Whether you’re trying to extend your hunting range, participate in long range shooting competitions, or just get better at precision rifle shooting, there are some essential accessories that can make your time at the range more successful.
Turrets are one of the most important aspects of a long-range scope, as they’ll allow you to fine-tune the reticle for precise elevation adjustments at distance. They’re also an indicator of quality, as they should make positive and precise clicks as you turn them.
Spotting Scope
Spotting scopes are optic devices that are often used in hunting and other outdoors activities. They can be hand held for fast and convenient observation or mounted on a tripod to get shake-free observations. They are also great for birding and target shooting clay pigeons and paper targets at long distances.
A spotting scope is an essential piece of equipment for any birder or hunter because they have a high magnification capability. This allows them to capture sharp images of birds, animals or even large buildings from a distance.
When choosing a spotting scope, consider several factors, including eyepiece placement and the type of mount. Some models have straight-through eyepieces, but many birders prefer angled ones, as these make it easier to follow a subject as you look above the horizon or when working with a shorter tripod.
Another important factor is magnification range. Generally, a higher magnification range means a scope will be more powerful. A low magnification range will only be suitable for a limited number of subjects, so it is wise to pick a scope that will offer you a wide viewing area.
The magnification of a scope can be adjusted by twisting the focusing knob or collar. Most spotting scopes have a knurled or rubberized focusing collar that makes it easy to twist to make the image more sharp.
Some spotting scopes can be connected to a camera, a practice known as digiscoping. This can be a valuable tool for birders and hunters alike because it lets you record your observation for future reference.
A spotting scope with an apochromatic lens can help reduce chromatic aberrations, which are color fringing that can cause distortion and a loss of detail in the image. This makes it easier to see fine details like a bird’s feather pattern or the colors of its wings, which can be a crucial step in identifying birds.
Rangefinder
A rangefinder is an essential accessory for the long-range shooter. It eliminates uncertainty about distance to the target and helps to ensure accurate shots. It’s also a great tool for checking wind direction so that you can make sure your rounds aren’t deviating from their intended course of travel.
While there are many different models and brands of rangefinders to choose from, some key features to look for include a good lens quality, eye relief, and wide field of view. Weatherproofing is also a feature to consider, as rangefinders are often used in outdoor settings.
The best rangefinders offer a range of magnification options, including 3x to 6x, so that you can see the targets and distances clearly. High-end models are also able to offer precise aiming points thanks to a slope function that accounts for the difference in elevation between the fairway and hole.
Another essential feature is a ballistic CPU that can adjust the point of aim for you in a variety of situations. It works in conjunction with the LRF to calculate the angle and trajectory of your bullet.
It can even take into account bullet drop compensation for uphill or downhill angles as well as wind value technology to ensure you shoot your shot accurately no matter the environment.
This is a big improvement over older rangefinders that only gave you the horizontal distance and did not factor in bullet drop or wind value. The BDX system can be downloaded to your smartphone, so that you can process data on the go and make adjustments.
For a little more than the cost of a single long-range rifle scope, you can get a top-of-the-line model that has all the latest and greatest features. It can help you save time and money and improve your chances of a successful shot!
Scope Level
A scope level is a device used to ensure that the reticle of your riflescope is properly aligned to the target. It is a critical component of long range rifle shooting and is essential for accurate, repeatable shots.
There are a number of different scope levels on the market, including those that attach directly to the rail of your riflescope or those that are mounted on top of the scope tube. Some are small and easily tucked away when not in use, while others are large and visible at all times.
If you’re looking for a scope level that will easily fit into your gear bag and be accessible when you need it, look no further than the MK Machining Scope Level. It’s milled from high-quality aluminum and black anodized to blend it with the typically dark scope.
It’s available in three sizes that can be mounted to 30 mm, 34 mm, and 36 mm scope tubes. It’s lightweight enough to be carried on any hunt, and it has a hinge design that allows the user to mount or remove the scope level without having to open the scope.
The scope level can be used for all types of rifles, and it is a great way to ensure that the reticle of your scope is always aligned to the target. It can also help you to identify areas that need improvement, and it’s especially helpful if you’re trying to make consistent long-range shots.
There are several ways to level your scope and the first method is to simply place a barrel clamp level on the barrel of your rifle and adjust it until it’s slightly level with the action of your gun. Then, use a smaller reference level to set the index level on your rail or base mounts or the bottom half of your scope rings.
Wind Meter
The Wind Meter is an important part of a long range rifle scope, as it helps you account for weather conditions such as wind speed and air pressure. These factors affect bullet trajectory, and are especially critical at longer ranges where the accuracy of your shot can be affected by a large variety of climatic conditions.
Using a Wind Meter can make long-range shooting a much more accurate experience. It’s also a great way to get in-the-field experience, which will allow you to judge winds more accurately by feel and observation.
You can purchase a standard anemometer that includes four cups that rotate as the wind passes over them, or you can get a specialized one such as the Trijicon Ventus or the Kestrel 1000 that uses a special technology to measure wavelength interaction with dust particles and wind velocities. Both are highly reliable and are able to accurately range targets up to a few hundred yards.
A wind meter can be used in several different applications, and is available in many different forms, including vane wind meters, pitot tube wind meters, cup wind meters, and even waterproof models. Some have a data logger function, which allows you to store and analyze the measurements that have been taken.
The Trijicon Ventus features WinPro technology, sensors and a Doppler LIDAR engine that allows you to measure 3D wind velocities at 6 different distances up to a maximum of 500 yards. It’s a very robust device that offers 9x magnification and a center cross-dot reticle. Its menu navigation is straightforward and intuitive, and it comes with two rechargeable Lithium 18650 batteries. It also has a rugged case and is tested to MIL-STD-810G standards.
Anemometer
An anemometer is an important tool for long range rifle scopes. It can help you determine the speed of the wind at your shooting site, which can make it easier to shoot accurately. It also allows you to find out when it is too windy to use your scope.
Anemometers come in various forms, including ping-pong balls attached to strings that move as the wind blows horizontally. These are simple and inexpensive, making them perfect for beginner shooters.
The most common anemometers are cup anemometers, which use four hemispherical cups to measure the speed of the wind. The wind blows against each cup and makes it rotate. The number of rotations is measured and the difference between this figure and the average of all the cups’ rotates is used to calculate the wind speed.
Another type of anemometer is the laser doppler anemometer, which uses a beam of light to determine the speed of the wind. The light is split into two beams and each of these is reflected by air particles, allowing the amount of backscattered radiation to be calculated.
These types of anemometers are useful for aviation and meteorology as they are more sensitive than cup anemometers. They are also popular among skydivers, who use them to assess the speed of the wind before jumping out of a plane or helicopter.
Some anemometers even have data logging features that allow users to save their measurements for future review and analysis. These devices are also often available as handheld versions and can be connected to a smartphone through Bluetooth. They can also be connected to a computer via USB for further analysis. They are also used by pilots, climatologists, and physicists to monitor weather conditions.
