It can be tough to shop for AR-15 shooting optics.

There are dozens for sale online. What’s more, the information on why each is the best choice is abundant. You may feel like you have to read through hundreds of descriptions and dozens of pages of rifle literature to even scratch the surface on which would be the best for your use.

You may have even asked your buddy for some suggestions, but even then you are still overwhelmed with the available options. All you really want is the best AR sight for your rifle, how difficult should this choice really be?

Whether you’re hunting big game or punching paper, a properly sighted optic can do wonders for your shooting accuracy. Granted, there are more variables to accuracy than being able to see the target; however, an optic definitely helps.

At Rail Scales, we want you to enjoy your shooting experience, whether that be out on the lease or at your favorite range. That’s why we’ve put together this useful three-part guide to help you select the best glass for your rifle!

How To Choose Your Shooting Optic

You may go into shopping for an optic with the assumption that it’s a one-size-fits-all situation. This is not the case — and for good reason. Each shooter has unique needs and should approach building rifles to fit their needs. This means that the type of optic they purchase is going to need to fit their rifle.

Ultimately, optics do not fit every single gun. Make sure you check your rifle’s mounting options before you drop some cash on new glass!

Something To Consider

Before you buy your next shooting optic, consider the phrase “you get what you pay for.” For most, this phrase is used in explaining a cheap purchase performing below expectations. You should expect nothing less in shooting optics.

You truly get what you pay for when it comes to glass, and you should take the price of the optic seriously. You will find that $100 glass will not perform nearly as well as a $4,000 glass.

Shooting Types

If you haven’t gleaned that you need to know what you’re using your scope for before purchasing it, then here is some more information to send that point home: It’s important to remember that each scope has a primary use.

In fact, there are three basic uses for scopes when attached to a rifle:

• Self Defense: You will want a zero powered scope in self-defense situations, as they tend to occur up close. A precise reticle in addition to your iron sights will work the best.
• Target Training: Punching paper can be a great time. However, you are limited by the length of the range. You will find scopes available for 100 to 1000 yards.
• Hunting: Want to bag the big game? You will want a higher-powered scope for long-range shots. Hunting up close with smaller game? A lower-powered scope will suffice.

How To Understand Magnification

You will find that rifle scopes come in a wide range of magnification. They are typically marked on the scope with their magnification power in the following format “3-9x40.” The first two digits (“3-9”) show how much larger the target will look while sighting it through the scope compared to the naked eye. The “40” denotes the size of the scope in millimeters. When buying a scope, you will want to determine how much magnification you need to accomplish your shooting goals.

Rail Scales: Shop AR-15 Optics Now!

You will find optics that fit your needs and easily mount to your rifle; it’s only a matter of time. However, you can shorten that time by understanding how your rifle mounting options work, why you will be using your scope, and what your budget is for a new optic. Don’t wait to get the scope you deserve. Shop Rail Scales online today!