Scopes & Optics Guide

Comprehensive guide to rifle scopes, red dots, and optics for every application.

Jump to: Optic Types Reticle Guide Popular Brands Terminology Mounting Tips

Types of Optics

Red Dot Sights

Non-magnified optics that project an illuminated dot onto a lens for fast target acquisition.

1x (No magnification) $50 - $800+
Best For:
Close-quarters Home Defense Competition
Pros:
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Both eyes open shooting
Cons:
  • No magnification
  • Battery dependent
Examples: Aimpoint PRO, Trijicon MRO, Holosun 510C
Holographic Sights

Use laser transmission holography to create a reticle image. Popular in military and law enforcement.

1x (No magnification) $400 - $700+
Best For:
Tactical use Home Defense Law Enforcement
Pros:
  • Works with magnifiers
  • Precise reticle
Cons:
  • Higher battery consumption
  • More expensive
Examples: EOTech EXPS3, EOTech XPS2, Vortex UH-1 Gen II
Prism Scopes

Fixed magnification optics using a prism to focus the image. Great for shooters with astigmatism.

1x - 5x (Fixed) $200 - $500+
Best For:
Shooters with astigmatism Medium range AR-15s
Pros:
  • Etched reticle (no battery needed)
  • Compact design
Cons:
  • Fixed magnification
  • Shorter eye relief than red dots
Examples: Primary Arms SLx 3x, Vortex Spitfire, Sig Bravo3
Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO)

Variable magnification scopes starting at 1x, combining red dot speed with scope precision.

1-4x, 1-6x, 1-8x, 1-10x $300 - $2,500+
Best For:
3-Gun Competition Patrol Rifles All-around use
Pros:
  • Versatile 1x to magnified
  • True 1x like red dot
Cons:
  • Heavier than red dots
  • Eye box at 1x
Examples: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x, Primary Arms SLx 1-6x, Trijicon Credo
Medium Range Scopes

Traditional rifle scopes for hunting and target shooting at medium distances.

2-7x, 3-9x, 4-12x $100 - $1,000+
Best For:
Hunting Target Shooting Bolt-action rifles
Pros:
  • Proven designs
  • Affordable options
Cons:
  • Not ideal for close range
  • Fixed eye relief
Examples: Leupold VX-3HD, Vortex Diamondback, Nikon Prostaff
Long Range / Precision Scopes

High magnification optics designed for precision shooting at extended distances.

5-25x, 6-24x, 8-32x+ $500 - $4,000+
Best For:
Long Range Precision PRS Competition Benchrest
Pros:
  • High magnification
  • Precision turrets
Cons:
  • Heavy
  • Expensive
Examples: Vortex Viper PST Gen II, Nightforce ATACR, Leupold Mark 5HD
Scout Scopes

Long eye relief scopes mounted forward on the rifle for fast acquisition and situational awareness.

2-7x, 1.5-5x $200 - $800+
Best For:
Scout Rifles Lever Actions Bolt Actions
Pros:
  • Long eye relief (9-12")
  • Both eyes open capable
Cons:
  • Lower magnification
  • Limited selection
Examples: Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x Scout, Burris Scout 2-7x, Vortex Crossfire II Scout
Night Vision / Thermal

Electronic optics that amplify available light or detect thermal signatures for night operations.

Varies (1x - 8x+ digital) $500 - $15,000+
Best For:
Night Hunting Predator Control Hog Hunting
Pros:
  • See in complete darkness
  • Detect heat signatures
Cons:
  • Very expensive
  • Battery dependent
Examples: Pulsar Thermion 2, ATN Thor 4, AGM Rattler

Reticle Types

Reticle Description Best For Complexity
Duplex Classic crosshair with thick outer posts tapering to thin center crosshairs. General hunting, simple aiming Simple
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) Hash marks or circles below center for holdover at various distances. Hunting, quick range estimation Moderate
Mil-Dot Dots spaced at milliradian intervals for range estimation and holdover. Tactical, precision shooting, range estimation Advanced
MOA Grid/Hash Hash marks at MOA intervals, often used in FFP scopes. Precision shooting, competition Advanced
Christmas Tree Complex reticle with windage holds at multiple distances, wide at bottom. Long range precision, PRS competition Advanced
Red Dot / Circle Dot Simple illuminated dot or dot with surrounding circle. Fast acquisition, CQB, competition Simple
ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) Primary Arms design combining BDC, wind holds, and range estimation. Versatile use, AR platforms Moderate
Illuminated Center Traditional reticle with illuminated center section for low light. Hunting, dawn/dusk shooting Simple
FFP vs SFP

First Focal Plane (FFP): Reticle size changes with magnification. Holdovers are accurate at ALL magnification levels. Preferred for precision shooting.

Second Focal Plane (SFP): Reticle stays the same size. Holdovers only accurate at one magnification (usually max). More common in hunting scopes.

MOA vs MIL

MOA (Minute of Angle): 1 MOA ≈ 1.047" at 100 yards. Common in American scopes. Clicks typically 1/4 MOA.

MIL (Milliradian): 1 MIL ≈ 3.6" at 100 yards. Metric-based, military standard. Clicks typically 0.1 MIL.

Popular Optics Brands

Featured Brand: Osprey Global
Available at HavocTech Armory

Quality optics at competitive prices, excellent customer service

USA Budget to Mid Lifetime Warranty

Osprey Global offers a wide range of rifle scopes, red dots, and accessories designed for hunters, sport shooters, and tactical applications. Known for quality glass and reliable performance at competitive prices.

Shop Osprey Global
Brand Origin Price Tier Warranty Notes
Osprey Global USA Budget to Mid Lifetime Quality optics at competitive prices, excellent customer service Shop
Vortex Optics USA (Philippines mfg) Budget to Mid VIP Lifetime Excellent value, unconditional warranty
Leupold USA Mid to Premium Lifetime American made, proven durability
Trijicon USA Premium Limited Lifetime Military-grade, tritium illumination
Nightforce USA Premium Lifetime Competition and military standard
Aimpoint Sweden Premium 10 Years Military red dot standard, extreme durability
EOTech USA Premium Limited Holographic technology pioneer
Primary Arms USA (China mfg) Budget Lifetime Great value, ACSS reticles
Holosun China Budget to Mid 3 Years Innovative features, solar power options
Sig Sauer USA Mid to Premium 5 Years Electronics Quality optics, good electronics
Burris USA (Philippines mfg) Budget to Mid Forever Good value, FastFire series popular
Kahles Austria Premium 10 Years Oldest riflescope manufacturer, exceptional glass
Schmidt & Bender Germany Ultra-Premium 30 Years Military contracts worldwide, top-tier glass

Optics Terminology

Eye Relief

Distance from eye to scope for full image. Critical for recoil safety.

Eye Box

Area behind scope where full image is visible. Larger = more forgiving.

Parallax

Reticle shift relative to target. Adjustable on precision scopes.

Objective Lens

Front lens diameter (e.g., 50mm). Larger = more light gathering.

Turrets

Adjustment knobs for windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical).

Light Transmission

Percentage of light passing through. Higher = brighter image in low light.

Mounting Tips

Do's
  • Use quality rings/mounts rated for your caliber
  • Lap rings if needed for perfect alignment
  • Use a torque wrench to spec (usually 15-25 in-lbs for rings)
  • Level the scope using a leveling kit
  • Set proper eye relief before final tightening
  • Use thread locker on base screws
Don'ts
  • Don't over-torque ring screws (can damage scope tube)
  • Don't use mismatched ring heights
  • Don't mount on a dirty or oily rail
  • Don't skip the leveling step
  • Don't use aluminum rings on magnum calibers
  • Don't assume factory boresight is accurate
Quick Ring Height Guide
Objective Size Typical Ring Height Notes
32mm or less Low Most compact scopes, red dots
40-44mm Medium Standard hunting scopes
50mm High Large objective scopes
56mm+ Extra High Large precision scopes, may need 20 MOA rail
Always verify clearance - bell should clear barrel/rail with slight gap.
Note: Always follow manufacturer instructions for mounting and zeroing. Improper mounting can damage optics and affect accuracy. When in doubt, consult a professional gunsmith.
Disclaimer: Brand mentions are for educational purposes. Prices and specifications change frequently. Always verify current information with manufacturers or authorized dealers.