If you’re searching for a good rifle scope, Nikon has some great ones to choose from. We’ve reviewed all of the popular Nikon rifles scopes and put together a list of the top 3 best-rated ones, so you can cut your research time in half. Check out our detailed overviews below, and enjoy the research time we have saved you. Enjoy!
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January 24, 2024 by Leave a Comment
How to Use a Rifle Scope Properly
When it comes to hunting and shooting, the most important part is to aim correctly and shoot precisely without letting the prey to run away. Most of the newbies deny the fact that how a good rifle with a little more price than ordinary one can deliver accuracy and precision. When it comes to choosing the rifle, it is important to look for quality riflescope that can give accuracy while shooting. In most of the cases, riflescopes are not well made and put the hunter in sheer agony when they miss the target. The simple solution is to invest in a good riflescope that will never give the chance to the prey to breathe once more. Especially if you are shooting from longer distances, you can’t catch the prey with your eyes and that is why Riflescope is used by professional hunters.
[amazon box=”B000JJL8VW”]
Tips on How to Use Rifle Scope Properly
The power of riflescope is around 1.5x to 50x for traditional rifles. When it is adjusted on rifle, it is bore sighted from the shooter. When shooting with the riflescope mounted on top of rifle, make sure to adjust the range to zero. This means that at distance X the shot will land closely where the gun is aimed that does not include wind speed or elevation. Standard combat rifles are commonly zeroed at 100 yards. From now on, we will take on 100 yards as zero distance.
1. Decide how far off target a pellets lands
Now modify the scope accordingly. This is the most straight way to zero the scope. Majority of scopes have wind age and elevation dials which can be twisted to compensate for impreciseness. The height is commonly on the upper part and have an impact on the bullet’s point of impact (POI) upright. The windage is commonly on the right side of the riflescope and moves the bullet’s POI straight. [Read more…]
November 19, 2022 by
Best Vector Optics: Review on Low Cost But High-Quality Optics
If you’re getting ready for hunting season, you need to find the best scopes to gives you the highest chance of success. But if you don’t have tons of money to spare, find a high-quality scope can be a challenge. The good news is Vector Optics builds great scopes for a reasonable price. Don’t believe us? Here’s more you need to know about this innovative company.
What Does Vector Optics Do?
For over a decade, Vector Optics built an optics business aimed at producing low-cost but high-quality optics. Our first thought about cheap but good is skepticism. It’s a natural reaction but misplaced in this instance. The manufacturer makes their products with aluminum alloy. They use good quality glass as well. The mechanics, where applicable, are stable and don’t loosen or lose their zero through regular use.
We’ve looked at scopes and other optics in the past that cost more but performed poorly. The most common problem is low-quality glass. The scope gathers light poorly, and everything viewed through the scope is foggy.
The mechanics in cheaper scopes rarely stay tight or secure very long, even riding a few miles in the truck can jar them loose. Cheap scopes come with other issues, but lousy glass and loose mechanics are the most common.
What Makes Vector Optics Standout?
The first thing that jumps out when you look over their website is the warranty. Affordable scope varieties tend to come with very limited warranties. The Vector Optics warranty supports their products for five years. If it fails due to a defect, you get a new one. The warranty is excellent, but the 30-day money-back guarantee adds another layer of confidence.
Most of you probably own or owned an economic scope at some point in time. The glass is crystal clear the first month you own it, but they get foggy or milky over time. They rarely hold zero very well, or they fit loosely on the rail.
Vector Optics come with good, clear glass, and they keep their zero well. Those two things are expected from expensive scopes, but we usually accept that an economy scope won’t perform as well. That’s just not true with Vector Optics; they are made well and made from quality materials.
It’s not exactly a quality that we consider a stand-out feature, but their selection of optics is vast. They have nearly every type of scope and magnification combo. While we mostly focused on scopes or similar optics in this review, there are several products beyond optics available from them, including:
- Laser Sights
- Pistol Sights
- Scope Accessories
- AR and AK Accessories
- Grips and Bi-pods
- Slings
- Cleaning Accessories
Our Favorite Vector Optics Products
Like we mentioned above, with so many optics to choose from, picking favorites proved difficult. We looked for optics that are popular but useful. Red and green dot sights plus reflex sights are among our favorite scopes overall.
They have a wide range of uses from home defense to competition shooting. In the end, we chose optics that are popular. We didn’t list these scopes in order.
Omega Tactical 8 Reticle Red/Green Dot Sight with QD Mount EO Tech
Red and green dot sights improve target acquisition and help with overall grouping. This one built well with good glass and sharp reticles. It comes with eight options for reticles. That is about six more options than most of the red or green dot sights on the market. If you use a dot scope with any reticle other than a classic dot, they are fun, and some improve accuracy.
It uses a CR2032 battery or the rechargeable version of that battery. USB charging is available, but that doesn’t seem like an option many of us care about in the end. You either remove the optic from your gun and charge it, or leave the weapon lying around while it recharges. Both methods of USB charging have drawbacks. Keeping extra CR2032 batteries on hand is the best option in this case.
SCOM-09 Grizzly 3-12×56 E Shooting Rifle Scope
This scope’s name is cool, but that’s the least of the reasons we added it to our favorites list. It sports eleven levels of illumination, and the coated glass is bright. The light transfer with this scope is on the level of scopes that costs four times as much. The glass and light transfer are the main reasons this scope made our favorites list.
It offers more than good glass and illumination. The 4-inch eye relief makes shooting at longer ranges a little more forgiving. The scope is perfect for close and long-range shots. It will perform great at 30 yards or 400 yards making it an excellent scope for hunting.
SCRD-24RL Tomcat 1x22x33 Multi Reticles Red & Green Dot Sight with w/ Red Laser
The Vector Optics has a lightweight frame that won’t add weight to your gun, and it’s surprisingly durable for a sight that weighs almost nothing. It also comes with four different reticles and a red laser mounted on one side. This site is a great accessory for a home defense gun or recreational shooting.
SCRD-27GL Rayman 1×30 Red Dot Sight with Green Laser
This scope is an excellent scope for the price as well. We like this scope for its clarity and lightweight. Another big plus for us is the built-in lens covers open down instead of up. That’s not a trivial feature to anyone that’s broken a lens cover off on a tree or accidentally snagged it when moving the weapon.
RDSL01 VictOptics 1×18 Red Dot Reflex Sight
This great optic is a 3 MOA red dot sight. This site is lightweight. You can barely feel it in your hand. It has the same good glass as the other scopes along with sturdy mechanical parts. It has the option for a mini sight and multiple illumination settings when needed.
[amazon bestseller=”vector optics scopes” items=”2″]
Are They Better than their Competition?
This question is a hard question to answer. Each optics maker is better or worse on a few things when compared to their competitors. Vector Optics puts a lot of effort into quality while keeping their prices low. At their worst, they are about even with their competition. The glass and mechanical parts of any scope are the essential features.
Most optics makers try to use good glass, and they do a fair job of using mechanical parts that work well. Vector Optics is a little above their competition where glass is concerned and about even on mechanical parts. Vector Optics beats the competition on variety and selection. Their scopes also offer more reticle options than most other scopes and hold their zero better.
Our Opinion
We think you should give Vector Optics a try and see what you think.
In short, our opinion is favorable, and we think you should try out one the scopes we mentioned above and find the scope that fits your needs and circumstances. You will be surprised by the vast selection and the low prices. Take a trip to your local gun shop or sporting goods store and ask them about Vector Optics.
Conclusion
We spend a lot of money on gun accessories. If you can get a proper, reliable scope for a low price, then that means more money for ammo. That alone is reason enough to shop economy scopes. They make their scopes to last and perform reliably. We can’t stress enough how important good glass is to optics along with light transfer, and they use good glass.
If you’re like more hunters or recreational shooters, a large part of your budget goes toward renting land, paying dues, travel, and several other expensive side effects of your lifestyle. Using economy scopes helps take some of the weight off your budget. Compared to some Nikon scopes, buying an economy scope saves enough money to fund a nice hunting trip.
November 16, 2022 by
An In-depth Scope Review Of The Leupold Rimfire Scope
If you’re in the market for a scope, the Leupold Rimfire Scope is worth a look. It might be just the accessory you need for your rifle this season. But before you take out your wallet, you need to know everything there is to know about the Leupold. After all, you want to know what you’re adding to your rifle and how it’s going to help you hit your target.
Scope Review: Leupold Rimfire Scope
Scopes are just as unique as firearms, and if you want to get the most out of your shooting experience and hit a target accurately, you need a scope that is specifically designed for your firearm. Some people will use a standard scope on a rimfire rifle, without too much trouble, but their scope ends up getting damaged or not being as accurate.
Why settle for a subpar experience? Purchasing a rimfire scope for your rimfire rifle can greatly enhance your accuracy and the enjoyment of hitting your target.
We review the Leupold rimfire scope to see, talk about some of its unique features, and what others have to say about the scope. With this information, we’re confident that you’ll be able to decide if the Leupold rimfire scope is an ideal choice for you.
What Is A Leupold Rimfire Scope and How Does It Work?
Like many manufacturers that specialize in gun scopes, there are four rimfire scopes made by Leupold to choose from; we will discuss them in greater detail a little later in our review.
As we already mentioned a rimfire scope is specifically designed to be used with a rimfire rifle. Many people wonder what the difference is between a rimfire and centerfire rifles. The biggest difference is the ammunition. Centerfire ammunition has primer in the center of the casing base, and rimfire primer is in the rim of the ammunition, near the bottom of the casing.
A scope, of course, is designed to provide magnification and works best in long-range shooting. Scopes have a large lens. This is the objective lens, which is located on the opposite end of the eyepiece. When the light transmits through the lens and back into the lens of the eyepiece (also we see a magnification of our target. Most scopes have a variety of magnification options.
While many people choose to use a standard scope for a rimfire rifle, you have a better chance of accuracy, clarity, comfort, and overall better experience when using a rimfire scope for your rimfire rifle.
The Leupold company is a well-known and well-respected family-owned company, based out of Beaverton, Oregon, and is over a hundred years old. According to the company, their first scope was created by Marcus Leupold after he became frustrated with poor clarity due to fog.
The Plainsman was the first Leupold scope, and dozens followed. While some Leupold scopes are no longer in distribution, today’s scopes remain waterproof, shockproof, and durable enough for the recoil of a rifle.
Leupold currently distributes four rimfire riflescopes:
- FX-II Ultralight 2.5×2.0mm
- FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm
- VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40
- VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7×33
Next, will discuss the specs and unique features of each one.
FX-II Ultralight 2.5×2.0mm
[amazon box=”B000GU67AQ”]
Weight: 6.50 ounces or 184 grams
Linear Field Of View (FOV): 39.50 ft/100 yd and 4.90 m/100 m
Eye Relief: 4.90 inches or 125 mm
Objective Diameter: .80 inches
Elevation and Windage Adjustment Range: 147 MOA
Length: 8 inches
Mounting Space: 5.8 x 1.80 x 2.20 inches
Eyepiece Length: 2.10 inches
Objective Diameter: 1 inch
Eyepiece Diameter: 1.40 inches
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Some highlighted features include ¼-MOA field-click adjustments, waterproof and fog proof (which makes it ideal for any conditions), and DiamondCoat lens coating for long-lasting protection and clarity.
FX-I Rimfire 4x28mm
[amazon box=”B003NZ9QKO”]
Weight: 7.50 ounces or 213 grams
Linear Field Of View (FOV): 25.50 ft/100 yd and 8.50 m/100 m
Eye Relief: 4.50 inches or 114 mm
Objective Diameter: 1.10 inches
Elevation and Windage Adjustment Range: 80 MOA
Length: 9.20 inches
Mounting Space: 4.8 x 1.40 x 2.20 inches
Eyepiece Length: 2.30 inches
Objective Diameter: 1.40 inch
Eyepiece Diameter: 1.40 inches
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Some highlighted features of the scope include micro-friction dials with ¼-MOA increments for easy adjusting. The lenses have a Multicoat 4 system, which maintains clarity and brightness in low-light conditions. The rimfire parallax adjusts for up to 60 yards.
VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40
[amazon box=”B078XGVP7S”]
Weight: 12.2 ounces or 346 grams
Linear Field Of View (FOV): 33.7 ft/100 yd (low) and 13.6 ft/100 yd (high)
Eye Relief: 4.17 inches (low) and 3.66 inches (high)
Elevation and Windage Adjustment Range: 60 MOA or 17.5 MIL
Exit Pupil: 4.7mm
Length: 12.39 inches
Mounting Space: 5.38 x 2.31 x 1.85 inches
Eyepiece Length: 3.50 inches
Objective Diameter: 1.83 inch
Eyepiece Diameter: 1.56 inches
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
This scope has been rigorously tested to withstand the same conditions as some of the more “top-tier” Leupold rifle scopes and the outer lens of the rimfire scope is scratch resistant to “military standard extreme abrasion specification.”
Other highlighted features include a 3:1 zoom erector system, which makes it more versatile and ¼-MOA precision adjustments. The scope is also made from aircraft-quality aluminum, which makes it durable.
VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7×33
[amazon box=”B078XGPY85″]
Weight: 11.1 ounces or 315 grams
Linear Field Of View (FOV): 43.8 ft/100 yd (low) and 17.8 ft/100 yd (high)
Eye Relief: 4.17 inches (low) and 3.70 inches (high)
Elevation and Windage Adjustment Range: 75 MOA or 21.8 MIL
Exit Pupil: 5 mm
Length: 11.04 inches
Mounting Space: 4.81 x 1.74 x 1.85 inches
Eyepiece Length: 3.50 inches
Objective Diameter: 1.83 inch
Eyepiece Diameter: 1.56 inches
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Aside from some differences in size, the features are the same as those that are
In the VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 scope.
Some Things To Consider When Thinking About Buying A Rimfire Scope
Even though Leupold scopes are designed for gun owners of all experience levels to use with relative ease, you can download a rifle scope manual and a ballistic aiming manual to look at before you decide which rimfire scope to purchase.
Leupold scopes also require minimal maintenance, which means you can spend more time using the scope than taking care of it. Here are some maintenance tips to consider when looking at a Leupold rimfire scope.
Lenses should be cleaned with a lens brush and then pure alcohol, high-grade glass cleaner, or plain water to wipe the lens clean. As long as you store the scope in a case, it should stay relatively dust-free.
The windage and elevation adjustments are permanently lubricated, and there’s no need to oil them. As long as you keep the adjustment covers on, they should need no extra maintenance. The side focus, adjustable objective, and power selector eyepieces are also permanently lubricated, so there’s no need to worry about maintenance on those parts.
The best way to keep your scope clean (apart from the lens) is to wipe it with a clean and dry cloth. If you encounter any issues with your rimfire scope, Leupold recommends checking out their troubleshooting tips (which can be found in the scope manual) before sending your scope to the company.
How Do Leupold Rimfire Scopes Differ From Other Competitors?
We’ve shown you some of the features that make the Leupold rimfire scope unique, and many of the features cannot be found in rimfire scopes from competitors.
When you compare the Leupold scope to other high-quality competitors like Bushnell or Nikon, you’ll notice that the Leupold brand makes lighter weight scopes. Leupold’s high-quality lens, durability, and shock/water/fog-proof capabilities definitely make it stand out from others.
While some of the competing rimfire scopes are less expensive than the Leupold brand, there are limited warranties or no warranty available at all. The Leupold company will stand behind their rimfire scopes for a lifetime; other companies don’t.
What We Think About The Leupold Brand
Whether this is your first rimfire scope or you’re replacing one, the Leupold brand is a solid option.
If you’re a novice or have a lot of experience using a rimfire scope, the Leupold scope is easy to use and requires minimal maintenance. Due to its craftsmanship and durability, you can use a Leupold scope out in all kinds of weather and lighting conditions and have more success hitting your target than if you used a competitor’s rimfire scope.
While the price of a Leupold rimfire scope may be more than most want to spend, it’s important to keep in mind that the scope is backed by a lifetime warranty and any issues are cleared up by the company relatively fast and easy.
November 16, 2022 by
Best 4x Scope: List Of Top 10 Picks And Buying Guide
Every long gun enthusiast needs a reliable 4x scope if they want to land the perfect shot. When it comes to shooting, there is nothing more important than accuracy. That is why our rifle experts put together this definitive list of the best 4x scope products on the market today.
Want to discover the best 4x scope for your rifle? In this article, our firearm professionals review the top optical sighting devices for rifles to get the best shot every time. Read on to discover which scopes are a bust, and which will ensure your aiming true when you pull the trigger.
Comparison Table - 4x Scopes
[amazon box=”B01BBTS3JI, B0000V2BYM, B00EXV4G20, B01GHSY0SQ, B006U0Z59A, B00ABP5UXG, B071FXM8JK, B005NHA122, B01GAETRNA, B01FXKYURU” template=”table”]
What is a 4x Scope?
Before listing our favorite 4x scope products on the market, it is important first to flesh out exactly what these products are. The 4x scope is a kind of telescopic lens, or scope, that magnifies objects in your gun’s crosshairs by four times. Having increased magnification makes targeting easier for the shooter, which results in greater accuracy.
Scopes are classified according to their optical magnification (i.e., 4x) and their objective lens diameter (i.e., 30 mm, 50 mm, etc.). The latter refers to the diameter of the lens within the scope; broadly, larger objective lenses result in more light entering the scope and thus a brighter image in the eyepiece. Shooters should select their lens diameter according to their individual purposes.
Although scopes once had an objective lens of 20 mm or smaller, it is now common to find much larger lenses on store shelves. Technological upgrades in lens technology have improved the state of scope magnification over the years, which is one of the reasons why target shooting is far more competitive than it once was in the early days of the sport.
How We Choose Our Ratings
Image Source: Unsplash
At RifleScopeCenter, we understand that your trust is earned and not given. We do not take your trust for granted. Rather, with every product we review we pledge to always provide the most accurate and bias-free feedback possible. We believe that this is integral for earning your trust and winning your loyalty as a reader.
How do we plan on earning your loyalty? By providing the best scope and firearm reviews on the web. To do this, we promise never to accept financial compensation from product manufacturers or affiliate groups. We believe that doing otherwise would compromise our independence and our objectivity. We also believe that this is simply the right thing to do.
To produce the most accurate reviews, we always scrutinize our products from a multitude of angles. For example, we consider a wide variety of factors such as cost, shipping and handling, durability, build quality, materials used, warranty, return policy, and aesthetics. By doing this, we believe we arrive at the most holistic and bias-free content for our readers.
List of Best 4x Scopes
Without further ado, let’s get into the main purpose of today’s article. Below, we have ranked and reviewed our favorite 4x scopes. Each of the scopes enumerated below has been hand-tested by our experts and are among a list of several dozen products that we tested out over the past few weeks.
CVLIFE 4x32 Rifle Scope
[amazon box=”B01BBTS3JI” template=”horizontal”]
The CVLIFE 4x32 Rifle Scope is among the best in the business on several counts. First, this scope is made of fine optical glass that you can tell is highly durable from the moment you peer through the eyepiece. The field of view is wide and crystal clear for a dead-on shot every time. Ultimately, our first impression of this scope was extremely positive.
Further, we love that this scope is made of aluminum alloy in one-piece tube construction. Too often we find that scopes are made from multiple connected pieces, which tend to come undone when you need them the most. However, this scope comes up big in the right moments thanks to its highly durable build, excellent material quality, and, of course, its unbeatable price.
TASCO Pronghorn 4x32 Reticle Scope
[amazon box=”B0000V2BYM” template=”horizontal”]
The TASCO Pronghorn 4x32 Reticle Scope is one of our favorite budget-friendly rifle scopes. One thing that stood out immediately after taking this product out of the box was its magnificent aesthetics and build design. Compared to most other aluminum scopes, the TASCO Pronghorn is a marvel. However, looks unfortunately do not mean much in the world of shooting.
With a matte finish and a great one-year warranty with no questions asked, the TASCO Pronghorn makes for an excellent scope no matter what kind of shooting experience you have under your belt. However, we feel like the price point is a bit too high for what is an entry-level device and the eyepiece clarity could do with some improvements.
Ade Advanced Optics 4x32 Fixed Scope
[amazon box=”B00EXV4G20″ template=”horizontal”]
The Ade Advanced Optics 4x32 Fixed Scope is a beautiful tactical sight scope with an assortment of weaver slots for your convenience. This scope features a 3.5-inch relief for your eye and measures six inches in length, making it extremely compact and lightweight. Plus, this thing is built to last as it is made of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade metals.
Unlike most of its competitors, the Ade Advanced Optics scope has a brightly illuminated red-green-blue rapid range glass reticle for easy aiming and a great sightline. Additionally, this scope is 100% shockproof and resistant to water which makes it a fantastic choice for backcountry missions and tactical operations.
CVLIFE 4x32 Tactical Optic Scope
[amazon box=”B01GHSY0SQ” template=”horizontal”]
The CVLIFE 4x32 Tactical Optic Scope is set apart from its non-tactical counterpart for several key reasons. For one, this scope has a far lighter fiber optic build, which makes it fantastic for long hunting trips and backcountry excursions. Its lightweight build also happens to look a lot better and appear more compact than its non-tactical variant.
Ultimately, we were thrilled when we upgraded to the CVLIFE 4x32 tactical edition. This product is suitable for all-weather conditions and is resistant to water and fog which makes it a great choice if your vision might be impaired by natural elements. Once you hold this scope in your hands, you will realize why it is considered one of the best in its class.
Simmons 22 TruPlexReticle 4x32 Scope
[amazon box=”B006U0Z59A” template=”horizontal”]
Ranking among the finest fixed scopes on the market today, the Simmons 22 Mag TruPlexReticle Scope is a sleek and sharp-looking black matte optical scope appropriate for everyone from novice to veteran hunters. Made with the highest-quality glass, this scope features vivid contrast down the sightline for easy aiming and pinpoint accuracy.
In our experience, we were delighted by the Simmons 22 TruPlexReticle. This is because the scope is super lightweight, made of best-in-class materials, and has convenient rimfire rings that mount directly on top of the scope. For greater strength and a better shot every time, we recommend trusting the experts at Simmons with their latest TruPlexReticle series scope.
Bushnell Optics Drop Zone 223 Reticle Scope
[amazon box=”B00ABP5UXG” template=”horizontal”]
The Bushnell Optics Drop Zone 223 Reticle Scope is a fantastic all-purpose scope with some of the best technical specifications to back it. Featuring Bushnell’s signature Drop Zone-223 ballistic reticle, this scope is calibrated for 55-62 grain and aiming points up to 500 yards away. Plus, the target turrets are adjusted for pinpoint precision up to half a mile in distance.
At 30mm tube diameter, the Bushnell Optics Drop Zone 223 is one of the best in its class. With a fast-focus eyepiece, we found that we were able to quickly lock onto our targets within one or two seconds and fire with perfect accuracy. With little rattle or recoil, this scope aims true with every shot and removes the need for shock absorbers or any added peripherals.
Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40 BDC Reticle
[amazon box=”B071FXM8JK” template=”horizontal”]
Nikon has proven that it is not only a camera lens company with the Buckmasters II 4-12x40 BDC Reticle Scope. This scope is made with the quality you would expect from a brand name like Nikon, featuring some of the best glass you will find in a rifle scope. The reticle in this product is extremely bright and allows for a perfect high-res image even when hunting at night.
Built with Nikon’s patented BDC reticle technology, the Nikon Buckmasters II is one of the best products on the market for advanced hunters and those looking to gain an edge in competition. Whether you are hunting at dusk or dawn, the Buckmasters II is a fine choice of scope at 4x magnification. To boot, it has all the same anti-shock and waterproof features as its rival scopes.
UTG 4-16x44 Scope
[amazon box=”B005NHA122″ template=”horizontal”]
The UTG 4-16x44 Scope is easily one of the better 30mm reticle scopes on the market for entry-level and novice shooters. This scope features a magnificent emerald lens and allows for maximum light transmission for a clear, dead-on shot every time you pull the trigger. Plus, the scope is rainproof and shock-proof for a reliable shot regardless of the weather at hand.
Overall, we were happy with our purchase of the UTG 4-16x44 Scope. As one of the best non-fixed optical lenses for rifles, it is a great product for learning how to aim with pinpoint accuracy at varying target distances. Plus, patented 1-Click technology and quick selector rings make readying the gun a breeze compared to similarly priced products on the market.
UUQ Prism 4x32 Reticle Scope
[amazon box=”B01GAETRNA” template=”horizontal”]
The UUQ Prism 4x32 Reticle Scope is a formidable scope with one of the best warranties in the industry. Backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Warranty over 12 months, the UUQ Prism is a great option for those who want a risk-free investment in a quality scope. Made of premium carbon fiber, this scope is also lightweight and easy to adjust and install.
Despite its great value, we were a little disappointed in the bulkiness of this scope. After installing on our gun, we found that it made our gun look wider and bit more unwieldy. In other words, we found that this scope is a bit ugly compared to similarly priced scopes on the market. Nonetheless, the UUQ Prism is a great option for budget-minded shooters.
UUQ 2.5-10x40 Rifle Scope
[amazon box=”B01FXKYURU” template=”horizontal”]
The UUQ 2.5-10x40 Rifle Scope is a reticle scope for intermediate to advanced shooters and hunters. This product features red and green illuminated mil-dot reticle crosshairs and a whopping 40mm objective lens for great accuracy for every shot. Plus, 20mm rail mounts back it easy to attach to any firearm you might own.
Our overall impression of this scope was overwhelmingly positive from the moment we first held it in our hands. This is a high-quality, durable, lightweight rifle scope that is meant for serious hunters and shooters. A tubeless design, this product will not attach even after years of wear and tends to outlast most other products in its price range.
Buyer's Guide
Image Source: Unsplash
A lot goes into buying the perfect 4x scope. There is a wealth of information that goes into sourcing the right brand and model and, honestly, it can become a little overwhelming—even for veteran shooters. To help you make an informed purchase without overloading you with information, we put together this quick point-form list of the top takeaways from today’s article.
Point 1
Look for the brand names you can trust, like Nikon, Vortex, Simmons, and CVLIFE
Point 2
Rainproof and fog-proof models are a must for backcountry shooters
Point 3
Fiber optic scopes are superior to aluminum builds on almost all counts
Point 4
Most rifle scopes have an objective lens diameter between 30 and 42mm
Point 5
Seek out models with a 12-month warranty if possible
October 27, 2022 by
The Best Caliber For Deer: Our Top Picks For You
Most people itch to bag a trophy deer; they are the most popular animal to hunt in North America. So, what is the best caliber for deer hunting?
This question has been debated for years, and many hunters have particular cartridges they pledge great loyalty toward. We wanted an answer to the question, what is the best caliber for deer? We reviewed some of the cartridges that consistently come up in the conversation, knowing most of them will get the job done every time. Which one is the best of the best?
Comparison Table
Product | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|
.270 Winchester |  Image Source: Winchester.com | |
.223 Remington |  Image Source: Remington.com | |
.30-30 Winchester |  Image Source: Winchester.com | |
.308 Winchester |  Image Source: Winchester.com | |
.338 Federal |  Image Source: Federalpremium.com | |
6.5 Creedmoor |  Image Source: Creedmoorsports.com | |
.257 Weatherby Magnum |  Image Source: Weatherby.com | |
7mm Mauser |  Image Source: Hornady.com | |
.257 Roberts + P |  Image Source: Hornady.com | |
7 mm Remington Magnum |  Image Source: Nosler.com |
Product FAQ
1. What Does Caliber Mean?
2. What Is a Cartridge?
3. What Is Recoil?
How We Reviewed
Image Source: Unsplash.com
We reviewed ten of the best caliber for deer hunting cartridges based on an overview of the product along with pros and cons and cost.
We tried to look at a wide range of cartridges because we know there are a wide range of deer hunters with their own gun-related needs and preferences. For instance, some cartridges feature the best caliber for deer hunting with short-action rifles. Others are only available for long-action rifles.
Other hunters have preferences for range. Certain cartridges are feature the best caliber for deer hunting at inside 150 yards, while others offer long-range power and accuracy.
Still others are ideal for deer as well as smaller game, while their counterparts can kill a deer, a bear or even an elephant. So, whatever your needs and preferences, we know there is a perfect caliber and cartridge for you.
Overall Price Range
There are many factors that affect the price range of the best caliber for deer hunting. The quantity of cartridges you purchase affects the price per round. Like many things, the larger quantity you buy, the less you may spend on the price per individual item.
Some cartridges are more common and cheaper than others regardless of quantity. The price of cartridges can also be affected by buying options, such as whether or not you buy brass bullets.
We tried our best to compare apples to apples. We broke down the price per item with similar ratios based on the quantities available for purchase. We also consistently tried to use price based on the simplest options.
In general, the price range among the best caliber for deer hunting range from about 20 cents per cartridge to about $2-and-a-half per cartridge. If you purchase high-end brass cartridges with other perks, you can spend much more.
What We Reviewed
- .270 Winchester
- .223 Remington
- .30-30 Winchester
- .308 Winchester
- .338 Federal
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- .257 Weatherby Magnum
- 7 mm Mauser
- .257 Roberts + P
- 7 mm Remington Magnum
.270 Winchester
Image Source: Winchester.com
The .270 Winchester is among the best caliber for deer hunting. This cartridge necks a .30-06 Springfield cartridge down in order to shoot .277-inch instead of .308-inch diameter bullets. The smaller bullets fire at greater velocity with a better trajectory.
The .30-06 still has more downrange carry, but the .270 is plenty powerful for deer. They also cause less recoil.
Pros
Cons
.223 Remington
Image Source: Remington.com
The .223 Remington rifle cartridge has been around since 1957 and has spent time as the standard US Military rifle cartridge. It remains the most commonly fired centerfire cartridge today.
The .223 Remington is deadly to midsize game with its 40/50-gran bullets, but it is not legal in every state for deer hunting. It can certainly take out a deer, but it should be fired inside 150 yards when deer hunting.
Pros
Cons
.30-30 Winchester
Image Source: Winchester.com
The .30-30 Winchester was one of the original smokeless powder cartridges in the US. Even though it is weaker than many modern cartridges, it has a century of deer hunting to back up its ability.
It is considered one of the best deer cartridges from close range; usually under 150 yards. In addition, it is handy with its quick pointing lever action.
Pros
Cons
.308 Winchester
Image Source: Winchester.com
The .308 Winchester is another of the best caliber for deer and other big game. It combines accuracy and versatility to make it a very popular choice among deer hunters.
The .308 is an efficient cartridge that can be chambered in countless rifles. Its accuracy is second to none among the best caliber for deer. It meets military standards for handloading brass, and it is easily accessible and very affordable.
Lighter bullets around 125 grain are sufficient for deer at close range, though 150-grain rounds can be used for extra might. The .308 Winchester can be effective at long ranges, especially with 170-grain or higher cartridges.
Pros
Cons
.338 Federal
Image Source: Federalpremium.com
Since 2006, this joint effort between Federal and Sako has provided one of the best caliber for deer. The .338 Federal is a lightweight cartridge especially effective in short-action rifles.
A .308 Winchester was essentially necked up to accommodate .338-inch bullets. It is not ideal for the heaviest bullets within the caliber, but those anywhere around 200 grains are perfect.
The .338 Federal is one of the best caliber for deer, but it can also tackle bear and other big game.
Pros
Cons
6.5 Creedmoor
Image Source: Creedmoorsports.com
The 6.5 Creedmoor has become popular as one of the best caliber for deer since its release in 2007. It is noteworthy for its chambering that generate great ballistics for unequaled downrange capability.
It is best suited for short action rifles and produces limited recoil. The recoil is great for beginners, and the downrange performance makes it a favorite of veterans.
Pros
Cons
.257 Weatherby Magnum
Image Source: Weatherby.com
The .257 Weatherby has a popular place among the best caliber for deer because of its light recoil and chambering in a variety of rifles.
It is at its best for light and midweight game and can be effective from a respectable range. For larger game, the .257 is not ideal, but it can get the job done. Some hunters prefer a heavier cartridge.
Pros
Cons
7mm Mauser
Image Source: Hornady.com
The 7mm Mauser is among the best caliber for almost any size deer, not to mention bear and lions. It can tackle almost any game in the right conditions.
Also known as the 7x57, the Mauser is a cartridge that has existed for over 100 years. It began as a military cartridge. Despite its incredible wallop, it has a reasonable recoil and great long-range capability.
Pros
Cons
.257 Roberts + P
Image Source: Hornady.com
The .257 Roberts finds its spot on the list of best caliber for deer for maintaining mild recoil even with the heaviest loads. It is more than able to stop deer with 115/120-grain bullets and also makes an excellent small-game weapon with lesser-grain varmint bullets.
The .257 Roberts has been lost in recent years among the best caliber for deer discussion, but they remain some of the best dual-purpose rounds available for light and midsize game, including deer.
Pros
Cons
7 mm Remington Magnum
Image Source: Nosler.com
In the search for the best caliber for deer, the 7 mm Remington Magnum is among the best long-range deer hunting options. The bullet fires at a high muzzle velocity with a flat trajectory. It is arguably more than a lot of deer hunters need, operating well beyond 250 yards.
It has less recoil than the 7 mm Weatherby Magnum, and that adds to its popularity.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict on the Best Caliber for Deer Hunting
Image Source: Pixabay.com
We know that among all the cartridges and various calibers we have considered, there are a number of variables that are personal to each hunter. Our favorite does not have to be your favorite, just like your needs and preferences as a deer hunter are different than those of the person across the street.
Having said that, we decided to give our official nod to the .257 Roberts + P. This Roberts has a storied history of success, and, quite frankly, we cannot figure out why options like the .243s have surpassed it in popularity.
In 1943, this cartridge was born as a 7x57 mm cartridge that was necked down to 25 caliber. The shoulder was moved forward, and the shoulder angle was changed to 20 degrees. It was originally going to be called the 25 Roberts, but it was ultimately coined as the 257 Roberts. This is an excellent dual-purpose cartridge for varmints--a 75-grain bullet can travel 3,400 feet per second--as well as for deer. Even the 100-grain bullets can travel at 3,000 feet per second.
It can consistently stop a deer from 275 yards. Our top choice, the 257 Roberts has a standout combination of accuracy, power, and efficiency.
Economy Choice
For hunters with a slightly tighter budget, we also want to mention the .257 Weatherby Magnum. This cheaper cartridge can drive heavy .25 caliber bullets while maintaining efficient velocity.
Despite the modest price point, the cartridges are made with high-quality brass that helps with accuracy and very few of the cartridges malfunction.
Featured Image Source: Unsplash.com
October 25, 2022 by
Top 7 Best Shotgun Scopes
Accessories designed for shotguns are a relatively small market. However, more hunters are starting to see the advantages of equipping their shotgun with a scope, and more brands are now offering scopes designed for these firearms. Here is what you need to know about shotgun scopes.
Comparison Table
[amazon box=”B000UI0VOC, B07FLZK5LX, B004Z5BXLG, B001DX7R90, B01BNSHMWG, B000PW6AGG, B000GT416E ” template=”table”]
How We Chose Our Ratings
We looked for the best optics accessories made for shotguns and assigned ratings according to these different criteria:
- Optics quality: We looked at the quality of the glass, the sharpness of the image, and at the lens coating to assess optics quality.
- Brand: We selected scopes from well-known brands that make sturdy scopes with quality optics and comprehensive warranties.
- Versatility: We think a versatile scope is a better value. We looked at the magnification range and other features to determine which scopes are the best value.
- Other features: We looked at other features that will impact your experience when using a scope, such as brightness, controls, or the reticle.
Top Seven Best Shotgun Scopes
These are the seven shotgun scopes we recommend.
Tasco World Class Bantam
Shotgun Scope 1.5-4.5x32mm
Pro-Shot Reticle Matte
[amazon box=”B000UI0VOC”]
We recommend this scope because of the affordable price range. This is a $ shotgun scope with a sturdy design and a lifetime warranty.
The scope is an excellent investment since you can use it on any shotgun thanks to the 4” eye relief. You can also use the scope on a rifle. This is a resistant product designed to handle shocks and recoil.
The 1.4 MOA adjustments should give you all the precision you need for a shotgun, and the lens coating delivers excellent image quality for the price range.
The 1.5 to 4.5x magnification is ideal for most hunting scenarios. The Pro-Shot reticle should also be mentioned. The reticle is located in the second focal plane and features a circle and a fine crosshair. The field of view ranges from 58 to 17’ at 100 yards.
The only downside of this scope is that there are no zero stops on the turrets.
Nikon ProStaff Shotgun Hunter 2-7x32 Matte
BDC 200
[amazon box=”B07FLZK5LX”]
Nikon is one of the best manufacturers for firearms optics. This shotgun scope is no exception.
This is a more expensive shotgun scope, but the additional features make this scope an excellent choice if you are looking for image quality and precision.
The optical system is designed to improve light transmission and brightness, even in low-light settings. The turrets feature ¼ MOA adjustments as well as a zero reset feature.
The reticle is one of the most interesting features of this scope since it is designed to correct the trajectory of your shot. There are different ballistic circles on the reticle to give you different aiming points to choose from. This reticle will make a real difference if you are shooting from a distance.
This scope also features a parallax adjustment control and a quick focus eyepiece. The 2-7x magnification range makes this scope extremely versatile.
Truglo 4x32mm
Compact Rimfire
And Shotgun Scope
[amazon box=”B004Z5BXLG”]
This affordable scope is an excellent choice if you are looking for a fixed shotgun scope. You can choose between two different reticles. We recommend the Diamond reticle for turkey and deer hunting.
The lenses are designed to improve contrast, which can give an advantage for brush hunting.
The design is very sturdy, and the windage and elevation controls are protected by caps. This scope doesn’t have as many features as other products but is an excellent choice if you are looking for a rugged scope with few controls and don’t need magnification adjustments.
Konus 7249 Shotgun Black
Powder Riflescope 1.5-5x32mm
[amazon box=”B001DX7R90″]
We like this shotgun scope because of its Aim-Pro reticle that is etched on glass. This is a feature you would typically find in a tactical scope. The glass-etched reticle also works as a rangefinder.
The light transmission and image quality are excellent for the price since this scope costs under $. We also like the controls of this scope. The low turrets are more convenient and help keep the weight and bulk of the scope down. The ¼ MOA controls are very easy to adjust.
The 1.5 to 5x magnification range is ideal for hunting turkey and small game. The only downside of this scope is the somewhat limited field of view that ranges from 60 to 20’ at 100 yards.
Bushnell Trophy
Shotgun Scope 1.75-4x32mm
Circle-X Shotgun
Slug Reticle
[amazon box=”B01BNSHMWG”]
This is one of the best shotgun scopes we found when it comes to optics performance. This scope is more expensive than the other products we selected, but it is an excellent value if you are looking for image quality.
The 91 percent light transmission makes this scope ideal for shooting at dusk and in other low-light settings. The Circle-X reticle will help you get a precise shot.
We also liked the fast focus eyepiece. This feature can make a difference when you need to quickly lock on a target.
This scope is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The ¼ MOA adjustments give you all the precision you need. We like the low capped turrets but wish this scope had a zero stop feature. The 3.5” eye relief means you won’t be able to use this scope on a firearm with significant recoil.
Simmons ProDiamond Shotgun
Scope 1.5-5x32mm ProDiamond
Reticle Matte
[amazon box=”B000PW6AGG”]
We like this shotgun scope because of the easy controls. If you are looking for a scope that you can adjust quickly, this is the right product for you.
Other scopes will be more accurate with their ¼ MOA adjustments, but the ½ MOA controls will help you save time. The medium turrets make the controls more accessible without making the scope too heavy.
We like the precision of the Diamond reticle and the rugged design of this scope. This is the perfect scope for turkey hunting or a slug gun if you don’t need ¼ MOA controls.
Mueller Multi-Shot Shotgun Scope 2-7x32mm Illuminated Circle Dot Reticle Matte
[amazon box=”B000GT416E”]
This is a more versatile shotgun scope that you can use for turkey as well as big game hunting. The illuminated dot makes a difference when shooting at a longer range.
The magnification power of this scope ranges from 2 to 7x, which makes the scope more versatile. Mueller is known for making high-quality optics. The image quality delivered by this scope stands out.
If you are looking for precision, contrast, and brightness, this is the right scope for you. This scope features ¼ MOA capped turrets with a low profile.
The main downside is the dot reticle. This design is ideal for big game hunting when combined with the illumination feature, but you might prefer a circle reticle.
Buyer’s Guide
Even though shotgun accessories tend to be more affordable than rifle scopes, you should still do some research to find the best scope for your needs. Here is everything you need to know about shotgun scopes.
Look For A Durable Design
The most important thing to look at when choosing a scope for a shotgun or a slug gun is the sturdiness of the design. Shotguns have more recoil than other firearms, and a poorly designed scope won’t last long.
You need to use a one-piece tube scope. You should make sure the scope is properly sealed to keep humidity and dirt out. The lenses should be coated with multiple layers to repel humidity and dirt.
The scope you choose should also be designed to perform well in foggy and overcast settings since this is an accessory you will probably use during hunting trips.
The quality of the mount is also important. Choose a scope that is compatible with standards mounts so you can easily find a sturdy accessory that won’t cause any sighting issues.
Optics Quality
The image quality and sharpness are very important when choosing a shotgun scope. You typically get what you pay for when it comes to firearms optics.
If possible, test different scopes to get a better idea of the kind of quality you can expect in different price ranges. Scopes designed for shotguns tend to be more affordable than riflescopes, but there is a difference in optics quality between a $ scope and a $ accessory.
There is no need to spend several hundreds of dollars to invest in a high-end shotgun scope, but don’t hesitate to spend a little more to get good image quality and color contrast.
Remember that you will probably use the scope to spot an animal against a brown or green background. You might also have to lock on a target that is moving. Image sharpness and color contrast can make a difference.
Illumination and light transmission are other important things to look at if you often hunt in low-light settings. These features aren't as important as they would be on a riflescope since you won’t use high magnification on a shotgun, but they can still improve your experience.
Optics quality is also important because a sharp image means you will get more eye relief. The amount of eye relief you need depends on the firearm you are using, but you should try to find a scope with at least 4” of eye relief just to be safe.
The ideal magnification power depends on what you use your shotgun for. A scope with a magnification range of 1 to 4x is perfect for brush hunting. This low magnification power keeps the price and weight of the scope down and provides you with the optics performance you need for brush hunting.
A scope with a magnification range of 3 to 9x is best for big game hunting. Pay attention to the quality of the reticle if you want to shop for a high magnification shotgun scope since the size, design, and markings of the reticle can have a real impact on your experience and accuracy.
There is no need to spend more to get a scope with high magnification power if you won’t use it. A fixed scope can be a great way to save money if you only need a 4x magnification setting.
Other Features To Look At
Image Source: Unsplash
There are a few other features you should look at when comparing scopes. The importance of these feature varies in function of how you use your firearm.
The weight and size of the scope can be important if your firearm is already heavy or if you need to carry it over long distances. A scope with higher magnification power and more moving parts will typically be heavier and bulkier.
Brightness and illumination settings are going to be important if you often hunt in low-light settings. Any scope with quality optics will provide sufficient light transmission in broad daylight. Brightness and illumination aren’t as important as they would be with a scope that features high magnification power.
We talked about eye relief earlier. This feature is very important if you use a 10 to 16 gauge shotgun. You will need at least 4” eye relief to be safe. If you use a firearm with a smaller gauge, eye relief won’t be a crucial feature.
You should also look for a scope with a matte finish. This will prevent light from being reflected and catching the eye of an animal.
If you aren’t sure which scope is right for you, look for a durable and versatile product. You will get more use out of a scope that you can use in a wide range of settings.
You should have a better idea of which scope is right for you. The seven products we recommended are a good fit for most hunters, but you should take a look at other scopes in case there are specific features that would improve your hunting experience.
October 24, 2022 by
What Is A PCP Air Rifle? Here’s What You Need To Know
There are always going to be better introductory firearms for those looking to improve their marksmanship. What is a PCP Air Rifle? Well, it's the answer for those gun enthusiasts that may be new to practicing as well as those that prefer a piece that's a little bit easier to operate. The supreme user-friendliness of this gun make it an attractive option for many different expertise levels.
Even though their widespread usage has only occurred recently, historically the technology for these rifles dates back to the mid-1500s. The Austrians had their design standards down to a science. Their armies would frequently utilize this technology, and it was surprisingly advanced for the time. These rifles were some of the only 'repeater' firearms and could crank out 24 shots per minute. And since they had caliber specs at .24, this gave them a huge advantage over Napoleon's French armies.
What Is A PCP Air Rifle?
image source: Unsplash
PCP in this instance stands for "pre-charged pneumatic." This means that the firing system involves a sequential dance involving air pressure and a controlled release of that pressure. In most cases the air is compressed at 3000 psi (or pounds per square inch). An air reservoir is what provides the air that propels the projectile. This can be filled either using hand pumps, small scuba tanks, or carbon fiber tanks.
Once the pressure is right, the firearm is ready for discharge. You pull the trigger, and then compressed air enters the barrel from the firing valve. This compressed air, having no other means of escape, shoves the projectile down the shaft of the barrel and out toward the target.
The release of this compressed air, having directed the projectile at its given target, slightly depletes the pressure in the reservoir, forcing the user to either re-pump or realize how much pressure they have left in a given tank.
Modern Resurgence
What is a PCP air rifle in the context of the modern firearm landscape? This variant was largely discontinued after World War I. This was because the technology driving what we think of as typical firearms was more powerful. The PCP revival occurred around 1980, when their use became more attractive to hunters and newer gun enthusiasts.
Benefits Of Using A PCP Air Rifle
image source: Unsplash
There are a lot of reasons this rifle can be a good option if you're not concerned with handling a high powered firearm. It's great for a casual user to pick up at a range, and its output can be manipulated simply and effectively. What is a PCP Air Rifle and how can you take advantage of its benefits?
Small Recoil
With this particular model, you can get away with not having a very forcefully recoil at all. This is because of how the air pressure functions and how that energy is directed within the workings of the firearm. So if you are constantly annoyed by the recoil of more traditional firearms, this can be a great option for you to work on your aim/accuracy.
It's also an exceptionally quiet kind of rifle, which makes it ideal for beginners or if you're in an area that has any kind of noise restrictions. Though it may be ideally tailored toward newer users, more experienced marksmen can get their own advantages through mastering the use of this gun, as well.
High Accuracy
When it comes to answering the question "what is a PCP Air Rifle," another answer could be that it's the most accurate air rifle there is. This is a lofty statement, but it's also true.
With a more traditional spring piston gun, there will always be a learning curve when it comes to aim. But with a PCP, there's no such learning curve and even the occasional dabbler in riflery can pick up this piece and fire it with high degree of accuracy.
Adjustable Performance: The Air Regulator
Most PCP rifles come with just a standard preset that cannot be adjusted. But if you're lucky enough to encounter one with an air regulator, you'll have much more control over the rifle's precision and handling. Most of the time when you fire, the projectile starts with a low velocity, increases, and then decreases again at the tail end of its range. But with this handy little addition, you'll have help managing the pressure in the firing valve.
Some Disadvantages Of The PCP Air Rifle
image source: Unsplash
The benefits we just mentioned do have their downsides. There are simply some tasks that the PCP will not be able to accomplish. This mostly relates to the limitations of the kinds of caliber you can use and the power threshold; which will just never compare to a more traditional gun. So while knowing how to answer the question "what is a PCP air Rifle and what are its benefits?" can be a good thing, it's also good to consider where this piece falls short.
High Cost And Upkeep
Starting out with one of these firearms can cost a pretty penny. It's a good idea to have your vision for its use firmly mapped out before you buy. Remember that you're purchasing many different components, including pumps, tanks, and other hardware meant to keep the gun functioning optimally.
When you factor everything in (including filling equipment), the cost can be anywhere between several hundred dollars to over a thousand. However, once you've made your initial purchase, you won't have to procure additional filling equipment with the next PCP model you buy. So the cost does progressively go down.
Cumbersome Built-In Supports
There's also no way around the fact that it does take more disparate hardware to operate this firearm effectively. Yes, this can be mitigated somewhat if you have a 'hand-pump' model, but this also takes time in between shots or series of shots to get the pressure back to where you need it to be. Also, air filling stations are not always the easiest places to come by. So it's good to know where the nearest ones are to eliminate being caught without air when you need it.
Also if you travel a lot, taking PCP rifles with you is much more difficult than a conventional gun because of the components involved. With a more traditional gun, airport authorities can inspect your luggage and determine that a firearm in your checked bag is not loaded and move on.
But with a PCP rifle, there is no way of easily checking for this. There's also no way to look inside the air reservoir, which could lead to a quick confiscation of something that was already so expensive to acquire in the first place. In fact, airport personnel themselves may be less familiar with what they're looking at, so that the question 'what is a PCP air rifle' could lead to the answer: 'not yours anymore.'
Other Operational Considerations
image source: Unsplash
It's always good to practice with an expert. This, in addition to answering all of your questions about what is a PCP air rifle, will also help you learn more quickly than you could on your own. Just for some background, here are a few more operational aspects to consider when using a PCP for the first time:
Scanning The Tank
Just like gas in a car, you'll have different levels of power and performance based on how full your air pressure tank is. Paintball enthusiasts may be slightly more familiar with this concept, but in the case of a PCP air rifle there's also a gauge built in. This gauge will tell you where you're at in terms of air pressure. Most gauges operate on a three color system similar to a traffic light. These green, yellow, and red hues signal similar things, as well.
Green means that it's still ok to keep operating the firearm at will, and there will be no sacrifice in performance. Yellow means that you're starting to run low and that your level of pressure may or may not be adequate to hit the targets you desire. Finally, red means that there is not enough pressure at all and that it's time to either switch out the tank or resume the pumping action required until the tank goes back to full capacity.
Considering Your Target
There are also humane considerations at play when using this rifle. This is especially the case when it comes to hunting game. Yes it is possible to make kills with air rifle pellets. However, it requires that much more accuracy, if this is your goal.
Unless you are an expert marksman, in most cases it is more likely that the animal you're targeting is a pest that needs to be killed quickly and painlessly. This just means that you must take extra care and know your limitations. It is our belief that this firearm is a much better fit for this goal than other firearms; though that decision is ultimately up to you.
Conclusion
We hope this introduction has helped you answer the question: 'what is a PCP air rifle,' and how you'd go about using one once you pick one up. As always, make sure you're practicing proper gun safety in any and all circumstances. So be safe; and happy shooting!
