Riflescope 101: Magnification

Learn the fundamentals of riflescopes and how they work in our series of videos, Riflescope 101.
In this video, learn the ins and outs of magnification and how it's applied in the field. Gain a deeper understanding of one of the most fundamental concepts in optics, and get clarity on a few common misconceptions about magnification itself.
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[@Sisu2280]

For most hunters - 3-9x40 - and high quality - is perfect.

[@slowmo7162]

Well said

[@wholenebaleba]

I installed this optic on a crossman 760 air rifle.I have now shot the riffle around 500 times during target/plinking practice, and the kzbin.infoUgkxc4K63Fd5LglDMObu7-Bgapxp_ef0W8hE scope has done well.With this optic, I have neutralized around 30 pigeons that were invading one of my buildings.For my short range air rifle, I will continue to use this scope, but will be upgrading to a more powerful scope, when I buy a more powerful air rifle, in order to shoot at longer distance.For the money I have spent, this scope has truly been a great buy.

[@garytomlin1673]

He definitely knows his business when it comes to scope education. Very beneficial info

[@jameslovesjammie]

You guys need to make some non-fitted shirts for us athletically-challenged Vortex users!

[@micahjohnson6586]

jameslovesjammie I’m right there with you

[@STartist.]

Haha fatties

[@taylorengler7764]

just an idea how bout show us the magnification at each 100 yards for all magnification then i might have a warm and fuzzy about which scope to buy and make your a richer man

[@theblishknovk]

Im wanting to set up a 6mm arc AR platform for both hunting white tail as well as learning long range shooting out to 600 to 1000 yards. Not sure what power range would work best for both?

[@heythere8190]

I will be hunting in a few hundred acres. Dont plan on doing anything very far but a couple hundred yards. I have a tikka t3x lite. Whats a good scope for around 300-500? Thanks

[@kylehosler9980]

Great stuff Vortex. Keep it coming!!

[@julianom9146]

Very interesting and helpful video!

[@toptorture198]

What scope do you recommend for a novice deer hunter's Tikka rifle?

[@RonBrumleve]

What exactly is a 1 power in a scope - is it just slight magnification or is it actually no magnification at all?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Fantastic question - 1x would be the same as looking with your naked eye.

[@therandomcarpenter6810]

Idol which must better for short range scope, like a big over view

[@gmanav8or]

Vortex- I have a RRA BT3. Wife bought me a 5-25x50 PST gen II. I plan to shoot some 1000, but mostly 300 and closer. Will probably dd a offset red dot optic for close up. I think I have more scope than I need. Thinking of sending it back for the 3-16. Thoughts?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Your wife has great taste! Really, it depends on what you mainly want to use it for and your personal preference. Based on what you said the mean goal for the setup is, a 3-16 is more than capable of doing that. If most of your shooting is 300 and in I would go that route. If most of your shooting is going to be at that 1000 yard mark or further, I would stick with the 5-25.

[@shahbazameri2185]

Hi there I just bought a low cost Beileshi 3-9×40 EG rifle scope. The included manual is not informative as far as the reticles, concerning range to target. Actually; there is no reference to the reticles in the manual. My request from you is, in what power seting can I use the reticles to get the Range to Target. The reticles are in MOA. BEST REGARDS; Shahbaz

[@deanmccabe8783]

Just got my grandson a 7mm-08 for deer hunting with most shots inside of 100 yards? What power scope do we need?

[@flynnryder7798]

3-9X40

[@woodnasty9831]

If sighted in at 100 yards, and I have a target at approximately 200 yards, I would use the first dash above the center scope to line up the target correctly?

[@shamrock5725]

Depending on the bullet type and arch is creates it may be moving fast enough you don't have to change your hold position. But if you zeroed at 100 and then aiming father you have to aim higher cuz bullets fall down.

[@southernafricanboy4148]

I will be shooting an AR-7 up to 50metres away. To shoot game on the farm in Africa. Is a 4 x 32 suitable for my needs. Thanks

[@malcolmhaith8421]

Looking into the crossfire II 2-7×32 for my Ruger american rimfire 17HMR. Thoughts??

[@haroldmiille2016]

I just got a vortex Sonora for 114.00 on Amazon 4-12x44

[@carsynklassen6044]

Any fixed power scopes in the future?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Not that we are aware of, but we can certainly pass the request along! What would you be looking for?

[@moomoomlik99]

4-16X50 Diamondback Tactical

[@angelisone]

Help? So I have 1/8" per click. How much movement (in inches) at 1 click for 1 mile?

[@therandomcarpenter6810]

Sir, what kind of scope is the exten of the objective in close proximity?

[@wubaru]

But what if I want to see the craters on the moon with my scope?

[@KB9813]

Peter Gremmer there is something called a telescope. Even better the Hubble telescope lol.

[@Intrusive32]

I can easily see the craters on my pst gen 2 5-25X50

[@SomeJustice19k]

😂😂

[@vanglo5200]

6y

[@danmccollister4840]

Focusfirelensllc. Find out why many seasoned shooters are using this lens.

[@mrmike1183]

What kind of magnification do I need for 200 yards max?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

3-9x is perfectly suited for that kind of shooting. 4-12x if you really feel you need more magnification, but if all else is similar between a 3-9x and a 4-12x scope (Same price range, same objective size, same brand, same scope family, etc) the 3-9x will very likely have a bit better optical quality, or at least better light transmission for low light hunting scenarios for sure.

[@mrmike1183]

Vortex Optics sweet thanks for the fast reply. I think 3-9x will be more than enough as it’s for a 350 Legend build so I doubt I’ll really be shooting past 150 yards but never know when I might need to stretch it a little.

[@DL33TT]

Can you make a video on how to clean scope lens?

[@ceciliagoldey220]

What would you recommend for shooting NRL22 100 yard max, poor eyesight--

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey Cecilia! Did you have a budget in mind for the scope? Let us know and we'd be happy to recommend some options!

[@wiffextra929]

Great intro video! What scope would you suggest for PCP air rifle competition target shooting/field target/benchrest? Ranges from 10 yd to 50, out to 100 occasionally? Thanks!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Check out the Diamondback Tactical FFP 4-16x44 for that setup!

[@southernafricanboy4148]

I'm new to scopes. So what can you tell me about 4x 32 scope

[@WildcatWilder]

If I wanted to know what scope would be best for 30-06 shooting at targets around 400-800 yards what would be best?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey Robert - we've got a ton of options! Did you have a price range in mind for an optic?

[@WildcatWilder]

@@VortexOpticsUSA under $600, I currently have the Diamondback HP 4-16 x42

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@WildcatWilder Right on! Check out the Viper HS 4-16x44 for your setup.

[@jeffskidmore64]

I have a 3-9x40 Cross Fire II on my 30-30 and love it. Most shots are 60-140 yards where I hunt. But considering if a 4-12x50 to add on my 308 would be necessary

[@charlieh115]

Love my crossfire ii. Just started to take it to 600 yds from 100 and 200 yard targets, but I’ve ran out of clicks to get it zeroed. Do I need another scope?

[@br00klyngreek13]

you need to get a 20 moa rail on your receiver to get your elevation clicks back

[@snipereagleeye7050]

Can a vortex 4-12×40 diamondback be used for long range shooting to 1000yrds

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey Sniper Eagle Eye - yes it can! We have taken our Diamondback Tactical 3-9x40 out to 1000 yards. Depending on conditions you should have enough travel, and with a 20 MOA rail it should work!

[@snipereagleeye7050]

@@VortexOpticsUSA i shoot a Remington 700 6.5 creedmoore with a 26 inch custom barrel do you think i will have enough MOA up to reach out to 1000 yrds with that scope using talley rings ?

[@matthewdeepblue]

Yeah I don't know about this, I messaged you guys via your app about a scope for my 308. They asked me what my budget was and I said I'd spend what I had to spend to get what I needed. Then they kept insisting that I get the most expensive scope with a magnification that I legitimately do not need or can even make use of with the 308...

[@KB9813]

My issue is is that I wear glasses and I just don't know what the frick to use because of that. Though I'm highly interested in the crossfire 2 3-9x40. I'm hoping I can try one out in the store before buying it...

[@urgamecshk]

Has no effect

[@regularguy9043]

Does changing my magnification effect my zero?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

If you are using the center crosshair it will have no effect on your zero. The only time it will change your POI is when you are using a SFP scope and using the hashmarks - magnification will then change those subtension values.

[@jmsparger4339]

Just a heads up for optics/scope companies making KZbin videos. Those of us that look to KZbin videos for our sighting needs only want to know two things. #1: Which one are snipers using to take out jihadi from two miles away? #2: Where can we get one for under $199.99? 😳

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Noted. 1 - Many different kinds. From Vortex, you'll want to check these out - www.vortexoptics.com/product/razor-hd-gen-2-45-27x56-riflescope-with-ebr-1c-mrad-reticle 2 - Find #1 for under $199? There might be fake ones on Ali Baba but we have yet to see anything!

[@mojoman2001]

Nope. I just want to shoot whitetail deer about 50 yards away in mountain woods, and targets up to 110 yards in my longest clearing.

[@jonathonhedrick966]

Probably a dumb question but If I am target shooting say 200yds on 4x magnification and then increase to 16x magnification at the same target will that affect my shot placement?

[@jaredcouch4229]

Jonathon Hedrick no

[@kanekent2075]

If you’re aiming with the center of your crosshairs no.

[@glockman1727ak47]

#askVortex what optic should I put on my MOS Glock 17? and you can Buy Vortex products on amazon! www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=opesougun-20&keywords=vortex&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=xm2&linkId=b7a59b8b5411e6adda1d5b46de68f2a1

[@michaelanderson5229]

VORTEX #-F'N-1! I have 4 now.

[@1964JEDAGI]

Built in the same factory with the same material as primary arms optics but PA is half the price.

[@2000grover]

Ditch the spandex shirt man, it's not doing you any favors.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Well this isn't very constructive... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯