Scope

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Simple way to learn scopes is an internet search. Non-technical basic scope information is readily available. WM

campersam9 said:

I want to purchase a new scope for my Black Ops Sportsman 900 pellet rifle. Can anyone please explain what the numbers represent. I am new at this and I need some education on scopes.

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@campersam9 It’s good that you asked before buying one. Let’s say you want to buy a UTG Bugbuster compact riflescope 3-9x32.


The “3-9” represent the scope’s magnification range. “3” or “3x” (3 times) is the minimum magnification. This means that the object you’re looking at is magnified 3 times the size (field of view) seen with the naked eye. The “-“ between numbers lets you know that the scope’s magnification range is adjustable between the first two numbers if there are three. The “9” or “9x” is the maximum magnification level. The third number “32” will often be expressed as “32mm” is the diameter of the objective lens or the end of the scope farthest away from your eye (often, but not always, the flared end). The 1” refers to the tube diameter. To learn more about what these terms mean and the different parts of the scope you can find many sites like those linked below to better explain things.


Terminology

https://www.americanhunter.org/content/a-beginner-s-guide-to-riflescope-terminology/

If you don’t like to read, I suggest that you look up some YouTube videos.

The 50mm will fit you would just need higher mounts.

campersam9 said:

Thank you for the lesson. Now I understand. A 50mm might not fit but the 32mm has a better chance. How the scope is installed will be very important. Now l have a better understanding. Thank you this made my day.

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@campersam9 You are very welcome. We all have to start somewhere. I like the fact that you asked before going to buy any old scope. When I was new to airguns, I went and bought a scope that would work well on a .308 and placed it on my PCP. It worked ok. Then a trusted member gave me some great advice and I bought something more appropriate. Once I learned more, I was able to determine for myself what I like and what suits my style of shooting. I’d like to see you be able to do the same someday. Keep searching for info.

Now I’m not familiar with your rifle, so I cannot say what can and can’t work on it. The scope I mentioned in my initial post was merely an example, not a recommendation. What type of shooting do you intend to do? Do you want to plink cans and metal targets around your backyard? Are you going to shoot paper targets while sitting down at a table in your yard? Do you wish to try some competition shooting? Do you wish to hunt or kill nuisance animals?

campersam9 said:

Thank you for the lesson. Now I understand. A 50mm might not fit but the 32mm has a better chance. How the scope is installed will be very important. Now l have a better understanding. Thank you this made my day.

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As was mentioned, the objective diameter will determine how close you can get the scopes center to the rifle, but a large objective lens scope could still be used, you would just need taller rings.

campersam9 said:

Thank you for the lesson. Now I understand. A 50mm might not fit but the 32mm has a better chance. How the scope is installed will be very important. Now l have a better understanding. Thank you this made my day.

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Any size objective will fit on any rifle. The difference will be the height of the scope rings used. Scope rings come in low, medium, high, and extra high. I also will mention a number not usually mentioned in the power or zoom range on variables, and the objective size. most manufacturers of scopes ofer at least two scope tube sizes.

The scope tube size will determine the rings you need to fit the main tube on the scope. That can be 1", 30mm, or some are now offering 34mm tubes. all 3 sizes will be available to accommodate all heights needed for the objective to clear the action or compression tube of the rifle.

The one thing to remember is the higher the scope is mounted will affect the trajectory at difference ranges once zero'd for any set distance. I prefer the center of my scope to be 1.7" to 2" above the centerline of my barrel. this gives me a greater range of aim dead on to hit a 1" diameter kill zone. But any size objective can be used with any rifle once the proper height ring is used.

Some scope rings are also adjustable in height, this can be used either to angle the scope if you shoot really far so your elevation turret do not have to be maxed out in one direction.
Ideally you will want your turrets to be about 0 / middle when the rifle are sighted in, so you have maximal adjustment in any direction
Many new air rifles will have a angle build into the mount / rail of the rifle, these days to that way accommodate the PPL that shoot really far.
But also just for shooter comfort, or like mentioned to fit a larger scope.
Mind you the variable height is not like HUGE, i would think 1/4 " or so is about it.

The rifle you mention i am not familiar with, but i think it is a springer / pump model, and not super powerful, so no need to go for a scope with really huge magnification, something that can do like 12 - 15 X magnification will probably be fine.

20 - 25 X magnification is what i would call normal ( 2 of my scopes are 25 X ) but i also have a 30 X and a 40 X magnification scopes, which is nice if you shoot at flies 90 - 100 yards away, but its not needed for just hitting a 2" target at those distances.

Many scopes do come with rings to install them, so in that case you just need to make sure they are the kind of mount on your rifle, so either 11 mm dove tail or a weaver style mount.

campersam9 said:

Do scope have two rings placed on the scope that attach to the mount on the rifle ? Is there a single bracket that uses two rings?

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@campersam9 You can purchase a set of rings (2 separate rings) or a one-piece scope mount that has two rings on a single mount so that it’s all one piece.

Here’s an example of a one piece mount


Here’s an example of a pair of scope rings