Choosing a rifle scope starts with the firearm and intended shooting application. Magnification range, objective size, reticle design, focal plane, turret system, eye relief, weight, durability, and mounting requirements can all affect which optic is the best fit.

Choosing a Rifle Scope Type

• Hunting Scopes: Commonly balance useful magnification, light transmission, field-friendly size, simple controls, durability, and manageable weight.
• LPVO Scopes: Low-power variable optics typically begin around 1x magnification and provide additional magnification for intermediate-distance shooting, making them popular on AR-platform and other modern sporting rifles.
• Long-Range Scopes: Often provide higher magnification, adjustable turrets, parallax adjustment, detailed reticles, and other features designed to support precision shooting at extended distances.
• Illuminated Reticle Scopes: Use battery-powered reticle illumination to improve reticle visibility in varying lighting conditions.

Magnification and Objective Size

Lower magnification generally provides a wider field of view and can be useful at closer distances, while higher magnification helps identify and aim at smaller targets farther away. Objective lens size can affect light transmission and optic dimensions, but a larger objective may also require higher mounting rings and add weight.

Reticles, Turrets and Focal Plane

Rifle scopes are available with traditional duplex reticles, BDC designs, MIL and MOA-based reticles, illuminated reticles, and other configurations. First focal plane reticles change apparent size with magnification, while second focal plane reticles remain visually constant. Turret style should also match how the optic will be used, from simple capped hunting turrets to exposed adjustment systems for precision shooting.