Kikkertsikter

Kikkertsikter, known in English as rifle scopes, are optical devices mounted on firearms to magnify distant targets and provide a reticle for aiming. A typical scope comprises an objective lens at the front, an eyepiece at the rear, and a tube that houses internal lenses and adjustment mechanisms. The reticle, or aiming pattern, is aligned with the bore so that changes in elevation and windage can be dialed in to hit a chosen point of impact.

Most kikkertsikter offer fixed or variable magnification and different objective diameters. Common features include windage and elevation turrets for adjusting sighting, parallax adjustment, and focus control. Many scopes use multi-coated lenses to reduce glare; some have illuminated reticles for low-light use. Mounting is usually via rings on a rail system (such as Picatinny or Weaver) or traditional mounts, and proper mounting is essential for accuracy.

Types vary from simple fixed-power scopes to high-magnification variable scopes used for long-range shooting. Reticles may be simple crosshairs or specialized patterns such as mil-dots, MOA-based grids, or ballistic-etched designs for range estimation and trajectory compensation. The choice depends on the shooter’s needs, the firearm, and the expected conditions.

History and usage: rifle scopes began to appear in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were widely adopted for military, hunting, and sport shooting. Leading manufacturers include Carl Zeiss, Leupold, Schmidt & Bender, and Swarovski. Maintenance includes keeping lenses clean, ensuring proper zero, and periodic re-zeroing after disassembly or mechanical shock.