A riflescope is a key tool for improving shooting accuracy and is widely used in hunting, shooting sports, military law enforcement, and other fields. Different types of riflescopes operate in different ways and have specific usage requirements. Mastering their key operating techniques can significantly improve aiming efficiency and accuracy.

I. Common Types and Features of Rifles

Rifles can be categorized into various types based on their function and principle. Understanding their characteristics is essential for proper use:

Optical riflescopes (telescopic): Utilize optical lenses to magnify the target and are suitable for precise aiming at medium and long distances. They feature adjustable magnification (e.g., 4-12×40, indicating a magnification range of 4x to 12x, with a 40mm objective lens diameter). Higher magnification yields sharper target detail, but reduces the field of view.

Red dot sights: Non-magnified, they project a red dot targeting mark into the field of view. They offer fast aiming speed and are suitable for close-range rapid shooting or capturing moving targets. They are immune to parallax errors and can be aimed with both eyes open. Holographic sights: These use holographic technology to generate virtual aiming marks, resulting in more stable imaging and strong resistance to interference (such as strong light and vibration). They can also function even with partial lens damage, making them suitable for use in complex environments.

Night vision sights: These incorporate night vision technologies (such as low-light enhancement and infrared) to enable aiming in low-light or dark environments. They are often used in conjunction with infrared fill-in lights for night hunting or law enforcement operations.

II. Basic Steps for Using a Sight

Regardless of the type of sight, the core operating process revolves around the three steps of "calibration - aiming - firing":

Installation and Calibration (Zeroing)

First, securely mount the sight on the rail of your firearm or crossbow, ensuring it is parallel to the aiming baseline. Tighten the fixing screws to prevent any movement.

To perform zeroing calibration: Select an appropriate distance (e.g., 100 meters for rifles and 25 meters for pistols), secure the firearm, aim at the bull's eye, and fire a burst of rounds (usually 3-5). Adjust the scope's windage (left and right) and elevation knobs based on the bullet's impact point. Each adjustment corresponds to a specific distance (e.g., 1/4 MOA means 0.25 inches at 100 yards) until the bullet's impact point coincides with the aiming point.

Aiming Position and Field of View Adjustment

Maintain a stable gun stance and keep your eye close to the eyepiece (different scopes have optimal eye relief, usually 2-5 cm). Avoid recoil injury from too close an eyepiece, or an obstructed field of view from too far away.

Adjust the eyepiece focus (some models have a parallax adjustment ring) so that the aiming mark and target image are both clear and parallax is eliminated (i.e., the aiming mark and target do not move relative to each other when your eye moves left or right).

Target Lock and Firing

For optical scopes: Use the magnification adjustment to find a clear view of the target. Align the center of the crosshairs (or the corresponding mark on the reticle) with the target's vital points, maintaining a balanced view of both the target and the surroundings. Avoid focusing too closely on the target and ignoring the surroundings.

For red dot/holographic sights: With both eyes open, press the red dot or holographic marker onto the target. Hold steady before firing. This is ideal for quick-response situations.

Maintain steady breathing and apply even pressure to the trigger when firing. Avoid excessive force, which can cause the gun to shake and disrupt aiming.

III. Usage Precautions

Environmental Adaptation: Optical sights can be used with a lens hood to prevent glare in bright sunlight. In low-temperature environments, the lens may fog; apply anti-fog agent beforehand. For red dot/holographic sights, pay attention to the battery level and prepare spare batteries.

Maintenance: Clean the lens with a dedicated lens cloth after use to prevent fingerprints and dust from obstructing vision. When not in use for extended periods, remove the battery to prevent leakage and damage to internal components. Store in a dry, shockproof container to avoid severe impact.

Safety Regulations: Always adhere to the safety principle of "pointing the gun away from people." Ensure the gun is in a safe position during calibration and use, and keep your finger off the trigger guard when not ready to fire.

You need to flexibly choose the right scope type for each scenario: high-magnification optical scopes are preferred for long-range precision shooting, while red dot or holographic scopes are more advantageous for close-range, quick reaction times. Only by repeatedly practicing alignment and aiming, and developing muscle memory, can you maximize the effectiveness of your scope in actual combat.