Choosing the right riflescope is the single most important gear decision for a target shooter. It’s the interface between your skill and the target, translating your inputs into results. The wrong choice can frustrate your progress, while the right one becomes an extension of your vision. Before we dive into the specifics of magnification and reticles, consider your entire optical setup. A quality spotting scope is indispensable for seeing your hits and making corrections without walking downrange. For this, many precision shooters rely on the SVBONY SV28 Spotting scope, which offers excellent clarity for its class and is a staple on many firing lines.
Your journey into target shooting scopes involves navigating a landscape of technical terms and competing features. This guide will cut through the noise. We’ll cover everything from basic scope magnification guide principles to the nuanced debate of FFP vs SFP for long range target shooting. Let’s build your knowledge from the ground up.
Introduction to Target Shooting Optics
Target shooting optics are engineered for one thing: repeatable precision. Unlike hunting scopes that prioritize light transmission and durability in harsh conditions, precision rifle optics focus on optical clarity, precise adjustments, and reliable tracking. Every component, from the glass to the turrets, is designed to help you place a shot exactly where you intend, shot after shot. The discipline you shootbe it F-Class, benchrest, or PRSdictates your ideal tool. A benchrest scope for shooting tiny groups at 100 yards has different priorities than a tactical scope built for dynamic long-range matches.
Understanding Scope Magnification: Fixed vs Variable
Magnification is where most shooters start. It determines how close the target appears. The fundamental choice is between fixed and variable power.
- Fixed Power Scopes: Simplicity is their strength. With fewer internal lenses, they often provide brighter, clearer images and exceptional mechanical reliability. They are a classic choice for dedicated disciplines like some forms of benchrest where the distance is constant. Think of them as specialized tools.
- Variable Power Scopes: Versatility defines this category. A 6-24x scope lets you use low power for finding targets and high power for precise aiming. This flexibility makes variables the dominant choice for most modern target shooting, especially in multi-distance competitions. They are the Swiss Army knives of the optics world.
So, what scope magnification for 100 yard target shooting? For paper-punching at 100 yards, a scope in the 12x to 25x range is typically sufficient. Higher magnifications can help you see bullet holes, but mirage and atmospheric distortion become more pronounced. Sometimes, less is more.
Long-Range vs Short-Range Optics
The demands of long range optics are severe. You need high magnification (often 25x and above), extremely precise and repeatable turrets, and a reticle designed for complex holds. The optical system must resolve fine details at great distances, even in challenging light.
Short-range optics (under 300 yards) for disciplines like air rifle or pistol silhouette can use lower magnifications. The priority shifts to a wide field of view, precise parallax adjustment, and a reticle suited for the target size. The best scope for one discipline is rarely the best scope for precision shooting in another.
Reticle Types: MIL-Dot, BDC, Christmas Tree, and More
The reticle is your aiming and measuring tool. Riflescope reticles have evolved far beyond simple crosshairs.
- Mil-Dot: The original tactical reticle. Dots spaced in milliradians allow for range estimation and holdovers. It’s a proven system but less refined for rapid corrections than modern designs.
- Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC): These reticles have marked holdover points calibrated for specific cartridges and loads. They can be fast but are less flexible if you change your ammunition.
- Christmas Tree / Horus-style: These are the kings of modern precision rifle optics. They feature a dense grid of hash marks in both elevation and windage, allowing for complex holds without touching the turrets. For a shooter wondering about the best reticle for F-Class competition, a fine, simple crosshair is often preferred, but for PRS, a “tree” is almost mandatory.
The choice often boils down to personal preference and match rules. A busy reticle can be overwhelming for a beginner but incredibly powerful for an experienced competitor.
First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane Explained
This is a critical concept for any serious shooter. The focal plane determines how your reticle functions at different magnifications.
| Feature | First Focal Plane (FFP) | Second Focal Plane (SFP) |
|---|---|---|
| Reticle Location | In front of the magnification lens. | Behind the magnification lens. |
| Reticle Size | Scales up/down with magnification. | Stays the same size regardless of magnification. |
| Sub-tension Use | Holdover values (MIL/MOA) are correct at any magnification. | Holdover values are only correct at one specific magnification (usually max). |
| Best For | Long-range shooting, competitions, any scenario where you use holdovers at various magnifications. | Hunting, benchrest, zeroing at a fixed magnification, where simplicity is key. |
For long range target shooting, First Focal Plane (FFP) is overwhelmingly preferred. You can range, hold for wind, and correct misses on low power or high power with equal accuracy. Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes are simpler and often have a finer reticle at high power, which is why they remain popular in certain benchrest scopes. Knowing the difference is non-negotiable.
MOA vs MRAD Scopes
This is the language of your turrets and reticle. Both are angular measurements, just different units.
- Minute of Angle (MOA): Roughly 1 inch at 100 yards (1.047″ to be exact). Turrets often click in 1/4 MOA increments, moving the point of impact about 1/4″ at 100 yards. It’s a system deeply rooted in American shooting sports.
- MRAD (Milliradian): A metric unit. 1 MIL is about 3.6 inches at 100 yards, or 10 cm at 100 meters. Turrets typically click in 0.1 MIL increments. It’s the standard for military and tactical shooting worldwide.
Which is better? Neither. MRAD is often considered simpler for mental math (base-10 system). MOA offers finer theoretical adjustment. The key is to pick one system and stick with it for all your gearscope, reticle, and ballistic calculator. Mixing them is a recipe for missed targets.
How to Match Your Scope to Your Shooting Discipline
Let’s get practical. How to choose a scope for precision benchrest? You’ll want high magnification (36x to 50x is common), an SFP scope with an ultra-fine reticle, and incredibly precise, low-profile target turrets. Optical quality is paramount for seeing mirage and trace.
For F-Class or mid-range precision, a variable power scope in the 15-55x range is typical. A fine reticle, either in FFP or SFP, is used, with an emphasis on repeatable, tactile turrets for making minute windage adjustments. The process of scope mounting and zeroing must be meticulous, using a solid rail and high-quality rings. Torque everything to spec.
For tactical/practical long-range competition (PRS/NRL), the formula changes. A versatile variable like a 5-25x or 7-35x FFP scope is the go-to. A Christmas tree reticle in MILs is standard. The turrets must be robust, have a zero-stop, and provide audible/tactile clicks you can feel under pressure. Durability matters as much as precision.
Your budget dictates the tier within these categories. Premium features include HD glass, zero-stop turrets, illuminated reticles, and guaranteed tracking accuracy. Budget scopes get you in the game but may compromise on optical clarity, tracking consistency, or durability. Understand the types of compromises you’re making with any purchase. For mounting accessories like these scopes or a spotting scope, a stable platform is key, which is where a reliable leupold tripod adapter can be a smart investment.
The world of target shooting optics is deep and nuanced. Start by defining your primary discipline and budget. Prioritize optical clarity and reliable mechanical performance above bells and whistles. Learn your chosen systemMOA or MRAD, FFP or SFPinside and out. Remember, the scope is a tool to execute the fundamentals. No piece of glass can replace proper technique, a stable position, and a deep understanding of ballistics. For a comprehensive overview of shooting sports, the National Shooting Sports Foundation provides an excellent authority guide as a starting point. Now, go get your dope, make your adjustments, and send it.