Quick Tip: How To Choose the Right Scope

Published on February 17, 2021
Duration: 4:11

Steven and Caleb from Brownells provide expert guidance on selecting the appropriate firearm scope. They emphasize defining the scope's purpose and budget first, recommending specific configurations for hunting (3-9x40mm, 30mm tube), rimfire plinking (dedicated rimfire calibration), and precision shooting (high magnification, adjustable parallax/turrets). The instructors also caution about the specific calibration requirements for Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticles.

Quick Summary

When choosing a firearm scope, define its purpose first and buy the best optic you can afford. For whitetail hunting up to 250 yards, a 3-9x40mm scope with a 30mm tube is recommended. Precision shooting requires higher magnification (up to 25x+) with adjustable parallax and turrets.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction & Scope Overwhelm
  2. 00:29Define Purpose & Budget
  3. 01:22Hunting Scope Recommendation
  4. 02:14Rimfire Scope Recommendation
  5. 02:51Precision Shooting Scope Needs
  6. 03:20Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC)
  7. 03:47Conclusion & Tech Line

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important factor when choosing a firearm scope?

The most crucial factor is defining the primary purpose of the scope. Whether for hunting, plinking, or precision shooting, this will dictate the necessary magnification, features, and overall design of the optic.

What scope magnification is recommended for whitetail hunting up to 250 yards?

For whitetail hunting up to 250 yards, a 3-9x40mm scope is generally recommended. A 40mm objective lens provides a good field of view, and a 30mm tube is often preferred over a 1-inch tube for better low-light performance.

Why are dedicated rimfire scopes important?

Dedicated rimfire scopes are calibrated differently than centerfire scopes. This means their reticles and adjustment turrets are designed to match the specific ballistic trajectory of rimfire ammunition, ensuring greater accuracy for .22LR and similar calibers.

What features are essential for precision shooting scopes?

Precision shooting scopes typically require higher magnification, often up to 25x or more, depending on the intended range. They also necessitate adjustable parallax to ensure the reticle is perfectly aligned with the target at various distances and adjustable turrets for precise aiming adjustments.

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