Hunting scope vs. tactical

[high_revs]

What is exactly the difference? I tried to search, but I can't find what the difference is between a hunting vs. tactical scope.

[fusionstar]

Tactical Scopes usually have different reticles designed to aid in estimating distance and calling shots like mildots. They also usually have open turrets with alot of clicks up to 150 moa of elevation in some cases. Usually 30mm or bigger tube. Usually 40-50mm OBJ lenses although there are some 56's but most are designed to have a low profile. Eye relief usually stays in one spot, unlike some hunting scopes where you have to move your eye back and forth chasing the FOV when you zoom in and out. Thats just my 2 cents.

[maxicon]

Yeah, the general differences are reticles and adjustments. Hunting scopes are more likely to have simple reticles and low-profile set-and-forget W/E adjustments, while tactical scopes are more likely to have specialized reticles and finger adjustable adjustments.

I don't see a lot of difference in eye relief changes, though - that's a function of optics design. Pretty much all zoom scopes have different eye relief as they zoom in and out.

There are a lot of grey areas where the two overlap. Hunters who shoot longer ranges are more likely to want ranging reticles or field-adjustable W/E, and some tactical scopes use simple reticles and set-and-forget adjustments.

[xibunkrlilkidsx]

Tactical Scopes usually have different reticles designed to aid in estimating distance and calling shots like mildots. They also usually have open turrets with alot of clicks up to 150 moa of elevation in some cases. Usually 30mm or bigger tube. Usually 40-50mm OBJ lenses although there are some 56's but most are designed to have a low profile. Eye relief usually stays in one spot, unlike some hunting scopes where you have to move your eye back and forth chasing the FOV when you zoom in and out. Thats just my 2 cents.

Pretty much it but you can have 1" tubes be "tactical" also.

[high_revs]

kewl. thanks!

[Fjold]

$500-$1,000

[CSTactical]

Well made Tactical Scopes tend to have more elevation, etched reticle, stronger erector systems, and thicker tube walls.

If hunting scopes worked well for tactical scopes there would be more shooters using them.

Mike @ CSGW