riflescopes

Riflescopes are optical sighting devices mounted on firearms to magnify distant targets and provide a reticle for aiming. They are widely used in hunting, precision shooting, and military and law enforcement applications. A riflescope typically includes an objective lens, an ocular lens, internal lenses to adjust magnification, and a reticle in the eyepiece. The bore is aligned with the scope’s axis, and mechanical turrets or adjustment knobs compensate for elevation and windage; many models also offer parallax adjustment to correct parallax error at varying distances.

Magnification can be fixed or variable. Fixed-power scopes have a single magnification; variable-power scopes cover a range and may include zero-stop features. Reticles come in several styles, such as duplex, mil-dot, and ballistic (BDC). Reticles can be located in the first focal plane, where the subtensions scale with magnification, or in the second focal plane, where they do not. Lenses are coated to improve light transmission and reduce glare; some scopes include illuminated reticles for low-light aiming.

Durability and climate endurance are important: scopes are often waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant, achieved through seals and gas purging (often nitrogen or argon) and rugged housings typically made of aluminum alloys. Common tube diameters are 1 inch (25.4 mm) and 30 mm, with various overall lengths and objective diameters.

Proper use involves mounting the scope securely, aligning it with the bore, and zeroing at a chosen distance. Maintenance includes keeping lenses clean, avoiding scratches, and storing with caps on. When selecting a riflescope, considerations include mounting compatibility, intended distance, required magnification, reticle type, and budget.