Rifle Scopes

Start with the magnification range, because it decides what the rifle can do rather than how well it does it. A variable that begins at 1x behaves like a red dot at the bottom of its travel and a scope at the top, which is the reason low-power variables dominate close and mid-range shooting; a 3-9x or 2-12x is the classic all-round choice where nothing happens under fifty metres; a 4-12x or 5-25x is for deliberate shooting at known distance, where the extra glass earns its weight. Fixed-power prism scopes sit outside that scale entirely and are covered on their own page.

Two further decisions follow. Focal plane: a first focal plane reticle grows and shrinks with magnification, so its subtensions hold true at any setting, while a second focal plane reticle stays a constant apparent size and is only calibrated at one power — usually the top — but is far easier to see at 1x. And units: pick MRAD reticles with MRAD turrets, or MOA with MOA, so a correction you read in the glass is one you can dial without arithmetic. Reticle codes on these listings carry that unit, and a bullet drop pattern is cut for a particular cartridge, so match it to what you shoot. Mounting comes last: check the tube diameter, then choose a ring or cantilever mount at a height that puts the ocular where your cheek naturally sits.

Explore more: LPVO Rifle Scopes, Prism Scopes, Scope Mounts & Optic Risers, or Precision Rifle Scope Mounts. £5 tracked UK delivery in 7–10 business days.