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**brando** · 10-02-2013, 6:33 PM

Yes, 1-6x means "one to six magnification". The last part of a scope specification is the objective lens diameter. For example, 1-6x42mm means it's a scope that can zoom from 1 to 6 magnification with an objective lens (the part near the muzzle) with a diameter of 42mm. A lot of precision rifle scopes these days sport 50 or 56mm objective lens diameters with the large generally being better in lower light conditions.

No, you don't have to adjust the zero as you zoom, but there are two methods of zooming: first focal plane and second. FFP scales the reticle (ie crosshairs) as you zoom while SFP keeps the reticle constant the whole time. FFP is really popular these days because any measurements done with the reticle maintain their accuracy no matter how much you've zoomed in or out. So if you are using the reticle to measure a target to determine it's distance (ie milling), with a FFP reticle you can do it at any zoom level while a SFP requires you to have determined a power setting that you will use consistently to measure.

**Nrai2020** · 10-02-2013, 8:54 PM

Originally posted by brando

Yes, 1-6x means "one to six magnification". The last part of a scope specification is the objective lens diameter. For example, 1-6x42mm means it's a scope that can zoom from 1 to 6 magnification with an objective lens (the part near the muzzle) with a diameter of 42mm. A lot of precision rifle scopes these days sport 50 or 56mm objective lens diameters with the large generally being better in lower light conditions.

No, you don't have to adjust the zero as you zoom, but there are two methods of zooming: first focal plane and second. FFP scales the reticle (ie crosshairs) as you zoom while SFP keeps the reticle constant the whole time. FFP is really popular these days because any measurements done with the reticle maintain their accuracy no matter how much you've zoomed in or out. So if you are using the reticle to measure a target to determine it's distance (ie milling), with a FFP reticle you can do it at any zoom level while a SFP requires you to have determined a power setting that you will use consistently to measure.

Is there any site or link to where you can learn the basics of optics? Thanks for your detailed response!!!

**FMJBT** · 10-03-2013, 8:01 AM

Originally posted by Nrai2020

Is there any site or link to where you can learn the basics of optics? Thanks for your detailed response!!!

This post on Snipers Hide covers quite a bit of info. it's geared more towards the tactical/precision crowd, but much of the info applies to pretty much all optics:

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http://forum.snipershide.com/snipers-hide-rifle-scopes/55703-optics-selection.html

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