Get the Most Out of Your Rifle with Small Objective Lens Scopes The Secret to Improved Shot Placement
Introduction
Shooters have one goal: land their shots where they intend. To do this consistently, they need the right optics. A rifle scope with a small objective lens has advantages, especially for precision shooting and long-range hunting.
Let's explore why a smaller objective lens improves shot placement, how small variables add even more accuracy, and which rifle works best with a small objective lens. You'll then know how to get the most out of your rifle with the right size optic.
Understanding Objective Lens Size
Do you know about rifle shot placement? A bigger objective lens means more light and clearer sight. But, mounting it can be tough. So, what's the advantage of a smaller lens?
Here's the answer! Read on for more info!
The Benefits of Smaller Objective Lenses
Hunters may prefer a rifle scope with a small objective lens. Though bigger lenses may provide more benefits, small lenses offer more accurate shots. This is because less magnification power creates less distortion from light. Small lenses are also lightweight and compact – perfect for tracking fast targets. They have shorter tube lengths for easy mounting, and optics closer to the barrel, which makes them less prone to dust or dirt.
Scopes with 40mm or smaller lenses are recommended for short-medium ranges (under 200 yards). Quality glass is essential for clear and crisp colors, even when dark colors appear dimmed among darker backgrounds. Finally, scopes offer advantages over iron sights, so choose wisely!
How to Choose the Right Size
When picking a rifle scope for hunting or target shooting, size of the objective lens is an important factor. Objectives are normally listed in millimeters (mm), with sizes ranging from 16 mm to 56 mm. Large objectives usually give a brighter image, more light and better clarity. Keep in mind though, large objectives need thicker tubes and add weight. Too large an objective can cause image quality issues.
General guidelines:
- Close-range (under 100 yards): 16-26 mm objectives
- Medium range (under 200 yards): 30-40 mm objectives
- Long range (over 300 yards): 40 mm plus objectives
- Adjustable magnifications (4X–16X): 44mm and above
- Keep the overall setup weight low.
At the end of the day, what size objective you pick is up to you and your needs!
Mounting the Scope
Need to get the best out of your rifle? Get a small objective lens scope. This is the secret to improved shot placement and accuracy. To use it properly, you must mount it on your rifle. Here are some tips for doing this right:
Mounting the Scope on the Rifle
Mounting a scope on a rifle has key steps. Firstly, figure out what type of bases or rings you need. Make sure they match your rifle and scope. Usually, instructions come with them. Take off any old scope mounts and clean up the rail or bases of paint or adhesive. Put the scope on the rail and center it. Use a small level if needed.
Next, attach the scope to the rings. Space them evenly and tighten them securely. Use a torque driver. This is important for accuracy and to reduce vibration. Rotate the adjustment ring so it's forward when shoulder shooting. This will prevent damage if you have a magnum or braked barrel rifle. Check all screws are tight. Now, you can sight in your scope!
Adjusting the Scope
You've got the scope mounted on the gun. Now, make small changes to hit the target. Types of adjustments will depend on the scope. Windage and elevation are the most used. Parallax adjustment helps with accuracy. Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific information.
Take some practice shots from 30-50 yards. Note wind speed, elevation and other things that could affect shot placement. Make adjustments for more accurate shots:
- Windage – adjusts the horizontal position of the bullet.
- Elevation – adjusts the vertical position of the bullet.
- Parallax adjustment – adjusts the focus of the reticle on the target.
Setting Up the Scope
A scope is vital for rifle shooting accuracy. It gives the shooter a better view and helps them to target precisely. When selecting a scope, the size of the objective lens matters. Small objective lens scopes are great for those who want to enhance their accuracy. In this article, we will explain how to correctly set up a small objective lens scope and the benefits it has for shot placement.
Setting the Eye Relief
Eye relief is super important when setting up a rifle with a small scope. This is the distance between your eye and the scope's rear lens. It's usually in inches and measured from the centerline of the eyepiece. If it's wrong, your sight alignment won't be optimal and it's unsafe.
For novices, 3-4 inches is best for comfortable shooting. The majority of small scopes have 2-4 inches of eye relief. But some have more – up to 6 inches. Test both before buying, so you can find the most comfortable distance for you. This is key for accuracy when shooting targets or hunting.
Setting the Parallax
Parallax is important for getting the best performance and accuracy from your rifle's scope. It's the difference between where you aim and where the bullet goes at different distances. If you change the range of shooting, your aiming point might change too – unless you do something about it. Parallax correction is the way to make sure you get an accurate hit on the target, no matter what distance.
Adjusting parallax is done by turning a knob on the scope. It's vital that you do this properly – it can have bad results if not! For smaller objective lenses (25mm or less), use factory preset ranges for best accuracy. Check the zero distance with the actual target range before making any adjustments – this will help make sure you get it right.
Setting the Magnification
Magnification is key for accurate targeting and shooting. It affects how far you can see, as well as the clarity of the picture. When selecting magnification, ensure you pick one that makes accurate positioning possible at farther distances.
For hunting, a scope should have 18x to 20x maximum power. More than this isn't steady in most outdoor settings. Don't get a higher magnification than needed, or it will be hard to keep your eye on the objective lens and find animals quickly. If you're using it for hunting, 3-12x or 4-14x is better. This gives you versatility over short and medium-long range shots.
Keeping the top magnifications low and having good technique with your eye placement behind the scope, will help you acquire targets more easily than higher powered scopes. These require steadier aim and “eye focus” on one small part of the image at a time.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you need a scope with a small objective lens size that fits your rifle and shooting style. Selecting the right scope can hugely benefit accuracy and shot placement.
When it comes to selecting scopes, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Research and experimentation are important to find the perfect scope for you.
Consider the following factors:
- Magnification
- Objective lens size
- Reticles
Now go out and enjoy improved shot placement!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the benefit of using a small objective lens scope?
A: Using a small objective lens scope can help you get the most out of your rifle. This type of scope allows you to have a more precise shot placement due to its smaller size, which gives you more control over where the bullet is going to hit. Additionally, it can help to reduce the amount of windage and elevation adjustment needed for a given shot.
Q: What type of rifle is best paired with a small objective lens scope?
A: Any type of rifle can be paired with a small objective lens scope, however it is particularly useful for rifles that are used for hunting or target shooting. The smaller size of the scope allows for greater accuracy and precision when shooting, so it can be beneficial for both types of shooters.
Q: What are some tips for using a small objective lens scope?
A: When using a small objective lens scope, it is important to ensure that you are properly sighting in the gun before shooting. Additionally, it is important to practice shooting with the scope to become comfortable with it. It is also important to make sure that you are using the correct type of ammunition for your rifle and scope, as this can make a big difference in accuracy and precision.