Choosing a rifle scope is at least as important a decision as choosing a rifle. It is not unrealistic to pay as much or more for the scope as the cost of the rifle. So it is no surprise that you want to get all the possible features for your money.

But when it comes to optics, you can get too much of a good thing. Adjustments that are too fine, reticles that are too complex, and the most common mistake: too much magnification.

Always fit your optic to the purpose for the rifle. The requirements that a competitive long-range shooter has for his scope are completely different that the requirements for a military sniper's scope, or a hunter's scope, and all are likely different than what is best suited for home defense. Snipers and skilled long-range competitors will likely know what they need, so we will concentrate on hunting and defense, or a combination.

In both uses, and optic with a magnification