Have you ever wondered what the numbers beside a scope’s name signify and how to read them? Do you want to make sense of this and see how these figures can help you find the best scope for your needs?
Fortunately, I am here to help explain what the numbers mean and how they can help you understand a rifle scope’s magnification and zoom range, as well as its objective lens size and what that means for you, the shooter.
If you have ever asked yourself, “What do the numbers on a scope mean?“, you’ve come to the right place.
I will discuss everything you need to know about rifle scope magnification and adjustment, what the numbers on a scope’s turrets signify, and answer any other questions about your rifle scope.
Contents
- Where Are the Scope Numbers Located?
- What Do the Numbers on a Scope Mean?
- Rifle Scope Magnification and Size Chart
- The Magnification Equation and Image Perception
- What Are the Effects of Increasing Magnification?
- What Are the Physical Limitations of Magnification?
- What Is the Importance of Choosing the Right Magnification?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts on Rifle Scope Numbers and Magnification
Where Are the Scope Numbers Located?
The numbers on a rifle scope can typically be found on the right side of the scope’s product name.
The numbers on a rifle scope show you everything you need to know about a long-range scope at a glance.
For example, given the product “Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40,” the scope manufacturer would be Leupold.
The VX-3i refers to the product line, and the numbers 3.5-10×40 indicate the specific model, given its zoom capacity and objective lens size.
What Do the Numbers on a Scope Mean?
The numbers on the scope represent the scope specifications when it comes to magnification power and the objective lens diameter.
Once again, using the “Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10×40,” we can see that the first set of numbers (3.5-10x) represents the scope’s magnification range or how many times you can zoom in towards the target.
The second number represents the scope’s objective lens size in millimeters (mm).
What Is Magnification Power in a Scope?
Magnification power refers to how much more magnified an image can appear compared to your naked eye. This allows you to see targets hundreds of yards away as if they were standing before you.
For example, if your scope is labeled 5x, this means that your scope magnification gives you five times the view you would see with your own eyes. The higher the magnification, the farther you can shoot.
Optics companies often provide higher magnification for more accurate distance shooting and variable magnification scopes (those with ranges like 5-24x) for shooting at varying ranges.
The first number is the minimum magnification, while the second represents the maximum your magnification increases to, allowing you to hit different distances you would not have been able to hit at your minimum zoom.
If you are a hunter shooting a specific type of game or working at a single distance, however, you may be able to get by using a fixed magnification scope.
Where Is the Magnification in a Rifle Scope?
A scope’s magnification assembly is located towards the rear of a long-range rifle scope, near the eyepiece or ocular lenses.
The magnification assembly can be adjusted via the ring towards the end (or knob on the side) of a variable magnification scope.
Depending on which direction you turn the ring, you either magnify your view for a longer-range shot or narrow it for a shorter-range one.
What Is the Objective Lens Diameter in a Scope?
The objective lens diameter is the outer diameter housing your scope’s objective lens. The size of the objective lens (aperture) is represented by the number after “x” on a scope’s numbers, measured in millimeters (mm).
For example, “5-25×50” would mean that the diameter of your scope lens is 50 mm, which is a larger size for a scope.
The objective lens indicates how much light can enter your scope.
Similar to the iris in a human eye, a larger objective lens diameter allows more light to enter and pass through the scope tube, providing a clear image even in low-light conditions.
The illumination entering the scope can be measured in foot candles.
Smaller lenses are better suited for binoculars or rifle scopes focusing on a single target. However, larger lenses need more space within the eyepiece, adding more weight to the overall scope.
Where Is the Objective Lens on a Rifle Scope?
The objective lens (aperture) is the circular glass at the front of the scope. The objective bell of the scope surrounds and protects the glass lens.