The Zeiss V8 range sports four models that utilise, as the name suggests, a power range of eight magnification, that is to say, 1.1-8x30mm, 1.8-14x50mm, 2.8-20x56mm or on test is their 4.8-35x60mm V8 model. A premium scope designed to be as capable in woodland at close range as it is reaching…
Scopes
Scopes are an essential shooting accessory for any stalker or target shooter who wants to achieve a more accurate shot.
Scopes work by magnifying an image and they put your eye on the same optic plane as the image you are viewing. A scope helps a rifle or target shooter to focus on the target, align the centre reference point where you want your bullet and pull the trigger!
Here we round up the best on the market for a variety of budgets, writing reviews and helpful articles including how best to lubricate a scope and using scopes for deer stalking.
The technology is changing all the time, with different capabilities being offered for different types of shooting, locations and quarry. We keep you informed about what you need to know with expert comment from our team of reviewers who have solid experience. All shoot regularly and so know the issues and problems that are likely to arise and how scopes can help to solve them.
Outwitting rats with thermal imaging scopes
Brown rats are prolific and resilient opportunists. This is in no small way due to their intelligence. Rat brains are remarkably similar to humans’ in both structure and function. They learn through observation, response to stimulus and have a high-functioning memory. This means that while a few sessions of lamping,…
Optics Product of the year – over £1,000 – Nightforce NX8 Rifle Scope
Optics product of the year – over £1,000 – Nightforce NX8 Rifle Scope The NX8 scope family evolved from the NXS series and has proven to be a market-leading product in many ways. The variety of this series will cater for all stalking enthusiasts whether you are spotting muntjac in…
Optics Product of the year – under £1,000 – Hawke Sidewinder Rifle scope
Optics product of the year – under £1,000 – Hawke Sidewinder Rifle scope Created with almost every conceivable option, the Sidewinder is seen as a multi-discipline optic with a wide range of uses. Be it winning target competitions on the world stage, or wandering through the woods on a stalk,…
Night vision product of the year – Pard NV008P Night Vision Rifle scope
Night vision product of the year – Pard NV008P Night Vision Rifle scope The Pard NV008P Night Vision Unit sets a new benchmark amongst dedicated night vision scopes, with 1080P colour for daytime use and 1080P night time viewing, mp4 video recording and fast change battery power and compact powerful…
The Pulsar Krypton XG50 thermal-imaging unit
The Krypton XG50 looks almost identical to the popular front-mounted F155 and the later F455 night-vision models, and the button layout and functions are practically the same. The Krypton, however, is purely a thermal unit, working solely on the heat source given off by your quarry. It comes supplied with…
The latest night vision equipment reviewed
We asked two of our contributors to take the latest night vision equipment out into the field. Here’s what they thought. The Pulsar Digex N450 digital night vision riflescope – Mark Ripley The Digex scope is the latest night vision equipment riflescope from Pulsar. The main body looks almost identical…
How to zero your own rifle
How to zero your own rifle: Set up your rifle on a proper bench rest, making sure it is stable and secure so it will not move.
What you need to know about focal planes
Many rifle shooters don’t really understand the difference between focal planes and it’s an aspect of rifle scopes that is often confusing to many. Basically, the difference between a first and second focal plane scope is where the reticule is positioned within the rifle scope. This affects the image seen…
Here’s what you need to know about laser rangefinders for shooting
People who hunt with air rifles often seem to talk about carrying laser rangefinders for shooting . Are they really an essential item of kit? Are laser rangefinders for shooting air rifles necessary? Matt Manning replies: Laser rangefinders are not essential kitbag items for air rifle hunting, but they play…
Air rifle questions we’re often asked
Q: Do I need a licence for an air rifle? If you live in England or Wales and have an air rifle with a muzzle energy level of 12 ft lb or less or an air pistol with a muzzle energy of 6 ft lb or less you don’t…
Airguns and summer squirrel shooting
Squirrel shooting with an air rifle can be very tricky over the summer months. The trees are covered with dense foliage which makes your quarry almost invisible in the treetops. Lure of the pheasant feeder The colder months are an easier time for squirrel shooting with an air rifle. Hungry…
Does cold weather affect rifle velocity?
If I use a variable magnification scope zeroed on the highest setting and in good light, would the point of impact change when the scope is turned down for a poor light situation? This is assuming both targets are at the same distance.
Why thermal-imaging binoculars will change stalking forever
From time to time in the stalking world there comes along some advance or technical development that is a game changer. Usually it is roundly disapproved of until it becomes clear that it brings real advantage to the stalker, at which point everybody starts using it. When rifle scopes started…
Night vision versus the lamp
With nightvision shooting equipment becoming ever more popular, Ian Valentine asks the experts to weigh the latest green-tinted scopes against more traditional plug-in lamps
How much are scopes for air rifles if I get one fitted?
Air rifles: I have an old Original Mod 35 air rifle and I would like to fit a scope to it. It already has a rail fitted, and I am wondering what is the best type of scope to fit, and how much can I expect to pay?
Rabbiting with a second-hand CZ BRNO rifle
A classic CZ BRNO Model 2 E-S rifle lives up to expectations when Tony Jackson takes on the burgeoning rabbit population of south Some
How can you stop a scope fogging up?
Q: When I travel to my stalking grounds in a warm car my scope’s lenses fog up in the cold weather. What, if anything, can I do to stop this? It’s a real nuisance and very irritating when I want to get out in the field Bruce Potts offers some…
Swarovski Z8i 2.3-18×56 P hunting scope
In a break from tradition, I thought I’d start with the conclusion. The Swaro Z8i is without doubt the best lightweight hunting scope I’ve ever had the pleasure to use. The overall design is flawless, the 8x mag range is ideal, the glass is alpha all the way with a…