affects light gathering. Understanding Scope Numbers […]

Zero a rifle scope by aligning the reticle with the bullet’s point of impact, usually at 100 yards. Start from a stable shooting position, bore sight to get on target, fire a group, then adjust elevation and windage turrets until the group centers on your aiming point. Why Zeroing Matters […]

Shim a rifle scope by placing thin material, such as plastic or aluminum shims, under the scope base or rings to correct alignment when you run out of elevation or windage. A rear shim lowers point of impact, while a front shim raises point of impact. Adjustable mounts provide a […]

Use mil dots on a rifle scope by measuring the target with the dots to estimate distance, then holding or dialing for bullet drop and wind. Calculate range with the formula: Distance (yards) = (Target height in yards × 1000) ÷ mils measured. One mil equals about 3.6 inches at […]

Eye relief on a rifle scope means the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece that still provides a full, clear sight picture. Proper eye relief, typically 3–4 inches on hunting scopes, prevents scope bite, improves shooting comfort, and ensures consistent accuracy under recoil. What is Eye Relief on […]

The numbers on a rifle scope indicate magnification and objective lens size. The first number shows how much the target is magnified, while the second number shows the objective lens diameter in millimeters. For example, 3–9×40 means variable magnification from 3x to 9x with a 40 mm objective lens. Understanding […]

What is BDC on a rifle scope? BDC stands for bullet drop compensator, and it’s a specialized reticle design that can dramatically improve your shooting efficiency at varying distances. When I’m shooting at targets within 600 yards in fast-paced environments, I find BDC reticles particularly valuable for quick target acquisition. […]

Choosing between first- and second-focal-plane scopes can significantly impact your shooting experience and accuracy. When shopping for a rifle scope, you’ve likely encountered these terms and wondered which option best suits your needs. First focal plane (FFP) scopes are commonly preferred by long-range target shooters, while most hunters have traditionally […]

What does 4×32 mean on a scope? If you’ve shopped for rifle optics, you’ve likely encountered these numbers and wondered about their significance. Essentially, these figures represent two critical scope specifications that directly impact your shooting experience. 4×32 on a scope means the scope has fixed 4× magnification with a […]

AO on a rifle scope means Adjustable Objective. An AO scope uses a front objective ring to manually focus the lens, eliminate parallax error, and keep the reticle and target in the same focal plane. This adjustment improves image sharpness and accuracy at varying distances, especially for long-range or precision […]