Comprehensive guide to riflescopes
Table of Contents
Riflescopes like Kahles are a type of optical sight that are designed specifically for use with rifles. Unlike other types of sights, such as red dot sights, they magnify the target, making it easier to hit at long range.
There are many different types of riflescopes on the market, from budget models to high-end optics that can cost thousands of dollars. Choosing the right scope for your needs can be a daunting task, but our comprehensive guide will help you make the best decision for your specific needs.

We’ll cover everything from the basics of how riflescopes work to the different features that you should look for when shopping for one. We’ll also give you some tips on how to mount and zero your scope, so you can get the most out of it.
So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned marksman, our guide will help you find the perfect riflescope for your needs.
What is a riflescope?
A riflescope is an optical sight that magnifies the target, making it easier to hit at long range. Scopes are available in a wide range of magnifications, from low-power models that are best suited for close-range shooting to high-power optics that can be used for long-range precision work.
Most scopes consist of two main parts: the body and the eyepiece. The body houses the lens system, which magnifies the image, and the eyepiece, which you look through to see the magnified image.
Some scopes also have an illuminated reticle, which is a crosshair or other type of aiming point that is lit up by a battery-powered light source. This can be helpful in low-light conditions or when trying to acquire a fast-moving target.
How do riflescopes work?
Riflescopes work by magnifying the image of the target, making it appear larger and closer than it actually is. This allows you to better see your target and make more precise shots at long range.
Most scopes use a combination of lenses to achieve this magnification. The front lens, called the objective lens, collects the light from the scene and focuses it on the rear lens, called the ocular lens. The ocular lens then magnifies the image and projects it into your eye.
The amount of magnification is determined by the ratio of the focal length of the objective lens to the focal length of the ocular lens. For example, a scope with an objective lens that has a focal length of 100mm and an ocular lens with a focal length of 50mm would have a 2x magnification.
What are the different types of riflescopes?
There are three main types of riflescopes: fixed power, variable power, and specialty.
Fixed power scopes have a single magnification setting that cannot be changed. They are typically less expensive than variable power scopes and are a good choice for shooters who only plan to shoot at one specific range.
Variable power scopes have several different magnification settings that can be adjusted to suit the needs of the shooter. These scopes are more versatile than fixed power models but are typically more expensive.
Specialty scopes are designed for specific applications, such as long-range shooting or night vision. They often have features that are not found on other types of scopes and can be considerably more expensive.
What are the different parts of a riflescope?
There are four main parts to a riflescope: the body, the eyepiece, the objective lens, and the reticle.
The body is the main housing for the scope’s internal components. It is typically made from aluminum or another type of metal and has a protective finish to resist corrosion.
The eyepiece is the portion of the scope that you look through. It contains the ocular lens, which magnifies the image. Most eyepieces have a diopter adjustment, which allows you to fine-tune the focus of the image.
The objective lens is located at the front of the scope, and its job is to collect light and form an image. The size of the objective lens determines how much light can be gathered, which is important in low-light situations.
The reticle is the crosshair or other aiming point that is used to line up the shot. Some reticles are illuminated, which can be helpful in low-light conditions.
What are the different types of reticles?
There are three main types of reticles: duplex, Mil-Dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensation).
Duplex reticles have a simple crosshair design with thicker lines at the center and thinner lines at the edges. This design provides a clear aiming point while still allowing you to see the target clearly.
Mil-Dot reticles have a grid of dots spaced evenly along the crosshairs. These dots can be used to estimate range and make adjustments for windage and elevation.
BDC reticles have markings that correspond to different ranges. These can be used to quickly and accurately estimate range and make the necessary adjustments for bullet drop.
What are the different types of mounts?
There are four main types of mounts: rings, bases, rails, and integrals.
Rings are metal hoops that clamp onto the scope’s body and attach it to the gun. They come in a variety of sizes to fit different scopes and guns.
Bases are flat plates that attach to the gun and provide a surface for the rings to clamp onto. They also come in a variety of sizes to fit different scopes and guns. Some bases also have Picatinny or Weaver rails built-in, which provide a surface for mounting other accessories.
Rails are metal bars with evenly spaced slots that run the length of the bar. These slots provide a surface for attaching scope rings or other accessories. Rails are available in a variety of lengths to fit different scopes and guns.
Integrals are mounts that are built into the gun itself. These are typically found on sniper rifles and other specialized firearms.
What are the different types of coatings?
There are four main types of coatings: anti-reflective, light-gathering, filter, and laser.
Anti-reflective coatings help to reduce glare and improve image quality by preventing light from bouncing off of the lenses.
Light-gathering coatings help to improve image quality in low-light conditions by absorbing more light.
Filter coatings help to reduce the amount of harmful UV rays that can damage the human eye.
Laser coatings help to improve the accuracy of laser rangefinders by reflecting more laser light back to the sensor.
What is parallax?
Parallax is an optical illusion that occurs when the line of sight is not perpendicular to the lenses of the scope. This can cause the reticle to appear to move in relation to the target, making it difficult to aim accurately.
Most scopes have a parallax adjustment knob that can be used to correct for this effect. Some scopes also have a side focus knob that can be used to fine-tune the focus of the image at different distances.
What is eye relief?
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece of the scope. It is important to have sufficient eye relief so that your eye is not too close to the eyepiece, which can cause damage if the gun recoils.
Most scopes have an eye relief of 3-4 inches, but some have more or less. It is important to try out a scope before you buy it to make sure that it has enough eye relief for you.