Your Rifle Scope Shopping Guide

When it comes time to purchase a new scope for your rifle, there are a few tips to keep in mind. In the last few years alone it seems as though there have been an entire host of new scopes released on the market, with each one claiming to be better, more precise and more accurate than the last. Given the steep price tag of some of the most recently launched scopes, one would think that they were practically military grade. To avoid being taken for a scam; however, it is important to recognize that a high price tag does not a great scope make. First, it is important to keep in mind that it can be extremely easy to be taken in by a slick ad copy, particularly when it comes to scopes. A good cover shot; however, won’t tell you how well a scope really performs under the best and worst of circumstances. You need to read the fine material in order to understand that. Make sure when you’re reading the tests that are often accompanied by most scope ad copy that accurate comparisons are made. Just like you can’t compare an apple to an orange and get an accurate comparison you can’t compare a 32mm objective lens scope with a 50mm variable power scope and get an accurate idea of whether one is necessarily better than the other. Look for scopes that are comparably compared based on price, objective size, intended use and power range. When shopping around for scopes it is extremely important that you pay attention to the type of warranty that is offered with each scope. Many scopes, if not all of them today come with what is known as a limited lifetime warranty. That sounds all well and good in the beginning, until you run into a problem. Be sure to find out exactly what is covered in the warranty, how long it is covered and whether you need to be the original scope owner in order to take advantage of the warranty.

It is also important to give some consideration to the amount of internal adjustment range present on any scope you consider. Many people fail to think about this until after it’s too late and then they have a problem on their hands. Give some thought to the type of rifle that you intend to place the scope on because it can make a major difference in the amount of internal adjustment range available to you. For example, if your rifle is particularly hard to mount, you may find yourself in a situation in which you don’t have nearly the amount of range that you thought you did. When you’re not able to mount the scope straight on, you lose a lot of range. Look for scopes that provide a wealth of adjustment, preferably at least 60 inches or more, if you have this type or rifle. Finally, don’t forget to give ample consideration to the assembly of the scope body. Remember that your scope is most likely going to be subjected to a beating, particularly if you use it in rough terrain. Taking the time now to consider how well the body will hold up will serve you well later on.