Are you looking to purchase a Rifle Scope yet have little understanding of what it all means?
Well, Ade (Optics Warehouse) has debunked the common terminology associated with Scopes and has provided a very basic breakdown making it easier for you to understand.
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There are many terms and phrases used when describing Rifle Scopes. This can include features, specifications, functions so on and so on.
Below, I have put together a common list of phrases and abbreviations that can be used; useful to anyone coming into the sport and not sure of the meaning.
Please be aware that different manufacturers may have similar descriptions in terms of these but may vary in their actual meaning.
What does PARALLAX mean?
This is a feature that allows the Scope and image to become focused throughout its zoom/magnification range.
The minimum distance this can operate down to will determine its suitability for your use on your own Rifle. 10-15 yards is usually the lowest and would be suitable for Air Rifle and Rimfire ranges upwards.
If the Scope does not have a parallax feature then it's usually at a 'fixed' distance of 100yards, for predominately Centrefire use.
[Copyright: Correcting and Adjusting Rifle Scope Parallax, Levi Sopeland, www.outdoorsmans.com,13.07.21]
The Parallax can be in numerous places on the Scope depending on the brand. Below I have provided some examples:
- SWFA = REAR or SIDE
- IOR = MID or SIDE
- HAWKE = FRONT or SIDE
Regardless of where the Parallax can be found on the Scope, it does the same job, however, the overall cost can vary due to this.
Note: Front AO is the same thing as Front Parallax/Focus Adjustment.
What does OBJECTIVE mean?
Easy one this. This simply refers to the front of the Rifle Scope.
So, 44, 50, 56mm Objective is the description of the size of the glass area (generally).
Be aware the actual external measurement will exceed this considerably. Something to take into account, when choosing Rings to mount or Flip-up covers etc.
[Image: Objective]
What does OCULAR/EYEPIECE mean?
Again, simply describes the eye end of the Rifle Scope - the first lens you look through when mounted. This can also be described as an 'Eye Box'.
This eyepiece always has some form of diopter adjustment that allows the user (once the Scope is mounted in the desired position) to alter this to obtain a crisp, crosshair/reticle image.
[Image: Ocular/Eyepiece]
What does EYE RELIEF mean?
This is the distance the Scope's optics are optimised at, depending on the platform/calibre its going on, and is the average distance between your eye and the actual Scope's body/eyepiece.
Pistol Scopes can be described as long eye relief simply because they are held at arm's length whereas a standard Centrefire will have around a few inches to ensure so you don't incur 'Scope Eye'.
Scope Eye is when the user is too close to the Scope when fired and the Scope recoils into the users eye - ouch!
Some precharged Air Rifle Scopes such as Hawke and MTC have zero eye relief as there is no recoil to contend with.
[Copyright: What is eye relief on a scope: All you need to know, Optics Bible, www.opticsbible.com]
What are TURRETS?
Turrets are the two mechanisms that allow the user to adjust the point of impact to your desired zero.
The top turret will adjust the elevation and the one on the side will adjust the windage. There are few exceptions that offer a left-hand windage turret.
Pay attention to the turrets when adjusting as they can vary in direction;
CW = Clockwise
CCW = Counterclockwise
Turrets can either be 'capped' or described as low profile, where frequent adjustment is not required e.g for close Hunting or "exposed, target or dialable', which simply means they are generally physically bigger for ease of frequent inputs, say when shooting in a target environment. On most modern Scopes, Target turrets are most common.
[Image: Turrets]
What does MOA/MRAD mean?
These are the values that the Turrets operate in.
MOA, think imperial; Yards/Inches, 1/8 MOA, 1/4 MOA etc.
MRAD, think metric; Centimetres/Metres, 0.5, 1/10 etc.
[Copyright: MOA vs MRAD: What is the Difference Between the Two?, www.xhunttargets.com , 13.01.21]
What does ELEVATION mean?
The phrase Elevation refers to the vertical axis of the reticle plane and is relevant to the physical distance adjustments of your chosen zero; inwards/outwards or upwards/downwards.
The Elevation Turret sits directly on top of the centre bell of the Scope.
[Copyright: Chris Everett, www.quora.com]
What does WINDAGE mean?
The word Windage is used with reference to the left-to-right, horizontal axis of the reticle.
This is the control knob generally found on the right-hand side of the Scope's centre bell.
Its job is to adjust the POI (Point of Impact) of the reticle - left or right - to meet with the weapon's zeroing distance.
[Image: Internal mechanism of setting Elevation. | Copyright: www.rimfirecentral.com]
What does ZEROING mean?
Zeroing is the collective term used to make adjustments using both turrets (windage and elevation) when mounting your Scope for the first time.
Although both turrets can and may be used for dialling in small adjustments in general day-to-day use.
[Copyright: www.shepherdscopes.com ]
What is the MAIN TUBE?
This is the Main Tube that your Ring Mounts will attach too.
This can vary - anything from 1inch on the older, cheaper Scopes, up through to 30, 34, 35, 36 and 40mm.
[Image: Main Tube]
Where is the ZOOM/MAG RING?
Zoom/Mag Ring is the mechanism that sits just in front of the ocular (eyepiece).
This will only be found on a 'variable' power Scope and allows you to change the magnification within its capability.
Example: 3-9x40
Minimum magnification = 3x
Maximum magnificaion = 9x
[Image: Zoom Mag/Ring]
What does ZEROSTOP mean?
ZeroStop is a mechanical function that some Scopes have in the turret system.
ZeroStop allows you once your gun is zeroed to set a physical stop in the turret travel, which would then allow you to return without fail to your original zero setting.
This is useful if you lose your way with turret turns or it gets moved inadvertently during transportation for example.
This is not to be confused with 'lockable' turrets which means it has a form of locking the turret in position in order to stop it from getting inadvertently adjusted.
[Video: How To Set The Zero Stop On An IOR Rifle Scope. Copyright: Optics Warehouse]
What is ED/HD GLASS?
All Rifle Scopes have varying degrees of 'coatings' on the front lenses.
This is used for clarity, light transmission, adjustment, water dispersion etc and can greatly change the optical quality of any Scope.
Extra dispersion, high definition (HD) , rainguard etc, Many terms can be used to describe the coatings and performance of the lenses.
Every firm has its own terminology but essentially all refer to the coatings on the lenses.
[Copyright: ED and HD Optics on a Budget, www.gearexpert.com]
What is a RETICLE?
Reticles come in many, many variants from the most simple 'Mil Dot' and 'Duplex', to the very busy and fine target reticles such as the 'Horus'.
They all do the same job of guiding your eye to the point of impact required and will have varying degrees of visual hold over values/references for the shooter to learn to their calibre and ballistics.
[Copyright: How to use Tactical reticles, Teodor Stimec www.optics-info.com 31.08.2016]
What does ILLUMINATION mean?
This is the capability of the reticle you are looking at (through the Scope) to in some way 'light up'.
This may be a small portion i.e. just the centre dot, or all of it.
The battery and controls for this are generally on the left-hand side of the Scope, opposite the windage turret, and often combine with the side parallax feature, or on older Scopes, can be on the eyepiece.
[Copyright: Rifle Scope Reviews 2015 | Best riflescopes under 200, www.bestriflescopereview.net]
What is the CENTRE BELL?
This is the middle of the Rifle Scope where the turrets etc are mounted on and is at the heart of the Scope.
[Image: Centre Bell]
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If you are still unsure with any of the lingo, feel free to email sales@opticswarehouse.co.uk where we'll be more than happy to help.
