How can you determine whether you're getting the most effective scope for your gun? There are several things to consider when making that decision. The first of which is, what magnification or objective lens size is required? Magnification would be decided by the average distance of shots shot. If you use the scopes to load muzzles or shotguns high magnifications above 7-9X isn't useful. Most shots are placed at fairly close range, making 3 to 4X most comfortable. Larger magnification limits the field of view. Varmint hunting often requires high magnification to make accurate shots at long-range. Many competition shooters enjoy the benefits of extreme magnification in order to shoot precise and prize-winning shots. Most hunting in our Midwest area is done in tight quarters, limiting the effectiveness of extreme magnification scopes. Hills or underbrush make shooting that isn't more than 200-300 yards, for which a 3 to 9X scope would suffice. The size of the objective lens in millimeters determines the amount of light that is allowed into the scope. A 33mm objective lens won't allow as much light as 50mm lenses. The 50mm lens makes objects appear brighter and clearer. The magnification and the objective size of the lens are both relevant to the range of shots taken.
Secondly, conditions dictate the quality of optics and coating. Images taken in dim light conditions need an optic that can bring in as much light as feasible. Any time light goes through the lens, light transmission is reduced, so the bigger the lens, the more light is available. A coating on the lens that blocks the reflection of light, but allows it to enter the scope is beneficial. High magnification scopes contain more lenses and transmit less light. Zoom scopes feature many lenses and can transmit less light. A high quality scope will have more than 90 percent light transmission. A magnifying Zoom scope is more expensive than some however, it has characteristics that prevent it from failing in the most crucial time. There are several levels of coating. Coated: single coating on at least the lens's surface. Fully Coated: one layer on all air-to-glass surfaces. Multi Coated: more than one layer on a least one lens surface. Full Multi Coated: Multiple layers covering every air-to-glass surface. While it is more expensive to purchase top quality optics coated with a high standard, the benefits are apparent if shooting in low light conditions.
Another consideration is the reticle and how it is adjusted. For scopes that are to be zeroed and left to stand, many adjustment turrets have a coin slot. Since scopes are more adaptable to the wind and bullet weight, range, etc. The adjustments will require adjustment on the spot. The turrets that can be adjusted by fingers are quite nice at that point. The choice of reticle configuration is mostly personal choice however, the durability can't be negotiated. For the assurance of repeated adjustments, it's worth paying for a quality scope from a reliable manufacturer. A lot of cheap scopes come with cheapened reticle attachments. The harsh recoil produced by today's heavy rifles , also known as muzzle loaders will, after a few shots, alter the adjustment or break in the worst moment, such as when you shoot at the buck of the lifetime.
In the end there are a lot of factors to consider to ensure that you purchase the right scope for your firearm. All of them are related to how you plan to use the gun. The shape and size of the gun determine the mounting options. The experience of the hunter will help you decide on the magnification. Imagine a novice hunter trying to keep a high magnification scope in place at a distances of a long distance; it's almost impossible unless the firearm is sandbagged or on the gun rest. Therefore, for convenience, a lower magnification scope is the easiest to begin with. The range of shots to be fired determines the magnification needed. Most of the scopes in the range of 3-4X are sufficient to observe and hit the target. Some of the competitive shooting done on gun rests and bags of sand, performed by skilled shooters, might require greater magnification. The cost of high-quality lenses and coatings, reticle adjustments and durability is well worth it when shooting in any harsh circumstances. Like all scopes, it should be completely guaranteed for life and waterproof. There are many choices out there for scopes, and when that trophy is on the wall the small amount invested in quality will Gun Range Cleaning be worthwhile in hindsight. Enjoy shooting!