Among avid hunters and other rifle enthusiasts, must-have accessories include rifle scopes for obvious reasons. Of all the types of scopes in the market, however, the high power rifle scopes are arguably the most popular because of the many opportunities these accessories provide for a great hunting experience.

Function of Scopes

To put it simply, a rifle scope magnifies an image located at a distance from the individual using the rifle by putting the eye on the same optic plane as the said image being viewed from the scope.

In short, you can see the target better even from a distance in the same way that you use a telescope or a binocular. This benefit also provides for an opportunity to make human kills when hunting wild animals.

There are two types of rifle scopes. First, the low power scopes are more suitable for moving targets and for close range targets because of their wider field of view in low-light conditions. Second, high power rifle scopes are best for target shooting and for targeting small game from a distance.

Proper Use of Scopes

Even the best high power rifle scope will be of little use if and when it is not used in the proper manner. Here are the most important tips in this matter.

• Decide the maximum range in which the shot will be done. This will, in turn, determine the maximum magnification required in choosing from among the high power rifle scopes available.

• For example, if you want to shoot for up to 100 yards, you will need a scope with a 7x magnification. Other magnifications include 9x for 200 yards maximum and 12x to 14x for targets over 200 yards away.

• Choose the reticule you are most comfortable with. Although cross hairs are the most traditional, other rifle scopes have ballistic, dot and even illuminated reticules.

• Sighting in the scope. Keep in mind that the rifle will shoot in whatever way it will be pointed, which means that you will want the center of the reticule to correspond to where the rifle shoots a bullet within a given range. The distance sighted depends on the type of gun used and the distance of the target. For high-powered rifles, the most common distance to sight the high power rifle scopes is at 100 yards although if you are comfortable with 200 yards, then go for it. For guns with lesser range like shotguns, pistols and muzzleloaders, the typical sight is at 25 to 75 yards.

• Determine the type of game to hunt. This way, you can choose the right type of scope to mount on your rifle, shotgun or pistol and, thus, become more successful at the hunting game. You can keep these general rules in mind:

• Squirrels up to 4x magnification

• Varmints are best for 4-12x

• Big animals in dense settings 1.5-4x or 2-7x

• Big animals in relatively open country 3-9x or 2.5-10x

• Big animals in wide open settings 4-12x or 6-18x

Of course, it will take practice before you can make perfect shots with high power rifle scopes but once you have it down pat, the results will make you one happy hunter.