A Hunter’s Guide to Choosing and Using Riflescopes

Modern riflescopes have transformed the way hunters and marksmen shoot. A century ago, they were a novelty. Thirty years ago, picking one was straightforward because choices were limited. Today, the sheer number of models, features and price points can overwhelm even experienced shooters. Whether you’re browsing a store display or scrolling through dozens of online listings, the key to making a wise choice is knowing your needs and understanding how each feature affects your hunt.

A $500 scope may be ideally suited for specific situations, while other conditions might justify a $1,500 or even $3,000 investment. The goal is not to buy the most expensive scope, but the one that works best for your style of shooting, the terrain you hunt, and the conditions you face.

Tube Diameter and What It Means

The diameter of the main tube, which is commonly 1 inch, 30 mm, or 34 mm, affects light flow, internal component size and adjustment range. A larger tube can offer more elevation and windage adjustment, which appeals to long-range shooters or those hunting in low light. But larger tubes add weight and cost, so balance those benefits against the demands of your hunts.

Choosing a Reticle

Reticles range from minimal crosshairs to complex grids filled with hash marks, dots, and holdover lines. A busy reticle can clutter your sight picture, so choose one that keeps aiming quick and intuitive. Simpler designs work well for most hunting, while specialized reticles like MOA, Mil-dot, or illuminated versions benefit those shooting at extended ranges or in changing light. Some electronic reticles, like the Burris Eliminator 7, now eliminate holdover guesswork, a technological edge worth considering. The Burris Eliminator series represents a groundbreaking approach to scope design, merging high-quality optics, a laser rangefinder, ballistic computation and environmental sensors into one cohesive, user-friendly package.

Focal Plane: First or Second?

First focal plane (FFP) scopes keep reticle measurements accurate at any magnification, though the reticle grows and shrinks with zoom changes. Second focal plane (SFP) scopes keep the reticle size constant, which some hunters prefer for visibility, but the scale is only accurate at one magnification setting. FFP models are becoming more affordable and are favored for long-range work or caliber-specific setups.

Lens Coatings and Clarity

The coatings applied to scope lenses do far more than protect against scratches. They control glare, improve light transmission and add weather resistance. “Coated” means a single layer on one lens surface; “fully coated” means a single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces; “multicoated” means multiple layers on one surface; and “fully multicoated” applies those layers to every surface. Generally, more and higher-quality coatings mean brighter images and better performance in harsh or challenging light.

Turrets and Etched Glass

Today’s scopes often feature turrets that let you dial precise windage and elevation for long-range shots instead of estimating holdover. Some reticles are etched with yardage markers or hash marks calibrated for specific calibers. When used correctly, these features make hitting distant targets far more predictable.

Understanding Parallax

The side knob, often referred to as a “focus,” is a parallax adjustment. At long distances, parallax helps ensure your aiming point stays aligned even if your eye position shifts slightly. If you don’t anticipate using it regularly, you may not need to pay extra for this feature.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance you can hold your eye from the scope and still see a full image. Too little, and recoil could give you a painful scope cut. Too much, and target acquisition slows. Check eye relief at different magnifications to ensure comfort and safety for your shooting style.

Exit Pupil and Low-Light Performance

Exit pupil refers to the beam of light exiting the scope toward your eye. A larger exit pupil generally means a brighter image, particularly in low light. You can calculate it by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification. For example, a 50 mm objective at 10x magnification gives a 5 mm exit pupil, ideal for a dilated human pupil in low light. Remember that large objectives add weight and may only improve performance at certain magnifications.

Notable Options and Brands

Some optics stand out for their features and support:

Leupold offers American-made scopes with a lifetime warranty and exceptionally clear HD glass. Models like the VX-6HD pair illuminated reticles with custom turrets for long-range accuracy.

Trijicon is known for battery-free illuminated reticles using tritium and fiber optics, automatically adjusting to ambient light. Built for durability, they appeal to hunters and tactical users alike.

Sig Sauer BDX systems pair rangefinders with scopes via Bluetooth, instantly giving you a ballistic hold point inside the reticle—an innovation that makes long-range shots more accessible.

Maven sells directly to consumers and offers a demo program so you can test an optic before committing.

German Precision Optics (GPO) combines German engineering oversight with global manufacturing to deliver high-end performance at competitive prices.

Burris makes the Fullfield riflescope, which has been a trusted favorite among hunters for more than half a century. Introduced in the early 1970s, the Fullfield line quickly earned a reputation for clear, bright glass and a no-nonsense design that performs exceptionally well in harsh conditions, and at a reasonable price to boot. Over the years, Burris has refined the scope with modern lens coatings, improved light transmission and better weatherproofing. Yet, it has retained the simple functionality that appeals to hunters who value reliability over gimmicks.

Making a Smart Choice

When buying a riflescope, every feature from tube size to lens coatings has trade-offs in weight, cost and performance. Match those trade-offs to your hunting needs. A well-chosen scope should complement your rifle, improve your accuracy, and help you make ethical shots in the conditions you encounter most often.