#riflescopeguide

Choosing the right rifle scope can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with numbers like 3-9×40 or 4-16×50. But understanding these scope numbers is the first step to making an informed purchase.

A scope labeled 6-24x offers an even wider range. At 6x, it works well for mid-range targets. At 24x, you are using high magnification. This is great for long-distance shooting, such as prairie dog hunting or hitting steel targets beyond 600 yards.

The first part of a scope number refers to magnification. For instance, a 3-9×40 scope means the image can be magnified between 3 to 9 times its actual size. The higher the first number, the greater the zoom. Variable scopes like this give shooters flexibility based on range and target size. Fixed scopes, such as a 4×32, maintain a single magnification setting, offering simplicity and usually a lighter design.

The second number after the “x” indicates the objective lens diameter in millimeters. A 40mm lens, for example, gathers more light than a 32mm, which typically means a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses may require higher mounting and add weight.

Understanding eye relief, field of view, and exit pupil also helps maximize scope performance. Eye relief is the distance your eye needs to be from the scope to get a full view without black edges. Field of view (FOV) is how wide an area you can see at a particular distance—important for tracking moving targets. Exit pupil size affects brightness and ease of use in dim environments.

Scope Numbers Explained: Understanding Your Optic

Choosing the right rifle scope can be a challenge, especially when you're confronted with terms like 3-9x40 or 4-16x50. To help simplify your decision, let’s break down what scope numbers really mean and how they affect your shooting experience.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

The first part of the scope number represents magnification. In a scope labeled 3-9x40, the image magnifies from 3x to 9x. This is a variable magnification scope, allowing flexibility depending on your distance and target size. A fixed scope, like a 4x32, offers only one magnification setting, which is often simpler and lighter.

The Importance of the Objective Lens

The second number in the scope sequence—40 in 3-9x40—indicates the objective lens diameter in millimeters. A larger objective lens gathers more light, producing a brighter and clearer image, particularly in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can also increase the weight and height of your mounting setup.

Don’t Forget Eye Relief and Field of View

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope that still allows for a full view. Longer eye relief is essential for high-recoil rifles. Meanwhile, the field of view (FOV) indicates the visible width at a specific range, important for tracking moving targets.