Budget VS Premium Hunting Scopes
Budget VS Premium Hunting Scopes
There is a common trend I run into when advising people on rifle setup, whether for hunting, tactical, or other purposes. I have no problem getting folks to spend money on rifles. But when I tell them to spend as much or more on optics, I seem to lose them. I think this is because most shooters see the rifle as the main event when it’s only one component in a system. However, if you understand what you’re getting for the money, the price makes more sense. Even so, some people will not have the budget for premium options, and that shouldn’t exclude them, so I will explain how to get the most from more affordable optics.
Understand Why They’re Priced
Optics cost what they do because you’re paying for several key things working together. First is the quality of the glass, which affects how clearly light passes through the optic and how sharp your image looks. Next is durability, including the optic’s ability to handle recoil, impact, and rough weather without losing zero. You’re also paying for repeatability, meaning the optic can be adjusted and reliably return to the same point every time. Finally, added features like locking turrets, zero stops, and illuminated reticles increase both performance and price.
The Case for Premium ($1500+)
At this level, you’re buying confidence. These are the optics built to be trusted with people’s lives. They are made using premium glass and coatings. For crystal-clear images in all lighting conditions. Made of top materials and the tightest tolerances. These will be capable of micrometer-level precision in the turret adjustments, all the way out to the end of their travel and back to zero, repeatedly. As well as being packed with features designed by real-world end users. All this with the ruggedness to jump out of airplanes, swim onto beaches, or drive across deserts in armored vehicles, and still function flawlessly.
Essentially, these eliminate your optics as a variable. While most people don’t have those uses in mind, you can still reap the benefits of all that R&D. Rifles also take more abuse than people think. They get dropped and bounce around in vehicles. These optics will handle the abuse without fail. Furthermore, if you plan to shoot at a distance, especially in environments where you need to dial for bullet drop, this level of reliability is all but necessary.
Budget Compromise
Budget optics are better now than they’ve ever been. You can get a solid optic without spending a fortune; however, it’s important to understand the tradeoffs. First, glass quality degrades; you’ll notice distortion around the edge of your field of view, and shooting into the sun will be exceedingly difficult. Next is turret reliability. This has improved, but it is not something you should trust unless you’ve tested it. It is difficult to achieve that level of precision machining while keeping the cost low. Next are the features. You will not see the same range of features offered.
Get the most from a budget. If premium glass isn’t in the budget, you can still build an effective setup by prioritizing the right things first.
First, prioritize the reticle. Choose a solid MIL or MOA reticle (I prefer MIL). This way, you can use accurate holdovers even if the turrets aren’t reliable. This is similar to a BDC scope, but the standardized MIL/MOA gives you far more versatility. Next, you have glass quality. You don’t need perfection, but you will likely need something that is clear in most conditions. Next is the objective lens (the front piece of glass). A larger objective lens will allow more light to enter and be more forgiving on the eye. Lastly, we have magnification options. Keep the magnification modest, and narrow zoom ranges will yield better performance in budget optics.
Three Scopes Can Do It All
Since most of us have limited funds, an alternative to either buying a safe full of lower-quality optics or spending thousands on every rifle you own. Three categories of optics can cover any task. Choose a quality scope and mount, and they can be used on multiple guns with minimal adjustment. The three categories break down like this.
Low-power variable optics (LPVO) are your 1-8X/2-10X and similar models. They are lightweight, compact optics for close-to-mid-range. These are generally used for tactical applications but are equally as effective in the deer woods, and a skilled shooter can absolutely use these at further ranges.
Mid power variable optics with magnifications like 3-18X/4-16X are mid-range do-it-all optics that are at home on an AR-style gun or a bolt gun. These will give you some extended magnification while preserving low power for closer ranges and keeping the weight reasonable. Last are the large magnification riflescopes. These are the 5-25X/7-35X and similar. These are your dedicated long-range optics. They have big objective lenses and main tubes for more adjustment and light transmission. These also have enough magnification for spotting and are bigger, heavier, and more expensive. They really shine at extended ranges.
A good rifle is important. But it is only a piece. And the right optic will let it reach its full potential. It’s better to have Grandpa’s old deer rifle with a premium optic than a top-tier rifle with subpar glass. So, prioritize what’s important, eliminate variables, and be confident in your system.
