Several times a day, on any hunting forum, someone posts asking for the advice of the members to help them select the perfect optic. It usually begins something like this: “What’s everyone running for an optic on their Creedmoor?” What follows is a litany of responses ranging from brand shout-outs to a detailed explanation of why someone must shoot their scope. What typically happens, however, is the poster ends up more confused than before, or worse, is possibly influenced by misinformation. Optic selection need not be complicated.
The world of sport optics is a game of trade-offs. Perfect does not exist. You can get close, but you can’t find perfect. Why? It is because you will use your optic in many different shooting situations. It helps if you strive for balance in the optic, not perfection.
So, where to begin? Answer three broader questions first:
1. Where will you be using the scope, mostly? Plains game or dark woodland? The answer will help you determine the more granular details in optics selection, such as magnification range, reticle, illumination, etc. I would suggest magnification is over-rated; however, more extended shooting lends itself to more magnification, dialable turrets, and possibly a first focal plane solution. Hunting inside of 500 yards, one would want less magnification. Invest the money which might have been spent on turrets to buy better glass and illumination for low-light hunting.
2. What cartridge will you be shooting, mostly? Your answer builds upon “the where.” Will you be using a 30-30 Winchester or a 28 Nosler? Do you need an optic that shoots out to 1000 yards or beyond? Or, do you need one for under 400 yards? Your answer will solidify the direction of the optic for the shooter. To dial or not to dial. That is the question.
3. What focal plane is better to hunt with, mostly? Your answer is where a lot of the arguing in the optics world starts. I am not among the hordes of folk who contend that a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope is the be all end all. In my opinion, it’s not practical for hunting. It works great for long-range shooting and the right type of long-range hunting. Most of the time, a Second Focal Plane (SFP) optic is a better choice if you’re hunting. If you plan on shooting long-range primarily (for this article, let’s call long-range beyond 500 yards), I will advocate for an FFP scope...maybe. One advantage of FFP is that the reticle subtends at all magnifications. I will cover FFP scopes and this topic in a later article, but for basic knowledge, understand the values represented by holdover information in the reticle will remain constant throughout the magnification range of the scope, which is not the case for SFP optics.
From these basic questions, you now have a solid foundation for beginning your search for the best optic given your primary use.
Now refine your search by finding your answers to these questions within the price range of optic you’re comfortable buying. The average purchase price of rifle scopes has crept up over the last few years. Hunters are beginning to appreciate the value a better-quality optic brings. There is no magic formula for an optic to rifle price ratio but realize there is a direct and intrinsic correlation to the reliability and repeatability of the firearm relative to the quality of the scope. I would tell you to spend more on the optic than the cost of the rifle.
What are some of the qualities a higher-end optic will bring you?
Can lower priced glass produce some or even many of these characteristics? Yes, of course. But generally, there are compromises along the way. I leave you with this: buy an optic at the top of your purchasing ability. No one ever regretted spending more on the glass. The difference you pay at the sales counter will show up in the field. Inevitably, when you’re trying to discern the difference between a cull and shooter at last light.
Good hunting, friends.