A Newbie's Guide to Rifle Scope's Terminology

Continental 1-6x24i Tactical Rifle Scope (SCOC-44)

Continental as Name of the Series, 1 as Minimum Magnification - 6 as Maximum Magnification x 24mm Objective Lens Dia, Fiber Reticle, For Tactical Purpose, Rifle Scope

Continental x10 1-10x28 ED FFP Rifle Scope VET-CTR (SCFF-47)

Continental as Name of the Series, x10 Zoom Ratio, 1 as Minimum Magnification - 10 as Maximum Magnification x 28mm Objective Lens Dia, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass, First Focal Plane, Rifle Scope, VET-CTR as Name of Reticle Pattern

Here is SCFF-47's Specification.

How to understand the specific parameter. What do they mean? How to pick the rifle scope for your own purpose?

Objective Lens Dia

24mm, 28mm, 30mm - Standard

42mm, 44mm - Big

50mm, 56mm - Large

60mm - Extra Large

Eye Relief

3.5-4 inches / 88.9-101.6 mm - standard eye relief

• It works well for light to medium caliber, of which the recoil is relatively weak. 

Over 4.5 inches / 114.3mm - extra long eye relief

• It works well for heavy caliber to ensure the safety space for recoil. 

Lens Coating

Fully Multi-coated (FMC) 

• FMC means each lens has multiple coatings.

• Lens coating influences the light transmission.

VePRO^TM FMC

• It stands for Vector Optics Premium Reliable Optoelectronic Fully Multi-coated.

• VE possesses an in-housing coating lab that implements state-of-the-art coating technology to ensure the lens exceeding 90% light transmission. If the lens is coated in the lab, VE would mark VePRO^TM FMC. VePRO^TM maximizes the light transmission to reduce chromatic aberrations, improve contrast, optimize color rendition, increase resolution.

Field of View

• The field of view refers to the width of view at a distance of 100 yards or 100 meters through the lens. If you intend to catch a moving target, a wide field of view may improve your user experience. 

• VE provides three kinds of units, Linear Field of View @ 100 yds, Linear Field of View @ 100 m, Angular Field of View, based on different measurement preferences.

Tube Dia

• There are three sizes of tube diameter in the market: 1 inch (25.4mm) / 30mm / 34mm. 

1 inch (25.4mm) - Standard

30mm - Large

34mm - Extra Large

• You might notice that brands usually write 1 inch instead of 25.4mm. That's simply the more common way insiders say. 

• You may have noticed that brands typically use "1 inch" instead of "25.4mm" — this is simply the industry’s standard way of referring to it.

• Pros of large tube dia

- Large tube dia allows for a large turret cap, increasing windage and elevation range for precise adjustment.

- Large tube dia provides more space for delicate internal design. This is why high-end FFP scopes often feature a 34mm tube diameter.

• Cons of large tube dia:

- Costly

- Heavy

Side Focus/Parallax Setting

• Before understand these two parameters, it is important to understand parallax error. Parallax error occurs when the reticle appears to shift relative to the target as you move your head or eyes. The purpose of parallax setting or side focus is to correct this error, reducing the perception of reticle movement, regardless of eye position.

• They are exclusive from each other. If the scope is designed at a fixed distance, VE refers to the parameter name as "Parallax Setting". But, If it is designed to be adjustable, the parameter name is "Side Focus".

• Side Focus: The closest distance to infinity.

  The scope has side focus to compensate the parallax error. The smallest number indicates the closest distance that the reticle can be aligned with the target. The smaller the number is, the better the scope is.

• Parallax Setting indicates the scope has a fixed parallax setting, usually at 100 yards or 100 meters. That means the reticle aligns with target perfectly only at 100 yards or 100 meters.

Click Value

• The smaller the unit is, the more precise the adjustment can be. 

• Common click value: 1/2 MOA, 1/4 MOA, 1/8 MOA, 1/10 MIL. 

• 1/8 MOA is more precise than 1/10 MIL.

Zero Reset

Zeroing means adjusting your rifle's sights to align the point of aim with the point of impact. It is a must action before precise shooting.

The scope features a zero resettable turret. The turret allows the shooter to adjust the zero points when necessary. This is the basic function of the scope.

Zero Stop

The scope features specialized turrets that allow shooters to mark a zero point. After adjusting elevation and windage for specific conditions, shooters can easily return to their pre-set zero point. 

This eliminates the need to memorize or track clicks and adjustments. Additionally, the turret locks in place at the pre-set zero point, preventing accidental changes.

Turret Lock

Turret lock prevents movement or slippage of the zero point, ensuring consistent accuracy.

Diopter compensation 

The diopter adjustment range for people with nearsight or farsight to get a clear image.

Waterproof

• IP stands for Ingress Protection, with two numbers following it.

• The first number indicates the product’s resistance to the dirt and dust, ranging from 1 to 6. If an “X” is used, it means the product hasn’t been tested.

• The second one represents the product’s resistance to the water, ranging from 1 to 9.

4 means protecting from splashing water. 

6 means protecting from powerful water jets at high pressure. 

7 means protection from immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

8 means protection from immersion in 1 meter or deeper water for 30 minutes.

Fogproof

VE typically fills the scope with nitrogen to prevent fogging on the glass, ensuring reliable performance in extreme or variable weather conditions.

Shockproof

• 750G / 1000G / 1500G

• 750G stands for recoil resistance up to .338.

• 1500G is current VE's highest shockproof rating.

Housing material

• 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy, known for its qualified corrosion resistance and shockproof properties, is used in marine infrastructure.

• 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy, known for its superior corrosion resistance and shockproof properties, is used in aerospace infrastructure.