What Riflescope Magnification Should You Get?

What Riflescope Magnification Should You Get?

Choose a magnification that suits your primary use for the riflescope 80–90% of the time. For example, if you mainly stalk deer in the Scottish Highlands or rural parts of England where shots rarely exceed 200 yards - but you’re also considering a future trip to the continent for longer-range hunting - select a magnification that fits your usual UK outings. Chances are, it will still perform well abroad, even if it’s not absolutely perfect for every scenario. The same principle applies to all riflescope uses, whether it’s long-range shooting, competitive target shooting, or other disciplines. Focus on what best suits your main application - you can always make it work for secondary ones.

Recreational shooting and short range hunting.

Opt for something with relatively low magnification. You don’t need high power to cover the typical distances encountered in the UK countryside, and you’ll really appreciate the wider field of view when stalking through dense woodland or navigating thick hedgerows. Lower magnification scopes also tend to offer better low-light performance, which is a big advantage during dawn or dusk outings - especially in our often overcast conditions. Some of our favourite magnification ranges include the classic 3–9x, 4–12x, or 2.5–10x. A 4–16x scope is also an excellent choice and offers a bit more flexibility, although scopes with a 4x zoom range can be more expensive compared to those with a 3x zoom range. That said, a 4–16x can quite literally handle almost everything you might throw at it - from woodland stalking to open-field shots. Just bear in mind that if it’s a hunting scope with capped, low-profile turrets, it might be less suitable for precise adjustments at extended distances, such as when shooting on open moorland or in target disciplines.

Larger open field hunting and longer distance recreational shooting

A 2.5–10x scope is a good starting point for more open terrain - such as shooting on the Scottish moors, the hills of Wales, or during trips to the Continent for longer-range quarry. If you’re planning to do any long-range target shooting in addition to hunting, it’s worth considering a scope that includes an exposed elevation turret. This allows you to dial in shots with more precision and greater adjustment range, which can be especially helpful when distances stretch beyond the norm. Magnification ranges like 4–16x, 5–20x, or 6–24x are all solid options that strike a good balance between versatility and reach. These are particularly well-suited for shooters who split their time between stalking game and practising at longer ranges. Scopes that feature an exposed elevation turret combined with a capped windage turret offer a practical hybrid setup - letting you make rapid, accurate adjustments without worrying about the windage getting knocked off zero in the field. They're ideal for those who need a single optic for both hunting and long-range shooting. That said, don’t overlook more minimalist, lightweight scopes that offer slightly lower magnification but excellent optical quality. These can be ideal for mountain stalking or when covering a lot of ground on foot, where every ounce matters. While they may lack the advanced features of some tactical-style optics, they make up for it with superb clarity, rugged build, and ease of use in challenging terrain.

Remember: lower magnification typically offers a wider field of view and better performance in low light - two factors that are incredibly useful in thick woodland, or during those early morning and late evening outings so common here in the UK.

Long Range Target

You can absolutely shoot out to 1,000 yards with something as simple as a 3–9x40, provided the scope has reliable, repeatable turrets and decent optical quality. That’s why it’s hard to name one “perfect” magnification range for long-range shooting - every shooter has their own preferences and style. Many Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and long-range competitors in the UK and abroad favour scopes in the 4.5–27x, 5–25x or 7-35x class, but it’s worth noting that most of them rarely dial beyond 18x. It’s surprisingly uncommon to use the top-end magnification during competition or field shooting - many find that image clarity, field of view, and mirage management are better at more moderate settings. If you're getting into long-range shooting - whether it's precision target, F-Class, or stretching your legs on the range - focus on buying the best optical system you can afford, even if it means sacrificing a bit of magnification. A scope with excellent glass and dependable, tactile turrets will outperform a high-magnification scope with poor tracking or muddy optics every time.

Top Scope Brands in the UK Market:

Vortex Optics offers superb performance across a range of budgets, from their entry-level Diamondback Tactical to the premium Razor HD Gen II and Gen III series - favoured by serious PRS shooters.

Falcon Optics, a British brand, is an excellent choice for those wanting to support local without compromising on quality. Their scopes are known for robust mechanical performance and are well-regarded among budget-conscious long-range shooters.

Arken Optics are gaining a solid following in the UK. They offer tremendous value for money, with features like first focal plane (FFP), zero stop turrets, and excellent build quality at a fraction of the price of traditional high-end optics.

Schmidt & Bender needs little introduction. For those who demand the absolute best—whether in military, tactical, or competition settings - Schmidt & Bender is the gold standard. Their PM II series is legendary and trusted by professional marksmen around the world.

Short range Air rifle and short range plinking.

Whether you're zeroing in on garden pests with an air rifle or running a short-range carbine on the range or farm, choosing the right scope can dramatically improve your accuracy and overall shooting experience. In the UK, where sub-12 ft/lb air rifles are common and short-range centrefire or rimfire carbines are widely used for pest control, plinking, and target shooting, a scope that suits these specific needs is essential. This guide will walk you through what to look for in a short-range scope and highlight trusted brands like Vortex Optics and Vector Optics, both of which offer excellent options for UK shooters.