Resource/book that describes scopes and their uses?

[Subotai]

So, I don't know much about scopes. I have a Savage 223 that came with a Nikon 3x9x40 BDC and a Howa 308 Nikko Stirling 4x12x44 illuminated.

Both scopes seem too "busy". I wanted to simplify things. Probably go with a fine duplex reticle or something similar. I might try coyote and pig, but mostly range time.

Is there a good book or something out there on scopes and their typical uses so I can edumacate myself?

[Horrendo Revolver]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1571571566/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519647180&sr=1-1&refinements=p_27%3AJohn+Barsness&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=51TYZ4XA0HL&ref=plSrch

I really like John Barsness.

Here is Ilya Koshkin’s website. I don’t know if he has written any books but his website is about firearms optics. I like him too. I think I’ve seen him post on this forum so maybe he’ll come along and suggest some reading material to you.

http://opticsthoughts.com

[Subotai]

awesome, thanks!

[Divernhunter]

For hunting a regular Duplex reticle works well(best). Sight in 2.75" high at 100 yards and hold on the animals for meat in the freezer. The only rifles I sight in differently are my heavy barreled varmint rifles used for squirrels/PD and those have a fine crosshair with a 1/8 min dot.

I have tried others for hunting and nothing is better. Also for hunting a Non-AO scope is best and no scope caps. They will cost you an animal sooner or later. Carry a lens pen if concerned about dust. Do not get a 50mm scope it puts your head in a bad position and you do not get a good cheek weld.

Last thing---- For hunting get a Leupold. I always suggest a 3X9X40 or 3.5X10X40 with duplex reticle and NON-AO. Now that Leupold has dropped the VX2 line I would get a VX3i in 3.5X10X40 if buying new. That is what I will be putting on any new rifles I get and replacing my older 3x9x40 Leupolds with as I get the money.

[koshkin]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1571571566/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519647180&sr=1-1&refinements=p_27%3AJohn+Barsness&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=51TYZ4XA0HL&ref=plSrch

I really like John Barsness.

Here is Ilya Koshkin’s website. I don’t know if he has written any books but his website is about firearms optics. I like him too. I think I’ve seen him post on this forum so maybe he’ll come along and suggest some reading material to you.

http://opticsthoughts.com

It is nice to be remembered...

I wrote a long article series years ago called Riflescope Fundamentals:
http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=122

It needs a little updating and I have been considering making an updated version and publishing it as a standalone book.

It should be useful as is and, of course, if you have specific questions, I'll be more than happy to try to answer here or on my website. A lot of the things I write are direct consequence of people asking questions. That's how I get discussion topics.

I try to check in here every couple of days, but you can also contact me through the website. That goes directly into my e-mail.

ILya

[Subotai]

I read that article Ilya. Very good info. :)

[koshkin]

I read that article Ilya. Very good info. :)

I'll keep working on the updated version. In the meantime, here are some reticle considerations:
http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=2194

ILya

[Horrendo Revolver]

I'll keep working on the updated version. In the meantime, here are some reticle considerations:
http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=2194

ILya

I was wondering where Vortex came up with the idea for that reticle. I’m a German #4 fan and get them on my scopes if possible. As you stated there are different variations. I own Leupold(illuminated and non illuminated), Zeiss and Meopta scopes with German #4 reticles and they are all different. Maybe if I did something other than hunt I’d prefer a different reticle.

[koshkin]

Another #4 fan!

Interestingly I see a lot it #4 designs it there that have very wide opening between the thick bars. I think that defeats the prose if the design, but to each his own.

ILya