A rifle scope (also called an optical scope) is a precision sighting device that uses glass lenses and magnification to help the shooter see the target more clearly and aim more accurately at various distances.

It works similarly to a small telescope, providing a magnified, focused, and aligned image of the target with a reticle (crosshair) inside the scope to indicate the point of aim.

Features of Rifle/Optical Scopes

Magnification

• Shows the target closer than it appears to the naked eye.
• Comes in:
  • Fixed magnification (e.g., 4x)
  • Variable magnification (e.g., 3–9x)

Objective Lens

• Front lens measured in millimeters (e.g. 40mm).
• Controls how much light the scope can gather.
• Larger lens = brighter image.

Reticle (Crosshair)

• The aiming point inside the scope.
• Comes in many styles:
  • Standard crosshair
  • Mil-dot
  • Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC)
  • Illuminated reticle

Adjustment Turrets

• Knobs that adjust:
• • Windage (left/right)
  • Elevation (up/down)
  • Sometimes parallax (focus at long range)

Eye Relief

• The distance your eye must be from the lens to get a full image.
• Important for recoil safety.

Rifle scopes are designed for precise aiming at medium to long distances, and are commonly used for:

• Hunting
• Target shooting
• Long-range precision shooting
• Tactical/defence applications
• Competition shooting

They offer superior accuracy compared to iron sights or red dots at distance because of magnification, clearer aiming points, and the ability to compensate for bullet drop and wind.