How To Choose A Nikon Hunting Riflescope - OpticsPlanet.com

Published on September 16, 2013
Duration: 6:22

This video guides viewers on selecting the right Nikon riflescope for various hunting scenarios. It details magnification needs for varmint, mid-range, and big game hunting, and explains reticle options like Nikoplex and BDC, highlighting Nikon's Spot On ballistic software. The review also covers objective lens size impact on light transmission and mounting height, turret types, and platform-specific series for ARs, shotguns, and bolt-action rifles.

Quick Summary

For long-range varmint hunting, Nikon recommends higher magnification scopes like the M-223 (4-16x) or Monarch 3 (5-20x). The BDC reticle aids bullet drop compensation with circles, and Nikon's Spot On software helps calibrate it using specific cartridge data.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Nikon Riflescopes
  2. 00:30Varmint Hunting Scopes
  3. 00:56Mid-Range and Big Game Scopes
  4. 01:34Reticle Options: Nikoplex and BDC
  5. 02:23Spot On Ballistic Software
  6. 02:42Specialized Reticles and Objective Size
  7. 04:00Turret Types and Laser IRT
  8. 05:18Platform-Specific Series

Frequently Asked Questions

What magnification is best for varmint hunting with a Nikon scope?

For long-range varmint hunting, higher magnification is recommended. Nikon suggests models like the M-223 in 4-16x or the Monarch 3 in 5-20x magnification ranges for this purpose.

What are the main reticle options from Nikon for hunting scopes?

Nikon offers the standard Nikoplex crosshair and the popular BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle. The BDC uses circles as holdover points, which helps compensate for bullet drop without obscuring the target.

How does objective lens size affect a riflescope?

The objective lens size impacts light transmission and mounting height. Larger lenses, like 50mm, gather more light for low-light conditions, while smaller lenses allow the scope to be mounted lower on the firearm.

What is Nikon's Spot On software used for?

Nikon's free 'Spot On' software is a valuable tool for hunters. It allows you to input specific cartridge data to receive a complete ballistic readout tailored to your rifle and the scope's BDC reticle.

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