{"id":210581,"date":"2025-09-01T19:49:03","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T00:49:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=210581"},"modified":"2025-09-23T07:09:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T12:09:18","slug":"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">8<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever stared at a website or stood in front of a shelf of scopes in a brick-and-mortar gun store trying to figure out the difference between lens sizes, magnification levels, or reticles, this one\u2019s for you. Hunters have different needs from other shooters when it comes to choosing optics, and it can be a challenge to find the right one. But once you understand a few basic things about how optics work, it gets a lot easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/hunting-scope-rifle-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"riflescope on 260 Remington rifle\" class=\"wp-image-210583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/hunting-scope-rifle-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/hunting-scope-rifle-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/hunting-scope-rifle-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/hunting-scope-rifle-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/hunting-scope-rifle.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-picking-a-scope-for-hunting\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-level=\"2\">Picking a Scope For Hunting<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-objective-lens\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-level=\"2\">The Objective Lens<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-understanding-the-lens-better\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-level=\"3\">Understanding The Lens Better<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-g-force-and-scopes\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-level=\"2\">G-Force and Scopes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-tube-size-on-a-scope\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-level=\"2\">Tube Size On a Scope<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-choosing-between-first-and-second-focal-plane-for-hunting-scopes\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-level=\"2\">Choosing Between First and Second Focal Plane for Hunting Scopes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-recommended-magnification-for-hunting-scopes\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-level=\"2\">Recommended Magnification for Hunting Scopes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-best-hunting-scope\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-level=\"2\">The Best Hunting Scope<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-picking-a-scope-for-hunting\">Picking a Scope For Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the correct <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/accessories\/optics\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\">riflescope<\/a> for your hunt is a matter of taking various factors into consideration. You need to figure out a few things, like what your target animal is, approximately what distance you\u2019ll be shooting from, and what environmental conditions you\u2019ll be facing (yes, it matters). In addition, you need to consider issues like objective size, because not all rifle-and-rail setups can handle larger objective scopes without making some adjustments. Finally, there\u2019s the matching of the caliber of your gun\u2014meaning the G-force it generates\u2014to the scope\u2019s ability to handle it. It\u2019s not unheard of for scopes to get wrecked by G-force, so you do need to pay attention to that little detail. There can always be more, but these are the general basics you need to figure out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/riton-scopes-rifles-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"riton optics on long guns\" class=\"wp-image-210584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/riton-scopes-rifles-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/riton-scopes-rifles-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/riton-scopes-rifles-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/riton-scopes-rifles-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/riton-scopes-rifles.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Choosing a scope for hunting doesn&#8217;t have to be a challenge. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-objective-lens\"> The Objective Lens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break down the objective lens in the simplest way possible. The objective lens on a riflescope is located within the objective bell. That\u2019s the larger end of your scope that aims down-range. You can figure out the objective size of a scope by reading the numbers in its model name. For example, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9&#215;40 Hunt Plex has a 40mm objective lens. While the first two numbers designate the magnification range, it\u2019s the final number that tells you how big the objective lens is. On a hunting scope, it might be 20mm or as large as 50mm\u2014that\u2019s the high end\u2014while on a long-range shooter&#8217;s scope, it\u2019s more likely to be 50mm and up. Yes, a bigger objective is necessary for shooting true long range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-the-lens-better\">Understanding The Lens Better<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What does it do? The objective lens gathers light, aiding in clarity and brightness. This might make it sound like bigger is always better, but that isn\u2019t the case. A larger objective lens will indeed transmit more light. However, there\u2019s a lot more that goes into a scope than just that one feature. Plus, when you increase magnification, you start losing that extra light transmission from your big objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This all matters because you\u2019re typically better off as a hunter with a larger objective. That doesn\u2019t mean it has to be 50mm. It does mean the 20mm on that LPVO isn\u2019t likely to be ideal. One reason is that with a small objective, you\u2019re going to have trouble seeing as shooting like ends, or if you\u2019re in the woods in dim light. Larger objectives will gather light more effectively, allowing you to take ethical shots that a smaller objective won\u2019t allow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/500-auto-max-nighthawk-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"big bore rifle with scope\" class=\"wp-image-210585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/500-auto-max-nighthawk-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/500-auto-max-nighthawk-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/500-auto-max-nighthawk-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/500-auto-max-nighthawk-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/500-auto-max-nighthawk.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you&#8217;re hunting with a bigger bore rifle, you&#8217;ll need to check to be sure your scope of choice has the correct G-force rating. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bottom line: You don\u2019t have to get a 50mm\u2014and you might not even benefit from one\u2014but you do want to keep it at 40mm or above. There are certainly exceptions to that rule\u2014I\u2019ve hunted with 20mm objectives\u2014but generally speaking, it will serve you well to stick to the larger end. Usually, if I\u2019m going with a smaller objective on a hunt, I\u2019m not planning to hunt in low light or at the end of shooting light during deer season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-g-force-and-scopes\">G-Force and Scopes <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>G-force is the measurement used to figure out how much recoil a scope can handle. It\u2019s the gravitational force created by acceleration\u2014in this case, recoil\u2014and used by scope manufacturers to explain what calibers their products can withstand. You won\u2019t find G-force to be a problem with most higher-end optics, but when you\u2019re dealing with the more affordable models, it becomes a factor more frequently. My mantra is to always check what the manufacturers list as the scope\u2019s G-force rating. Better to know in advance, and this is especially true if you like big bores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>G-force rating is often listed in the user\u2019s manual. Sometimes it\u2019ll be on the company\u2019s website\u2014although that isn\u2019t common\u2014and others you\u2019ll be forced to contact customer service. Although this isn\u2019t always a must, it is wise if you\u2019re hunting with a big bore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tube-size-on-a-scope\">Tube Size On a Scope <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The tube size of the scope doesn\u2019t have much to do with light transmission\u2014that\u2019s a common point of confusion. What it does is affect how much wiggle room you have for adjusting elevation and windage. You\u2019ll see a lot of 30mm tubes, and that\u2019s a good thing because it\u2019s a great size for a hunting optic. Smaller tubes, like those 1-inch in diameter, aren\u2019t bad; they simply don\u2019t offer as much adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/scope-45-70-rifle-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"shooting a rifle\" class=\"wp-image-210586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/scope-45-70-rifle-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/scope-45-70-rifle-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/scope-45-70-rifle-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/scope-45-70-rifle-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/scope-45-70-rifle.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A larger objective lens is great for longer shots and solid light transmission. Most hunting scopes are also second focal plane.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-between-first-and-second-focal-plane-for-hunting-scopes\">Choosing Between First and Second Focal Plane for Hunting Scopes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s preface this one by saying personal preference does come into play when choosing between a first focal plane (FFP) and a <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/get-first-second-focal-plane-riflescope\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\">second focal plane<\/a> (SFP) optic. The difference between the two types has to do with the reticle and how it responds to magnification changes. On an FFP scope, the reticle size moves along with the magnification. So, if you increase magnification, the reticle is going to get bigger, too. But if you have an SFP scope, the reticle won\u2019t change size, no matter what you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some hunters will tell you a hunting scope must be SFP, but that isn\u2019t strictly true. Aside from personal preference, the conditions in which you\u2019re hunting matter. An SFP scope shines in low-light situations where you\u2019re likely taking closer shots. This is because the reticle is always large and visible, even at lower magnification, and you\u2019ll also have better light transmission. In an FFP, the reticle will be much smaller at lower magnification, and it won\u2019t gather light as well. If you\u2019re strictly doing long-range hunting, an FFP might be great. But an SFP does offer many benefits for hunters, including versatility in an ever-changing situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/6-5-creedmoor-turkey-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"bushnell scope on 6.5 creedmoor\" class=\"wp-image-210587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/6-5-creedmoor-turkey-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/6-5-creedmoor-turkey-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/6-5-creedmoor-turkey-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/6-5-creedmoor-turkey-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/6-5-creedmoor-turkey.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yes, you can use a rifle to turkey hunt in some states, and that means having a good scope to go with it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recommended-magnification-for-hunting-scopes\">Recommended Magnification for Hunting Scopes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The bare minimum magnification range for most hunting scopes is going to be 3-9x. That will usually be sufficient for deer hunting, the vast majority of which takes place within 100 yards. If you\u2019re hunting at potentially greater distances or going on a <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-big-mule-deer\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"105\">mule deer<\/a> hunt in open country, go bigger with something like a 4-16x. There aren\u2019t a lot of circumstances in which you\u2019ll need the truly high magnifications\u2014think 7-35x\u2014but it does happen on occasion. Figure out the distance at which you\u2019ll be hunting, and go from there. You do need to be sure the lower end of the magnification range is low enough to work at your closest-range scenario, which is another reason not to get carried away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE HERE: <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-burris-veracity-ph-4-20x50-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Burris Veracity PH\u202f4\u201320\u00d750 Review<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-best-hunting-scope\">The Best Hunting Scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no ideal hunting scope, but a few factors are largely true. You want a 40mm objective or larger, a 30mm tube, and a minimum magnification of 3-9x. And, of course, the scope has to withstand whatever caliber you\u2019re shooting (don\u2019t just assume it can, not if you\u2019re running larger calibers). I always say it\u2019s smarter to put money into a higher-quality scope than the rifle itself, and it is accurate. A low-quality scope will do far more damage to your hunt than a more affordably priced rifle. Invest in a good scope. You won\u2019t regret it, and your hunts will be a lot more successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a look at Leupold&#8217;s long-range hunting optics <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leupold.com\/shop\/riflescopes\/use\/open-country-hunting\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>. Riton&#8217;s hunting optic line can be viewed <a href=\"https:\/\/ritonoptics.com\/product-category\/optics\/scopes\/?_wc_series=primal\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-hunting-scopes-how-to-choose-and-use-them\" title=\"Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hunters have different needs from other shooters when it comes to choosing optics, and it can be a challenge to find the right one. But once you understand a few basic things about how optics work, it gets a lot easier.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":210584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4305,4322,1217],"tags":[4468,1839,1209,612],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-210581","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-expert-guides","8":"category-gear-optics","9":"category-hunt365","10":"tag-gear-optics","11":"tag-hunt-gear","12":"tag-hunt365","13":"tag-optics"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hunt365 - Hunting Scopes: How to Choose and Use Them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the best hunting scopes and features. 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