What Riflescope Magnification Should You Get?

Picking the right riflescope feels overwhelming sometimes. Staring at endless numbers like 3-9x40 or 5-25x56 can make your head spin. You just want to hit your target, right? What riflescope magnification do you actually need for your specific optics setup?

We've been there, mounting various scopes and sending rounds downrange for years. Choosing the correct magnification is crucial. It directly impacts your field of view, target clarity, and ultimately, your shot placement with your chosen rifle scope. Let's break down how to choose wisely.

What Does Riflescope Magnification Mean?

Scope descriptions use numbers like "3-9x40". The first numbers (3-9x) represent the magnification range. The lowest number (3x) means the image appears 3 times closer than with the naked eye.

The highest number (9x) means 9 times closer. A "1x" setting provides no magnification, like looking through a tube. The last number (40) is the objective lens diameter in millimeters.

This diameter affects light gathering. A larger objective lens lets in more light. This generally results in a brighter image, especially in low light. However, it also means a larger, potentially heavier scope.

Fixed vs. Variable Power Scopes

You have two main types: fixed power and variable power scopes. Fixed power scopes have only one magnification level, like a 4x or 10x. They are often simpler, lighter, and potentially more durable due to fewer moving parts.

Variable power scopes offer a range, like the common 3-9x or a 1-8x LPVO. This versatility lets you adapt to different distances and situations. Most modern hunting and tactical scopes provide this flexibility.

The trade-off for variable power can be complexity and cost. However, the ability to zoom in or out is invaluable for most shooters. Your choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs): Close to Mid-Range

LPVOs, or Low Power Variable Optics, are hugely popular. These typically range from 1-4x, 1-6x, 1-8x, or even 1-10x magnification. At 1x, they function much like a red dot sight for fast, close-quarters work.

Cranking up the magnification allows precise shots at mid-range. This makes them ideal for AR platforms, 3-gun competition, and hunting in varied terrain. Brands like Vortex Optics are well-known for quality LPVOs.

Their versatility is their strength. You get speed up close and precision further out. The downside? Higher magnification LPVOs (1-8x, 1-10x) can get heavier and more expensive than simpler designs.

Mid-Range Magnification: The All-Around Choice?

This is where scopes like the classic 3-9x live. Other common ranges include 2-10x, 3-12x, 3-15x, and 4-16x. These offer a great balance for many shooters, with many excellent options from brands like Leupold.

They provide enough low-end field of view for woods hunting. They also have enough top-end power for open country shots. Many hunters find a 3-9x or 4-12x scope covers most big game scenarios effectively.

These are often considered the do-it-all magnifications. They work well for hunting deer, hogs, and varmints at typical ranges. Quality options exist across various price points.

High Magnification Scopes: Reaching Out Long Distance

Need to touch targets way out there? High magnification scopes start around 4-16x and go way up. Think 5-25x, 6-24x, or even higher for extreme long range.

These are designed for long-range precision shooting and specialized hunting. Think prairie dogs at 500 yards or steel targets at 1000+. They allow you to see small targets clearly at extreme distances, with premium choices from manufacturers like Nightforce.

However, high power comes with trade-offs. You get a very narrow field of view. Finding your target can be tricky. Any slight movement is amplified, making off-hand shots difficult. Mirage distortion is also much more noticeable.

How Your Target Distance Dictates Magnification

Matching magnification to distance is key. Using too much power up close means you won't find the target. Too little power far away means you can't see details for a precise shot. Here's a rough guideline based on experience:

• Under 100 yards: 1-4x (LPVOs shine here)

• 100-300 yards: 3-9x or 4-12x (Classic hunting ranges)

• 300-600 yards: 4-16x or similar (Open country hunting, mid-range target)

• 600-1000 yards: 6-24x or 5-25x (Long-range hunting/target)

• 1000+ yards: 25x and above (Extreme long range - ELR)

This isn't rigid, but a good starting point. Consider the maximum practical distance you'll shoot. Choose a scope range that comfortably covers that.

Consider Your Terrain and Target Size

Where you shoot matters as much as how far. Hunting thick timber requires low power and a wide field of view. A 1-6x scope is great here; a 6-24x would be frustrating.

Shooting across open plains or bean fields allows for higher magnification. Seeing detail on a distant pronghorn or coyote needs more power. Target size also plays a role. A deer at 300 yards is easier to see than a prairie dog.

Think honestly about your typical environment and targets. Don't buy a high-power scope for close-range brush hunting. Match the tool to the task you perform most often.

The Myth of "More is Always Better"

It's tempting to buy the highest magnification scope you can afford. Many beginners make this mistake. We've seen guys struggle with 25x power scopes at 100 yards. More magnification isn't always helpful.

High power drastically reduces your field of view (FOV). Finding moving game or transitioning between targets becomes slow. Any wobble or heartbeat is magnified, making precise shots harder without a solid bipod or shooting rest.

Heat waves (mirage) also become a bigger problem. On hot days, mirage can completely obscure your target at high power. Often, dialing back the magnification provides a clearer, more stable sight picture. Choose power wisely.

First Focal Plane (FFP) vs. Second Focal Plane (SFP)

This relates to how the reticle behaves when you change magnification. In Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes, the reticle size stays the same as you zoom. Subtensions (hash marks for holdover) are only accurate at one magnification, usually the highest. Most traditional hunting scopes are SFP.

In First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes, the reticle size changes with magnification. The subtensions remain accurate across the entire zoom range. This is preferred for long-range shooting where holdovers are common at various powers. FFP scopes are typically more expensive.

Your choice depends on use. For simple set-and-forget hunting within point-blank range, SFP works fine. For dynamic shooting or long-range work using reticle holds, FFP offers significant advantages.

Objective Lens Size and Magnification

The objective lens (40mm, 50mm, 56mm, etc.) gathers light. Higher magnification needs more light for a bright image. This is why high-power scopes often have larger objectives.

A larger objective can provide a brighter image, especially at dawn and dusk. However, it adds weight and size. It also requires taller scope rings, potentially affecting cheek weld.

Don't assume bigger is always better. A quality 42mm or 44mm objective scope can outperform a cheap 56mm scope. Lens coatings and glass quality matter more than just size for image clarity and brightness.

Conclusion: Match Magnification to Your Needs

Choosing the right riflescope magnification boils down to one thing: honesty. Be honest about your typical shooting distances. Be honest about your terrain and targets. Be honest about your budget and skill level.

There's no single "best" magnification range. An LPVO is perfect for some, while a 5-25x powerhouse is ideal for others. The classic 3-9x remains popular for good reason. Understand the trade-offs -- FOV, mirage, weight, cost -- and choose the optic that suits your reality.

Q&A: Riflescope Magnification

Q1: What's the best all-around scope magnification for deer hunting?

For most deer hunting (woods to open fields, shots under 300 yards), a 3-9x or 4-12x scope is fantastic. It offers versatility, good field of view at low power, and enough magnification for ethical shots at typical distances. A 3-9x40mm scope is a time-tested standard.

Q2: Do I really need more than 10x magnification?

It depends entirely on your shooting. For most big game hunting inside 400 yards, probably not. For long-range target shooting (600+ yards) or small varmints at distance, higher magnification (15x, 20x, 25x+) becomes very useful for seeing impacts and precise aiming.

Q3: Is a 1-6x LPVO good enough for hunting?

Absolutely, especially for closer ranges or mixed terrain. A 1-6x power scope is excellent in forests, brush, or for fast shots on hogs or deer under 200-250 yards. Its 1x setting is fast up close, and 6x provides decent precision further out.

Q4: What magnification for 1000 yard shooting?

For consistent 1000-yard shots, you'll want significant magnification. Most shooters prefer scopes in the 5-25x, 6-24x, or even higher ranges like 7-35x. This allows you to see the target clearly and spot your impacts or misses for corrections.

Q5: Does higher magnification mean better accuracy?

Not necessarily. Higher magnification helps you see the target better for more precise aiming, but it doesn't magically make the rifle shoot straighter. It also magnifies your wobble. A stable shooting position and good fundamentals are far more important for accuracy than raw magnification power.