Riflescopes


Vector Optics Forester 1-8x24 Fiber SFP rifle scope

Riflescopes

(73 products)

A riflescope magnifies the target and puts a reticle on it, so you can place your shots precisely at distance. The right scope depends on how far you shoot, how fast you need to aim and what rifle it sits on. You can choose from riflescopes by Vector Optics, Sightmark and Firefield, from small prism scopes to long range scopes with up to 30x magnification.

Magnification

The first number in the name is the lowest magnification, the second is the highest. A 3-12x44 scope zooms from 3x to 12x and has a 44 mm objective lens. Choose the range by your shooting:

A larger objective lens lets in more light, which helps at dawn and dusk. A smaller one keeps the scope lighter and lower on the rifle.

Tube diameter

The main tube diameter decides which scope rings you need. Rings must match the tube exactly.

When you order a scope, order rings of the same diameter, see Scope rings. Some scopes come with rings. For example, the Vector Optics Veyron 4-16x44 FFP includes a pair of 30 mm Weaver rings.

Size of the scope

The scopes are sorted into three size groups, so you can find one that fits your rifle:

  • Standard riflescopes have a full length tube and suit most centrefire rifles.
  • Compact riflescopes are shorter and lighter. They suit rimfire rifles such as the CZ 457, light hunting rifles and air guns. The Vector Optics Veyron 4-16x44 is only 270 mm long.
  • Sub-compact riflescopes are the Vector Optics Paragon prism scopes in 1x, 3x and 4x. The 3x model is 77 mm long and has an integrated mount for a Picatinny rail.

Prism scopes and turrets

A prism scope uses a prism instead of a lens system. It is shorter than a classic scope and has an etched reticle that stays visible even when the illumination is off. The Vector Optics Paragon 1x18 gives you a true 1x view for shooting with both eyes open, with red or green illumination. If you shoot at long range, look at the turrets. The Sightmark Presidio 5-30x56 has exposed locking turrets with a zero-stop on the elevation dial, so you can always return to your zero. It is IP67 rated and handles calibres up to .338. For hunting at normal distances, a simple duplex reticle, as on the Vector Optics Matiz 3-9x40, is quick to read.

First or second focal plane

The product name tells you where the reticle sits. In a first focal plane (FFP) scope the reticle grows and shrinks with the magnification. Its marks stay correct at every magnification, so you can use them for holdover and range estimation at any zoom. In a second focal plane (SFP) scope the reticle stays the same size. It is easier to see at low magnification, but its marks are correct only at one magnification, usually the highest. For hunting, SFP is a common choice. For long range and competition, many shooters prefer FFP.

Reticle and illumination

An "i" or "IR" in the name means an illuminated reticle. Illumination helps you see the reticle against a dark background, for example in the forest at dusk. Fiber reticles use a fiber optic centre that glows in daylight. Many scopes have etched glass reticles with BDC or MIL marks for holdover. Click values are given in MIL or MOA. For example, the Continental x6 1-6x24 adjusts in 1/10 MIL clicks, and the Paragon prism scopes in 1 MOA clicks.

Eye relief and durability

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece at which you see the full image. On a rifle with strong recoil, a longer eye relief keeps the scope away from your eyebrow. For example, the Vector Optics Continental x6 1-6x24 has 100 mm of eye relief. Check the specifications for the waterproof and shockproof ratings. The same Continental model is IP67 waterproof, nitrogen filled against fogging and shock tested to 750 G. The Veyron 4-16x44 FFP is rated IPX4, which protects it against rain and splashes.

Brands and series

  • Vector Optics: Constantine, Continental, Forester, Grizzly, Hugo, Matiz, Orion, Paragon, Sentinel, Tauron and Veyron series. The Continental models use ED glass on several versions, and the Orion and Grizzly series include HD versions.
  • Sightmark: Presidio scopes from 1-6x24 up to 5-30x56, and the compact Strikon VMP 1-4x22.
  • Firefield: Agility II 3-9x40 and RapidStrike scopes from 1-4x24 to 1-10x24.

Mounting the scope

  1. Mount a rail or a base on the rifle, see Picatinny rails.
  2. Fit the rings or mount for your tube diameter.
  3. Set the eye relief, so you see a full image in your normal shooting position.
  4. Level the reticle. A bubble level helps, see Bubble levels.
  5. Tighten the ring screws to the torque in the instructions and zero the scope.

Frequently asked questions

Which riflescope should I choose for my CZ rimfire rifle?

A compact scope with up to 12x magnification fits most rimfire shooting. Compact scopes are shorter and lighter, so they balance well on a small rifle. For precision shooting at 100 m and more, consider a scope with up to 20x.

Which scope rings do I need for my riflescope?

Rings with the same diameter as the main tube of your scope, 1 inch, 30 mm or 34 mm. The diameter is in the specifications and in the collections above.

Should I choose a first or second focal plane scope?

It depends on how you use the reticle. Choose FFP if you use the reticle marks for holdover at different magnifications. Choose SFP if you shoot mostly at one magnification, for example when hunting.

Can I mount a riflescope on my CZ rifle at home?

Yes. You need a torque wrench and a level.

  1. Mount the rail or base and the rings.
  2. Place the scope, set the eye relief and level the reticle.
  3. Tighten the ring screws to the recommended torque.

Then zero the scope at the range.