D9Firearms

Selecting an optic for your firearm can be a very difficult choice.  One mindset we have encountered is that a scope is a secondary consideration.  Choosing a scope is as important as choosing the firearm.  When considering a rifle the optics should be an integral part of the decision if not the first decision.  A cheap scope or one that doesn’t match the needs of your target is only going to make you angry and lead to poor performance.  We have owned a variety of optics ranging from cheap to very expensive (over 1k$).  So we are not afraid to admit our mistakes especially if they will help you make a better decision.

There are several considerations when purchasing optics.  First is, “You Get What You Pay For”.  Enough said.  However, buying high quality optics can be very addictive.  (See budget considerations in next paragraph.)

When considering a rifle that requires optics chose a rifle that will go with the scope.  For instance you wouldn’t outfit your Marlin semi-auto .22LR with a Schmidt & Bender (k$) and conversely you wouldn’t outfit your Sako 85 Hunter with a Tasco.  There is a good balance for those of us who live in the real world and that have a budget and wife or both.  Several baseline optics work very well for most shooting applications in daylight conditions.  A reasonable expectation would be to budget about 35% - 50% of the cost of the rifle.

When evaluating a scope there are several points to look for.  First, look at the clarity does the target picture have a sharp and crisp image?  How does the glass look near the edges, no distortions?  Is it as crisp at the edge as it is in the center?  (One of the optics we used to recommend until we started noticing the clarity at the edges was not the same as in the center.)  Also, are there any apparent knicks around the edges?  How is the eye relief (distance of eye from ocular lens)?

Next what type of reticule would best fit what you are intending to shoot?  For example if you are intending long haul shots, open plains, or varmints you may consider a bullet drop compensation reticule (BDC or Mil-Dot).  Mil-Dot reticules have built in range finding and can help correct for windage and elevation, but can require quick estimations and understanding of the reticule separation and can be cumbersome to use for the limited shooter.  These take a little bit of practice but once you get acclimated they are very beneficial.  For larger targets you may consider the standard cross hair.  There are several variations on the crosshair reticule some have thicker outside lines with thin inside lines, or all fine lines.  This becomes a matter of preference.  Several high end scopes etch or photo engrave the glass with the reticule which eliminates any potential of the crosshairs breaking from excessive shock.

Next consideration would be the combination of choosing a magnification range and determining if you want fixed or variable.  This depends more on your target.  Are you planning this optic for a deer rifle, varmint, or AR?  For a deer rifle the most common is a 3×9x40 or a 2.5×10x40, since you have a much larger target and the typical shot is 50yd – 250yd.  For elk and moose you would probably use about the same, but may consider a higher quality optic with a mil-dot reticule since your shots will probably be longer.  For target shooting you may consider a fixed power since you have stationary targets.  For varmint shooting you would consider a variable 6x up to 24x variations.  Generally a good range for varmints is in the 6x – 16x range.  However, in varmint shooting a higher quality optic will also make the difference in the max magnification you may need.  We typically recommend going higher quality and lower magnification.  (Quality vs. Quantity.)  For a light weight AR-15 you may consider a 4x with a larger objective since most of your shooting would be done in 50yd – 100yd.

Another consideration is when will you be shooting?  During deer season most shots are made early morning or at dusk in lower light conditions.  Here a 3×9x40 or 2.5×10x40 is a good choice but the higher quality optic will afford you that first or last shot of the day.  Higher quality optics will have better light transmission characteristics and less glare from an early morning shot.  Here is where the difference is seen in all purpose optics versus higher quality.  If possible, we recommend getting the scope outside during these time frames to test the difference.  (Once again quality over quantity.)

The scope tube diameter also plays an important role in the amount of light transmission which adds to the sharpness and clarity.  Most scope tubes have a 1” diameter.  More manufactures are starting to provide 30mm tubes.  Typically these optics are listed as tactical which will add cost but increases clarity and sharpness.

Finally the overall construction and mechanics of the scope is very important.  When adjusting variable magnifications or focusing how do the mechanics feel?  Do they stick or is it hard to adjust, etc?  Also check out the windage and elevation knobs.  For target or varmint scopes you would want target knobs with solid and audible clicks.  For shooters outfitting black rifles that would be subject to a little more abuse you will want to consider tactical scopes which are more rugged.

These are just a few suggestions you may want to consider before purchasing an optic.  Several good manufactures produce very good optics for the money.  We’ve tried to categorize the one’s we are familiar with and have had good luck with.

For deer hunting some baseline optics in the $150 - $225 rang you may consider:

• Nikon Buckmaster
• Bushnell Elite 3200
• Sightron SII

For mid to high quality optics in the $300 - $550 range you may consider:

• Zeiss Conquest
• IOR Valdada (hunting scopes)
• Leopold
• Bushnell Elite 4200

For target or varmint shooting some baseline optics in the $250 - $400 you may consider:

• Bushnell 4200 Elite
• Sightron SII & SIII
• IOR Valdada Tactical
• Zeiss Conquest

For AR style rifles some optics you may consider:

• IOR Valdada Tactical
• Aimpoint
• Trijicon
• EOTec

Optics that are on our list to acquire and evaluate:

·       Horus Vision

·       Leatherwood

·       Schmidt & Bender

·       NightForce

·       Khales

At D9Firearms we can provide most optics of your choice.  The benefits of choosing D9 to provide your optics are; we will mount, align, and bore sight your scope so that when you receive your outfitted firearm it is range ready.  Another benefit is we can provide most optics at prices equivalent to other vendors and include mounting.  If you chose D9 to provide and mount your optics we will add a hard plastic case to help protect your firearm during shipping.  Although there are additional costs with doing this way, it saves you time and effort in having to find and select the correct bases and rings.  Additionally, it will also reduce the number of rounds fired to sight your firearm in.

As always we hope this information proves to be beneficial in making your decision.  Please contact us here at D9Firearms if you would like us to provide an outfitted rifle package for your next hunt.  Thanks and we look forward to and appreciate your business.