ScopeVocab Flashcards
Parallax
The apparent movement of the reticle against the target when the shooter’s eye is not perfectly aligned with the scope. Parallax correction features help eliminate this issue, ensuring accuracy at various distances.
Field of View (FOV)
The width of the area visible through the scope at a given distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV is beneficial for tracking moving targets like squirrels.
Fast-Focus Eyepiece
Allows quick adjustment of the reticle focus to suit the shooter’s eye, enhancing clarity and precision.
Tube Diameter
The diameter of the main body of the scope, typically 1 inch or 30mm. This affects the scope’s mounting options and durability.
Turrets
Knobs on the scope used to adjust windage and elevation settings. They can be marked in increments such as MOA (Minute of Angle) or MIL (Milliradian).
Ocular Lens
The lens closest to your eye, responsible for delivering the magnified image to your eye. It is adjustable for focus.
Hold Over/Hold Off
Techniques or features in a reticle that allow compensation for bullet drop (hold over) or wind drift (hold off) at longer distances.
Reticle
The crosshair or aiming pattern inside a scope used for targeting.
Duplex Reticle
A simple reticle with thick outer lines that taper to thin lines at the center, ideal for hunting.
Mil-Dot Reticle
A reticle with dots for estimating range and adjusting for windage and elevation.
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) Reticle
A reticle designed to help compensate for bullet drop over long distances.
Magnification
The degree to which a scope can enlarge the image of the target, indicated by numbers like “3-9x.”
Objective Lens Size
The diameter of the front lens in millimeters, affecting light-gathering ability, e.g., “40mm” in a “3-9x40” scope.
Eye Relief
The distance from the eyepiece to your eye while maintaining a full field of view, important for safety and comfort.
Picatinny Rail
A standardized mounting platform used for attaching scopes and other accessories.
