Element Optics: A Beginner’s Guide To Mastering Your Rifle Scope

To elevate your hunting or sharpshooting game, you need to have the right equipment, and when it comes to rifle scopes, it doesn’t get better than Element Optics. Riflescopes give shooters the ability to make challenging shots at greater distances consistently. These scopes have existed for some time now, and over the last few decades, they have become much more sophisticated and functional.

They have developed to such an extent that it may be a little daunting for beginners to understand what they should look for. This is especially true when it comes to high-end scopes that are packed with features and complex characteristics. If you were to browse the impressive range of Element Optics scopes we stock at Futurama, you may not know where to begin or which scope is best suited for your purposes.

For this reason, we at Futurama think that the greatest way to get more people interested in sharpshooting and using the proper gear is through education. In this article, we want to help newcomers by creating a beginner's guide to rifle scopes. We will look at some of the basic components of rifle scopes as well as a range of important terminology that you should know.

We will also delve into some common mistakes beginners make and how they can impact your shooting experience. We will end by highlighting a few of our favourite Element Optics scopes that one can find in our Futurama online store, so you know what to look for the next time you’re browsing. So, if you are intrigued and want to learn more about rifle scopes and Element Optics, then keep reading to find out more.

Rifle Scope Components And Terminology

Before we look at anything else, we must start with rifle anatomy and basic terminology. To learn more about the world of shooting sports and rifle scope technology, you must first grasp the fundamentals. Luckily, no matter the quality of the scope, whether it be high-end products like those manufactured by Element Optics or cheaper entry-level rifle scopes, they tend to have a similar anatomy.

This means that if you understand one scope, you can begin to understand them all. With that in mind, let’s review what makes up a rifle scope and what each component does:

A Scope’s Anatomy

When it comes to the anatomy of a rifle scope, there are three main components that are critical for newcomers to be aware of. These include the objective lens, the reticle, and the turrets. These components work together to provide the accuracy and stability necessary to increase your overall precision. Element Optics is a well-trusted brand because they have reworked and engineered some of the most successful, consistent components in the industry. But what exactly do they do?

Objective Lens: At the very front of your scope (the end furthest away from you) sits the objective lens. Visibility is one of the most critical considerations, as it allows for a clear line of sight and enhances target acquisition and accuracy. The objective lens is designed to gather light and transfer it to the ocular lens at the opposite end of the scope. This process of capturing and transferring light creates a clear image of the object – thus the name objective lens.

Reticle: The component that is essential to encourage precision is the reticle – often going by the more common name crosshair. This is the marked cross you will see when you look through the scope. This is also an intriguing part of the scope, as it can be customised to match your needs and preferences. There is a plethora of reticle styles and measurement indicators, including bullet drop compensators, mil-dots, and illuminated crosshairs. They can even be designed to give you important information about the range, windage, and other factors, allowing you to adjust as needed.

Turrets: Finally, it is also important to highlight the turrets and their integral role. These are the dials on your scope and they allow you to adjust the scope when necessary. When shooters make adjustments, the goal is usually to compensate for the direction and speed of the wind and the elevation (their positioning when compared to the target). Learning how to precisely adjust your turrets is what makes a good sharpshooter great; while it may seem complicated initially, it becomes natural and intuitive once you understand what needs to be adjusted and when.

Common Terminology

Now that we understand the makeup of rifle scopes, we can turn our attention to terminology. If you are purchasing a new rifle scope at Futurama or heading out to the shooting range, there are a few common phrases that you may encounter.

In your search for the ideal rifle scope, it will be easier to talk to a salesperson about rifle scopes if you know what these terms mean. They will also help you learn about the sport and what is needed to improve your shooting performance and form. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Magnification: When it comes to discussing rifle scopes, understanding magnification and how it impacts shot choice and accuracy is critical. Although most already understand the basic meaning (enlarging the view of the target or object), there is much to consider to ensure a comprehensive approach. Generally, magnification is linked to a number that indicates to what extent the image has been magnified, i.e., a 4x scope increases magnification by a factor of four. It is also important to note that most Element Optics scopes have variable magnification, which means you can adjust the level of magnification on the scope itself.

Eye Relief: This is another important concept to understand. When we speak about eye relief, we are referring to the distance between your eye and the ocular lens (or eyepiece). Eye relief will be unique for every shooter, and finding the ideal distance is important for comfort and safety.

Field Of View (FOV): Finally, you may have heard the term FOV, or field of view, before. This will come up frequently on the shooting range and on hunting excursions. This term refers to the area you can see when aiming (or looking) down your scope. A wide field of view indicates that you can see more of the surroundings around the target, while a narrow FOV means you are focusing on the target. Again, this is a factor that can be adjusted in relation to the magnification to help you get a clear, comfortable view of the object you are shooting at.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make With Scopes

At this point, you may be feeling a lot more confident in your knowledge of what makes up a great scope and how to use basic terminology related to the scope you purchased. Regardless of the sort of scope you have, whether it’s a professional Element Optics scope or an entry-level alternative, there are a few noteworthy mistakes that a beginner can make while using them.

Although the mistakes we will be discussing in this section are not life-threatening, they can encourage the formation of bad habits early in your shooting career. These may limit your potential and make getting the most out of your rifle scope much harder. So, let’s highlight these common mistakes early and give you the time and ability to improve and correct them.

Eye Relief

As we highlighted in our last section, when we refer to eye relief, we are talking about the distance between your eye and the lens of the scope. We made sure to mention that this is something you will have to finetune for yourself until you find a distance that works for you. Although this is still true, a common error is placing your eye too close to the scope.

When the scope is too close, you are at risk of the recoil causing the scope to bounce backwards and into your eye, which can cause cuts or bruises. Another issue with having your eye too close to the eyepiece is that it can cause "tunnelling,” which is when black edges appear around the sides of your reticle, which can greatly hinder precision.

When finding the ideal distance between your eye and the lens, most professionals recommend about three to four inches. Early practice with varying distances can help you settle into a safe distance and completely prevent this problem.

Over-Adjusting Turrets

Another common beginner mistake is when new shooters attempt to over-tune or continually adjust their scope for different factors like windage and elevation. Although these adjustments are crucial for accurate shooting, over-adjusting your turrets can cause you to lose the zero position of your scope. Meaning you will have to start from scratch and go through the zeroing process again.

Element Optics: The Futurama Range

Now that you have learnt what makes up an Element Optics scope and common mistakes a beginner may make, you are probably excited to discover some of the offerings available to you. At Futurama, we are proud to stock a wide range of Element Optics scopes to meet the needs of shooters. Below are some of our favourite scopes we currently have in stock:

The Helix 6–24X50 SFP Riflescope: With a fully multi-coated lens and aircraft-grade aluminium housing, you have a great introductory scope that is made to last. The Helix 6-24x50 model sports a 30mm body tube, is renowned for its lightweight design, and is both waterproof and fogproof, making it perfect for any environment.

The Nexus 5–20X50 FFP Riflescope: If you are looking for an exceptional scope that is sure to enhance your precision and experience, we have to recommend the Nexus 5-20x50 model. It is created for intermediate to advanced shooters and includes many game-changing features to make your life easier. Also made from aluminium with a 30mm body, this lightweight scope has both a hard mechanical zero stop and even a tool-free resettable turret system, making adjustments easier than ever before.

Element Optics And Futurama

At Futurama, we are proud of our wide range of rifle scopes for people of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we have the right scope for you. So, if you are excited to learn more about our top-of-the-line Element Optics range or want to find out about what else we offer, don’t hesitate to visit our website today to learn more.