Understanding the numbers displayed on your riflescope is crucial for accurate shooting. These numbers represent various settings that affect your point of impact, allowing you to adjust for distance, wind, and other environmental factors. This guide will break down the meaning of these numbers and how to interpret them for optimal performance.
Understanding the Reticle and its Markings
The reticle, the crosshairs in your scope, often features numbers or markings that aren't immediately obvious. These numbers are usually related to elevation and windage adjustments.
Elevation Adjustments (Vertical)
Elevation adjustments control the vertical position of your point of impact. The numbers typically indicate the amount of adjustment in minutes of angle (MOA) or milliradians (mils).
-
Minutes of Angle (MOA): One MOA is approximately one inch at 100 yards. So, a 1 MOA adjustment will move your point of impact one inch higher or lower at 100 yards, two inches at 200 yards, and so on. Scopes often have markings in increments of 1/4 MOA, 1/2 MOA, or 1 MOA.
-
Milliradians (Mils): Mils are a metric system of angular measurement. One mil subtends approximately 3.6 inches at 100 yards. Mils are frequently used in tactical shooting due to their ease of use in calculations for ranging and wind compensation. Scopes usually have markings in increments of 0.1 mils or 0.2 mils.
Example: If your scope has 1/4 MOA adjustments and the numbers on the elevation turret indicate "5," this means you've adjusted the elevation five clicks, resulting in a 1.25 inch vertical shift at 100 yards (5 clicks * 1/4 MOA/click = 1.25 MOA).
Windage Adjustments (Horizontal)
Windage adjustments control the horizontal position of your point of impact. Similar to elevation, these adjustments are measured in MOA or mils. The numbers represent the total adjustment made, not the per-click adjustment.
Example: If your windage turret shows "3," you've adjusted three total clicks (or the equivalent in your scope’s adjustment units), moving the point of impact horizontally. The direction (left or right) is indicated by the direction of the turret's turn – usually a clockwise turn moves the point of impact to the right.
Deciphering Turret Numbers: A Step-by-Step Guide
-
Identify the Units: First, determine if your scope uses MOA or mils. This information is usually found in your scope's manual or printed on the scope itself.
-
Understand the Click Value: Determine the adjustment per click. Common click values are 1/4 MOA, 1/2 MOA, 1 MOA, 0.1 mils, and 0.2 mils. This information is also typically found in your manual or markings on the scope.
-
Interpret the Numbers: The numbers on the turrets represent the total number of clicks you’ve made from the zero position. This will need to be interpreted according to the units and click value to determine the impact shift at various distances.
-
Keep Track of Adjustments: It's crucial to keep track of your adjustments, especially when zeroing your scope. Writing down the adjustments made from the zero position aids in returning to that precise setting.
Beyond Basic Adjustments: Magnification and Parallax
While the numbers on the turrets are primary, other numbers on your scope play important roles:
-
Magnification: This number indicates the magnification level of the scope. For example, "4x" means a 4x magnification.
-
Parallax: The parallax setting adjusts the focus to eliminate parallax error. This error causes the reticle and target to appear misaligned, particularly at closer distances. The number or markings on the parallax adjustment turret often indicate the distance at which the scope is focused.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Scope's Numbers
Understanding the numbers on your riflescope is a crucial element of precision shooting. By mastering this understanding, you will greatly improve your accuracy and effectiveness. Remember that practice is key in interpreting and applying these adjustments to real-world shooting scenarios. Consistent practice will allow you to accurately compensate for distance and other conditions, improving your shot placement.