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GUIDE TO CHOSSING YOUR FIRST RIFLESCOPE

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT RIFLESCOPE

Choosing the first riflescope is an important decision for hunters, as a well-chosen riflescope can have a significant impact on hunting success. A high-quality riflescope enables a clear view and accurate target acquisition, which is particularly advantageous in low light conditions or at long distances. Precise optics not only increase the hit rate, but also ensure compliance with hunting regulations by ensuring that the shot is fired as accurately as possible.

The factors that play a role in the selection process are explained below.

1. Magnification range

The magnification range of a riflescope indicates how much the image can be magnified. A wide magnification range allows the shooter to use the riflescope flexibly for different distances and areas of application. A low minimum value is ideal for quick target acquisition at short distances, while a high maximum value is suitable for precise shots at long distances. Lower magnifications, such as 1.6-10, are advantageous for hunting in the forest, while higher magnifications, such as 3-18, are recommended for hunting in the field or in the mountains.

2. Objective lens diameter

The objective lens diameter determines how much light enters the riflescope. A larger diameter provides a brighter image, especially in low light conditions such as at dusk or at night. This is crucial for hunting in such conditions as it allows the shooter to see the target clearly. A riflescope with a larger objective lens diameter, such as 50 mm or 56 mm, is particularly suitable for hunting from a hide at dusk.

3. Image plane

The image plane indicates whether the reticle is in the first or second image plane.

Reticle in the first focal plane:

A reticle in the first focal plane (FFP, First Focal Plane) magnifies proportionally to the image. This means that the units of measurement of the reticle remain the same at any magnification, which is particularly popular with long-range shooters. This feature makes range estimation easier as the reticle remains proportional to the target size regardless of magnification. This is particularly useful with reticles such as Mil-Dot or reticles used for range calculation or holdover correction. In addition, the first image plane enables intuitive and precise correction for wind and target movement. Shooters who shoot at long ranges benefit from this design as they can make adjustments quickly and effectively.

3. Image plane

The image plane indicates whether the reticle is in the first or second image plane.

Reticle in the second focal plane:

A reticle in the second focal plane (SFP) remains the same size regardless of the magnification and therefore always appears fine and unchanged. In contrast to the first focal plane, the reticle does not increase in size, which ensures that the game is never obscured by the reticle. This feature is particularly advantageous when hunting, where fast and precise target acquisition is crucial. The constant reticle provides hunters with clear orientation and precise hits in different shooting situations.

4. Area determination

The areas of use of a riflescope indicate the types of hunting for which it is particularly suitable. Different types of hunting place different demands on the riflescope.

Forest hunting grounds:

In dense forests, short shooting distances and often low light conditions dominate. A riflescope with low to medium magnification and a large field of view is ideal here, for example in the 1.6-10x42 range. A high light transmission value is essential to ensure a clear and bright image even in low light conditions, such as at dusk. These properties facilitate target acquisition and ensure maximum safety when hunting in unclear terrain.

Field hunting grounds:

Open field areas often require precise shots at greater distances. A riflescope with higher magnification and a larger objective lens diameter, such as 2.5-10x50 or 3-18x56, offers decisive advantages here. These models enable reliable target acquisition even at long distances and provide excellent image brightness in low light thanks to the larger objective lens diameter and high transmission (light transmission of the optics). This combination is particularly advantageous when stalking or hunting in open terrain.

Mountain hunting:

Hunting in the mountains places high demands on flexibility, as both close-range and long-range shots may be necessary. A riflescope with variable magnification, such as 3-18x56, is ideal here as it can be adapted for a wide variety of shooting situations. In addition, a reticle with range markers or a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) turret makes it easier to adjust to changing distances and differences in elevation. These features make it a reliable companion in demanding terrain.

5. Quick reticle adjustment (BDC)

The quick reticle adjustment, also known as Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC), allows the shooter to quickly and easily adjust the target distance. This is particularly useful at varying distances, as it increases accuracy and enables quick corrections. A BDC turret is a special adjustment mechanism on the scope that allows the shooter to compensate for the trajectory of the bullet. This is done by adjusting the reticle to the distance to the target. The turret is usually provided with markings that indicate the difference in height for different distances. The shooter turns the turret to the appropriate mark to correct the bullet trajectory and hit the target accurately, which means he can hold the gun spot when firing. The main advantage of a BDC turret is the quick and easy adjustment to different distances. This is particularly useful when hunting in mountainous terrain or at varying distances, as the shooter does not have to calculate the distance manually each time. Another advantage is the increased accuracy, as the BDC turret takes into account the ballistic properties of the bullet and thus enables precise shot placement. The BDC turret also makes it easier to shoot at long distances, as the shooter can adjust the trajectory of the bullet precisely without losing sight of the target.

6. Mounting types

The type of mounting determines how the riflescope is attached to the weapon. The type of mounting determines how the riflescope is attached to the weapon. There are different mounting systems:

Ring mount: This method uses rings to attach the scope to the weapon. It is widely used and provides a stable attachment. The rings are attached either to the center tube or to the lens barrel. A disadvantage of ring mounting is that it can damage the scope if not done properly, especially if the rings are tightened too tightly.

Rail mount: This method uses a rail that is mounted on the rifle to attach the scope. It offers flexibility and allows for easy adjustment. One of the best mounting systems for riflescopes is the internal rail. This dovetail-shaped hollow rail runs in the lower part of the tube body, which is milled from a single piece, and enables tension-free, recoil-proof mounting that is invisible from the outside. The rail mounting offers great scope for the correct positioning of the riflescope so that the eye relief can be optimally adjusted.

7. Additional features

Automatic illuminated dot switch-off: This function saves battery power by automatically deactivating the illuminated dot when the riflescope is not in use. Modern riflescopes recognize whether they are in use based on the tilt angle and switch the illuminated dot on or off accordingly. This extends the battery life and ensures that the illuminated dot remains reliably ready for use even during longer hunting missions. For the hunter, this means less distraction due to battery changes and more focus on the hunt.

Large eyebox: A larger eyebox makes target acquisition easier as the eye does not have to be positioned as precisely. Especially during fast movements, such as driven hunts, the target remains in focus without losing time due to precise readjustment. This significantly increases the probability of a hit in dynamic hunting situations. The eyebox is the area in which the entire image is visible through the riflescope, and a larger eyebox offers more scope for positioning the eye.

Parallax compensation: Parallax compensation corrects optical inaccuracies when shooting at greater distances by focusing the target image. Parallax occurs when the image of the target and the reticle are not in the same plane, which can lead to aiming errors5. Parallax compensation corrects this error so that the reticle remains on the target even when looking through the riflescope at an angle. This ensures greater precision for challenging shots, such as those frequently encountered in field or mountain hunting. For the hunter, this means reliable accuracy even at varying distances.

Conclusion

Choosing the right riflescope is a crucial component for hunting success. A well-chosen riflescope offers flexibility and precision by adapting to different hunting situations and light conditions. It enables a clear view and accurate target acquisition, which is particularly beneficial in low light conditions or at long distances. The ability to quickly and precisely adjust the aiming distance significantly increases accuracy. The choice of focal plane, whether first or second, depends on the shooter's individual requirements and preferences. Overall, a carefully selected riflescope that is tailored to specific needs contributes significantly to a successful and accurate hunting experience.

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