Rifle Scopes

The Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 Riflescope is the top choice of the Bushnell brand. It is a critically acclaimed scope and has been ever since it was first released online. Many customers recommend getting this Riflescope thanks to its high accuracy magnification range, high grade materials used on the exterior, as well as its reliable features and functions. The Bushnell Drop Zone-223 scope will easily overwhelm you with its exciting features, giving you the edge you need for the ultimate sport experience.

Some great features available on the Drop Zone-223 Riflescope include advanced technology. One example of this would be the new side parallax features on the sides of the scope to help target turrets for you. The controls listed on the side are to concisely adjust the magnification. The scope is calibrated for 223 REM/5.556, 55-62 grain loads.

In addition, the optic lens is coated in several materials to enhance clarity of vision even when you are swapping between degrees of magnification. The eyepiece has great focus that will further improve your rifle positioning focus and adjustments.

It’s also quite a durable scope as it’s waterproof and able to stay protected in environments that may otherwise hinder the performance of or damage the scope itself.

Using this product grants you access to several benefits. For one, it improves visual range; the Bushnell scope improves the clarity of your view with a multi-coated optic lens and a range that allows you to get your target at the best angle. You’re also guaranteed to get high-quality performance that other models lack.

The scope is similar to another Bushnell product, the FFP scope, and it shares its long-lasting durability.

The Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-223 Riflescope has a very detailed structure throughout the whole of the body. The body itself, the controls and the diameter of the lens have all been calculated carefully to ensure you have the features that old rifle models didn’t while giving you the best possible functions available on the market today.

The control panels are easy to ready and don’t cause delay while you are actually using the rifle. It is easy to quickly shift control when necessary.

Finally, this is one of the more affordable top-shelf scopes out there; you don’t need to settle with an old rifle scope just because other ones seem to be very expensive. It’s easy for anybody to afford the low cost of the Drop Zone-223 Riflescope.

There are one or two cons to the riflescope, unfortunate. For example, those who have serious vision problems may not have success using the product. Of course, it doesn’t negatively impact your eyesight, but if you have difficulties with vision, the product may not be of use to you.

Additionally, although the riflescope uses a similar kind of size that most rifles will use, there is no guarantee that you are going to be able to use it with a rifle that you currently have. As nice and useful as the scope may be, it is not necessarily the most economical choice to get a new rifle just for the sake of using a new scope.

No matter how many times the “one that got away” story gets told, it never really makes the hunter feel any better. The excuses are abound from sun glare to a deer getting spooked and it never seems to be the shooters fault. But we all know that a bad shot can happen, but equipment failure just makes it that much worse because it’s avoidable. Fortunately for the avid sportsman and target shooter, Bushnell makes this excellent Banner 4-12x40mm rifle scope. For scopes in this price range, the quality and durability are simply unmatched by anyone else.

Let’s face it, there are a lot of products out there on the market that will promise the moon but when out of the box and on the rifle, it just never makes the grade. It always seems like quality comes at a huge cost. Well, not anymore. With this Bushnell product on the shelves, the true hunter can finally get the clarity and range he or she needs without having to mortgage the house to get it. If there was one single complaint in the mid-range scope market it would be clarity. We all know field of vision becomes more of an issue the lower we get in price. Well, this product takes care of that age old dilemma once and for all. While the pricier scopes are a bit clearer around the edges, this product boasts an excellent field of vision and performs exceptionally well in low light. The Bushnell Banner 4-20x40mm finally offers this kind of quality coupled with affordability. Sure, we’d all like to head out and get an insanely expensive Nikon, but with the entrance of the Banner on the market, you’d soon be asking what the real difference between the two is aside from the price tag.

Getting a good read on your target is one thing, but getting the parts to get you to that point is something entirely different. While the turret knobs can seem a little small and hard to read, the scope is extremely easy to adjust. This model even is equipped with adjustments to compensate for bullet drop – a common gripe for the bargain hunting sportsman. And once this piece is set, it’s not uncommon for it to hold at zero through several hundred rounds. The Banner is able to do this because it’s made from quality materials and construction.

So this Bushnell model is well made and has all the adjustments needed to make that shot and it’s easy to use. In fact, it’s far easier to adjust than competing brands in this price point. While many hunters wear their ability to use precise adjustments and an almost scientific approach to the sport of shooting on their sleeve, we all know that it’s intangibles that is what grabs hold of us. It’s about reading the environment and getting a feel for the shot. The simplicity of this particular scope appeals those types of shooters. Shooters who are the set-and-forget type when it comes to elevation and wind. For the marksmen who rely on reticle scaling, this Bushnell model is for you.

The performance of the Banner is so reliable that almost any hunter worth his or her salt will recommend this model for the price. The quality of the product would command twice as much if it didn’t have the name “Bushnell” stamped on it. At the end of the day, we all need to watch our budgets and make them last. For the outdoors man who needs to find a solution to dollars versus their love of shooting, the Bushnell Banner 4-20x40mm rifle scope is the clear choice.

There are a lot of scopes on the market, giving hunters and marksmen plenty of options to choose from. There are even many scopes designed specifically for rifles that fire a .223 caliber bullet. The Nikon M-223 3-12x42SF is an excellent option in that category of scopes.

The BDC 600 Reticle

The Nikon M-223 features the BDC 600 Reticle, which was specifically designed to military grade specifications to help you accurately calculate the trajectory of 5.56 NATO rounds with the polymer tips.

For newcomers and beginners to using a scope, a reticle is the unique indicator that calculates the trajectory of a potential shot. Originally known as “cross hairs”, modern reticles like the BDC 600 are customized to particular rounds. When the M-223 has been properly “zeroed”, the BDC 600 reticle features an open circle, with hash marks to walk out the trajectory from 100 to 600 yards. Knowing that my scope is perfectly engineered for my bullet, it’s no problem at all to accurately drop a target two football fields away.

Eye Box technology

A scope with the most powerful lens in the world is no good if you can’t see through it properly. I love the M-223 with its four inches of non-critical eye relief, which gives me an amazingly clear sight without risking recoil damage to my face. The ocular lens on the M-223 is huge, which gives me a super bright high-resolution view. I also like the four-time zoom range, which helps me quickly identify targets in the field.

Nikon’s patented Ultra ClearCoat optical system means that the lens is transmitting as much as 95% of the light through the body tubes. That’s simply astounding, as it means that I get a bright, sharp and fantastically crisp image.

Some beginners forget that one of the most important ways to calibrate your rifle scope is to accurately set the parallax. By using light refraction, the parallax of your intended target comes into sharp focus, giving you vital information for landing a difficult shot.

Ruggedness

I don’t buy scopes just to make my rifles look pretty. I admire the M-223 for its rugged one-piece main body tubes. Excellently engineered, I know I can rely on the scope to handle rough abuse in the field. Properly mounted, the scope is shockproof. The M-223 is also nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, which means it can handle any boggy, wet conditions you can throw at it. You might be freezing in the mud, but at least you can rely on your scope to give you a crisp, clear shot with no fogging.

Iron sights can be really nice for short and medium ranges, but they quickly lose their ability to hit a target at longer ranges. Using a telescopic scope will dramatically increase one’s accuracy at longer ranges. After all, nobody wants to fire at a target that is 300 yards away using iron sights. Most scopes are not adjusted properly when they are first bought, so additional adjustments will need to be done, depending on distance, velocity, wind, ballistic coefficient and much more. Sighting in a scope requires precision and patience on the shooter’s part.

The scope must first be bore sighted at 100 yards before making any other adjustments at the range. Bore sighting simply means adjusting the scope to where the bullet would hit the center of the cross hairs at a given distance, given the bullet has a perfectly flat trajectory. In reality, bullets do not have a flat trajectory, mainly because of gravity. Once the scope has been bore sighted at 100 yards, take a trip to a shooting range that has a distance of at least 100 yards. Some ranges are only for short distance, so going to an appropriate location in the mountains would be the best alternative. While taking this trip, bring a portable shooting bench rest. Distances should be accurately measured, rather than eyeballed.

First setup a large paper target at a 25 yard distance, preferably one that already has a bull’s eye. Before making any shots, get very comfortable with both the rifle and shooting bench. Any muscle tension or movement can easily throw-off a bullet. The best method is to avoid as much human contact with the rifle as possible. Pillows and folded blankets can make a big difference in comfort-ability. Use sandbags to rest the rifle on the shooting bench. Cat liter bags are a great alternative for those who cannot obtain sand bags.

While looking through the rifle scope, adjust it to where there is a clear image. Interestingly, the level just below the maximum magnification level is usually the clearest. Once a round is chambered and the cross hairs are over the bull’s eye, close the eyes for a good 10 seconds then open them. If the cross hairs moved from the target, then it means that there’s still muscle tension in the shooter. Find a comfortable position and keep doing this until the cross hairs don’t move.

Finally, fire a shot into the target once everything is lined up. It’s important to gently pull the trigger rather than suddenly tug it. Tugging at the trigger can throw off a shot. If the rifle moved while firing, then do it again. After firing a well-aimed shot, inspect the target to see where the bullet went. Sometimes, a person may be able to see the bullet hole through their scope, but they should definitely see it through a spotter scope. More than likely, the bullet won’t hit dead center on the target. However, it should hit somewhere on the target. Measure where the bullet hole is in respect to the bull’s eye and write it down. For instance, a miss that is three inches low and two inches to the right.

To make up for this, adjust the clicks on the scope according to the instructions. For an example, if it says that one click moves the center one-fourth of an inch at 100 yards, then multiply the number by four since the distance is only 25 yards. In the case where the bullet hit three inches low and two inches to the right, the person would want 48 clicks up and 32 clicks left. After everything is adjusted, take another shot at the target. Keep repeating this process until the bullet hits the center of the target. However, it doesn’t have to be a dead-center shot since the next step will be at 100 yards. If for some reason the bullet keeps missing the target, make sure that the scope is tightly mounted on the rifle, as this can dramatically affect shot placement.

Once everything is aligned at 25 yards, move the paper target out to 100 yards. Again, it’s important to actually measure it with some type of device. Repeat this very same process at the 100 yard mark, but wait until the rifle barrel has cooled down to ambient temperature, as barrel temperature may affect accuracy by causing more barrel harmonics. Wind is another factor to take into consideration. However, wind is a changing variable, so it would be wise to write down the click adjustments when there’s no wind. Doing so will allow one to easily adjust the scope while wind factors change.

For really long-range shooting, it’s best to have the bullet impact around three inches above the bull’s eye. This higher impact point will compensate for the bullet drop at longer distances, such as 300 or more yards. It also prevents the shooter from having to aim above the target. Keep in mind that different ammunition will give different trajectories. For instance, a lighter, faster bullet will have a flatter trajectory at relatively shorter distances but lower trajectory at longer distances. On the other hand, a heavier, slower bullet will have a lower trajectory at shorter distances but a flatter trajectory at longer distances.

In general, it’s best to stick with one particular type of ammunition, whether it’s factory or reloaded ammunition. Keeping one type of ammo will allow one to fine tune their accuracy. Once everything is adjusted, one will be able to shoot long distances without having to worry much about bullet drop. A scope has two main advantages. It allows one to see objects at longer distances in much greater detail. Two, it allows the person to compensate for bullet drop, which can’t accurately be done with iron sights. Keep in mind that scope adjustments are mainly up to the person’s liking. For instance, one doesn’t necessarily need to have the bullet impact a few inches higher at 100 yards.

If you want to see some videos of experts showing the rifle scope sight in process, here are some recommended ones to watch:

Hunting and target shooting with air rifles has become an increasingly popular hobby for many men and women around the world. A large part of participating in this type of hobby is learning about and choosing the right equipment and attachments for your air rifle. While there are many different rifle scope options out on the market, you want to get something that is specifically made for air rifles. Not only will this save you money, but you know that the scope was designed with air rifles in mind.

Top-Rated Air Rifle Scopes

The following are some of the highly rated air rifle scopes that are available on Amazon.com:

• Hammers 3-9×40 AO Magnum Spring Air Gun Rifle Scope with One Piece Mount: Equipped with a full size scope which provides a clear view of the target, 3x-9x power, and a large 40mm adjustable objective. Includes a solid one-piece mount with stop pin.
• CVLIFE Tactical 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Air Sniper Hunting Rifle Scope with Free Mounts: Includes 1 x 3-9×40 optics, R4 reticle rifle scope and two free mounts.
• UTG 4×32 Full Size AO Mil-Dot Scope with RGPM-25M4 Airgun/.22 Rings, 1-Inch, Black: Equipped with True Strength Platform, completely sealed and nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog proof and rainproof. Includes adjustable target turrets with ¼ MOA per Click Windage/Elevation Adjustment, and Medium profile .22/Airgun Rings and High Quality Lens Caps
• Winchester by Daisy Outdoor Products 4 x 32 AO Winchester Scope (Black, 4 x 32): Includes adjustable objective. This scope is fog proof and shock proof, and comes equipped with a cross-hair reticle.

Objective Lens Diameter

It is vital that the buyer knows that the diameter of the objective lens is responsible for the amount of light that is let in to the scope. A larger diameter will let in a greater amount of light. Keep in mind, that the larger the lens diameter, the heavier the scope. Note that if a scope has a lens diameter above 48mm, often additional mounting rings and bases are needed to place the scope at a higher level.

Reticle

Another vital component to understanding how the scope works is to learn that the pattern that is in the eyepiece of the scope is called a reticle, and it is responsible for establishing the position of the gun on the target. Types of crosshairs can include Fine crosshair, Duple crosshair, Mil-Dot, Target Dot, and Circle. Each type of crosshair is designed for different hunting locations, distances, and target sizes. Because of the variety available when choosing a reticle it is vital to choose the one that will best serve your purpose. For example, when long range shooting, often the dot on the reticle can cover up the target rather than aid in the shooting process and therefore a reticle without a dot may be what is needed for that particular type of shooting.

Scope Lens Coatings

Because scope lenses are made from glass that provides a clear image for the shooter, there is often a reflection that occurs as a result of light hitting the surface of the glass. The reflection can greatly impact the amount of light that is able to pass through the lens which impacts brightness. To avoid this, it is best to choose a scope lens with an applied coating. There are several different terminologies to learn regarding the different coatings and what they mean. For example, when a lens simply says that it is coated, it generally means that a single layer of coating has been applied to at least one surface of one lens, while Fully Coated means that there is a single layer on all air to glass surfaces. Then there is multicoated which means that more than one layer of coating has been applied to at least one lens, with fully multicoated meaning that there are multiple layers of coating to all air to glass surfaces.

Scope Magnification

When looking at the magnification of scopes, keep in mind that the magnification number simply represents the number of times the target is magnified in comparison with how one would see the item without a scope. There are scopes that are adjustable and offer a range of power and magnification, while others are designed with only a single magnification number.

How is the Air Rifle to be Used?

Now that you know a little bit about the different elements of an air rifle scope, the next step is to determine how your air rifle will primarily be used. For example, asking yourself what type of hunting you will be doing is a great place to begin. Depending on the type of hunting, different scopes are necessary because of the size of the animal as well as the location. The type of location is important because the terrain involved in your hunting spot plays a big role in range. The reason for this is that if you are shooting out in an open plain, you will have a longer range than if you are shooting in a closed in space up in the mountains or down in the swamplands.

Mounting your Scope

Air rifles are usually fitted with either a dovetail mount or a weaver mount, however, regardless of which type of mount your air rifle uses, it is important to prevent your scope from moving by using scope stop pins or plates to secure your scope. When it comes to whether to use a one or two piece mount, understand that while a one-piece mount is often the pricier choice, it is also thought to be the more stable option especially when used on a very powerful spring rifle.

Sighting in the Scope

Check out this awesome video on how to sight in your new air rifle scope:

The old rule of thumb suggesting that one should invest as much in his optic as his rifle has been known to bewilder many a shooter. Not the least of these are the wise folks who have laid down a moderate amount of cash and walked away with a scope as impressive as the Leupold VX-II. Knowing the trust a committed sportsman must have in his equipment, Leupold has built the entire VX-II line to be as rugged and reliable as possible. No serious hunter wants to gamble on his success with questionable equipment, and will pick reliability over flash every time. Leupold builds the VX-II line specifically to cater to this market. Real-world, user-friendly features that increase reliability and performance are the name of the game. These scopes are designed for hard field use, and to take everything that the harsh conditions of a lifetime of hunts can dish out. Historically one of Leupold’s most successful riflescope series, the VX-II line continues to deliver world-class performance at an attainable price.

Out of the box, its 11.2 ounce weight places the deluxe-class VX-II as one of the lightest scopes in its category. Even so, the VX-II doesn’t skimp on toughness or features. The main tube is a two-piece unit, constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, and filled with Leupold’s proprietary new Argon/Krypton gas blend. This gas provides excellent waterproofing and anti-fog characteristics superior to the older nitrogen gas one finds in many competing scopes. All of the glass is lead-free and coated on both sides with a special scratch-resistant DiamondCoat treatment. The VX-II is available in gloss black, matte black, and silver finishes. Only the matte black offers reticle options other than the standard Duplex, by giving the choice of Wide Duplex, German #4, Leupold Dot, and LR Duplex. Incorporating Leupold’s classic gold stripe and minimalist design, the VX-II 3-9x40mm is easy on the eyes in every way possible.

In operation, the VX-II is equally slick. An update from previous versions, new finger-adjustable “click” turrets and a smooth-rolling, knurled power-adjustment knob make for easy adjustment in the field. Those turrets are now also resettable to zero and feature 1/4MOA adjustment increments. There’s an additional option for a custom laser-engraved CDS elevation turret, which provides customized adjustment matched to the ballistic profile of individual rifles, settings, and loads.

The optical quality of the VX-II is typical of Leupold, with brilliant clarity and excellent light transmission. The edges of the sight picture are quite crisp and sharp, with no creeping fuzz or distortion. Throughout the magnification range, the reticle remains firmly centered in the scope; shooters don’t have to concern themselves with their zero shifting within the power range. Ocular focus can be individualized with a finger-adjustable knob, and set in place with a textured locking ring. The one-inch main tube and 40-millimeter objective lens with low-profile bell allow for easy mounting ring selection; most rifles should be able to use a set of standard low rings. Eye relief varies in an easy range of 3.7” to 4.2”, depending on magnification. Field of view is a very respectable 34.6 feet at 3x magnification, and 14.6 feet at 9x.

All of these features along with Leupold’s stellar customer support and industry reputation ensure that this scope is an excellent choice for any hunter or shooter. Though the price is about average for a scope in this category, the VX-II 3-9x40mm offers a lot of value for the money. It’s a class-leading scope with features and rugged reliability to match, ensuring many years of solid service.

If you want a second opinion on this incredible scope, you can check out the videos below:

Leupold is known for making some of the world’s best rifle scopes. Their Mark AR scope is no exception, even though it’s one of their cheaper models. You’ll find that the scope provides reliable targeting for various ranges, and though there are some cons to consider, this is a perfect scope for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune customizing their rifle.

General Information

The Mark AR is made specifically for 55-grain ammunition. While users have found that it works reliably with other types of ammo and guns, it works best if you stay within its intended use. The scope is matte black and looks identical to the Mark 2 Hunter scope.

Magnification is touted as going up to nine times normal sight, but tests show that it reaches closer to 8.6 magnification. The Mil Dot reticle is bright and easy to see, and it will help you easily aim shots at the appropriate target. Some have found that the dot tends to fade as the battery gets low on power, but changing the battery should fix this issue.

There is also an elevation knob to help you hit targets from 100 to 700 yards away. This works best with the appropriate ammo, and most users find it to be extremely accurate.

Elevation Knob

The elevation knob ensures that your scope is targeted properly so that you can hit targets from far distances. Most users find that it is perfect from 100 to 400 yards, but the reliability starts to decrease from 500 to 700 yards. This should come as no surprised because wind resistance and other factors will come into play, but you should still be able to hit larger targets from the maximum distance. You’ll notice some margin of failure, but it shouldn’t matter too much unless you’re trying to hit something small.

Waterproof

Nothing’s worse than getting water in the scope, but you’ll never have to worry about that with the Mark AR. Like all other Leupold scopes, this one is treated with nitrogen to keep water out of the optics and other components. It also has a second layer of argon and krypton waterproofing that further traps gases within the scope and refuses to allow water into any of the components. This is because argon and krypton are larger molecules than nitrogen, thus providing better protection. This second layer also reduces the effects of thermal shock.

Light and Reflection

If you have ever used a cheap scope, then you’ve probably noticed how light can be an issue. It reflects off the lenses in the scope and creates a glare that makes it impossible to aim properly. Not only those, but typically these scopes darken natural colors, which makes it harder to find targets.

The Mark AR is treated with Multicoat 4, a proprietary coating that reduces glare and usable light. While this won’t ensure proper targeting in all low-light conditions, it will give you the most usable light with the least amount of glare and reflection.

Firedot Illumination

Many scopes have red dots for illumination, and that has been a reliable targeting method for many years. The Leupold uses firedot illumination that is a more natural red that helps with quick target acquisition. The Mark AR comes with a tactical reticle that also assists with proper range estimation.

Conclusion

While cheap by Leupold standards, the Mark AR is a great rifle scope for anyone who likes hunting or shooting in general. The tactical scope ensures that you’ll be able to properly hit targets from far away, and the Multicoat 4 treatment will help you use the scope without eyestrain.

Redfield is one of the most respected names in the scope industry, and its return to the mainstream in 2008 after Leupold purchased the company means that its legions of fans now have a chance to sample its world class scopes. Redfield’s Accu-range 3-9x40mm scope was originally used with the USMC M40 sniper during the Vietnam war. The new Redfiled Revolution 3-9x40mm scope is considered to be on the lower end of the tactical scope market, though the Revolution line of scopes represents some of Redfield’s finest scopes that are made in Oregon in the U.S.

Looks

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope’s tubes are CNC-machines from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy which gives the scope a look that is very similar to the Leupold VX line. The scope has a matte black finish that is evenly applied over the scope’s body. All markings are done in white.

Optics

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope’s eyepiece is done in the traditional non-fast focus style. The entire eyepiece rotates when the user adjusts the focus of the reticle. The reticle itself has a wide threaded area to adjust for the diopter. The lock ring can be twisted until it touches the eyepiece and locks it in place once the user adjusts the diopter. Though this style does just fine, it’s rather slow. The eyepiece has a light knurling on the top part to help the user get a better grip.

The scope has a generous eye relief that ranges from 3.7 inches to 4.2 inches depending on the magnification. This allow the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope to be used on high-power rifles that have greater recoil. The scope’s lower magnification, however, makes it less suitable for use on high-powered rifles that need more eye relief. The generous eye relief allows for a wider range of mounting options.

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope has a magnification of 3.3-8.5x, and is well referenced in the name of the scope. This is something quite unusual because many scopes do not specify their power range. The elevation knob is located externally and is shorter than many scopes in keeping with the scope’s overall compact build. The numbers are clearly marked on the knob from 0 through 14 and 15 MOA. At sea level and standard atmospheric conditions, this is enough to shoot a Sierra Match King bullet at 2600 fps from 100 yards to over 500 yards with just a single rotation of the knob and more than 800 yards using two rotations. The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope lacks rotational hash marks below the elevation knob to indicate when the knob undergoes a full revolution or to show the total number of revolutions. The scope, however, has enough elevation to take a 308 from 100-1,000 yards as long as it is mounted using a 20MOA canted base.

Windage

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope’s windage knob looks very much like the elevation knob with the same nice clicks. It has 15 MOA adjustments per revolution which means that the numbering overlaps at 7.5 MOA, which is enough for a 175 gr 308 to shoot out to 800 yards in a 10mph crosswind without the numbers overlapping. The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope has 56 MOA adjustment for both the wind and the elevation.

The scope lacks an adjustable objective/parallax, which is typical of scopes under 10x. Scopes with no parallax are usually set at the factory to be parallax-free for up to 150 yards. The scope seems to follow this rule as well.

Miscellaneous

The rest of the scope is free of frills and pretty straightforward. Overall, the scope is small, light and compact. The scope’s 40mm objective lens is small by today’s standards, though it was standard not too long ago.

Verdict

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope is priced at $300 (but can often be found for under $200), which puts it at the lower end of the tactical scope market. The scope seems to have sacrificed on magnification range, and the objective lens which is quite small. The scope, however, has good functionality, good accuracy of clicks and is well capable in the 800+ yards tactical shooting range. The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm Riflescope does pretty well for a scope in its class.

If you want to get a second opinion on the merits of the scope, check out this awesome overview:

The Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a perfect entry-level scope for beginners due to its price range and Leupold’s standard of excellence. While there are some cons to this riflescope, which can be expected due to its low price, the scope still has enough benefits to make it a winner if you’re not looking for a professional accessory. This review will give you a good idea of what you’re getting if you choose the VX-1 model.

General Information

The VX-1 is a 12.6-inch scope that weighs about 11 ounces and has a zoom rating between three and nine times normal magnification. The objective diameter is 40mm when looking through the scope, and you can choose either a matte or glossy black finish. This scope comes standard with a Duplex reticle, though you can also choose other reticles when buying the scope.

Reticle

This will discuss the default reticle used in the VX-1. The Duplex reticle was developed by Leupold and is mimicked in many other scopes due to its ability to help hunters quickly acquire targets. It features thick black lines around the outside that become small, precise lines near the center. This ensures that your eye naturally avoids any distraction outside of your intended target.

Waterproofing

A scope that’s filled with water is practically useless. The VX-1 comes standard with nitrogen treatment that is performed on every Leupold scope. The oxygen is removed from the scope and replaced with nitrogen, which ensures that water cannot seep into the body. More expensive scopes are also treated with argon and other gases that provide better waterproofing, but the VX-1 only uses nitrogen.

While this isn’t the best protection that Leupold can provide, it should be more than enough to keep water at bay.

Elevation Adjustment

This is the only problem with the scope. There is an elevation adjustment that allows you to better aim your gun at higher or lower elevations. For some, the adjustment is perfect and can easily hit targets from 100 yards away. For others, the adjustment is a little erratic and unreliable.

If you use the right type of ammunition and properly calibrate the adjustment, then it should be fine. Just make sure to test it out at a range before going in the field.

Eye Relief

The eye relief has been noted as exceptional in most Leupold riflescopes. You will find that it’s between 4.2 inches at minimum magnification and 3.7 inches at maximum magnification. This is better than most scopes, and it also makes the scope a great addition to magnum rifles.

Lens Coating

Glare is a hunter’s worst enemy. It can keep you from using optimal angles and areas, and it makes using a scope a pain and a hazard. Every Leupold scope, including the VX-1, is treated with Multicoat 4 protection. This is a special coating that removes glare and improves usable light. This will make it much easier for you to find targets, even as the sun goes down.

Warranty

Leupold offers a lifetime warranty on all of their scopes, even if you aren’t the original owner. If anything ever happens to the scope, such as it not maintaining perfect impact or the lens becoming foggy, then you can send it to Leupold and get a new scope for free. Leupold is very particular about maintaining their standard of excellence, and they are more than happy to replace broken or imperfect scopes.

Conclusion

The VX-1 is a perfect scope for beginners or anyone looking to see the Leupold difference without spending a fortune. While this model doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of their more expensive models, it’s still an efficient scope with many practical benefits. Click here to buy one on Amazon, or watch another review to see a second opinion of this great scope:

The right scope can make or break a hunt. No one wants to be caught out in the field with shoddy equipment that causes a missed shot. Thankfully, quality scopes are available from top manufacturers across a spectrum of prices. This guide will introduce you to a few and give you the information you need to select the right scope for your rifle. Though the examples given are rifle scopes, these same principles apply if you are shopping for a pistol, shotgun, or muzzle-loader scope.

Where do I start?

Your scope selection entirely depends on the type of firearm and style of shooting you will be doing. Personal preferences like features and reticle types will play a secondary role. The type of scope you select should match the type of firearm you’re using. Mounting a pistol scope on a rifle leaves the lens of the scope too far away from the hunter’s eye for accurate shooting.

The Qualities of a Hunting Scope

The right hunting scope will share certain qualities regardless of your personal preferences or type of firearm.

1. Toughness. Toughness is top of the list, easily the most important quality of a hunting scope. That scope is going to wind up smacked and knocked around while you’re in the field. The scope is no use for hunting if it cannot hold its zero with at least a mild amount of abuse.
2. Sharpness. The hunting scope should ideally improve your visual acuity and let you see your target clearly. Wildlife like deer can be difficult to spot against the brown backgrounds of trees. The scope needs to be able to show sharp definition so you can clearly see what you are shooting at.
3. Magnification. Magnification on a scope is often a matter of personal preference. In regular hunting situations, you will likely never need more than 1x-4x magnification. If you want a little more power, there is a strong selection of 3x-9x general use scopes. The 10x and higher magnification categories are readily available on numerous scopes but they really aren’t a “must have” for most hunters.

Over-Hyped Qualities of a Hunting Scope

Of course, there is marketing and over-hyped bells and whistles to wade through when trying to determine the best fit for your hunting optics. The following qualities are often over-hyped.

1. Pricing. Expensive does not mean a higher quality in the world of hunting optics. You can get quality hunting scopes at reasonable prices when you start cutting away frivolous quality-of-life additions. Furthermore, the everyday hunter is not going to need a 50x scope that can pick up a fly at 1000 yards at dusk. Frivolous additions add a lot to the bottom line. Shop for your usage and don’t get distracted with features you don’t need.
2. Brightness. Being able to see your target in low-light conditions is obviously important, but the way Brightness is marketed is typically not representative of how it is used. Consider how many scenarios are you likely to run into where this would matter enough to warrant inclusion on your scope. Stretching legal light shooting limits is not a great idea. The local Game Wardens are not likely to be as pleased as you are with your kill.

Additional Considerations

1. Murphy’s Law states that “what can go wrong, will go wrong”. The Law tends to rear its head at some of the most inopportune times, such as on hunting trips. Complicated machines have a greater risk of something going wrong with them. A complex scope with many features leaves a lot of room for equipment failure. Simplicity can prevent headaches when you’re talking about a scope that will be need to suffer through some wear and tear in the field.
2. Matte finish is your friend. Sun glare off of a firearm or scope is a sure indicator of a threat to wildlife. You do not want to spook your quarry while moving the firearm into a shooting position.
3. A basic understanding parallax is an important part of understanding how a scope functions. The simplest definition is that parallax refers to the movement of objects seen in the scope’s field of view in relation to the reticle. If the parallax is off, objects are not aligned properly with the reticle and the hunter will miss shots.

High-magnification scopes meant for precision and long range shooting should have built in parallax adjustments available. The easy adjustment lets the hunter sight the scope to the appropriate range when a target is identified. Parallax adjustments are not standard on tactical scopes because range cannot typically be anticipated. Low magnification and short range scopes do not need parallax adjustments because it plays a very minor role in short range shooting.

A Few Scope Suggestions…

With these points in mind, let’s have a look at a few solid choices for hunting rifle scopes.

Bushnell Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Adjustable Objective Riflescope

Retail: $99.99 – $167.99

The Bushnell Dusk & Dawn model is a low-light rifle scope featuring 4x-12x magnification. The lenses are multi-coated to help assist with brightness in low-light conditions and give the shooter greater clarity. Construction of this model is 100% weatherproof and fog proof. Dials allow for easy adjustment of the rifle scope for wind and elevation.

Nikon ProStaff 4-12×40 Black Matte rifle scope (BDC)

Retail: $292.95

This Nikon ProStaff rifle scope features 4x-12x magnification with coated lenses and a sealed, nitrogen-filled tube. Nitrogen prevents fogging in the scope lenses from humidity and temperature changes. The Nikon multi-coated optical system transmits up to 98% of available light, assisting with clear conditions for low-light shooting. It is easily adjustable in the field with an integrated zero-reset turret. Simply sight in, lift the adjustment knob, rotate to “zero”, and re-engage the knob.

Conclusion

Hunting optics comes in many styles with different options depending on the manufacturer. This guide cannot cover every option out there. Instead, let it serve as a basic guide to what you need at bare minimum whether considering a $50 Cabela or a $2500 Leupold scope. The same basic principles apply.