So, you’ve just purchased a new rifle or pistol and cannot wait to take it out on the range. However, before you can hit the range, there is one final detail to take care of: choosing the right optic for your firearm. After all, an optic is arguably the most important accessory for any firearm because it allows you to see and hit targets much more easily than with the unaided eye. In this blog post, we will help you understand why optics are a primary consideration when purchasing a new gun and explain why that scope or sight on your old gun just won’t cut it anymore.
How to Choose an Optic
Even though the market is flooded with all sorts of optics, it is not always easy to figure out which one is the best for your specific needs. To help you find the best optic for your new gun, below are factors that you should consider before making your purchase.
- Magnification – A higher magnification allows you to see your target more clearly, but it also makes your hands shake more. So, if you are a beginner or unsteady shooter, a lower magnification is best.
- Objective Lens Diameter – The diameter of the objective lens is another factor that you should consider when purchasing a new optic. The objective lens is the part of the optic that you look through, and the larger the diameter, the more light the optic will let in. This is important for low-light and night-time shooting.
- Reticle Type – While there are many different reticle patterns available on the market, the best type of reticle for your gun will depend on your specific shooting needs.
MIL vs MOA
- MIL – This is short for “milliradian”. It refers to the angular measurement system used in scopes. While MOA measures angle in inches, mils measure angles in inches divided by 1000. When it comes to using a scope, the higher the mil, the more accurate your shots will be. Scopes with higher mil values are generally more expensive. The mil value that you choose depends on what your rifle is used for. For example, if you are shooting long distances, then a high-magnification scope is ideal. On the other hand, if you only shoot short distances, then a low-magnification scope will do just fine.
- MOA- Short for “minute of angle”, this is the angular measurement that scopes are often marked with. When it comes to using a scope, the MOA value is used to determine the accuracy of your shots. The MOA of a scope is determined by how big the reticle is on the scope and the size of the objective lens. The reticle is the part of the scope that you look through in order to aim at your target. The MOA is determined by the distance between the center of the reticle and the center of the objective lens. The larger the objective lens, the more light is allowed in, which means that the image is brighter. However, it also means that the magnification is less.
Telescopic Sights
A telescopic sight is a type of optic that uses lenses to magnify the target and make it appear larger than it actually is. These sights are the most common type of optic on the market, and they come in both rifles and shotguns. Telescopic sights are made up of two components: the tubes and the turrets. The tubes are the long cylindrical pieces of the sight that hold the lenses and magnifying lenses. The turrets are the shorter pieces that adjust the windage, and elevation adjustments.
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Red Dot
A red dot sight is another popular sight that is used on rifles and shotguns. This sight uses an LED light that shines through a plastic lens that is red-colored. The plastic lens is placed in front of a metal reflector that redirects the light and projects it onto a “dot” that appears on your target. The red dot sight is one of the best options for someone who is just starting to use an optic because it is very easy to use and very accurate. Additionally, it is easy to mount on different firearms, and there are many different types of red dot sights on the market, making it easy to find one that fits your specific needs.
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Holographic Sight
Holographic sights are relatively new, and they are often used as high-end alternatives to telescopic sights. Despite the name, holographic sights do not actually use holograms. Instead, these sights project reticles onto a glass plate. The projected reticle can take any shape, but circles are the most common. The reticle is projected onto a glass plate using an optical system, so this sight is also known as a reticle-projected sight. The advantage of holographic sights is that the projected reticle does not change when the magnification of the sight is adjusted.
Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO)
A low-power variable optic (LPVO) is a type of optic that is designed to be used on rifles. This optic has two main lenses: one low-power lens and one high-power lens. The low-power lens is used for close-range shooting, while the high-power lens is used for long-range shooting. The benefit of this optic is that it has a zoom function like a telephoto lens, making it easy to switch from close-range to long-range shooting quickly and easily. It is important to note, though, that an LPVO will not be as powerful as a zoom telescope, so it is not ideal for low-light shooting.
Iron Sight
Iron sights are the traditional type of sight that is used on rifles. While there are many varieties of iron sights, they all use a front post and a rear sight. The front post is a small piece of metal that is placed at the end of the barrel, while the rear sight is a piece of metal that is attached to the top of the rifle. Iron sights are very popular among rifle shooters because they are durable, easy to use, and accurate. However, there are also a few disadvantages to iron sights. For example, iron sights don’t magnify the target, so they are only useful for short-range shooting. Also, iron sights don’t have any kind of reticle, so they are not ideal for hunters who are shooting at moving targets.
Reflex Sights
A reflex sight is a type of sight that uses a red dot reticle to help you aim your firearm with more accuracy. This sight uses an LED light and a partially transparent lens to project the reticle onto a partially transparent piece of glass. This makes the reticle appear as a reflection in the glass and allows you to look straight through the sight and see your target as well. The benefit of a reflex sight is that you don’t have to look down a sight when shooting, and it is easy to use. However, this type of sight is not ideal for low-light shooting because it does not have additional illumination.
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Summary
When purchasing a new rifle or pistol, the optic you choose is just as important as the gun itself. Before purchasing a new optic, it is important to decide what your shooting needs are and then find an optic that best meets those needs. When it comes to choosing the right optic, there are many factors to consider. Magnification, objective lens diameter, reticle type, and mounting options are all important factors to think about before making your purchase. To ensure that you purchase the best optic for your firearm, it is important to do your research and find the best product for your needs.
