Scopes for Dummies

[TwistedCreations]

I have never really read up on scopes. I know the backyard basics enough to get me by. But I watched a show last night on Snipers and the geometry and calculations that go into a shot like that is impressive and I sure am far from understanding all the mil-dots, dials, etc. it takes to make nice shots.


Is there a site that you guys would know of that explains stuff like this or at least dumbs it down some. I have tried to read a couple, but it is like a trained sniper is reading it

 

[tylerrybkowski]

I have never really read up on scopes. I know the backyard basics enough to get me by. But I watched a show last night on Snipers and the geometry and calculations that go into a shot like that is impressive and I sure am far from understanding all the mil-dots, dials, etc. it takes to make nice shots.


Is there a site that you guys would know of that explains stuff like this or at least dumbs it down some. I have tried to read a couple, but it is like a trained sniper is reading it

LOL they are making like 1000-2000 yd shots with a rifle prob. a 300,338 or the big 50 cal. I wouldnt look to far into it are little .22 are not really a sniping rifle if you own a larger rifle it can be helpful I own a 338 win. mag. I have took game out to 700 yds before with it wind is your worst enemy and is more of a guessing game unless you have a $3,000 scope that has all the right gadgets on it. stick to the basics and you will be fine with this rifle.

 

[true_shooter]

everything factors in to a long range shot such as wind, elevation, tempature, humidity, rotation of the earth, spin drift that being said you dont need a 3000 dollar scope to take and make a shot at long range. a scope is a scope is a scope sure theres offer a crisper image and more durarbility and reliability. all there scope does is range the target with mil-dots. you to can have a mil-dot scope and learn the math, its really not that difficult as long as you know the size of your target. but range is the easy part now its up to the shooter to estimate wind tempature and humidity. google mil-dot math and that should help explain that portion.

 

[TwistedCreations]

LOL they are making like 1000-2000 yd shots with a rifle prob. a 300,338 or the big 50 cal. I wouldnt look to far into it are little .22 are not really a sniping rifle if you own a larger rifle it can be helpful

yes I am talking about larger caliber rifles i own. This is the only gun forum I visit, so I guess i should have been more specific that it wasn't for the .22

google mil-dot math and that should help explain that portion.

Thanks, I'll do that.

 

[Murdock]

If you can locate a copy of The Ultimate Sniper by John Plaster there is a lot of info there about using mil dots, etc.

 

[BeginingOfTheEnd]

When you do get a scope your comfortable with practice and get it dialed in at distances of 100m to a realistic max range. Then first chance you get see what your groups are in 10 mph winds, 20 mph winds. Record what adjustments need to be made for said winds and pay special attention to grass or any vegitation, in particular what it looks like through your scope at your target location. Practice practice practice and eventually you won't think any more, you'll make your adjustments naturally.

As far as reticals go I'm a huge fan of the mil dot. But for something a little more forgiving the BDC retical that Nikon offers works pretty good. I have one on a Rem 721 .270 and consistantly get 2 moa @ 600m. All you do is increase your magnification to max, zero in at 100m (for cartridges w/ arox. 2800fps muzzel vel.) or 200m ( for cartridges w/ arpox. 3000fps muzzel vel.) and that's it. The other four circles represent aprox. 100m increments. If a shot requires adjustment in between any circle you simply adjust the magnification down. The 200m zero is for magnum cartridges but knowing your muzel velocity helps tremendously. .270 rem is obviously not mag but I shoot scirroco bonded wich is about 3080fps so it was throwing me off first time out. I paid around $180 for a 3-9x40 Prostaff but I think they're a little cheaper now.

 

[true_shooter]

Practice practice practice QUOTE]

and then when your done practicing go practice more its all about trigger time

 

[arizona98tj]

If you can locate a copy of The Ultimate Sniper by John Plaster there is a lot of info there about using mil dots, etc.

Very good advice....and IMHO, this book is not written for the sniper....it's a good read for anyone looking to work on acquiring the hardware and skills for long range precision shooting. Worth the time. It is a little dated on the hardware, but none the less very much worth reading.

 

[arizona98tj]

Practice practice practice QUOTE]

and then when your done practicing go practice more its all about trigger time

Of course, having some good training, so you know what (and how) to practice would be a good thing to get done first. If you don't know what you are doing, you'll just be practicing (and perfecting) bad habits.

 

[Engineer1911]

Scopes for Dummies 101

How to learn about scopes, wind, and have fun doing it.

Go find prairie dogs in June -- Dakotas, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado. You are talking about a 16 ounce Coke bottle at ranges from 25 feet to how far can you see. Pick your favorite rifle, sight it at 2" at 100 yards. Read the Hornaday ballistic tables for your load.

Read carefully the scope data and instructions, understand the Hornaday tables, and GO HAVE FUN! Hint: you will quickly learn why doggers use 50 cal ammo cans for ammo.

I have shot a prairie dog at 25 feet with a 25-06 -- never shoot into the wind at close range. Don't shoot anything at close range into the wind: dogs, ant hills or snakes.

I have hit a dog on shot #5 at ~ 775 yards. Muddy ground makes a great background. You can see exactly where you hit. I have had 23 in a row at ranges from 200 to 325 yards. 20 minutes later I missed the same dog 17 times at 250 yards, changed targets in disgust and made a hit.

You will learn more about "long range" shooting in one weekend than you can from books in a month. Good luck.

 

[BeginingOfTheEnd]

Of course, having some good training, so you know what (and how) to practice would be a good thing to get done first. If you don't know what you are doing, you'll just be practicing (and perfecting) bad habits.

Roger that. Practice doesn't make perfect. It simply increases the chances of repeating what you practice, perfect or not.

 

[true_shooter]

i generally pick up on whats not working while practicing. there is no such thing as a bad shooting habbit if you consistantly hit the target. you can read all you want but without squeezing a trigger its just words