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Where Are Vortex Scopes Made?

May 4, 2023March 23, 2019 by Jared

Vortex Optics is an American family-owned company that offers a wide variety of telescopic sights ranging from binoculars to riflescopes. The company’s scopes, in particular, are quite popular due to their incredible features and reasonable price points. However, many scope buyers often question where Vortex products are made. This concern stems from the fact that a lot of US riflescope brands don’t make their products from scratch these days. As a result, concerns about quality are rife among scope buyers.

Before learning where vortex scopes are made, it’s important to know the main product lines that come from this optics company. At the time of this writing, Vortex scopes can be distinctly grouped into the following product lines:

Vortex Razor HD: These Vortex scopes cost the most but the good news is that they’re not as expensive as other brands. Being their premium line, Vortex develops Razor HD scopes with high quality standards and optics designed to provide excellent performance.

Vortex Viper: The Viper line is the second best offering that Vortex has under its belt when it comes to riflescopes. Viper scopes offer great quality compared to a number of similar scopes from other brands in their price range. These scopes also provide more magnification and precision in shooting. Original models such as the 30mm 6.5-20×44 and 6.5-20×50 were well-built and are still good scopes. However, you can find better configurations in recent Vortex scopes such as the Viper HS and Viper PST models.

Vortex Diamondback: Diamondback scopes are available at cheaper prices than the Viper or Razor HD models. The glass is well-designed and Diamondback scopes are known to have a large field of view and high magnification.

Vortex Crossfire: The Crossfire line, including the Crossfire II, is on the lower price range of Vortex scopes. However, the quality is still very good and buyers get to choose from a wide range of configurations.

Where Are Vortex Scopes Made?
Maybe a more direct question is, are Vortex scopes made in the USA? While Vortex claims on its official website that all their products are designed, engineered, pre-inspected, and serviced in-house, labels on their scopes indicating the manufacturers’ locations say something quite different.

For instance, some models are labeled “Made in China” and others in the Philippines. Indeed, most Vortex riflescope components are manufactured almost entirely in Asia. A closer look reveals that Vortex scopes are manufactured in the following locations:

Razor HD scopes are manufactured in Japan
Vipers are made in Philippines
Diamondbacks are made in Philippines made as well
Crossfire scopes are produced in China

It may come as a surprise that an American-owned company, located in the USA, sells riflescopes that have been manufactured overseas. But this is common in the optics industry where many trade name companies buy components from a manufacturer and then put their name on it.

In fact, very few optics companies engineer and build their riflescopes in-house these days. And while Vortex doesn’t make their products, they do have the expertise and are able to tell optics manufacturers exactly what they want. All of Vortex’s custom designed scopes are made according to their specifications.

The question of who makes vortex binoculars, spotting scopes and rifle scopes has one simple answer. Vortex does. And, Vortex is in Barneveld, Wisconsin, which, by the way, is a great area for investing in real estate. If you would like to learn more about investing in real estate check out Remetrics, which helps you analyze real estate investment deals.

Does It Matter Where Vortex Optics Are Made?
This is a controversial topic that has elicited many divided opinions. On one hand, you have companies that sell whatever they can outsource overseas and assemble cheaply. Such brands sometimes compromise on the quality of their scopes on the premise that they’re giving buyers lower prices. With most cheap riflescopes being made in Asia, this has led many scope buyers into thinking that the vast majority of Asian-made products are of poor quality, which is not entirely true.

On the other hand, there are optics companies like Vortex that do the engineering in-house and then demand manufacturers build what they want.

At the end of the day, what matters most is whether a riflescope works as advertised rather than where it was made. Are Vortex scopes any good? You bet:

The Sparc is a versatile red dot scope.
The Spitfire is a great option for hunting.

So, if you’re apprehensive about Vortex scopes being made overseas, simply do your research and choose a model that other users have vouched for. The best part is that Vortex offers a lifetime VIP warranty for all their riflescopes. This lifetime warranty goes to show that Vortex is a reputable optics company that believes in the quality of their products and stand by what they put their name on.

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AR 15 Holographic Sights:The New Age of Long Distance Shooting

May 20, 2018May 20, 2018 by Jared

Holographic Sights are the latest in Long Distance Shooting for your AR-15. The sight uses laser technology and a computer to judge distance, wind speed, and other factors. These factors are displayed on the glass of the gun accessory.

Hunters love this information and the sight makes their sport easier. Military sharp shooter units have used this technology for the last 10 years. While many people will benefit from this technology, it is not for everyone.

I encourage you to check it out at your local gun shop before deciding if it is for your or not.

What are the Differences between Regular Scopes and Holographic Sights?

Simply put the holographic sights are much more accurate than regular scopes. You have a better view, a more accurate sight of your target and a focus within everything you are looking at through the view of your sight. While some will say the regular scopes are better than the holographic sights because essentially, “if it’s not broken, why fix it?”, many people will choose the more challenging aspect vs. the technology of a holographic sight.

Start with the best: EOTech Holographic Sights

You can’t find the best holographic sight for AR-15’s, shotguns, or any other firearm (like your .22 pistol) without checking out EOTech’s selection. They are the first name you will hear in the holographic site world for a reason.

Even with the basic 512 model, you get the A65/1 reticle pattern sight. Up close, use the 65 MOA outer ring for to acquire your target fast. At distance, the 1 MOA dot in the center gives you better precision than you get with your typical 2 MOA red dot sight.

For a few more dollars you have the 552, which adds night vision capability. Then XP2 and XP3 are more light-weight. All great sights in their own right. Still, the EOTech 512 is our pick for the best value holographic sight you can buy.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Holographic Sight

You want to consider several factors before you decide to buy your holographic sight, but to narrow it down; you want to keep your considerations to:

Price
Field of Sight, “How’s the view?”
Size of Scope
Amount of Use

With these considerations and understanding how it is to meet your needs, your choice of holographic sights will make your goals in hunting and target shooting met with ease.

In which Situations will this Scope be used?

From Hunters to Police SWAT teams, holographic sights have been used in many different situations. For example, it is used for:

Sport of Hunting
Sharp Shooter Competitions
Military Sharp Shooting Sniper Units
Protection (capturing a fugitive or someone running from being arrest)

Each situation is different, regardless of what it will be used for, the holographic sight will make your hunting experience better, the competition much more of a challenge for the other competitors who use regular scopes, or the capture of a fugitive a great motive to do better each time.

Holographic Sights have became more on trend in comparison to the regular scopes. Like I stated above, the sight uses laser technology and a computer to judge distance, wind speed, and other factors. These factors are important in every situation that it is used in. Hunters want this information. The military marine needs this information and technology. It is not for everyone but it could be for you!

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The Four Standard Rifle Shooting Positions Explained

May 10, 2018February 22, 2017 by Jared

When you take ahold of your hunting rifle, how do you hold it? If you were asked to show the 4 common shooting positions, would you be able to adequately explain each one? Some of you may be nodding your heads but others will need some of these explained. Still whether you know what to do when holding a rifle or not, here are some pro tips to make each position work more efficiently for you.

Prone

The classic position with the best stability. Lying down on your stomach behind the rifle gives you very high accuracy. That said, the low angle may limit the view of the target, depending on the environment. It is also not an answer position to get into on spur of the moment.

To get into the perfect prone position, lie down with your body pointing 10-20 degrees to the right or left of the target (depending on your dominant hand). A more modern update the prone position even calls for the body to be more behind the firearm with your strong-side leg slightly bent (think Figure 4). Keep the elbows grounded, with the supporting elbow right beneath the rifle. Your head should be level with the ground. Snug the butt of the rifle into your shoulder then establish a good spot weld.

Pro tip: Use a sling or the “hasty sling” method

When using a sling, the rifle is completely supported by your arm, which in turn is supported by the ground.

Sitting

Although prone is by far the steadiest and is good for beginners, it is also the least used in real life simply because vegetation and other obstacle get in the way. The sitting position offers clearance for low to medium height obstacles. There are a few variations on how to sit, so you can choose the one style that suits you best.

Open Leg

This variation is done by sitting with your body facing to either side of the target (about 30-45 degrees)—again this is dependent on your dominant side. Extend your legs, keeping the knees slightly bent. Let your feet be about shoulder width apart. Your elbows will generally rest on the flesh above the knee or on them.

Cross Leg

While generally taking the same position as mentioned above, you alter the comfort level by crossing one leg over the other into a loose Indian style pose. Optionally, you can cross at the ankles, allowing the knees to be slightly more open.

When seated properly, the sights are in alignment with the target. The shooting hand should have to do nothing but hold the pistol grip and pull the trigger.

Kneeling

The middle position of sitting and standing. Getting into kneeling position is easy. Your weak-side knee and foot point at the target when crouching, and you supporting elbow is propped up onto that knee. Do not rest your elbow directly atop the knee, as it can slip off.

Your dominant-side knee is pointing outward at about 90 degrees. Depending on flexibility, you can sit on the dominant leg or sit on the heel of a flexed foot.

Standing

The least stable position but oftentimes necessary. Only when there is no other option or the vegetation is too high do you stand. The proper position is achieved by resting the support elbow (weak side) against that side’s hip, which is thrusted outward.

Wrap your supporting hand into a hasty sling. Support your weak side by pointing that side’s foot toward the target. Be sure you stock fit is perfect. You need to have your cheek firm against the stock. Keep the shooting elbow horizontal so that you get better leverage. After that, try to isometrically contract the chest muscles for stability upon firing.

Conclusion

There you have it—the four standard rifle shooting positions explained! How many of them did you know? Hopefully, whether you knew them already or not, you gleaned something helpful from this article.

Tips for Choosing the Best Scope for Coyote Hunting

May 10, 2018January 28, 2016 by Jared

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?

May 10, 2018January 24, 2016 by Jared

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.

Elk Hunting for Beginners

May 10, 2018October 14, 2015 by

If you’re planning your first elk hunt, you need to take several steps well in advance to make sure you get to enjoy the exhilarating and successful hunt you’re hoping for. For many first timers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and being prepared will no doubt help you to bring home the trophy elk you seek. Here are some elk hunting tips to get you started in the right direction.

Educate Yourself About Elks
No matter what stage you are in your preparations, the first thing you need to do is educate yourself about elks. Elks are brilliant, adaptable creatures, and this is what makes hunting them so challenging. Before hitting the woods to search for a trophy elk, you’ll need to learn more about the animal’s diet, habitat preferences, calls, breeding seasons, and characteristics.

In order to increase your chances of success, you should also plan in advance the right time of the day to hunt. This would be some time during the mid-afternoon (2pm to 4pm). Additionally, when elk hunting, you should be prepared to hike on after dark. This is because these big bulls don’t just disappear as soon as the sun sets.

Decide Whether You’re Hunting Solo or With An Outfitter
Many newbie elk hunters opt to shoot this animal for the first time with an outfitter, and this isn’t a bad idea. By using an outfitter, you’re increasing your chances of bagging an elk. Outfitters live and breathe hunting, which means they know where all the honey spots are. An outfitter can also make sure you’re following proper regulations in the area and state you’re hunting in.

Before spending cash on an outfitter, though, you must check their credentials thoroughly. Make sure the outfitter you have chosen is licensed and has a good reputation. If you want to hunt for elks without an outfitter, understand that you’ll need to figure out licensing, carcass transportation, butchering, as well as possible locations to track.

Have a Plan In Mind
You can’t just decide to make your way to Lee Metcalf Wilderness in Montana, for example, and start wandering aimlessly hoping an elk will stroll by and beg for you to shoot it. When you go to elk habitats, the first thing you need to do is map out the areas where you’ll be stalking your prey. This should be areas that are flat and located at the top of drainages like creeks and rivers. Besides, if you’re not well-prepared, you might get chased around by a grizzly bear of wolf. (There are plenty of grizzly bears and wolves at Lee Metcalf Wilderness!)

Choose An Appropriate Elk Hunting Rifle
Just like a good pair of shoes or your favorite jeans, selecting a hunting rifle is a very personal experience. The truth is, not all guns will feel comfortable for all hunters. So, when shopping for a firearm, make sure to consider the manufacturer, caliber, stock, and power scope optics. The most popular rifle for elk hunts includes a 7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and a 30-06 Springfield.

Be Prepared For The Rut
Try to schedule your first elk hunt from late September to mid-October since these are the months when calling is at its best. If needed, it’s important to make sure you apply for out-of-state elk lotteries well in advance.

With the tips mentioned above, you should be ready to plan your first hunt with confidence.

Things to Look For In A Hunting Rifle Scope

May 10, 2018September 28, 2015 by Jared

No matter how good your shot is, you can get even better at it when you add the right scope. Whether you’re looking for a safari, mid-range, varmint or tactical scope for hunting, the process of choosing one is pretty straightforward. However, the type of scope that best meets your needs will depend on what you plan to hunt. To help you make the best decision for your situation, we’ll go over a few important things to look out for in a hunting rifle scope.

Windage and Elevation Adjustment Dials
The best hunting scopes are those equipped with a windage adjustment dial, which is also known as a turret. On hunting scopes, this turret should be covered with a cap and adjusting the windage dial will allow a shooter to move the bullet right or left. In the same vein, an elevation dial is similar to a windage adjustment dial except that it allows a shooter to move the bullet impact up or down.

Eye Relief
No one wants their scope to smack them in the eyebrow when taking a shot. Therefore, it’s important to choose a rifle scope that provides ample eye relief. Choosing the proper eye relief is also increasingly important with larger caliber rifles because they often have harder recoils. In general, you should choose a rifle scope with an eye relief of at least 3”.

Understanding Hunting Scope Reticles
In the old days, reticles were called cross hairs. However, they’ve evolved a great deal over the years and today, some of the most popular types of reticles used on scopes include the duplex, dot, illuminated, and bullet drop compensated.

The type of reticle you choose will depend greatly on personal preference. Each of the type mentioned above will do a great job, but certain hunters will prefer one over the other. No matter what type of reticle you go with eventually, you should choose one with parallax error adjustments.

Parallax Error Features Will Make Shots More Accurate
In addition to choosing a scope with a reticle, it’s important to choose a hunting rifle scope with parallax error adjustments. Parallax error occurs when you’re looking through the scope with a good rest and the reticle moves with simple eye movements. When this happens, you might miss your shot – even if you’re lined up directly on the target. Parallax error adjustments don’t allow this to happen and will therefore help you be a more accurate shooter.

Safari Rifle Scopes
If you’re looking for a rifle scope for safari hunting, you should choose a low-power, variable unit. This will allow you to zone in on big game without getting too close.

Varmint Shooting
As you would imagine, you shouldn’t use the same scope or gun while varmint shooting that you would on a safari. For varmint hunting, you’ll want to choose a scope somewhere around 6 1/2 to 20. For even better results, choose a scope with side focus. This type of scope allows for higher magnification that will allow you to hold steady on smaller targets with accuracy.

Big Game Rifle Scopes
The most popular rifle scope is a mid-range unit, which is perfect for big game hunting such as elk or deer. For these types of hunts, you should opt for a variable scope that delivers a power of at least 3 1/2-10.

The addition of any scope to your hunting rifle will increase your accuracy because you won’t have to worry about lining up front and rear sights before you take your shot. When you follow the tips above when choosing your next hunting rifle scope, you’ll become a better hunter because you’ll now be able to shoot faster, easier, and more accurately than you could before.

What to Note When Buying a Tactical Rifle Scope

May 10, 2018September 22, 2015 by

Tactical rifle scopes are designed for use by police, military, and serious civilian users. Therefore, when shopping for a tactical scope, you need gear that has professional-grade optics, a rugged design, advanced reticle options, precision engineering, and rock-solid reliability. It’s necessary to include all of these features in a tactical rifle scope because you want to have faith in your gear. For that to be possible, it must be durable and accurate at all times.

To help you choose the right scope for your rifle, we’ve gathered a list of what to note when buying a tactical rifle scope.

Important Questions to Ask Before Buying a Tactical Rifle Scope
When you begin shopping for a tactical rifle scope, you’ll have dozens of items to choose from. What makes choosing the right rifle scope even harder is the wide price range for different models. So, to make finding a scope that truly meets your needs easier, you should first answer the following question:

What distance will you be shooting from most commonly?
What is your maximum range?
When will you shoot most often? Dusk? Dawn? Low light?
What caliber is the rifle you intend to mount the scope on?
How much is the rifle you’re planning to use worth?
What’s your optic budget?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your scope choices. After narrowing down your choices, you can then get into the nitty gritty details that will help you determine which scope will best meet your needs. And only at this point do you start considering features like magnification, parallax adjustment, objective lens size, and reticles.

Tactical Rifle Scope Magnification
When you’re choosing the magnification for your rifle scope, you need to consider when you’ll be shooting most often. Ambient light conditions can affect the magnification you choose unless you only plan to shoot on bright, sunny days. Ideally, if you ever plan to shoot in low light conditions, you need a scope that will deliver enhanced resolution.

Parallax Adjustment
The next feature to consider is parallax adjustment. Choosing a tactical scope with this feature is very important if you have any eye muscle control issues. Today, many scopes feature parallax adjustment via a side focus know. An adjustable objective is ideal because it’s robust and precise. If you can’t find a rifle scope with an AO, a European-style fast focus eyepiece would also be a great choice.

Objective Lens Choices
The objective lens you choose will have a great deal to do with comfort. When shopping for scopes you need to understand that the larger objective lens you choose, the heavier the scope will be. A large objective lens is also more prone to getting knocked around than a smaller one. Another drawback with larger objective lenses is mounting. These larger scopes often have to be mounted above the bore, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters.

Reticle Options for Tactical Rifle Scopes
Lastly, you need to determine what type of reticle you want from your tactical scope. To make choosing a reticle easy, you need to determine which would be the easiest for you to see. Again, you need to consider the time of day that you’ll be shooting. Some reticles are ideal for use in low light or shadowy conditions, and others are not. No matter what reticle choice you make, it should include an option for accurate, fast range-finding.

Most professional tactical shooters will opt for illuminated reticles since those are easy to use any time of day and are by far the most popular option on the market today.

While the tactical scope of your dreams may not be available in your price range, you can get one that meets your needs when you follow the advice above. It’s important to be realistic about your needs and choose a manufacturer with a respectable reputation. Once you get your scope on your rifle, you won’t regret it as long as you’ve chosen one that truly meets your needs.

Different Types of Military Rifle Scope Features

May 10, 2018September 7, 2015 by

Men and women in the military can’t afford to take any chances when they’re about to take a shot. It goes without saying that the best way to get razor-sharp clarity and target acquisition is to choose an accurate, easy to use military rifle scope. However, not everyone shoots the same way and there are many different types of rifle scopes that serve different purposes. So, to ensure you get a scope that will aid you anywhere you go, you need to choose accessories that have most, if not all, of the features listed below. In the following post, we’ll be going over the different types of rifle scope features that make them ideal for military use.

Ready for Combat
When choosing a rifle scope for military missions, it’s crucial to choose an accessory that’s combat ready. In order to ensure your scope is up to par, you’ll first need to consult military specifications. If the scope doesn’t meet those specifications, you won’t be allowed to use it because it’s just not good enough and will prove to be your weakest link during battle.

Fixed Power or Variable Power Scopes
Although variable power rifle scopes are all the rage right now, there’s still a need for fixed power options. A variable power rifle scope comes with a ring that allows you to change magnifications as needed. A fixed power scope, on the other hand, has one set magnification, which limits its usability in the field. However, it still has its uses. For example, a fixed power scope usually offers better mechanical reliability and zero retention.

Aluminum or Magnesium Rifle Scope Construction
The best rifle scopes are normally constructed with aluminum or magnesium. Aluminum rifle scopes are popular because they won’t rust and can be used in a variety of different weather conditions or terrains. Rifle scopes created with magnesium are also extremely popular because they’re nearly indestructible. In fact, many aerospace objects are created with this material. That being said, rubberized armor is often added to a magnesium-constructed rifle scope to further protect it from accidental drops.

Military Rifle Scopes Must Be Waterproof, Fog-proof and Allows You to See in Low Lights
When soldiers are on a mission, they can’t worry about the weather or plan for the time of the day when they get activated for combat. Therefore, you’d be hard-pressed to find a military rifle scope that isn’t waterproof, fog-proof, and has no capability for shooting at night or in dim lights. A scope without these three features could let you down in the field, putting you and your brothers in danger.

Choose a Rifle Scope with LED Reticles
Red dot reticles are the most common type used in combat. Although any red dot reticle will be helpful in intense situations, it’s still important to make sure you choose a rifle scope created with LEDs. LEDs shine brighter, last longer, and are less likely to break as compared to any other lighting technology on the market. If you want something other than a red dot reticle, but still want the option to turn on red dots, you’ll need a scope with a variety of LED illumination settings.

Rifle Scope Elevation Settings
Soldiers need to be able to choose from a variety of different rifle elevation settings. Whether you’re setting up on top of a desert dune or on the ground in the jungle, you need to be able to adjust your scope to do so.

Reflex Optics Allows You to Shoot with Both Eyes Open
Another great feature that comes with military rifle scopes is reflex optics. The best marksman on the planet can shoot with both eyes open, ensuring that he or she will never miss a target when on duty. Another reason soldiers may shoot with both eyes open is if they have a muscle control problem. The best way to ensure you’ll be able to shoot with both eyes open is to choose a scope with reflex optics.

You’ll be prepared to probe, plan, and engage with stealth when you choose a military rifle scope with all of the features listed above.

Scope Basic Terminologies: Understanding the Ins and Outs of a Rifle Scope

May 10, 2018September 1, 2015 by

Beginners entering into the world of shooting are often confused by terminologies thrown around by the experts. For example, abbreviations like “MOA” or “FOV” get talked about so often that sometimes figuring out the meanings behind these letters can get quite challenging – especially if it’s your first time scope shopping. But fret not because this post will bring you up to speed about the basic terminologies for scopes. It’s important to understand such terminologies because doing so will allow you to better understand product specifications and help you get what you need out of shooting supplies.

Reticle
The first thing to take note of is the reticle of a rifle scope. The best rifle scopes on the market are created with a reticle system, which is basically a system of dots, lines, and crosshairs. These details appear superimposed on a target when you look through the scope. Although popular reticle colors include red, green and amber, red reticle systems are battle proven and usually regarded as the most accurate.

Magnification
Magnification is the power rating of a scope and it’s indicated by a “X” in product specifications. For example, a magnification of 10X means that the object will appear ten times closer than it is. For individuals who plan to go on long-range shooting excursions, scope magnification will play an important role in determining which scope to purchase.

Ocular Lens
Some scopes are created with many different lenses, but the ocular lens of a scope will always be the lens that’s closest to your eye when you’re looking through the accessory.

Objective
When you see the word “objective” in relation to scopes, it’s all about the lens and specifically, the lens closest to the object you’re looking at. Objective lenses are measured in millimeters and diameters. The larger the objective lens, the more light that will enter the scope.

Minute of Angle (MOA)
Minute of Angle (MOA) is a circular unit of measure. Generally, a 1-inch MOA means that you’ll get to see for up to 100 yards. And in the same vein, a MOA of 2 inches means that you’ll be able to see for 200 yards, and so on.

Eye Relief
If you’re shopping around for a scope, it’s important to choose one that provides adequate eye relief. To increase your chances of hitting your target, you’ll need to choose an accessory that’s comfortable to use. Eye relief refers to the distance your eye must be from the ocular lens to still get a full view through the scope and it plays a huge role in ensuring your comfort while you’re out on a hunt.

Field of View (FOV)
Field of View (FOV) refers to the amount of area seen through the scope. By design, the higher the scope’s magnification, the lesser field of vision you’ll have. So, when shopping for a rifle scope, you’ll often have to decide whether you want a powerful field of vision or better magnification.

Optics
When you read product specifications that refer to optics, you’ll likely see three types of rifle scope optics: coated, full-coated, and multi. To put it simply, a coated single optics has a coating on at least one lens. Fully-coated optics has a special coating on all lenses in a scope. Finally, multi-coated optics has coatings on many of the lenses (but not all of them).

Resolution
The term resolution refers to how sharp an image appears through the accessory. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image will be through the scope. Likewise, lower resolution scopes will make objects appear less sharp through the scope.

Click
The click on a rifle scope refers to the adjustment notch on windage. It can also refer to the elevation turret of the scope. For most purposes, a 1/4 inch click will change the point of impact at 100 yards. Although 1/4 inch notches are the most common, some rifle scopes are created with 1/8, 1/2, or even 1-inch notches.