With deer hunting season in Illinois rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time to purchase a scope for your firearm. If you're new to hunting, finding the perfect optic for your needs can be difficult, as there are many variations between models that suit different purposes. Below are several strategies to help you find one to assist with your hunting this year.

How Can You Choose the Right Scope for a Rifle?

1. Consider the Magnification

Scopes are available at many magnification levels to help you hone in on targets at different distances. For example, if you're aiming at something up to 100 yards away, which is often the case with small game hunting, look for a scope that offers 1-4x magnification. For large game hunting up to 200 yards, choose a scope that has 5-8x magnification. Anything over 200 yards requires a scope capable of 9-12x magnification to give you a clear view of the target. You can also invest in a variable power scope if you hunt in different environments and situations.

2. Review Scope Reticles

The reticle is the crosshair that helps you aim when looking through the scope. There are three main options to choose from. Duplex reticles offer the simplest design, providing a standard crosshair pattern with two lines that converge in the middle. Mil-dot reticles are similar, except they also have dots along the sides of the lines to help you determine the distance of an object based on its size. There are also bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticles, which provide an estimate of how much the bullet will drop at a certain range. A BDC scope is usually best for long-range shooting situations, and is not as effective for hunting. 

3. Select the Right Eye Relief

Eye relief refers to the space between your eye and the lens of the scope. Since rifles tend to have strong recoil, you shouldn't be too close to the lens, as this can cause the scope to hit you in the face when firing. Generally, look for an optic that offers between 3 and 4 inches of relief, as this will prevent accidents when shooting. For high-powered firearms that produce more recoil, opt for a sight that has 5 to 6 inches of eye relief.

If you need to find the perfect firearm or scope for this hunting season, visit Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL. Since 2006, the friendly and knowledgeable team at this gun store have been helping people learn about firearms and use them carefully. They also have an indoor shooting range, so you can test weapons before purchasing and practice your skills. Visit the website to learn more about their services, and call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a team member.