Scope magnification question

[U.S. Patriot]

I was watching a show on the Military channel one night about snipers. They said that the Marines use a fixed 10x scope. They said a 10x scope would make a 1,000 yard target, seem like it's only 100 yards away. Now I'm no expert. I just started shooting scoped rifles a couple of years ago. I have 3x9 power scopes on both my rifles. I have them sighted in at 50 yards. At that distance on 9x I can barely see the holes left by .22 rounds. So how can a 10x scope make a target 1,000 yards away, seem like it's 100 yards away?

 

[dbd870]

You have to remember they don't use rifle scopes to see holes in the target - nor do hunters for that matter. They are saying the target looks 10 times bigger with that scope than with no optics - which is basically the same as having it 10 times closer in, ie 100yds vs 1000yds. Spotting scopes make a nice addition for the range.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

You have to remember they don't use rifle scopes to see holes in the target - nor do hunters for that matter. They are saying the target looks 10 times bigger with that scope than with no optics - which is basically the same as having it 10 times closer in, ie 100yds vs 1000yds. Spotting scopes make a nice addition for the range.

Thanks for the clarification. I suspected that's might have been what it meant. Just wanted some clarification thanks.

 

[42769vette]

you see alot of posts that the military uses 10x at 1000 yds. this is true but also remember the military is going for a torso shot (roughly 2-2.5moa at 1000yds). there not trying to make a bullseye

 

[shibumiseeker]

you see alot of posts that the military uses 10x at 1000 yds. this is true but also remember the military is going for a torso shot (roughly 2-2.5moa at 1000yds). there not trying to make a bullseye

+1

If I am trying to take 1000 yard shots benchrest, I am going to use the highest magnification that doesn't allow mirage to take over (16-24x). If I am trying to take out a person or an animal at that range I'm going to use lower magification (10-16x).