The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Magnification is variable between 6x and 24x. Just the same as you may have 10x binoculars or a 200x microscope. Typically in terms of a rifle scope or binoculars, if it is a fixed power magnification then the first number is the magnification (i.e. 6x or 10x etc), followed by the diameter of the objective lens in millimetres (i.e. 40 or 50 etc). You will often see things like 6x40, 7x50 etc.

In a scope or binoculars which have a variable magnification, then the first two numbers are the minimum and maximum magnifications respectively (6-24x, 3.5-10x etc). This is again followed by the objective diameter, e.g. 3-9x40

So what do the numbers actually mean what does it tell you.
For instance some scopes I have looked at after reading peoples recommendations are.
3.5-18x50
3-18x42
3.5-15x50
4-16x56
3-12x50
4-16x50
4.5-18x50
3-12x56
2-12x50
5-25x52
5.5-22x56
8-32x56
3.5-15x50
Is there a formula for working it out for instance if I wanted a scope to shoot S class there is a limitation on magnification I believe. So what should I be looking for.
Is it the higher the numbers the clearer sight picture you get. What sort of scope would you be looking at to shoot from 100 to 600 yards. What type of scope would you be looking at to shoot bench rest. Would you choose a different type of scope for F class. I guess a scope for stalking would be a completely different set up.
The scopes are all in the 50 to 56 size as recommended why go for 50/56 instead of 40 for instance.

This is not a bad explanation:

http://www.ehow.com/about_5435760_do-nu ... -mean.html

Mike

Thanks.

One other thing you may see is FFP and SFP, that is First Focal Plane and Second focal Plane and refers to how the reticule behaves as the 'scope is zoomed in (Assuming it is a zoom 'scope) On FFP the reticle size increases with zoom so in actual fact it remains constant to the perceived image, this can be handy if you are using the reticle for range finding. SFP means the reticle remains the same size regardless of zoom.

For target shooting SFP is probably a better choice and is usually slightly cheaper.

For S Class I would say a 12x56 is good if you can find one. Downside is you cannot zoom out to look at the flags/other targets. Plus side is with a 56mm Objective it is going to gather a lot of light so handy on dull and rainy days. Choice of reticle will play a part as well, it needs to be fairly fine so as not to obscure too much of the target yet still be easy to pick up in poor light. A reticle with stadia marks (A means of measuring) can be handy as well.

That leads me on to my next question which reticle would you choose.
Varmit Hunter
Fine duplex
Mill dot.
12x56 is a fixed magnification no zoom that's what you are saying is that correct.
If you were going to buy a variable to use in S class what would you go for.
sign92

Horus reticle.

dromia wrote:Horus reticle.

its busy though

Thanks for the input Adam very use full piece of information.

Horus=Heresy.

Sorry about that Adam I get it now. Thanks for that .