If you are trying to choose the right type of scope for hunting, you need to make sure you go through the characteristics of each scope to see what you need. Take into account magnification, objective lens quality, rifle lens coating, and much more to ensure you make a smart decision!
Choosing a rifle scope for hunting – why a compact riflescope with an SRS rifle is the best choice
If you are debating what type of rifle scope to purchase for your next hunting adventure, you need to try using a compact scope rifle for your next outing. Although other scopes can be useful for other types of shooting, whether it be for hunting small game nearby or sniping long targets, the compact riflescope with the SRS rifle is the most compatible choice for hunting big game over long distances.
What is a rifle scope?
First, what is the score of a rifle? What does it do and why is it important? Basically, the scope is like wearing glasses for people who are blind. Without the scope, you really will not be able to see at all. You need the scope to be able to see things that are close to you and things that are far away. Without the scope, there is no chance that your eyesight would allow you to see animals that are hundreds of meters away from your current position.
The rifle scope plays a key part in your vision since this part of the rifle acts as a small telescope that helps you zoom in on your prey and fire accurate shots towards your target. But how can you be sure you shot an accurate shot? The proper rifle scope is key to having a one-kill shot instead of firing multiple rounds in the direction of the animal you are hunting.
Magnification
The second aspect to take into account when choosing the right compact riflescope with your SRS rifle for hunting is the magnification level. If you find the compact scope does not zoom in far enough, choose another option. You need to choose a magnification level that lets you closely see the landscape in a much more detailed and zoomed-in view than you could with just your naked eye.
But why is magnification important? Why can this help hunters hit shots that are far away? Well, magnification lets you see the details and the fine print when it comes too far at targets. If you see a deer in the woods, the difference between the outline of a tree and the side of a deer can be very similar from far away. However, with an SRS rifle and a compact scope, you can clearly see the distinct and detailed outlines of what is nature and what is your prey.
How to find your magnification
The next step in determining what type of compact scope is good for your SRS rifle is the type of magnification needed for your specific weapon. The first thing you should take into account when choosing the scope is to look at the tail of the scope and eyeball the numbers. The numbers on the scope tell you the magnification, with the number typically looking something like “2-9x” or “3-9x”.
After you find the magnification level of the compact scope you are looking at, you need to choose a fixed or variable scope for your SRS rifle. The fixed scope will only have one number when it comes to the magnification level, whereas the variable scopes for SRS rifles will have more than one magnification. The main difference there when it comes to choosing between fixed and variable copes is the flexibility and versatility offered with choosing the variable scope.
For those who hunt for different ranges and different distances, like when they are walking through the woods, consider using a variable scope. This can let you adjust the compact scope on your SRS rifle. However, if you always hunt from a hunting stand or a spot in the tree, consider using a fixed power scope so you can aim quickly and avoid having to spend a fortune on variable scope.
How much magnification should I choose?
If you want to use a compact rifle scope for far-away shooting with your SRS rifle, you need the magnification level that is suitable for your rifle. For those who shoot up to 100 yards in the woods for small games, such as small rodents, chicken, or fowl, consider choosing between 1 and 4x. For those who target shoot up to 200 yards, stalk larger game, like deer or fox, use a 5 to 8x magnification. Lastly, for advanced hunters who use an SRS rifle to target shoot beyond 200 yards in open landscapes, use a 9 to 12x magnification.
Objective lens
The third aspect that you need to take into consideration when choosing the type of compact scope to use with your SRS rifle is the objective lens, the aspect at the end of the scope that provides clarity and clear vision. The objective lens plays a key part in the brightness, vision, and clearness of what you are seeing through your scope. With the objective lens, you will benefit from a detailed view of the prey you are stalking.
However, there are positives and drawbacks to choosing a high-quality objective lens. Of course, with the lens, you can see clearer and probably shoot quicker. However, with a bigger objective lens, this means more weight you are carrying around, scope ring concerns and durability issues, and position giveaway to animals due to reflection of the sun hitting off of the lens on top of your scope.
How can I find the right objective lens?
When you are trying to find the right compact scope for your SRS rifle, you need to make sure you choose the best objective lens for your needs. Look at the title of the compact scope that you are deciding between and find the number after the magnification number. This number refers to the diameter of the objective lens and is typically between 25mm and 60mm.
An objective lens with 28mm and under is good for rifles with little recoil, good for close-range hunting of small pretty, and works with low power scopes. The 30-45 mm objective lenses work well with more recoil, hunting in dim lighting conditions, and higher power scopes. Objective lenses that have a rating of over 50mm are good for low light hunting and long-range targets.
Rifle Scope Lens Coating
The next characteristic of scopes to consider when you are choosing the best option for your SRS rifle for hunting is the rifle scope lens coating, the coating on the outside of the scope that enhances your sight and clarity. The purpose of the scope lens coating is to increase brightness in dim conditions so you can see accurately even when you are hunting in the early morning or late at night.
There are four different types of the coating when it comes to compact scopes for your SRS rifle. You can choose between a single coat layering, fully-coated layering, multicoated layering with several layers, or a fully multi-coated layer that has several layers. The most popular choice it’s the fully-coated lens covering that is standard in most SRS rifles.
If you are debating what type of rifle lens coating to choose for your SRS rifle, the majority of weapons today for hunting use a fully-coated scope and above. Avoid going below this option in terms of quality, as you will struggle to have accurate shots for your targets.
Field of view
The last characteristic to take into account when you are choosing the right type of compact scope to use with your SRS rifle is the field of view provided by the scope. The field of view refers to how much you can see while you are looking through your scope in either direction, by looking to the left and the right with just your eyes. If you zoom in a fair amount, you will be more focused on the target, but you will not be able to see the surroundings around the target.
Why does the field of view matter?
If you are wondering why the field of view matters when choosing the compact scope for your SRS rifle, it matters so you can avoid tunneling when you zoom in. “Tunneling” refers to the phenomenon of when the producer of a cheap scope has avoided adding certain magnifications to the scope. In this case, it can become fuzzy and unclear when you magnify at certain levels, leading to a lack of effectiveness.
Conclusion
If you are trying to find the perfect compact scope for your SRS rifle, make sure you consider the aforementioned characteristics before choosing the best option for you. You need to take into account the field of view you can get from your scope so you can see your target and your surroundings.
Furthermore, make sure you choose the right rifle lens coating so you can clearly see what is in front of you. Also, by choosing the right objective lens, you can see clearly in dark and dim conditions for effectiveness at all times of the day. Lastly, ensure the magnification level of the scope works with the type of hunting you’re going to be doing, whether it is big-game hunting over 200 meters or short-distance hunting for a small game within 100 meters.
