{"id":45,"date":"2019-01-27T13:04:48","date_gmt":"2019-01-27T13:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hunterswiki.com\/?p=45"},"modified":"2019-02-05T12:07:57","modified_gmt":"2019-02-05T12:07:57","slug":"numbers-on-a-rifle-scope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hunterswiki.com\/numbers-on-a-rifle-scope\/","title":{"rendered":"What do Numbers Mean on a Rifle Scope?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Whenever you see rifle scopes, they have numbers that give us information about them. The typical format is (power – power x objective diameter)<\/em><\/strong>. The first power number, to the left of the hyphen, is the minimum magnification limit or level; the second power number, to the right of the hyphen, is the maximum magnification limit or level; the third and last number is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with the power range first. Power range is also known as magnification levels, which gives us a fair idea of what it is. A magnification level is simply the level at which the object would be magnified compared to the naked eye. For example, 2x scope or \u201c2 power\u201d would mean it is magnified 2 times the size of the naked eye. Similarly 3x scope would be three times, 7x scope would be 7 times and so on.<\/p>\n The second number is the upper limit of the magnification level. For example 4-10×50. The two numbers show that it is a zoom lens or scope. The shooter can set any number between the two limits according to the need. Most scopes today have variable range. However, sometimes there is only one number. In that case, the scope stays fixed at the specific level of magnification and is unchangeable.<\/p>\n The third number is the diameter of the objective lens; the end closest to the barrel. According to the principles of lenses and light, a bigger objective lens allows more light to pass through the lens, helping increase low light performance and clarity of the scope. So a 50 mm scope would have better brightness and clarity than a 20 mm lens.<\/p>\n Learn<\/strong> how far your scope needs to be from your eye!<\/a><\/p>\n Next up is tube diameter. It is also a variable that needs to be considered when buying rifle scopes. The tube diameter is measured from the central part of the scope tube. The two common sizes are 1 inch and 30 mm diameters. The former is most commonly found, with the latter being found in some European products, is increasing with time too. Contrary to popular belief, the diameter doesn\u2019t have anything to do with the allowance of light in the tube. It is helpful in giving more strength and rigidity to the rifle scope, due to the greater cross-sectional area. It also helps in having better windage and elevation adjustments.<\/p>\nNumbers on a Rifle Scope Explanation:<\/h2>\n
1st Number (left of the hyphen):<\/h3>\n
Second Number (right of the hyphen):<\/h3>\n
Third Number (the diameter):<\/h3>\n
Tube Diameter:<\/h3>\n