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Binoculars are labeled similar to riflescopes.  The first numbers are the magnification.  However, the last number is the size of the front lens measured in millimeters.  When choosing binoculars, pay close attention to the first number as it will determine the performance of your binoculars.  As with riflescopes, more is not always better.  The higher the magnification, the lower the light, there is less field of view and the steadiness of the image tends to become unstable.  As a general rule, up to a 10x can be steadied the best without support from a tripod.   Normally, binoculars are labeled with two numbers, however, you will see some with three numbers and those are zoom binoculars.  The zoom is the range of magnification, such as 8-20x25.  There is an 8x up to 20x power magnification and a 25 millimeter front lens.  The larger the last number (whether its a standard binocular or zoom binocular), the clearer and brighter the image becomes.   However, the bigger the front lens the heavier the binoculars.  The smaller binoculars are easier to carry but may not be as clear when looking at objects at greater distances.  For example, a 4x is really only good up to 100 yards.  When speaking of field of view, the last number is not the field of view; only the size of the front lens when referring to binoculars.  Field of view is the amount of territory that is seen when looking through the binoculars.  If the field of view is 250 feet at 1000 yards away then you will see 250 feet of the fence you are looking at.  Field of view is determined by two factors.  Magnification and eyepiece design.  Binoculars are similar to riflescopes in this aspect.  The higher the magnification the smaller the field of view.  Wide-angle eyepieces give a wider angle of vision, but are more expensive.  Waterproofing in binoculars is very important because of the fact that binoculars are exposed to the elements and dust and dirt get inside the lenses.  A waterproof binocular is a sealed binocular and helps to prevent fogging, and dust and dirt. 

For an example of a good set of binoculars click this link:

http://www.blackpowderway.com/product/TASN82025D

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Tags: Binoculars Scopes

Choosing a riflescope can lead you into a maze of confusion to say the least!  Depending on your personal hunting type and the game you are hunting, the choice can be narrowed rather easily, though.

Numerous hunters get the "bigger-the-better" syndrome the closer it gets to hunting season.  With bullets and scopes improving their quality every year, the mindset of the bigger the gun plus the bigger the scope equals that "big buck" doesn't always fit the situation.   The right combination of bullet, scope and rifle can improve on accuracy inspite of the selling tactics of the manufacturer that make the "bigger the better" syndrome come out in all of us.  

Most deer rifles sport a 3x9 riflescope.  Depending on the shot range, the three power is low enough and lets in enough light for the closer shot and the nine power has just enough to improve the accuracy of the longer distance shot.  The bigger magnifications of the bigger riflescopes are usually a huge drawback in the fact that it takes away from your light and deer (assuming it is within 100 yards) will appear as an unrecognizable blur of hair and that chance of a lifetime usually runs off waving that "white flag".   Considering most deer shots are within 100 yards, it stands to reason that low magnification is better.   The best part about the 3x9 is you can shoot close on low power or with the turn of a dial reach out and touch them with the higher magnification.   

 In a variable scope, (3x9x40), the 40 in this equation is your field of view in millimeters (meaning what is visible through the scope) at the magnification whether it be 3 or 9 or anywhere in between.

In shopping for a riflescope, you can buy the 3x9x40 or the 3x9x50 at a comparitively low price.  Keep in mind, that you want to buy the scope that matches the power of your rifle or handgun.  You don't want a .22 caliber scope on a 7mm Mag.  It will shake the crosshairs out of them! 

Just click on the link below to see an example of the 3x9x40 riflescope choice of the week!

http://www.blackpowderway.com/product/BH713944MO

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Tags: Scopes Riflescope

I am constantly amazed at the variety of scopes that are out there to choose from.  I am fascinated with the differences in these scopes and what makes one product different from the other.  The maze of reticles just adds to the confusion of which one to choose.  There is one scope that has caught my eye, however.  It is the Bushnell Banner Riflescope.  It has the Dusk & Dawn Brightness multi-coated lens which has clarity for brightness in low light.  It seems this scope will add a few minutes to my hunting time having the clarity in low light.  I like the one-piece design and the price seems reasonable.  You can get the Dusk & Dawn line for big-game, varmint, .22 rimfire, slug, black powder and turkey hunting.
Any comments on this riflescope?

Tags: Rifle Scope Bushnell