Month: April 2015

Iron sights can be really nice for short and medium ranges, but they quickly lose their ability to hit a target at longer ranges. Using a telescopic scope will dramatically increase one’s accuracy at longer ranges. After all, nobody wants to fire at a target that is 300 yards away using iron sights. Most scopes are not adjusted properly when they are first bought, so additional adjustments will need to be done, depending on distance, velocity, wind, ballistic coefficient and much more. Sighting in a scope requires precision and patience on the shooter’s part.

The scope must first be bore sighted at 100 yards before making any other adjustments at the range. Bore sighting simply means adjusting the scope to where the bullet would hit the center of the cross hairs at a given distance, given the bullet has a perfectly flat trajectory. In reality, bullets do not have a flat trajectory, mainly because of gravity. Once the scope has been bore sighted at 100 yards, take a trip to a shooting range that has a distance of at least 100 yards. Some ranges are only for short distance, so going to an appropriate location in the mountains would be the best alternative. While taking this trip, bring a portable shooting bench rest. Distances should be accurately measured, rather than eyeballed.

First setup a large paper target at a 25 yard distance, preferably one that already has a bull’s eye. Before making any shots, get very comfortable with both the rifle and shooting bench. Any muscle tension or movement can easily throw-off a bullet. The best method is to avoid as much human contact with the rifle as possible. Pillows and folded blankets can make a big difference in comfort-ability. Use sandbags to rest the rifle on the shooting bench. Cat liter bags are a great alternative for those who cannot obtain sand bags.

While looking through the rifle scope, adjust it to where there is a clear image. Interestingly, the level just below the maximum magnification level is usually the clearest. Once a round is chambered and the cross hairs are over the bull’s eye, close the eyes for a good 10 seconds then open them. If the cross hairs moved from the target, then it means that there’s still muscle tension in the shooter. Find a comfortable position and keep doing this until the cross hairs don’t move.

Finally, fire a shot into the target once everything is lined up. It’s important to gently pull the trigger rather than suddenly tug it. Tugging at the trigger can throw off a shot. If the rifle moved while firing, then do it again. After firing a well-aimed shot, inspect the target to see where the bullet went. Sometimes, a person may be able to see the bullet hole through their scope, but they should definitely see it through a spotter scope. More than likely, the bullet won’t hit dead center on the target. However, it should hit somewhere on the target. Measure where the bullet hole is in respect to the bull’s eye and write it down. For instance, a miss that is three inches low and two inches to the right.

To make up for this, adjust the clicks on the scope according to the instructions. For an example, if it says that one click moves the center one-fourth of an inch at 100 yards, then multiply the number by four since the distance is only 25 yards. In the case where the bullet hit three inches low and two inches to the right, the person would want 48 clicks up and 32 clicks left. After everything is adjusted, take another shot at the target. Keep repeating this process until the bullet hits the center of the target. However, it doesn’t have to be a dead-center shot since the next step will be at 100 yards. If for some reason the bullet keeps missing the target, make sure that the scope is tightly mounted on the rifle, as this can dramatically affect shot placement.

Once everything is aligned at 25 yards, move the paper target out to 100 yards. Again, it’s important to actually measure it with some type of device. Repeat this very same process at the 100 yard mark, but wait until the rifle barrel has cooled down to ambient temperature, as barrel temperature may affect accuracy by causing more barrel harmonics. Wind is another factor to take into consideration. However, wind is a changing variable, so it would be wise to write down the click adjustments when there’s no wind. Doing so will allow one to easily adjust the scope while wind factors change.

For really long-range shooting, it’s best to have the bullet impact around three inches above the bull’s eye. This higher impact point will compensate for the bullet drop at longer distances, such as 300 or more yards. It also prevents the shooter from having to aim above the target. Keep in mind that different ammunition will give different trajectories. For instance, a lighter, faster bullet will have a flatter trajectory at relatively shorter distances but lower trajectory at longer distances. On the other hand, a heavier, slower bullet will have a lower trajectory at shorter distances but a flatter trajectory at longer distances.

In general, it’s best to stick with one particular type of ammunition, whether it’s factory or reloaded ammunition. Keeping one type of ammo will allow one to fine tune their accuracy. Once everything is adjusted, one will be able to shoot long distances without having to worry much about bullet drop. A scope has two main advantages. It allows one to see objects at longer distances in much greater detail. Two, it allows the person to compensate for bullet drop, which can’t accurately be done with iron sights. Keep in mind that scope adjustments are mainly up to the person’s liking. For instance, one doesn’t necessarily need to have the bullet impact a few inches higher at 100 yards.

If you want to see some videos of experts showing the rifle scope sight in process, here are some recommended ones to watch:

Hunting and target shooting with air rifles has become an increasingly popular hobby for many men and women around the world. A large part of participating in this type of hobby is learning about and choosing the right equipment and attachments for your air rifle. While there are many different rifle scope options out on the market, you want to get something that is specifically made for air rifles. Not only will this save you money, but you know that the scope was designed with air rifles in mind.

Top-Rated Air Rifle Scopes

The following are some of the highly rated air rifle scopes that are available on Amazon.com:

• Hammers 3-9×40 AO Magnum Spring Air Gun Rifle Scope with One Piece Mount: Equipped with a full size scope which provides a clear view of the target, 3x-9x power, and a large 40mm adjustable objective. Includes a solid one-piece mount with stop pin.
• CVLIFE Tactical 3-9×40 Optics R4 Reticle Crosshair Air Sniper Hunting Rifle Scope with Free Mounts: Includes 1 x 3-9×40 optics, R4 reticle rifle scope and two free mounts.
• UTG 4×32 Full Size AO Mil-Dot Scope with RGPM-25M4 Airgun/.22 Rings, 1-Inch, Black: Equipped with True Strength Platform, completely sealed and nitrogen filled, shockproof, fog proof and rainproof. Includes adjustable target turrets with ¼ MOA per Click Windage/Elevation Adjustment, and Medium profile .22/Airgun Rings and High Quality Lens Caps
• Winchester by Daisy Outdoor Products 4 x 32 AO Winchester Scope (Black, 4 x 32): Includes adjustable objective. This scope is fog proof and shock proof, and comes equipped with a cross-hair reticle.

Objective Lens Diameter

It is vital that the buyer knows that the diameter of the objective lens is responsible for the amount of light that is let in to the scope. A larger diameter will let in a greater amount of light. Keep in mind, that the larger the lens diameter, the heavier the scope. Note that if a scope has a lens diameter above 48mm, often additional mounting rings and bases are needed to place the scope at a higher level.

Reticle

Another vital component to understanding how the scope works is to learn that the pattern that is in the eyepiece of the scope is called a reticle, and it is responsible for establishing the position of the gun on the target. Types of crosshairs can include Fine crosshair, Duple crosshair, Mil-Dot, Target Dot, and Circle. Each type of crosshair is designed for different hunting locations, distances, and target sizes. Because of the variety available when choosing a reticle it is vital to choose the one that will best serve your purpose. For example, when long range shooting, often the dot on the reticle can cover up the target rather than aid in the shooting process and therefore a reticle without a dot may be what is needed for that particular type of shooting.

Scope Lens Coatings

Because scope lenses are made from glass that provides a clear image for the shooter, there is often a reflection that occurs as a result of light hitting the surface of the glass. The reflection can greatly impact the amount of light that is able to pass through the lens which impacts brightness. To avoid this, it is best to choose a scope lens with an applied coating. There are several different terminologies to learn regarding the different coatings and what they mean. For example, when a lens simply says that it is coated, it generally means that a single layer of coating has been applied to at least one surface of one lens, while Fully Coated means that there is a single layer on all air to glass surfaces. Then there is multicoated which means that more than one layer of coating has been applied to at least one lens, with fully multicoated meaning that there are multiple layers of coating to all air to glass surfaces.

Scope Magnification

When looking at the magnification of scopes, keep in mind that the magnification number simply represents the number of times the target is magnified in comparison with how one would see the item without a scope. There are scopes that are adjustable and offer a range of power and magnification, while others are designed with only a single magnification number.

How is the Air Rifle to be Used?

Now that you know a little bit about the different elements of an air rifle scope, the next step is to determine how your air rifle will primarily be used. For example, asking yourself what type of hunting you will be doing is a great place to begin. Depending on the type of hunting, different scopes are necessary because of the size of the animal as well as the location. The type of location is important because the terrain involved in your hunting spot plays a big role in range. The reason for this is that if you are shooting out in an open plain, you will have a longer range than if you are shooting in a closed in space up in the mountains or down in the swamplands.

Mounting your Scope

Air rifles are usually fitted with either a dovetail mount or a weaver mount, however, regardless of which type of mount your air rifle uses, it is important to prevent your scope from moving by using scope stop pins or plates to secure your scope. When it comes to whether to use a one or two piece mount, understand that while a one-piece mount is often the pricier choice, it is also thought to be the more stable option especially when used on a very powerful spring rifle.

Sighting in the Scope

Check out this awesome video on how to sight in your new air rifle scope:

The old rule of thumb suggesting that one should invest as much in his optic as his rifle has been known to bewilder many a shooter. Not the least of these are the wise folks who have laid down a moderate amount of cash and walked away with a scope as impressive as the Leupold VX-II. Knowing the trust a committed sportsman must have in his equipment, Leupold has built the entire VX-II line to be as rugged and reliable as possible. No serious hunter wants to gamble on his success with questionable equipment, and will pick reliability over flash every time. Leupold builds the VX-II line specifically to cater to this market. Real-world, user-friendly features that increase reliability and performance are the name of the game. These scopes are designed for hard field use, and to take everything that the harsh conditions of a lifetime of hunts can dish out. Historically one of Leupold’s most successful riflescope series, the VX-II line continues to deliver world-class performance at an attainable price.

Out of the box, its 11.2 ounce weight places the deluxe-class VX-II as one of the lightest scopes in its category. Even so, the VX-II doesn’t skimp on toughness or features. The main tube is a two-piece unit, constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, and filled with Leupold’s proprietary new Argon/Krypton gas blend. This gas provides excellent waterproofing and anti-fog characteristics superior to the older nitrogen gas one finds in many competing scopes. All of the glass is lead-free and coated on both sides with a special scratch-resistant DiamondCoat treatment. The VX-II is available in gloss black, matte black, and silver finishes. Only the matte black offers reticle options other than the standard Duplex, by giving the choice of Wide Duplex, German #4, Leupold Dot, and LR Duplex. Incorporating Leupold’s classic gold stripe and minimalist design, the VX-II 3-9x40mm is easy on the eyes in every way possible.

In operation, the VX-II is equally slick. An update from previous versions, new finger-adjustable “click” turrets and a smooth-rolling, knurled power-adjustment knob make for easy adjustment in the field. Those turrets are now also resettable to zero and feature 1/4MOA adjustment increments. There’s an additional option for a custom laser-engraved CDS elevation turret, which provides customized adjustment matched to the ballistic profile of individual rifles, settings, and loads.

The optical quality of the VX-II is typical of Leupold, with brilliant clarity and excellent light transmission. The edges of the sight picture are quite crisp and sharp, with no creeping fuzz or distortion. Throughout the magnification range, the reticle remains firmly centered in the scope; shooters don’t have to concern themselves with their zero shifting within the power range. Ocular focus can be individualized with a finger-adjustable knob, and set in place with a textured locking ring. The one-inch main tube and 40-millimeter objective lens with low-profile bell allow for easy mounting ring selection; most rifles should be able to use a set of standard low rings. Eye relief varies in an easy range of 3.7” to 4.2”, depending on magnification. Field of view is a very respectable 34.6 feet at 3x magnification, and 14.6 feet at 9x.

All of these features along with Leupold’s stellar customer support and industry reputation ensure that this scope is an excellent choice for any hunter or shooter. Though the price is about average for a scope in this category, the VX-II 3-9x40mm offers a lot of value for the money. It’s a class-leading scope with features and rugged reliability to match, ensuring many years of solid service.

If you want a second opinion on this incredible scope, you can check out the videos below:

Leupold is known for making some of the world’s best rifle scopes. Their Mark AR scope is no exception, even though it’s one of their cheaper models. You’ll find that the scope provides reliable targeting for various ranges, and though there are some cons to consider, this is a perfect scope for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune customizing their rifle.

General Information

The Mark AR is made specifically for 55-grain ammunition. While users have found that it works reliably with other types of ammo and guns, it works best if you stay within its intended use. The scope is matte black and looks identical to the Mark 2 Hunter scope.

Magnification is touted as going up to nine times normal sight, but tests show that it reaches closer to 8.6 magnification. The Mil Dot reticle is bright and easy to see, and it will help you easily aim shots at the appropriate target. Some have found that the dot tends to fade as the battery gets low on power, but changing the battery should fix this issue.

There is also an elevation knob to help you hit targets from 100 to 700 yards away. This works best with the appropriate ammo, and most users find it to be extremely accurate.

Elevation Knob

The elevation knob ensures that your scope is targeted properly so that you can hit targets from far distances. Most users find that it is perfect from 100 to 400 yards, but the reliability starts to decrease from 500 to 700 yards. This should come as no surprised because wind resistance and other factors will come into play, but you should still be able to hit larger targets from the maximum distance. You’ll notice some margin of failure, but it shouldn’t matter too much unless you’re trying to hit something small.

Waterproof

Nothing’s worse than getting water in the scope, but you’ll never have to worry about that with the Mark AR. Like all other Leupold scopes, this one is treated with nitrogen to keep water out of the optics and other components. It also has a second layer of argon and krypton waterproofing that further traps gases within the scope and refuses to allow water into any of the components. This is because argon and krypton are larger molecules than nitrogen, thus providing better protection. This second layer also reduces the effects of thermal shock.

Light and Reflection

If you have ever used a cheap scope, then you’ve probably noticed how light can be an issue. It reflects off the lenses in the scope and creates a glare that makes it impossible to aim properly. Not only those, but typically these scopes darken natural colors, which makes it harder to find targets.

The Mark AR is treated with Multicoat 4, a proprietary coating that reduces glare and usable light. While this won’t ensure proper targeting in all low-light conditions, it will give you the most usable light with the least amount of glare and reflection.

Firedot Illumination

Many scopes have red dots for illumination, and that has been a reliable targeting method for many years. The Leupold uses firedot illumination that is a more natural red that helps with quick target acquisition. The Mark AR comes with a tactical reticle that also assists with proper range estimation.

Conclusion

While cheap by Leupold standards, the Mark AR is a great rifle scope for anyone who likes hunting or shooting in general. The tactical scope ensures that you’ll be able to properly hit targets from far away, and the Multicoat 4 treatment will help you use the scope without eyestrain.