By Benjamin Smith March 13, 2014 

A rifle is only as good as the rifleman’s ability to hit his target. Many a novice hunter, equipped with the most expensive rifle they could find, has gone into the field with a $50 scope picked up as an afterthought. They find their rifle is not as lethal as expected when, time and again, their apparently clean shot fails to hit their target. The problem is not the rifle. The problem is probably not the hunter’s aim. The problem is a sub-par scope.

The fact is that the scope you choose is at least as important as the rifle you mount it on. The logic behind this is simple: all the firepower in the world won’t kill an animal it can’t hit. Now that you know how important your scope is, it’s time to ask some questions to help you select a reputable scope.1. What are you shooting?The purpose of this question is to help you determine the size of the target you’ll be shooting and how close you are likely to be to your target. This factor will help you to determine the maximum magnification your scope should have and if you need a variable powered scope, which allows you to adjust the magnification.2. Where are you shooting?Shooting in dense forest means any shot you take will likely be relatively short. In situations like this, you probably won’t need a variable scope. If you’ll be shooting in a mountainous area or in wide open spaces, you would likely be benefited by a versatile variable scope that will give you plenty of options. It’s important that you know just how much power your scope needs to have for your preferred hunting terrain.3. When are you shooting?If you plan on shooting early in the morning or in the evening when light is limited, you need to plan to compensate for less-than-optimal shooting conditions. There are two ways to go about doing this. The first tactic is to pick a scope with a larger objective lens. The lens operates much like the pupil of your eye; a wider lens picks up more light and gives a brighter image. The larger lens provides greater contrast for your crosshairs, which are generally black. The second tactic is to purchase a scope with an illuminated reticle that will stand out against the darker target. As with most everything involving firearms, everyone seems to have a strong opinion about illuminated reticles. Be sure to try one out before you decide to purchase a new scope.All the other stuff…There are plenty of other factors that should be considered when selecting your scope, more than could be fully covered in this article. Some other things to think about: How large of a field of view you’ll need your scope to have? How far away can your eye be from the scope without compromising your ability to aim through it accurately? If you’re too close to the scope, it could hit your eye when the gun kicks, leading to a nasty eye injury. Talk to your trusted local firearm optics supplier or an experienced hunting buddy to see what kind of advice they have for your unique needs.

Benjamin Smith loves writing about all types of things of interest to consumers. In you are an avid North American big game hunter, take a look at premier outfittersThe R & K Hunting Company . Photo Credit: flickr.com/photos/wildliferesourcesdivision/6378478175/sizes/m/in/photostream/

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