Ryan Cleckner's Scope Advice: Choose Wisely

Are you looking to improve your long-range shooting accuracy? Do you want to know how to choose the right scope for your rifle?

In his book Long Range Shooting Handbook, Ryan M. Cleckner shares valuable insights on selecting the perfect optic for your needs. You'll learn about crucial scope components, mounting techniques, and how to account for environmental factors that affect your shots.

Let's dive into Ryan Cleckner's scope advice and discover how to enhance your long-range shooting performance.

Selecting the Perfect Scope for Long Range Shooting

When it comes to long range shooting, having the right scope can make all the difference. In his book Long Range Shooting Handbook, Ryan Cleckner emphasizes the importance of choosing a scope that's at least as valuable as the firearm it's mounted on. Let's dive into Ryan Cleckner's scope selection advice to help you find the ideal optic for your long range shooting needs.

Understanding Scope Components

Your scope's performance hinges on its ability to provide clear imagery and precise adjustments. Cleckner breaks down the key components you should consider:

Lenses and Reticles

The quality of your scope's lenses directly impacts image clarity. When shopping for a scope, pay attention to the lens coatings and overall optical quality.

Reticles come in various patterns, and some are specifically designed for certain types of ammunition. These specialized reticles, known as Bullet Drop Compensators, can significantly enhance your scope's functionality. They're particularly useful for long range shooting, as they help you account for bullet drop at different distances.

First vs. Second Focal Plane

Scopes are configured with either a first or second focal plane reticle. This configuration affects how the reticle appears as you adjust the magnification. In a first focal plane scope, the reticle size changes with the magnification, while in a second focal plane scope, it remains constant. Each has its advantages, so consider which style suits your shooting needs best.

Adjustment Turrets

Precise windage and elevation adjustments are crucial for consistent accuracy at varying distances. Look for scopes with clear, easy-to-use adjustment turrets. Cleckner emphasizes the importance of understanding how to calculate adjustments using Minutes of Angle (MOA) or milliradians (mils) for precise scope calibration.

Mounting and Alignment

Proper mounting and alignment of your scope are just as crucial as the quality of the optics themselves. Cleckner stresses that even the best scope won't perform well if it's not correctly mounted. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Ensure the scope is level when mounted on your rifle.
2. Set the correct eye relief to avoid scope bite and ensure a full field of view.
3. Adjust for parallax, an optical distortion that occurs with changes in your eye position.

Choosing the Right Magnification

While it might be tempting to go for the highest magnification possible, that's not always the best choice. Consider the distances you'll typically be shooting and choose a magnification range that suits those needs. Remember, higher magnification often means a smaller field of view and potentially more mirage distortion.

Accounting for Environmental Factors

Your scope should help you account for various environmental factors that affect bullet trajectory. Look for features that assist with:

• Wind drift compensation
• Elevation adjustments for different distances
• Temperature and pressure effects on bullet velocity

Some high-end scopes come with built-in ballistic calculators or can connect to smartphone apps for quick adjustments based on environmental conditions.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Long range shooting often involves challenging environments. Your scope should be able to withstand the elements. Look for scopes that are:

• Waterproof
• Fog-proof
• Shockproof

These features ensure your scope will perform reliably in various weather conditions and can handle the recoil from your rifle.

Practice and Familiarity

Once you've chosen your scope, Cleckner emphasizes the importance of practice. Spend time getting to know your scope's features and how to make quick, accurate adjustments. The more familiar you are with your equipment, the better you'll perform in the field.

Remember, while having the right scope is crucial, it's just one part of the equation. Combine a quality scope with solid fundamentals, regular practice, and a deep understanding of ballistics, and you'll be well on your way to mastering long range shooting.