How to choose a riflescope
Magnification
For most hunting, a 2.5-15x or 4-16x covers timber out to 500 yards. Long-range precision calls for 4.5-29x or 5-30x, and a 1-6x low-power variable optic (LPVO) covers close quarters under 300 yards. The Kite B6 1-6x24 is the lightest scope in our riflescope guide, at 17.1 oz, with the widest field, 120 ft at 100 yards.
Focal plane
A first focal plane (FFP) reticle grows and shrinks with magnification, so its marks stay true at every power. A second focal plane (SFP) reticle stays the same size and reads true at one set magnification.
Glass, tube and turrets
HD, UHD and ED glass cut color fringing at high-contrast edges. A 34 mm tube generally allows more internal elevation travel than a 30 mm tube, and a zero-stop turret lets you dial for distance and spin back to your zero until it stops.
What we carry
- Athlon: eleven lines, from the Argos HMR to the Cronus BTR GEN2 UHD.
- Kite: the B6 and B6 LR, in 1-6x24, 2-12x42, 2-12x50 and 3-18x50.
- Alpen: the Apex riflescopes, from the 1-6x24 AR-BDC to the 4.5-27x50.
- Thermal and night vision: Guide's TU 3.0 and Nova thermal scopes and Luna's Quantum Elite 4K riflescopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an illuminated reticle?
It helps most at low magnification at dawn and dusk, when a black reticle disappears against a dark background.
Is FFP or SFP better for hunting?
Both work. If you use holdover marks at varying magnifications, FFP keeps them accurate at any zoom; if you mostly hunt at one setting, SFP keeps a consistent reticle.
For Athlon's lines compared, read Athlon Riflescopes Explained, and for mounting, Riflescope Accessories: What You Actually Need.