Rifle Scopes Help a noob with optics

[Gman021]

First, let me say I know absolutely nothing about optics. I don't even know what MOA really is. I wish sniper training school was open to the public or if my HS had an optics class but they don't.

I have a SPS Varmint .308 rifle that will be shooting from 200 yards to 1000 yards. I'm looking for an optic, or how to tell what optic to get, that will give me a clear magnification.

I do know on a 4-12x50 that the magnification goes from 4 - 12 but I have no idea what the 50 means.

Can anyone give me some advice on what I need to know when buying an optic and what magnifications are good 600 yards +.

I just have a factory Remington scope that came with my gun that's 4-12x??.

 

[Douglas-001]

Re: Help a noob with optics

The 50 refers to the size of the objective lens. 50mm. MOA is a unit of measure related to the target and distance involved when shooting. Also can refer to wind adjustment as the wind will push the bullet while in flight. I can't suggest any optic for you, but I would say shoot what you have for now, learn what the rifle likes by way of ammo, and then consider mounting another scope. Some advice I got many moons ago was to shoot iron sights until you out shoot that capability and then move into some good glass. Strangely, I am still shooting over a post front sight as my quest continues........good luck and good shooting!

Doug

P.S. be sure to use the search engine. Gobs of info.

 

[Subxero]

Re: Help a noob with optics

This website has lots of good posts full of info to satisfy the beginner to the advanced shooter.

Go through the various topics and read the stickied posts at the top and let your brain become a sponge.

google search is also your friend,

but becareful with what some random people say in posts...not everyone knows what they are talking about...despite thinking they do.

good luck

 

[jwp6114]

Re: Help a noob with optics

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Douglas-001</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MOA is a unit of measure related to the target and distance involved when shooting.</div></div>

info like this just leads to more questions... when i was yunger and started out i hated people trying to dumb things down for me, squewing the reality... you never realy understand things completely this way.

with that said.. a MOA or minute of angle is an actual “true” unit of angular measuremen. think of this. 360 degrees in a circle... 60 MOA or minutes in a degree... and most scopes break this MOA down into 1/4 or 1/8 MOA adjustment. so in a since 1 moa is 1/60 of a degree.

now the rabbit hole is deep man, but pm me if you want me to e-mail you a PDF file to read and learn.

just want to stress that some one dumbing it down does'nt help you learn from the ground up with true understanding.

 

[Gman021]

Re: Help a noob with optics

I just noted some of the threads that have good info

I might even look for a book that will explain it to me

 

[ShtrRdy]

Re: Help a noob with optics

Check out this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA2PZBD5Tjg

 

[shootist2004]

Re: Help a noob with optics

your high school doesnt have an optics class????????
WTF!!!!!!!!!!!
I would quit that place pronto!
you are right...4-12 is the variable magnification.
what brand name is on your scope?
can you take a pic of the turrets.
why not just use the scope you have now?

 

[Douglas-001]

Re: Help a noob with optics

Well Gman021, I was not trying to "dumb things down" for you, nor was I being condescending. I thought a brief overview on some of your questions would help point you in the right direction as I noticed that nobody responded to your query. You'll also soon discover that new members take a pounding here for any infraction, just as I have, whether it's perceived or real. With that said, I say get on the gun and start sending rounds down range and find out what the rifle likes by way of ammo. Good luck and good shooting!

Doug

 

[Gman021]

Re: Help a noob with optics

Thanks for the video - very helpful

The scope is made by remington and came with the SPS Varmint. It works for 100 and 200 yards, but past that I can't see where the X really is.

I didn't think you were dumbing it down. I like to think I catch on to things quickly so no sugar coating needed. I look forward to learning the ins and outs of scopes.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Re: Help a noob with optics

Check out the other videos from that guy. He shares a lot of information.

If you want to understand the exact math behind the angle approximations just ask me or the other guy who offered. If you have had a Trigonomitry class that will help.

 

[RFutch]

Re: Help a noob with optics

Go to the member link up section of the forum and see if there is anyone that lives in your area. Try to see if you can meet at the range and see some different things first hand. Things like optics are a very personal choice and you are going to be flooded with choices after your initial research.

I you lived near me I would take you and let you see some different optics, accssories, etc. Im sure someone near you would be glad to do the same.

Good luck.