How to Choose a Rifle Scope: A Practical Buyer's Guide
Magnification, objective size, focal plane and reticle are the four decisions that matter most. Here is how to match a scope to the way...
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Field Notes
Product guides, equipment care and buyer education from the D&R team.
MOA vs MIL: Which Rifle Scope Turret Is Right for You?
Both measure angles, both work, and neither is 'more accurate'. The real rule is simpler: keep your reticle and turrets in the same unit....
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First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane (FFP vs SFP)
In an FFP scope the reticle grows and shrinks with magnification; in an SFP scope it stays the same size. That one difference changes...
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The LPVO Buyer's Guide: 1-6x, 1-8x and 1-10x Explained
A low-power variable gives you red-dot speed at 1x and magnified precision up top. Here's how to choose between 1-6x, 1-8x and 1-10x and...
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Scope Mounting Guide: Rings, Bases, Height and Torque
A great scope on a poor mount will never hold zero. Here's how to choose rings, set the right height, level the reticle and...
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How to Zero a Rifle Scope: A Simple Step-by-Step
Boresight, pick a distance, fire a group, adjust off the center of that group, confirm. Here is the whole process without the guesswork.
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How to Read Riflescope Numbers (Like 3-9x40)
3-9x40 isn't code once you know the pattern. Here's what every number on a scope actually tells you before you buy.
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Leupold VX vs Mark Series: Hunting vs Tactical
Leupold's two main scope families solve different problems. Here's how the VX hunting line and the Mark tactical line actually differ.
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What Is Parallax on a Rifle Scope, and How to Adjust It
If your reticle seems to float over the target when you move your head, that's parallax. Here's what it is and how to dial...
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How to Choose a Hunting Riflescope
A hunting scope has a different job than a target scope. Here's how to pick magnification, reticle and glass for the game you actually...
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Understanding Reticles: Duplex, BDC, Mil-Dot and Trees
Duplex, BDC, mil-dot, Christmas tree — the aiming pattern inside your scope should match how you shoot. Here's what each one does.
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Athlon Ares vs Midas vs Cronus: Which Line?
Athlon stacks its riflescopes in clear tiers. Here's how Midas, Ares and Cronus differ in glass and price so you buy the right level.
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