Choosing the right rifle scope depends on how and where you shoot. This guide explains magnification, objective size, focal plane, reticle type, tube diameter, turret style and other key features to help you select the right scope for hunting, target shooting or long-range use.

How to Choose a Rifle Scope

Choosing the right rifle scope can feel complicated. Magnification, objective size, reticle style, focal plane, tube diameter and turret design all affect how a scope performs.

The best rifle scope is not necessarily the most expensive model. It is the one that suits your rifle, shooting distance, environment and intended use.

This guide explains the main features to compare when choosing a rifle scope for hunting, target shooting or long-range use.

Start with how you plan to use the scope

Before comparing brands or specifications, decide what the scope will primarily be used for.

A scope designed for close-range hunting in thick timber will be very different from one intended for long-range target shooting.

Common applications include:

• General hunting
• Deer hunting
• Fox and pest control
• Target shooting
• Long-range shooting
• A combination of hunting and target use

Once you understand the intended use, it becomes much easier to narrow down the right magnification, weight, reticle and turret system.

Choosing the right magnification

Scope magnification tells you how much larger the target appears compared with viewing it through the naked eye.

For example, a 3–9x scope allows the image to be magnified from three times to nine times.

Low magnification

Scopes with lower starting magnification provide a wider field of view and make it easier to locate moving or close-range targets.

They are well suited to:

• Bush hunting
• Close-range pest control
• Fast target acquisition
• Rifles used at shorter distances

Examples include:

• 1–6x
• 2–7x
• 2.5–10x

General-purpose magnification

For many Australian hunters, a variable scope such as a 3–9x40, 3–12x or 4–16x provides a practical balance between field of view and longer-range precision.

Browse our range of general purpose Hunting Scopes.

These scopes are suitable for:

• General deer hunting
• Farm and pest control
• Recreational target shooting
• Mixed terrain

For a great all round hunting scope that is well priced, I recommend something like the Burris Fullfield 4-16x50 or Leupold VX 3HD 4.5-14x40.

High magnification

Higher-magnification scopes are useful when targets are small or positioned at longer distances.

Browse our range of Target & Long-Range Scopes.

They are often used for:

• Long-range target shooting
• Competition
• Varmint shooting
• Load testing
• Precision rifle setups

Examples include:

• 5–25x
• 6–24x
• 7–35x

More magnification is not always better. High-magnification scopes are generally larger, heavier and more sensitive to movement. They can also have a narrower field of view.

High magnification scopes often have a 56mm objective lens. (read below to find out what an objective lens is)

Want some suggestions for a good high magnification scope?

Budget (but still good) option - ZeroTech Vengeance 5-25x56

Premium long range scope - Steiner T5Xi 5-25x56 SCR

Objective lens size

The objective lens is the front lens of the scope. In a 3–9x40 scope, the objective diameter is 40mm.

A larger objective lens can allow more light into the scope, which may improve visibility in low-light conditions. However, it can also increase the scope’s size, weight and mounting height.

Common objective sizes include:

• 24mm for compact or low-power scopes
• 40mm to 44mm for general hunting
• 50mm to 56mm for low-light and long-range use

A larger objective does not automatically mean better image quality. Glass quality, lens coatings and optical design are also extremely important.

For many hunting rifles, a 40mm or 44mm objective provides a good balance between light transmission, weight and mounting height.

First focal plane vs second focal plane

The focal plane determines how the reticle behaves when magnification changes.

First focal plane

In a first focal plane scope, the reticle appears to increase or decrease in size as magnification changes.

This means the reticle’s holdover and windage markings remain accurate throughout the magnification range.

First focal plane scopes are popular for:

• Long-range shooting
• Precision target shooting
• Tactical-style competition
• Shooters using reticle-based holdovers

The reticle can appear quite fine at low magnification and comparatively bold at high magnification.

Check out our range of first focal plane scopes.

Second focal plane

In a second focal plane scope, the reticle remains the same apparent size as magnification changes.

The reticle is often easier to see at low magnification, making second focal plane scopes popular for hunting and general field use.

However, reticle holdover markings are normally accurate at only one specified magnification, often the highest magnification setting.

For most general hunting applications, second focal plane is simple and effective. For precision and long-range shooting, first focal plane may offer greater flexibility.

Check out our range of second focal plane scopes.

Reticle choice

The reticle is the aiming pattern visible inside the scope.

The best reticle depends on how you shoot and how much information you want displayed.

Simple hunting reticles

A basic duplex-style reticle is uncluttered and quick to use.

It is well suited to:

• General hunting
• Short-to-medium-range shooting
• Low-light conditions
• Shooters who prefer a clear sight picture

Holdover reticles

These reticles include additional markings for elevation and sometimes windage.

They can help with:

• Longer shots
• Known-distance shooting
• Compensating for bullet drop
• Making corrections without adjusting the turret

Christmas-tree reticles

More complex reticles include detailed elevation and windage reference points.

They are generally designed for:

• Long-range target shooting
• Precision rifle competition
• Shooters who regularly hold for wind and elevation

For general hunting, a simple reticle is often easier and faster to use. For precision shooting, a more detailed reticle can provide additional information.

MOA vs MRAD

MOA and MRAD are two systems used to measure turret adjustments and reticle markings.

MOA

MOA stands for minute of angle.

Many hunters and recreational shooters are familiar with quarter-MOA turret adjustments.

MOA scopes are common and easy to use, particularly for shooters who prefer measurements based on inches.

MRAD

MRAD, often shortened to MIL, is based on the metric system.

It is widely used in long-range and competition shooting because it allows simple communication between the reticle and turrets.

Neither system is inherently more accurate.

The most important consideration is that the reticle and turret adjustments use the same system. Avoid scopes that combine an MOA turret with an MRAD reticle or vice versa.

Choose the system you understand and will use consistently.

Tube diameter

Common rifle scope tube diameters include:

• 1 inch
• 30mm
• 34mm

(there are larger tube sizes although they are uncommon)

A larger tube does not necessarily gather more light. Its main benefits are generally increased internal adjustment range and greater structural strength.

1-inch tubes

These are common on lightweight hunting scopes and are often more affordable.

30mm tubes

These are widely used across hunting, target and premium sporting scopes.

They often provide more adjustment range than comparable 1-inch models.

34mm tubes

These are commonly found on long-range and competition scopes requiring substantial elevation adjustment.

Remember that the tube diameter determines which scope rings you need. A 30mm scope requires 30mm rings, while a 1-inch scope requires 1-inch rings.

Turret style

Scope turrets control elevation and windage adjustments.

Capped turrets

Capped turrets are protected beneath screw-on caps.

They are ideal for hunting because they reduce the chance of accidental adjustment while moving through the field.

Exposed turrets

Exposed turrets allow quick adjustments without removing a cap.

They are useful for:

• Long-range shooting
• Target shooting
• Dialling elevation for different distances

Zero-stop turrets

A zero stop allows the turret to return quickly to the rifle’s original zero without needing to count rotations.

This feature is particularly useful for shooters who frequently dial elevation.

For a general hunting rifle, capped turrets may be the most practical option. For long-range use, exposed locking turrets with a zero stop are often preferable.

Parallax adjustment

Parallax can cause the reticle to appear to move across the target if the shooter’s eye is not perfectly centred behind the scope.

Many general hunting scopes have fixed parallax, often set at approximately 100 metres.

Higher-magnification and long-range scopes often include adjustable parallax through:

• A side-focus turret
• An adjustable objective lens

Adjustable parallax is especially useful when shooting small targets or working across a wide range of distances.

Eye relief

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the rear lens while still seeing a complete image.

Adequate eye relief is important for comfort and safety, especially on rifles with heavier recoil.

A scope should allow you to maintain a natural head position without moving forward or backward on the stock.

When mounting the scope, eye relief should be checked at the highest magnification because this is often where positioning is most critical.

Weight and overall size

A large precision scope may offer excellent image quality and adjustment range, but it may also make a lightweight hunting rifle feel unbalanced.

Consider the complete rifle setup, including:

• Rifle weight
• Barrel profile
• Rings and mounts
• Bipod
• Suppressor or muzzle device
• Intended carrying distance

For a rifle that will be carried through steep or heavily timbered country, a compact scope may be preferable.

For a dedicated target rifle, additional weight is often less important.

Optical quality and low-light performance

Optical quality depends on more than lens size.

Important factors include:

• Glass quality
• Lens coatings
• Light transmission
• Colour accuracy
• Edge-to-edge clarity
• Contrast
• Glare control
• Low-light performance

Premium optics often provide their greatest advantage in difficult conditions, such as early morning, late afternoon, heavy cloud or shaded timber.

When comparing scopes, consider how and when you will use them rather than focusing only on magnification.

Scope rings and mounting compatibility

The correct rings and mounts are essential for a secure and reliable setup.

Before purchasing, check:

• Scope tube diameter
• Rifle rail or base type
• Objective lens clearance
• Ring height
• Bolt-handle clearance
• Eye relief
• Mounting length

The rings should be high enough to provide clearance but no higher than necessary.

Mounting the scope too high can create an uncomfortable cheek position and make it harder to maintain a consistent shooting position.

Browse our range of scope rings and mounts to find options compatible with your rifle and optic.

How much should you spend on a rifle scope?

There is no single correct budget.

A basic hunting scope may be suitable for occasional use at moderate distances, while long-range and competition shooters may benefit from premium glass, reliable tracking and greater adjustment range.

Consider spending more where it provides a practical benefit:

• Better low-light performance
• More reliable turret tracking
• Greater durability
• A more suitable reticle
• Better warranty support
• Improved image quality
• More elevation adjustment

It is generally better to buy a quality scope suited to your application than to choose a feature-heavy model that does not match how you shoot.

Rifle scope recommendations by use

General hunting

Look for:

• 2–10x, 3–9x or 3–12x magnification
• 40mm to 44mm objective
• Simple reticle
• Capped turrets
• Moderate weight
• Good eye relief

Browse our hunting rifle scopes.

Hunting and target shooting

Look for:

• 3–15x, 4–16x or similar magnification
• Versatile reticle
• Adjustable parallax
• Capped or locking turrets
• Moderate weight

Browse our hybrid hunting and target scopes.

Target and long-range shooting

Look for:

• Higher magnification
• First focal plane reticle
• Matching MRAD/MRAD or MOA/MOA system
• Exposed turrets
• Zero stop
• Adjustable parallax
• Large elevation range
• Reliable turret tracking

Browse our target and long-range scopes.

Close-range hunting

Look for:

• Low starting magnification
• Wide field of view
• Bright, simple reticle
• Lightweight design
• Fast target acquisition

Final considerations

Before choosing a rifle scope, ask yourself:

• What will the rifle primarily be used for?
• What distances will I normally shoot?
• Will I carry the rifle for long periods?
• Do I need strong low-light performance?
• Will I dial the turrets or use reticle holdovers?
• Do I prefer MOA or MRAD?
• Do I need first or second focal plane?
• What tube size and rings are required?
• Does the scope suit the rifle’s recoil and weight?

The right scope should complement the rifle and make the intended style of shooting easier, not more complicated.

Explore our full range of rifle scopes, including dedicated hunting scopes, target scopes and versatile hybrid models.

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