Scopes

[MAJA]

Since you guys here are pretty knowledgible about almost everything, I have a question concerning rifle scopes. Being a novice about scopes, but fairly knowledgible about guns in general, what exactly do the numbers such as "3-12X44" or "4-16X50" mean? Thanks

 

[mountravlr]

The numbers on the left (3X-12X), (4X-16X) represent the approx. magnification of a variable scope. As you turn the adjustment knob the magnification changes, according to the direction turned. The number on the right 44, 50 etc. refers to the diameter of the Objective Lens, in mm., up at the front of the scope. Another consideration is the diameter of the tube, with 1" being the most common, but a larger diameter is becoming popular.

 

[metroplex]

Exit pupil size is also important.

Take the objective lens diameter and divide that by the smallest and largest magnification of that scope and that is the exit pupil in mm.

Typically you want a 5-6mm exit pupil size for max light transmission, but that is affected by tube diameter, lens clarity and quality, and lens coatings.

Large lenses are not always better.

Also, a telescope guy I know said to divide the length of the scope (in mm) by the objective lens. That is the maximum usable magnification for that scope that will give you a clear and precise sight picture.

Generally speaking, a 4x32 scope will give you decent results up to 200yd but 8x-10x will work much better at longer ranges. Get a large spotting scope for POI ID'ing.