Finding The Right Rifle Scopes For Sale

In the competitive world of shooting sports and professional hunting, finding the right rifle scopes for sale can be a daunting task. Here at Futurama, we understand the vital importance that is precision and clarity when it comes to rifle scopes, which is why we offer only the very best optics to get the job done.

Selecting and investing in a top-tier, quality rifle scope from the multitude of rifle scopes for sale online is vital for plenty of reasons. First and foremost, a decent scope can enhance your accuracy, helping you to hit every target with precision. Of course, this is particularly vital for hunters who have to ensure that each shot is clean and ethical.

In this quick buyer’s guide, we’ll aim your sights toward everything you need to know when it comes to selecting the best rifle scopes to suit your needs.

Rifle Scopes For Sale: Key Features To Consider

When searching for the perfect rifle scopes for sale, we recommend that you consider several key features, namely; magnification, objective lens, turrets, fixed or variable power, focal plane, and reticle.

Magnification

In a nutshell, magnification refers to how much closer your target appears than what can be viewed with the naked eye. For example, if your scope’s magnification is 8x, it means you can see eight times closer than you could with the naked eye.

So, just how much magnification do you need? Rookies might say that you need as much magnification as possible, but this is not always the case. We recommend purchasing a rifle scope with magnification suited to your specific needs and suggest considering these factors:

1. Are you using your rifle mainly for target shooting, small game, or as home defence? (up to 91 metres) If so, we suggest getting a scope with 1-4x magnification.
2. For target shooting (up to 182 metres), stalking larger game, or hunting in closed landscapes – such as forests or mountainous regions – we suggest a scope with magnification between 5-8x.
3. If you’re target shooting beyond 182 metres or hunting in open landscapes such as the desert or fields, we suggest a magnification of 9-12x.

Fixed VS Variable Power

When searching for rifle scopes for sale, you’ll encounter two types of magnification: fixed power and variable power. Fixed power scopes use only magnification, while variable power scopes offer multiple levels of magnification.

In our opinion, variable power scopes are the better choice as they provide flexibility for shooting in various environments and situations. Of course, this decision ultimately depends on your shooting preferences. If you primarily shoot from a single distance, a fixed power scope might be your best choice. On the other hand, if you encounter varying shooting situations, a variable powered scope would be a better fit.

Objective Lens

Once you’ve settled on the type of magnification, it’s vital to consider the objective lens. The objective lens is the lens at the end of the scope responsible for light transmission. Generally, a larger objective lens provides a brighter and clearer image. However, an excessively large lens can add weight, require taller scope rings, and increase the chance of sunlight reflection – which can reveal your position. When deciding on your objective lens consider these factors:

1. For low recoil firearms, close-range hunting, and low power scopes, opt for 28mm or smaller.
2. For firearms with more recoil, low light hunting, and high-power scopes, choose 30-44mm.
3. For long-range shooting or high magnification in low light, we suggest 50mm or larger.

You can determine the size of the objective lens by the number after the “x” in the scope’s description. For example, a 2x30 scope has a 30mm objective lens.

Reticle

The reticle, otherwise known as the crosshair, is the aiming point of your rifle scope. In the modern world of rifle scopes, there are several variations of reticles available to you, including duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator). Every type has its advantages, depending on your shooting style and preferences.

Duplex reticles are practical for long-range shooting, and with proper knowledge of your calibre’s ballistics and bullet drop, you’ll be able to accurately shoot out to around 274 metres using standard big game calibres.

BDC reticles are simpler, as they feature three to five horizontal hash marks below the main crosshair. Each hash mark corresponds to a known elevation drop based on calibre and bullet ballistics. Of course, rifle scope manufacturers provide this information, thus allowing hunters to select the appropriate hashmark for their shooting distance.

Then there is the MOA reticle – a slightly more complicated form of reticle, however, it does work on the same fundamentals as the BDC. The hash marks are found below the main crosshair and they correspond to minutes of angle elevation drop points.

For example, 1 MOA equals 2.54 cm at 91 metres, and 10.16 cm at 366 metres. A bullet dropping 61 cm at 366 metres would require using the hashmark for a 6 MOA drop to make the shot. This reticle system needs some careful calculations, so many hunters tape a small yardage/MOA cheat sheet to their rifle stock for quick referencing in the wilderness.

Lastly, some reticles also have windage hashmarks on the horizontal crosshair. At long ranges in open country, wind can push bullets off target and these reticles compensate accurately for wind drift.

Turrets

Many rifle scope manufacturers offer custom calibre and bullet-specific elevation turrets that can be manually adjusted. These turrets allow for precision aiming by adjusting the horizontal crosshair to account for bullet drop, enabling you to aim directly at the target. While custom elevation turrets are popular among hunters, they are unnecessary for most shots in the field.

Selecting The Right Rifle Scope For Your Needs

Selecting the right rifle scope depends on several factors, including your shooting style, the type of game you might be hunting and, of course, your budget. Let’s look at some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Determine Your Shooting Style

Are you a long-range shooter, or perhaps you prefer hunting in dense forests? Your unique shooting style will influence the type of scope you need. For long-range shooting we recommend a scope with higher magnification and a BDC reticle. For close-range or dense forest hunting, a scope with a lower magnification and a wide field of view is ideal.

Your Rifle And Caliber

Your choice of rifle and calibre will also impact your choice of scope. High-recoil rifles require scopes with longer eye relief and robust construction. Additionally, ensure that the scope is compatible with your rifle’s mounting system.

Your Budget

Of course, budget is a huge deciding factor when selecting rifle scopes for sale. Rifle scopes come in a myriad of price ranges, from your budget-friendly, beginners’ options to high-end models. Determine what your budget is beforehand and look for scopes that offer the best value for your buck. Lastly, remember, investing in a quality scope is crucial for optimal performance and durability.

Rifle Scopes For Sale At Futurama

Here at Futurama, we offer a diverse range of rifle scopes for sale, catering to all needs and budgets. Let’s take a look at some of our top recommendations:

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is a notably popular choice among hunters and shooters simply due to its unparalleled performance at an affordable price. It boasts a 3-9 magnification range, a 40mm objective lens, and it also features a fast-focus eyepiece.

Zeiss Conquest V4 3-12x44

Zeiss, famous for their optic equipment, bring quality and durability to the table – and the Zeiss Conquest V4 is no exception. The Conquest V4 3-12x44 has a 3-12x magnification range that allows you to zoom in and out, depending on your needs. The Twilight factor of 9.0 - 23.0 enables you to work in low light environments, which is essential for hunting and tactical operations.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40

Leupold is another renowned brand known for its top-tier scopes, with the VX -Freedom being a testament to that reputation. Sporting a 3-9x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens, this scope is both reliable and oh-so versatile. Not to mention its Twilight Management System, which provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions, and the rugged design ensures it can handle tough environments.

Maintenance Tips For Your Rifle Scope

Now that you’ve invested in a stellar rifle scope, proper care is vital to avoid damage and pricey repairs. Let’s look at some of our top tips to help you properly maintain your scope:

Keep Your Lens Covered

When you’re not using your scope, make sure that you always cover the ocular and objective lenses. This will prevent scratches, cracks, and a buildup of dirt. While many scopes come with slip-on covers, we suggest upgrading to more secure options like flip-up covers.

Transport With Care

Despite their durable construction, scopes can still be damaged when you’re transporting them. We suggest using a paddle rifle bag to protect your scope when it’s not in use and during transportation.

Pay Attention To Storage

While scopes are waterproof, thanks to nitrogen and O-ring seals, other parts can still be prone to rust. Ensure that your scope is dry before storing it, especially after use in wet conditions. Avoid storing it in damp places such as garages or your garden shed.

Make Maintenance A Habit

Regular maintenance of your rifle scope is a must. Ensure that you check your scope after every use and clean it if necessary. After exposure to rain, let your turrets dry with their caps off before storing them. Lastly, ensure that you perform a thorough cleaning every six months to ensure optimal performance.

How To Clean Your Rifle Scope

Cleaning your rifle scope involves two main tasks: lens cleaning and scope body cleaning. Here’s a quick guide on how to do both effectively.

Clean The Lens

Rifle scopes lenses are delicate and easily scratched. Proper cleaning is essential to maintain clarity and performance. Here’s how to clean the lenses:

Dust Off: Use compressed air or a lens cleaning air blower to remove dust and debris. This prevents scratches when you start wiping your lens.

Brush Gently: Use a soft lens brush to remove any remaining particles. These brushes have soft bristles that won’t damage the lens coating.

Wipe Smudges: For any remaining smudges or dirt, use a microfiber lens cloth. Make sure there is no dust or debris on the lens before wiping. Water or standard eyeglass lens cleaner works well for this step.

Clean The Scope Body

Your scope body can also collect dirt and dust over time, especially with frequent outdoor use. Here’s how to clean it:

Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris from the main body.

Brush Turrets: Use an old toothbrush or soft-headed brush to clean around dials and turrets.

Clean Under Turrets: Unscrew the scope turrets and use a cloth and cotton buds to lean inside and underneath. Ensure everything is dry before reassembling to prevent rust.

Get The Best Rifle Scopes At Futurama

If you’re seeking the perfect rifle scope for your needs, Futurama offers the most diverse selection in the nation. With us, you can expect complete transparency and know that every order we ship is carbon negative.

Our goal is to elevate your online shopping experience while reducing emissions and promoting a cleaner, greener future. Explore our extensive range of rifle scopes today and find the perfect match for your needs, here at Futurama.