Jared

Review: Mueller AO Eraticator Rifle Scope

by

The Mueller AO Eraticator Rifle Scope is one product where a low price tag doesn’t necessarily equate to poor quality. Although this scope is close to the bottom end of the price range of scopes with its level of magnification, it offers features that are similar or even superior to those found in scopes that cost twice its asking price. So, what makes the AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope such a good buy? Well, the following review will shed light on some of the reasons why.

Uses What Is Arguably the Most Innovative Reticle Ever Developed
One of the best features of the AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope is its micro-fine cross hair reticle. Illuminated reticles don’t come any smaller than what you’ll find with this scope. Offering what is arguably the most innovative long-range dot scopes, the dot in this Mueller scope covers less than 1-inch at a distance of 200 yards. The micro-fine cross hair, on the other hand, ensures the hairs do not cover your targets when you’re long-range hunting.

Reticle Can Be Adjusted to Suit Hunting Conditions
During normal daylight conditions, the AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope’s reticle has a standard black microdot centered in its micro-fine cross hair. This dot helps you to spot your targets. When hunting dark targets or in low light, the dot can be illuminated to red to help make it easier for you to see your targets.

Offers Outstanding Brightness
Another superior feature of the AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope is its high quality lens. This multi-coated camera quality crystal lens gives the scope outstanding clarity and brightness. The best part is that the brightness can be adjusted to suit both your preference and particular hunting needs thanks to the 11-dot reticle brightness intensity setting.

Gives You a Wide Range of Magnification
Although the AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope was designed for long-distance shots on small targets, it’s also ideal when shooting at large game. This is thanks to its amazing 8.5x to 25x variable magnification power. Basically, a 3 to 9x magnification is more than enough for hunting deer-sized game from as far as 200 meters. So, it goes without saying that the magnification of this scope is pretty powerful and will give you more freedom in your hunting endeavors.

Aside from enabling long-range hunting, the AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope’s magnification also enables you to adjust the magnification to suit your surroundings. For instance, when hunting in thick cover, you can crank down the magnification power to have a better view.

Pros
• Built with a waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof housing
• Has a long battery life
• Features a 3” eye relief
• Offers a 50 mm diameter lens which pulls in plenty of light even in dim conditions
• Has finger-friendly turret dials for elevation and windage adjustments

Cons
• Loses brightness as the magnification is increased
• It can be slightly hard to twist the illuminated cross hair dial

What’s In the Box?
• The AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope
• Instruction manual

Consumer Ratings
With an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5, the AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope is quite popular on Amazon. Most of the reviewers are satisfied with functionality and quality of the scope and love it for its magnification power, the functionality of the center dot, and the convenience in which adjustments can be made.

Conclusion
Featuring ample eye relief, great magnification, one of the best reticle and lenses in the market, excellent clarity and brightness, and a pocket friendly price, the AO Eraticator Mueller Rifle Scope offers you everything you could possibly want in a scope. So, you could spend a significant amount of money on a high-end scope from a well-known brand, or you could go for the outstanding features of the Mueller AO Eraticator at one of the lowest prices in the market. Considering the great value for money that the AO Mueller Eraticator Rifle Scope offers, it’s arguably the better option.

Tips for Choosing the Best Scope for Coyote Hunting

by
coyote hunting

Coyote hunting is a popular sport in the southwest and mid-west states. Most people hunt coyotes to protect their livestock or because they’re looking for the sheer adrenaline rush that comes with dropping wild canines from yards away. In states where it’s legal to hunt, coyotes usually have a bounty on their heads as they provide valuable pelts.

Whatever your reasons for hunting coyotes, choosing the right gear for the job is the critical first step. A few supplies you’ll need to hunt include baits, calls, and decoys. As for the hunting weapon, low caliber and high speed varmint rifles that use .22-250 or .223 rounds provide the best performance. With that being said, your riflescope is perhaps the most important piece of equipment when hunting coyotes.

Coyotes are sharp critters with an acute sense of smell. They can also detect movements that are not quite right in their immediate surroundings. So, chances are you’ll not be able to come close enough to get a clear shot without scaring off your prey. However, a good riflescope allows hunters to shoot down coyotes even from a long distance off.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a scope for hunting any type of game. To that end, this guide will talk about some of the vital aspects that you should consider in order to choose the best scope for coyote hunting.

Variable Magnification
Variable power scopes can turn out to be a great asset when hunting coyotes. Sometimes, bait also can lure coyotes to appear within close range, like 20-50 yards. In other circumstances, you’ll have to deal with targets sitting more than 300 yards from your current position. A riflescope that adjusts magnification offers much flexibility because you can target coyotes from a variety of distances.

There are a few factors to consider before selecting a scope for coyote hunting. For instance, what’s the terrain of the area you will be hunting? What do you anticipate to be the average range or the furthest shots you have to make?

In general, scopes that can crank up the magnification to 9x will be ideal for shooting coyotes from 400 yards. On the other hand, if you’re deep in the woods and your furthest shot is no more than 150 yards, a 1.5-5x scope would suffice. Remember that the key to choosing an ideal scope magnification ultimately comes down to your particular environment and shooting conditions.

Size of the Objective Lens
Scopes that have large objective lenses would make a great addition on your varmint rifle. The only drawback with a large objective lens is that your riflescope will be a bit heavy and it will require taller rings to prevent contact with the barrel. However, the larger the objective lens, the better it will perform in low light conditions. If you plan to hunt coyotes at dusk or dawn, riflescopes with at least a 50mm objective lens are highly recommended.

Reticle
Coyote hunting can present a very dynamic environment. For example, you may find that your target is always moving, hiding in the dark or sitting hundreds of yards away. This dynamic shooting environment calls for a good reticle.

A fast focal plane (FFP) reticle will come in handy when aiming at moving coyotes. Unlike riflescopes that use second focal plane technology, scopes with FFP reticles maintain the size of the target relative to the crosshairs even when the magnification changes.

Illuminated reticles are not necessary but certainly appropriate when hunting nocturnal coyotes. Lastly, if you plan to hunt coyotes from long range, then settle for a Mil-Dot reticle. Such reticles will come in handy when estimating range and holdover on long shots.

Rugged Scope Design
A good coyote hunting riflescope should be shockproof, fog-proof, and water resistant in order to withstand the rigors of field use. As a predator hunter who drives a lot, chances are your varmint rifle is always going in and out of the truck. Needless to say, you’ll find that your gun will be bouncing about, falling, and perhaps slamming into things during the drive. In addition, most coyote hunts involve wading through marshes or even crawling on the ground. Therefore, it’s important to pick a rugged scope that was built to last and won’t compromise visibility in rainy or foggy weather.

Conclusion
A good scope for hunting coyotes should provide variable magnification and excellent light gathering abilities through a large objective lens. It should also be rugged and equipped with a fast focal plane reticle. The ability to make range estimations and compensate for wind drift with a mil-dot reticle is desirable as well, especially when planning to shoot from long distance. Once you have all these aspects covered, you’ll be one-step closer to choosing the best scope for coyote hunting.

What Qualifies as the Best Varmint Scope?

by
varmint scope

Intelligent, cunning, wary, and stealthy, varmint animals are some of the most challenging prey to shoot down when hunting. To hunt these predators successfully, you’ll need to step up your hunting skills. One way of doing that is getting the best varmint scope. The type of scope you use during varmint hunting can make the difference between missing a clear short-range shot and making an impossible shot from a long distance off. So, to ensure you are armed with the best varmint scope, here are the three most crucial scope qualities you should look for.

Magnification
Magnification level is by far the most important factor to consider when looking for a scope for varmint hunting. Varmints are cautious and sly in nature. As such, these animals are always on their guard. Getting close without arousing them to your presence is very difficult and therefore, the only option you’re left with is hunting from a distance. To do this well, you’ll need a scope with a high level of magnification. The appropriate level of magnification helps to make aiming at targets easier and also increases your chances of making opportunistic shots from a distance.

Remember that high magnification on a scope is not always the best. In fact, high power scopes will limit your field of view when focusing on a target at the highest level of magnification. To avoid over-scoping your rifle, ensure to choose the preferred level of magnification while taking into account distances you intend to be shooting from.

Flexibility is also an important quality to look for in a varmint scope as it enables you to adjust scope’s magnification to your specific distance range. Generally, the best magnification range for varmint hunting would be 3-12X.

Favorable Light Transmission
The most opportune time to hunt varmint is during low light conditions such as dusk or dawn. Low light impairs a varmint’s defenses and reflexes thus rendering it vulnerable and easier to hunt. Unfortunately, dark conditions also impair our sight, making it difficult for us to see as clearly as we would during daytime. This then necessitates the need for a riflescope with a good amount of light transmission. Multi-coated riflescopes come with a wide range of light transmission with some offering as high as 98% light transmission. Anything above 95% is considered great for varmint hunting. An illuminated reticle is also a bonus feature to have when hunting varmint in low light conditions.

Quality Objective Lens
When you adjust the magnification on a scope, you also alter the exit pupil’s size, which regulates the amount of light passing through the scope to your eye. Generally, when magnification is increased, the exit pupil decreases. This makes it difficult for you to get a clear picture of your target especially when hunting under low light. Therefore, it’s imperative that you go for a quality lens with an exit pupil diameter that adjusts to the surrounding.

Normally, the human eye dilates to a diameter of 5mm in low light. Ideally, the exit pupil of the scope should exceed the dilation of the eye for your eye to receive as much light as possible. A 50 mm (or higher) objective riflescope will make a nice fit. Such objective lenses have a wide enough range to ensure ideal exit pupil in a variety of magnification settings. Thick lens coating is also a good feature to go for as it improves your scope’s light gathering capabilities and improves target picture in low light conditions.

On the subject of lenses, you should pay close attention to type of reticle and available field of view provided by a scope’s lens. The wider the field of view, the better it is as varmint hunting usually involves shooting at rapidly moving targets. As for the reticle, finer variations provide the fine aiming point needed for longer ranges.

So, to recap, a good varmint riflescope should be able to zoom in on targets from a variety of distances, prevent light glare, provide a wide field of view, and adjust to poor lighting. Having these qualities in your scope will help even out the odds when it comes to varmint hunting.

Nikon Monarch 3 Scope Review

by
Nikon Monarch 3 Scope

When looking for quality in a riflescope, the Nikon Monarch 3 scope is a great model to consider. It offers excellent light transmission, superb scope technology, and a collection of amazing features that allow you to hunt effortlessly in both medium and long distance ranges. So, take a few minutes to read the following review to get the full details about this telescopic sight and learn what makes it such a great buy.

Eye Box Technology
Like scopes from the Monarch series, the Nikon Monarch 3 features what is known as “Eye Box Technology”. This function delivers 4X power magnification and a constant 4-inch eye relief. Therefore, you can adjust the scope to suit your hunting distance and avoid smashing your eyebrow against the ocular lens under recoil.

Ultra-Clear Coat
When it comes to clarity, this scope performs exceptionally well. It not only delivers crystal clear views all the way to the edge of the sight picture but it also keeps images very close to their real color.

This clarity remains intact even during poor light conditions. This is all thanks to an ultra-clear coat, which improves the brightness of the scope by boosting light transmission up to 95%. Consequently, you can hunt easily during the early and even in low light conditions.

Flip Up Covers
Another thumb up feature for the Nikon Monarch 3 Scope is the inclusion of flip up covers on the objective and ocular lenses. These covers do what they’re supposed to excellently. They close securely to protect lenses while the scope is under storage and flip up effortlessly with a single finger when you want to put the scope to use.

Accessories

  • Flip up scope covers
  • Cleaning cloth

Pros

  • Compatible with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic match technology
  • The scope can be mounted onto any type of rifle thanks to enhanced mount ring spacing
  • The inclusion of a quick focus eyepiece allows you to snap the scope into focus instantly
  • All moving parts of the scope are of good quality
  • Shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof
  • Images remain clear and crisp even on higher magnification powers

Cons

  • At just over 15 inches in length, the design of the scope is not as compact as those of other models

Consumer Ratings
With quite a high overall rating from past purchasers on many eCommerce sites, it seems that many users of the Nikon Monarch 3 scope agree that it’s one of the best scopes in its price range. Buyers praise everything about the scope – from its excellent design to the quality of the optics, it appears that most people are pleased with their purchase.

The only available complaints are from a few users who claim that the magnification adjustment ring is stiff, and others who mentioned that the distance ranges are not marked correctly.

Conclusion
There’s a lot to like about the Nikon Monarch 3 scope. This includes a generous eye relief, wide magnification range, huge ocular lens, wide field of view, bright and clear glass, and even a rugged construction that can handle tough hunting conditions. Overall, this scope offers great value for its asking price. So, if the features on offer match your needs, this might just be the riflescope for you.

Gear Review: Leupold 114933 VX-HOG Rifle Scope

by
Leupold 114933 VX-HOG Rifle Scope

Gear Review: If you’re a serious hunter in search of a dependable scope, the 114933 VX-HOG Rifle Scope from Leupoldmight be the perfect match for you. Specially designed for the hardcore hunters, all features of this scope revolve around a hunter’s needs. Here’s a quick review of this unit to help you make an informed decision.

Leupold 114933 VX-HOG Rifle Scope

Fast Focus Eyepiece
The Leopold 114933 VX-HOG scope ensures you can turn any second you spend in the woods into that magical moment where you knock down your target. This is thanks to a lockable fast focus eyepiece that allows you to bring your targets into sharp focus in an instant.

This fast focus feature is also backed up by a generous eye box of 96-107mm, depending on the magnification setting. This eye box not only protects your eyes from injury but allows you to maintain a clear view of your game at all magnification levels for fast target acquisition.

 

Ballistic Aiming System
Accurate long-distance shooting is a difficult skill to master with only the most proficient and experienced of hunters managing to get it right. Leupold’s 114933 VX-HOG riflescope, however, takes away all the guesswork of long-distance shooting through a Ballistic Aiming System (BAS) that allows you to become an expert long-range shooter in no time. The BAS system is comprised of 5 specialized reticles that take into account all the variables concerned with accurate, long-range shooting to ensure dead on shots from distances as far as 300 yards away.

 

Finger Click Adjustments
Further ensuring you’ll get to make accurate long-range shots are the adjustable micro-friction knobs calibrated in 1/4 MOA increments. These finger click adjustments allow you to make ideal elevation and windage adjustments for accurate shots over long distances and during extreme conditions.

Pros

  • Features lead-free lenses which deliver better optical clarity
  • Has a robust construction that is absolutely waterproof and resistant to nicks, scratches, and abrasions
  • Lenses deliver optimal clarity, brightness, and contrast in all light conditions thanks to a multicoated lens system
  • Offers up to 4X magnification
  • Comes with a full lifetime guarantee

Cons

  • A few users find the scope’s thick cross hairs to be a little inconvenient. This complaint, however, is a matter of personal opinion as some users have found the cross hairs to be helpful when trying to quickly get on target.

Consumer Ratings
The 114933 comes highly recommended by its actual users who are more than pleased with its functionality. The only available complaint is that the scope’s thick crosshairs get in the way during hunting. But, all in all, this riflescope makes a good buy and comes with a pocket-friendly price.

 

Conclusion
For its asking price, Leupold’s 114933 VX-HOG rifle scope is well worth a serious consideration. It makes hitting long distance targets a nearly effortless experience, protects against accelerated wear, provides crisp clear view of your game, enables easy and quick adjustments, and allows you to hunt in all light conditions. These features are truly everything you’ll need to enjoy successful hunts.

Best Scope for .270 Winchester Rifles

by
Best scope for .270

Looking for the best scope for .270? Read on! The .270 Winchester is one of the more popular hunting rounds used to hunt larger game such as deer, elk, and moose. Winchester Repeating Arms commercialized this rifle cartridge in 1925 for their bolt-action model 54 rifle. In modern times, however, gun manufacturers offer this chambering system for a wide variety of firearms ranging from single shots, bolt and lever actions, to pump action, auto-loaders, and double rifles.

 Brand & ModelOur RatingPrice & Reviews

Leupold VX-R		Leupold VX-R 4.7 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

Nikon Buckmaster		Nikon Buckmaster4.9 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

Bushnell Mil Dot		Bushnell Mil Dot 4.6 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

The .270 Win is a favorite round among hunters who appreciate its widespread availability, consistency, terminal ballistics performance, and moderate recoil. Of course, reliable ammunition such as this performs best alongside high-quality optics. Therefore, there’s no reason why your scope shouldn’t be as dependable as your ammo. With that in mind, this post will offer a few suggestions to help you choose the best scope for 270 Winchester round compatible rifles.

First, let’s learn a little more about the .270 Win.

Best scope for .270

Traits of the .270 Win Round

At the time of its introduction, the .270 Winchester was marketed as an ideal option for big game shooting in the 370 to 910 meters (404 to 995 yards) range. Over the years, more round loads have been introduced by ammunition manufactures and now you can find bullets for the .270 Win chambering system in 100-160gr sizes.

Depending on the ammunition’s weight in your .270 Winchester cartridge, this round fires fast and precisely at ranges of up to 600 yards in open fields. So, when choosing a scope for your .270 Winchester rifle, make sure to take into account the ammunition’s effective firing range.

For close range shots, this round can be very accurate since the bullet starts to drop below the line of sight at 150 yards. However, the .270 Win experiences less bullet drop compared to other long-range calibers such as .308 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield. This is why it belongs to the category of “flat trajectory rounds”.

308 vs 30-06-1

In most cases, a 3-9x variable power scope would normally fit the bill when looking for telescopic sights that will work well with a .270 Win rifle.

 

Best 3 Scopes for .270 Win Rifles:

#1: Leupold VX-R 


If you’re planning to hunt down fast moving game from close range with your .270 win rifle, then the Leupold VX-R is a suitable scope. Its low 1-4x magnification power and motion sensing reticle makes it easy to target a running animal. This hunting scope features an illuminated FireDot reticle as well, which will come in handy if you intend to hunt at dusk or dawn.

When it comes to ruggedness, the Leupold VX-R doesn’t disappoint at all. Scratches will not ruin your lenses too thanks to the DiamondCoat glass fitted on this scope. Like most Leupold scopes, the VX-R features a fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof design.

#2: Nikon Buckmaster


For shooters wishing to use their .270 Win rifles from close to medium range, the Nikon Buckmaster makes a great choice. It’s a 3-9x variable scope jam packed with features such as a 40-mm objective lens, BDC system, Brightvue anti-glare glass, o-ring sealing as well as a fog and waterproof housing.

#3: Bushnell Mil Dot  


This Bushnell scope can be an invaluable tool in any hunter’s tool kit. It’s a 4-12x variable power scope equipped with a 42-mm objective lens and fully multi-coated optics, which deliver HD clarity. Powered by a mil dot reticle and built-in range finder, this model allows for precise holdover with a maximum effective range of up to 800 yards.

The scope’s Laser Range Finder (LRF) uses a 3-Volt battery that can last up to 5000 fires while providing accurate performance every time. Bushnell went ahead to build a weather resistant body for their Mil dot LRF riflescope to make it one of the best rugged models for long range shooters using .270 win rounds.

 

Conclusion
If your rifle is designed for the .270 Win chambering system, choosing the right scope for it is not that difficult. All you need to do is compare scopes that are suitable for your particular round and rifles’ shooting range, and the distances from which you want to shoot targets.

The suggested scopes in this guide are by no means a conclusive list. However, these models will definitely serve as a starting point when looking to buy the best scope for 270 win rifles.

Preview
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC
Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope Dead-Hold BDC MOA
Title
Nikon Buckmasters II
Leupold Mark AR MOD 1
Vortex Diamondback
Magnification
3 - 9
3 - 9
3 - 9
Objective Diameter (mm)
40
40
40
Weight (oz)
13.1
12.4
14.4
Field of View (ft @ 100 yards)
33.8 - 11.3
33.5 - 14.1
44.6 - 14.8
Eye Relief (inches)
3.6
4.10 - 3.60
3.3
More Information
Click For Price
Click For Price
Click For Price
Preview
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40 BDC
Title
Nikon Buckmasters II
Magnification
3 - 9
Objective Diameter (mm)
40
Weight (oz)
13.1
Field of View (ft @ 100 yards)
33.8 - 11.3
Eye Relief (inches)
3.6
More Information
Click For Price
Preview
Leupold Mark MOD 1 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Title
Leupold Mark AR MOD 1
Magnification
3 - 9
Objective Diameter (mm)
40
Weight (oz)
12.4
Field of View (ft @ 100 yards)
33.5 - 14.1
Eye Relief (inches)
4.10 - 3.60
More Information
Click For Price
Preview
Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9x40 SFP Riflescope Dead-Hold BDC MOA
Title
Vortex Diamondback
Magnification
3 - 9
Objective Diameter (mm)
40
Weight (oz)
14.4
Field of View (ft @ 100 yards)
44.6 - 14.8
Eye Relief (inches)
3.3
More Information
Click For Price

What is the Best Scope For 30-06?

by
best scope 30-06

The .30-06 Springfield is an American rifle cartridge that dates back to 1906 when the Army first adopted it. Since then, it has continued to be a popular cartridge used by soldiers, hunters, and target shooters alike from all over the world.

best scope 30-06

Numerals used to name this round have special meanings. The first number “30” is the bullet’s caliber while “06” refers to the year the cartridge began use – in 1906.

Due to its hard-hitting performance, the .30-06 Springfield is a common round for hunting. It has enough stopping power to bring down large game such as bears, bison, and Samba deer when used at close to medium range.

For effective range performance of any rifle loaded with this round, you need to have the best scope. So, this begs the question of what is the best scope for 30-06 users? Although there are a lot of great picks out there that you can pick without having to spend a fortune, this post will offer a few scope suggestions for you to consider. But first, here are some important considerations to keep in mind when looking for a riflescope designed to work with the .30-06 Springfield round.

What Type of Shooter Are You?
To determine what type of shooter you are, ask yourself where do you hunt most frequently and what type of shooting do you do? For instance, you don’t need a high power scope when you mostly hunt in close quarters where there is thick forest vegetation. A wide field of view would instead help you more by providing better vision of obstructions such as thickets and trees.

On the other hand, if you’re target shooting at 100-300+ yards or hunting in vast open areas, a 3.5-10x40mm or 3-9x40mm variable scope will serve you well.

What Is Your Budget?
A lot of so called “riflescope gurus” advise beginners to buy what they can afford or purchase glass that costs just as much as the rifle. However, the best approach to use when shopping for a riflescope is to invest in a quality model right from the get-go.

Budget scopes in the $100-$150 range tend to be of low quality and don’t usually last as long as more well-constructed, and therefore, more expensive models. But while the majority of pricey riflescopes (those priced over $1000) are usually well-built, it doesn’t mean you just should settle for the most expensive model you see. A good place to start when shopping for scopes to use with your .30-60 compatible rifle is the mid-price range of $200-$950 since mid-range scopes tend to offer a good balance between value and affordability. Just remember to pick a model that is suitable for your particular type of shooting.

Top 3 Scopes for .30-06 Compatible Rifles
#1. The Leupold VX-2


Why not pair up your All-American cartridge with an All-American scope? Leupold has been designing high quality riflescopes in their own facilities since the 1940s. Their VX-II features a variable magnification power of 3-9x, a 40mm objective lens, and Leupold’s unbeatable lifetime warranty.

#2. Carl Zeiss HD5 Optical Conquest


The German-made Carl Zeiss Optical Conquest riflescope boasts a HD lens system for amazing light transmission and enhanced image quality. This 2-10x variable power scope features a sleek design and is one of the most advanced super zooms on the market. What’s more, it comes with scratch and moisture resistant Lotu Tec coated glass.

#3. Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50mm FFP Riflescope


With this Vortex scope, buyers get more magnification power a large 50mm lens and fully multi-coated lenses to enhance light transmission. This is the sort of scope to mount on your .30-06 caliber rifle when planning to shoot from long distance range since it has a MOA reticle to help you make bullet drop calculations.

Conclusion
Keep in mind that there are many other good .30-06 scopes other than those suggested above. Picking the best scope for 30-06 caliber rifles is not hard. You just need to determine which scope is ideal for your specific type of shooting and then determine your budget.

While the .30-06 round is for vintage rifles, there are still many manufacturers developing quality rifles for this cartridge. The best part is that scopes for rifles that use the .30-06 round have changed over the decades and now riflemen have plenty of modern models from which to choose.

Discover the Best Scope for .308

by
best scope 308

Loved for its friendly recoil, long lasting barrel life, and efficient powder consumption, the .308 Winchester is a popular rifle cartridge that has been around for well over six decades. This rimless, bottle-necked cartridge was adopted in 1952, and with a few minor modifications, it became the 7.62 x 51mm round used by NATO troops.

best scope 308

If you are planning to shoot targets positioned as far as 250 to 300 yards, then the .308 Win round can be superbly efficient when paired with the right riflescope. Even beyond that range, the .308 Winchester can still outperform other long-range rifle cartridges like the .300 Win or 7-mm Remington Magnums.

Hunters from all over the world enjoy using the .308 Winchester round to shoot down medium to large sized game. In North America alone, this cartridge is used extensively to hunt pronghorn, elk, whitetail deer, and even the occasional black bear or caribou.

But whether you’re a professional hunter or just something learning the tricks of the trade, you should understand that you’ll definitely need a good quality scope to hit your targets dead on. So, which is the best scope for .308 Win cartridge rifles? There are several factors to consider when selecting the best telescopic sight for any rifle designed to use the .308 Win round. These aspects will be explained below to help you choose the best scope for .308 compatible rifles.

What Is The Maximum Effective Range For The .308 Win Round?
There’s really no point in buying high powdered scopes that can sight targets beyond the range of your .308 Win caliber rifle. There idea here is to avoid buying scopes with features that will not be of much help to you in the field. Fortunately, the .308 Win cartridge is quite versatile. Whether you intend to drop targets from short, medium, or long range, this round will deliver great performance when used along with a good scope and rifle.

According to the US Army, the .308 Win can be effective up to 800 meters. On the other hand, the US Marine Corps (USMC) reaches a 1000 yard (915 meters) maximum effective range for this round in favorable weather conditions. Beyond that range, the .308 Win begins to go off course very quickly.

Consider Your Specific Shooting Range
For close to mid-range shooting, you’ll need a low power variable .308 Win scope. For instance, something like a 3.5-12x magnification scope and an objective lens size of 35-40mm should be enough to drop deer and human sized game from a range of within 250 yards. Scopes with lower magnification will also have a friendlier price and offer a wider field of view.

Alternatively, if you’re going to use your .308 caliber rifle at long range (600+ yards) for varmint shooting, then be sure to go for a 6-24x variable scope with a large 50mm objective lens. Typically, tactical scopes with a built-in bullet drop compensator and calibrated turrets will be most ideal when using your .308 rifle from 300+ yards.

A good .308 scope should also be covered with a warranty as well. In addition, consider choosing illuminated reticles if you plan to hunt in low light conditions. Finally, it’s also important to pick scopes designed with rugged bodies that can hold up to the vigor of outdoor use.

Conclusion
The .308 Win caliber rifles require a good scope in order to drop targets with accuracy. These rounds are designed to go the distance and deliver punishing energy even from long range. For that, you’ll need to invest in the best scope for your .308 rifle. And in order to make the right choice, remember to consider what distances you will be shooting from. Lastly, take into account your budget and any other specific features that will provide a competitive edge when you are out in the field.

Discover the Best AR 10 Scope: Buying Guide

by
AR-10 Scopes

Discover the best AR 10 scope for your needs with our buying guide. Developed in the late 1950s by Eugene Stoner, the AR 10 was one of the first rifles ever marketed by the Fairchild Division of Armalite. It’s also the big brother to the AR 15 rifle and a more powerful battle rifle in its own right.

AR-10 Scopes

Although the AR 10 never received much commercial success, many hunters and rifle users have come to love this .308 caliber platform because of its versatility. The AR 10 is ideal for big game hunting, target shooting, home defense, and so much more. It also offers good optics if you want to achieve maximum performance.

 

What’s The Main Difference Between AR 10 And AR 15 Scopes?
The AR 10 and AR 15 rifles don’t have the same effective firing range. Therefore, what makes scopes for each rifle different is simply the magnification power that’s required to provide optimal telescoping sighting for the supported firing range.

An AR 15’s effective firing range is about 400m to 600m (average 547yards), but it’s possible to take longer shots depending on the ammunition you use and shooting conditions. You can also get 100 to 200 meters more effective firing range with something like .300 blackout ammo. However, even good .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO ammo will start to run out of kinetic energy at 600 to 700 meters when fired from an AR 15. So, there’s really no need to buy a riflescope that can out-range the ammunition you’ll be shooting.

When it comes to the AR 10, effective shooting range for this rifle is usually about 600m to 700m (656 to 765yards), although the .308Win ammo on this rifle can make shots of up to 1000 meters. Remember that a good AR10 scope is also one that provides ample magnification for your desired shooting range.

 

What to Consider When Shopping For AR 10 Scopes

AR 10 scopes come with a dizzying variety of bells and whistles. It’s therefore easy for first time buyers to get confused over what to buy. The following is a rundown of the most important considerations to make when shopping for AR 10 Scopes.

 

Magnification
Optimal magnification for any given shooting task is a subjective matter. However, scopes that provide telescopic sighting from 100 to 1000 meters can serve most purposes when using an AR 10 rifle. From a general standpoint, though, the longer the shooting range, the more magnification power you’ll need for your AR 10 riflescope.

In most cases, scopes lower than 10x magnifications are typically better suited for shooting at distances less than 500 meters or for offhand shooting. For long range shooting (up to 1000yards), scopes with 18-25x power would be ideal.

When selecting a scope’s magnification for your AR 10, make sure not to confuse those that have fixed and variable power. Scopes with fixed power usually have a single digit followed an “x”. This figure represents how many times larger an image becomes when viewed through the ocular lens. With variable power scopes, the magnification power is expressed as a range. For example, a 3-9x scope indicates that the level of magnification is adjustable from the lower number to the higher one. Such variable power scopes provide much flexibility since you can use them for both long and short range shooting.

 

Diameter of the Objective Lens

The objective lens transmits light to the ocular lens in order to focus an image. Usually, the size of objective lenses is expressed in “mm” after the magnification specification. For instance, a scope indicated as 3-9x40mm means that the objective lens has a diameter of 40mm.

A larger objective lens will capture more ambient light than a small one, which means a brighter and clearer image. At higher magnifications (12x upward), the brightness and clarity offered by large objective lenses is quite noticeable.

It’s important to note that a larger objective lens comes with a few drawbacks. For instance, the bulky size of a larger lens adds more weight to your rifle and makes it easier for the scope to accidentally knock into things. Furthermore, a larger objective lens can affect the balance of a rifle since it has to be mounted over the barrel and action. Fortunately, you can compensate for this by buying a cheek riser.

 

Special Coatings

A good scope will also have quality glass. Special coatings are usually applied on the surface of some riflescope lenses to reduce glare and the amount of light lost during when transmitting the image to your eye. Scopes can have more than one lens coating. Generally, you’ll find special coatings described using the following terms:

  1. Coated – this means that a single layer has been applied to at least one lens.
  2. Fully Coated – all air-to-glass surfaces will have one layer of coating.
  3. Multi-coated – when multiple layers of special coating have been applied to at least one lens.
  4. Fully multi coated – all air-to-glass surfaces contain more than one layer of special coating.

Keep in mind more special coatings usually translate to a more expensive and high-quality riflescope.

 

Reticle Type
After determining how much magnification you need, an objective lens size and special coatings, you’ll then have to settle for a reticle pattern. The reticle, also known as crosshair, is a series of lines, dots, or other patterns in the eyepiece that help to locate and aim at targets. There are dozens of reticle patterns designed by different scope manufacturers. These include:

  1. Duplex: The duplex reticle takes the form of a simple crosshair. However, the crosshair becomes thicker at the outer area of the scope but has finer lines as it converges at the center. This design helps the eye to focus on the center of the scope. Riflescopes with duplex reticles are great choices for target shooting and hunting.
  1. Mildot: The Mildot reticle is much like the duplex pattern but with a little twist. This reticle has a series of evenly spaced dots that run along the finer lines of the crosshair. The dots can be used for range calculations or as some sort of BDC. Scopes with the mildot reticle are suitable for precision shooting from a range of 300 yards or beyond.
  1. BDC: BDC is an acronym for “bullet drop compensation”. These types of reticles have markings on the lower crosshair post. The markings represent different target distances. BDC scopes allow you to make accurate shots over different target ranges without adjusting the elevation setting on your scope. However, riflescopes with these types of reticles are only moderately accurate for ranges beyond 500 yards.

When planning to use your AR 10 at dusk or dawn, an illuminated reticle will perform better in low light conditions.

 

Windage and Elevation Adjustments

Windage and elevation adjustments on most riflescopes are calibrated in MOA (minute of angle) or MRAD (milradian). Both of these measuring units represent a section of an angle that can be converted to linear inches. Once you understand how the MOA or MRAD systems work, you can use these adjustments as a means of measuring an object’s target zone. However, MOA adjustments allow for more accurate zeroing compared to milradian scopes because minute of angle increments are smaller, typically 1/4-inch per click.

 

Focal Plane
Another important feature to factor in when choosing a scope for your AR 10 is the position of the reticle within the telescopic sight at different magnification settings. This position is usually referred to as the first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP).

Scopes equipped with the second focal plane technology allow for a consistent sight picture at all levels of magnification. In other words, the reticle remains the same in size regardless of the magnification level when using an SFP scope. On the other hand, FFP reticles change in size as the magnification changes, and this can make it difficult to see the crosshair at low magnification levels of 3-5x.

 

Parallax Adjustment

Parallax error can lead to missed shots or bad groupings. It occurs when the scope is not able to focus the reticle and target on the same focal plane. Parallax in riflescopes is detected when the reticle appears to change in position in relation to the target as you move or nod your head. This is usually not a problem with low power scopes, especially those set to be parallax free at a specific distance such as 100 yards. However, parallax can be a problem when using a higher power scope such as those rated at 12x and beyond. It’s therefore important to go for a model that offers a parallax adjustment knob (sometimes called the “side focus”) when shopping for high power scopes.

 

Eye Relief

Eye relief is simply the maximum distance you can leave between the eye and scope and still obtain the full viewing angle. This distance is usually expressed in inches and it varies depending on the riflescope brand. The AR 10 has greater recoil than the AR 15 since it is a powerful gun and fires larger rounds. As such, the scope that you choose for this rifle should have a decent eye relief range to compensate for the higher recoil rate.

 

Conclusion
Now that you have a solid idea of what to look for when shopping for an AR 10 scope, the final factor to consider is, of course, your budget. When it comes to riflescopes, you get what you pay for. Most, if not all, high priced rifle scopes will give you increased adjustment precision, better optical clarity, repeatability and overall durability. However, it’s still possible to get budget priced riflescopes that perform well and are of decent quality. The current scope market is flooded with a myriad of brands, which gives buyers on a budget many different price points from which to choose. In order to get the best bang for your buck, make sure to research the brand and model of any low priced scope by reading through what other customers have to say.

Nikon Coyote Special Riflescope, Realtree Max-1, 4-12×40 Review

by
Nikon Coyote Special Riflescope, Realtree Max-1, 4-12×40

The Nikon Coyote Special Riflescope, Realtree Max-1, 4-12×40 offers everything that predator hunters loved about the accessory when it was first released. And now that it has been revamped for even more precision and ease of use, it’s once again on the radar for discerning hunters who demand for nothing but the best.

Nikon Coyote Special Riflescope, Realtree Max-1, 4-12×40

Best Features of the Nikon Coyote Special Riflescope Realtree Max-1,4-12×40 
Designed around the needs of predator hunters, the Nikon Coyote Realtree Max 1,4-12X40 riflescope not only makes it easy for you to hit your targets, but also ensures you have an easy and fun time while you’re hunting.

With this riflescope, you can easily make adjustments while hunting, hit moving targets, hunt at any given time (early morning, afternoon, or evening), bring your target into focus within seconds, and even hunt stealthily without spooking your game. This is all thanks to the riflescope’s array of features, which are discussed below.

 

BDC Predator Reticle
Top on the list of the Nikon Coyote Realtree Max 1,4-12X40 riflescope’s features is a BDC predator reticle. This reticle is arguably the best feature of the riflescope as it enables you make accurate shots at targets even when they’re on the move. The BDC reticle features a unique circle design that maintains a clear view of targets at all times thus enabling you to easily make shots at moving targets.

 

Nikon Spot on Ballistic Match Technology
The Nikon Coyote Realtree Max 1, 4-12X40 is optimized for use with the Nikon Spot on Ballistic Match technology. This tech allows you to discover all of the exact aiming points on your BDC reticle from different distances. This makes it even easier for you to achieve precise shots even without having to wait for your target to stay still long enough to get a clear shot.

 

Multi-Coated Optical System
With this riflescope’s fully multi-coated optical system, you’ll be able to hunt at your own convenience. This system ensures optimum light transmission allowing you to hunt in all light conditions.

Other great features of the Nikon Coyote Realtree Max 1, 4-12X40 include an Anti Reflective Device (ARD) that eliminates lens reflection ensuring your targets never notice your presence, a quick focus eyepiece, Spring-Loaded Zero-Reset Turrets that make it easy for you to make field adjustments, and Hand-turn 1/4 MOA adjustments that make it easy for you to zero in on your targets regardless of the hunting conditions and type of rifle you are using.

 

Is The Nikon Coyote Special Riflescope Realtree Max-1,4-12×40 Worth Buying? 
Thanks to its recent technology upgrades, the Nikon Coyote Realtree Max 1, 4-12X40 can now meet the needs of even the most demanding of predator hunters. The riflescope allows long-range shots, makes zeroing in on targets child’s play, allows you to hunt in any weather and light conditions, and even throws in the benefit of enabling you to keep an eye on the immediate surroundings of your targets. So, what’s not to love about this riflescope?

Pros

  • Shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof, the Nikon Coyote Realtree Max 1, 4-12X40 is highly durable and allows you to work under all sorts of conditions.
  • Features a generous eye relief that keeps your eyes safe from harm even when you are working with a rifle that has heavy recoil.
  • The riflescope is fitted with a quick focus eyepiece that allows you to instantly bring the reticle into focus.
  • Has a camo finish that blends in with the surrounding.
  • Provides you with a wide field of view.

Cons 

  • So far, users have no complaints regarding this riflescope

Conclusion 
The Nikon Coyote Realtree Max 1, 4-12X40 offers you everything you’ll need in a riflescope. It’s durable, lightweight, easy to use, and fitted with technologies and features that ensure accuracy during hunting. With its affordable price, you’re getting yourself a quality riflescope without having to spend much.

>