Which Scope Objective Lens Diameters Should You Choose?

Objective lens diameters of scopes can be somewhat confusing because there are usually multiple different sizes.

Obviously, choosing your magnification or magnification range is important, but what about the objective lens diameter? How does this affect shooting? What is best for you?

In this article, we will answer these questions, and give some basic recommendations for you. There’s plenty of information out there, but we will lay it all out here to make it easier for you.





The Basics About Objective Lens Diameters 

Scopes are commonly given a naming convention with a few different numbers. These numbers generally correlate to the magnification and the objective lens diameter. For example, a 3-9×40 scope has a magnification range of 3-9x and an objective lens diameter of 40mm.

What is the objective lens? Simply put, the objective lens is the lens of the scope that is closer to the target. It’s the opposite of the eyepiece, which is closest to your eye. Essentially, it’s the front lens of the scope.

The objective lens is usually larger than the rest of the scope. The reason for this is that if it is larger, more light will be able to pass through the scope. For this reason, you commonly hear that larger scopes are brighter because more light is able to pass through.

Factors to Consider

When looking at the objective lens, there are a few factors to keep in mind. You need to consider the size/weight of the scope, the magnification of the scope, and the light conditions when shooting.

When considering the size of the scope, think about the fact that a larger objective lens will obviously sit much higher than a smaller objective lens. This could be an issue when mounting the scope. You will need different rings, and the scope will sit higher off the firearm. This could actually decrease accuracy, especially at closer range.

The scope sitting higher off the weapon could also make it harder for you to assume a good shooting position. It could throw off your sight picture and make it more difficult to align your eye with the reticle. Instead of getting a good cheek weld with the stock, you may have to shoot from a different position. This will decrease your accuracy, and it will make follow up shots more difficult.

Another thing that comes along with this added size is some more weight. A scope with a larger objective lens will also be much bulkier than a scope with a smaller objective lens. This can be an issue for some shooters, and definitely wouldn’t be great if you have to carry the weapon over longer distances.

When thinking about the magnification range of the scope, we’re talking more specifically about longer range shooting. For high magnification, a larger objective lens is better, because it will allow for a clearer picture. You should find the best ar 15 scope for long-range shooting for your purpose.

However, the flipside of this is that at closer range, it may be more difficult to shoot with a larger objective lens. This is mostly due to the scope sitting higher on the weapon.

Lastly, make sure you take the light conditions into consideration. If you’re going to be shooting at dusk or dawn, a larger objective lens will allow for more light to enter the scope. This will make it easier to see. However, it will not make your field of view any wider. This is a common misconception with larger objective lenses.

Recommendations

If you’re going to be shooting in low light, a larger objective lens is probably a good idea. However, if your targets will primarily be close range, this won’t make much of a difference. The difference in light transmission is negligible at close range.

Generally speaking, a larger objective lens is best if you’re going to be shooting at higher magnification. At higher magnification, it will make it slightly easier to see.

I wouldn’t recommend sacrificing optical quality for a larger objective lens, though. Glass quality will still play a huge role in how clear your scope is. Getting a lower quality scope because it has a bigger objective lens would be a mistake.

For most shooting, a “medium” objective lens in the range of 40mm is more than enough. If your ranges will vary, I would always opt for a medium-sized objective lens. Your effective range will shorten faster in low light conditions, but you will shoot much more accurately at close range.

For low magnification scopes, a smaller objective lens will work well.

The Best Glock Trigger: Here’s What You Need to Know

One of the greatest attributes of Glocks is that they are customizable. There are only a few internal components— which are easy to understand and upgrade. Shopping for the right  trigger is a bit overwhelming due to the number of products available, but if you’re interested in learning about the best Glock trigger brands, please continue reading.

What Are The Good Triggers For Your Glock?

We'll review the best Glock trigger brands in terms of pros and cons, and provide some basic buying recommendations for you as well. This article is intended to be a starting point, but should hopefully direct you in the right direction. Please note that these products are presented in no particular order.

Perhaps you don't want to upgrade your trigger or maybe the one you have broke, and you just want a replacement? No worries—we've got you covered.

Check out this replacement Glock trigger with trigger bar here and the Gen 4  here . Also, take a look at the Gen 5.

Those  products are the same as the standard Glock trigger. However, they are super easy to replace, and are available at an affordable price. For only a couple bucks, you can replace the trigger with a new one, and your weapon will be working like new again.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a new trigger, I would recommend upgrading it entirely— it'll likely improve your shooting.



1.ZEV TECHNOLOGIES - FULCRUM DROP-IN TRIGGER KITS FOR GLOCK®

the best glock trigger ZEV TECHNOLOGIES - FULCRUM DROP-IN TRIGGER KITS FOR GLOCK®

ZEV TECHNOLOGIES - FULCRUM DROP-IN TRIGGER KITS FOR GLOCK®

This aftermarket trigger is one of the highest quality units out there. It’s a full drop-in replacement, and if you get the entire kit, it comes with new springs, a new ejector, and a new firing pin safety plunger. While it is slightly more expensive, the complete package is definitely worth it and gives you improvement in your shooting.

The best attributes of this trigger are the smoothness, break, and adjustability. The trigger pull is unmatched, and the reset is incredibly fast. It’s also adjustable for pre-travel and overtravel, which allows you to fine tune the trigger to your own shooting needs.

Unfortunately, it's expensive, and it’s a little more difficult to install than some of the others. While the trigger is simple to adjust, it's slightly more challenging to install than the manufacturer advertises. Don’t be shocked if you need a gunsmith to help you. Other than that, it's still one of the best aftermarket Glock triggers available.

2. CMC - DROP-IN TRIGGER KIT FOR GLOCK

the best glock trigger CMC - DROP-IN TRIGGER KIT FOR GLOCK

CMC - DROP-IN TRIGGER KIT FOR GLOCK

Up next, we’ve got another drop-in unit, and it's from CMC Triggers. It's easier to install than the previous and is less expensive. This trigger is exceptionally smooth; however, we prefer the Fulcrum from Zev.

The advantage of this unit is that it significantly improves the trigger pull, it's aesthetically pleasing, and simple to install. The trigger smoothens the trigger pull, while also decreasing the pull weight by a couple of pounds. This unit has a flat face trigger, which gives the weapon more of a unique look. Not to mention, it's made of better quality materials than the previous product.

Unfortunately, the downside of this trigger is that it's still pricey. Although the cost is high, the trigger doesn’t come with new springs or any of the other parts that we mentioned with the Zev.

3. Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Trigger

the best glock trigger APEX TACTICAL SPECIALTIES INC - ACTION ENHANCEMENT TRIGGER W/ TRIGGER BAR FOR GLOCK™ GEN5

APEX TACTICAL SPECIALTIES INC - ACTION ENHANCEMENT TRIGGER W/ TRIGGER BAR FOR GLOCK™ GEN5

Lastly, we’ve got this drop-in trigger and bar from Apex. This is by far the least expensive upgrade on our list, and it's of decent quality. The trigger reduces the pull weight and travel from the standard trigger, and has an excellent reset.

The good thing about this trigger is the price and its improvements, as oppsed to the standard Glock trigger. It significantly improves your shooting—which is great for the low price. Plus, its purple color gives your weapon flair.

However, there are a couple of cons. This unit is only consists of the trigger and trigger bar, so you'll have to get the springs separately. Furthermore, it’s not the smoothest trigger on the list. Nonetheless, it’s a significant improvement over the standard trigger.

Buying Recommendation For The Best Glock Trigger

For the average shooter, the Apex brand is a great addition. It improves your shooting and is enjoyable to fire.

However, if you’re a competitive shooter, we recommend the CMC trigger. It’s just starter product but it’s has high quality, and it's one of the best aftermarket Glock triggers. Not only that, but it also smooth and has a great pull. Out of all of the triggers on the list, this is our favorite one. 

Also, check out the best handgun safe for tips on how to keep your Glock safe.

How Does A Glock Trigger Work?

The information in this section might be common knowledge to most of you—or maybe not. Either way, we want to provide as much material as possible. The more you know about it, the better you’ll be at using it and shopping for the best Glock trigger.

A Glock trigger system has three safety features working together while a gun is not in use—a trigger bar, firing pin channel block, and firing pin lug. When a weapon isn’t being used, the block stretches into the firing pin channel and blocks the firing pin. Basically, when a pistol is resting, the trigger can’t be moved. Furthermore, the striker portion of the firing pin is guarded by the firing pin channel block.

Ultimately, the gun can’t be fired any other way other than pulling the trigger. Once the trigger is pulled, the lever raises the trigger bar which releases the firing pin lug and channel block. If the trigger is pulled all the way back, the firing pin sends the striker into the cartridge primer, releasing the bullet.

How To Prevent Accidental Discharge

Every weapon should be treated with care, whether the safety is on or not. If you pull the trigger with bullets in the chamber, the gun will discharge a round. Also, if a round enters the trigger guard and something causes the trigger to jerk, that will make the weapon discharge as well. Therefore, make sure you clear several times prior to pulling the trigger during takedown—before you press the bang switch.

Moreover, ensure that your holster doesn’t have any obstruction while holstering, and thoroughly check your garments beforehand. If something feels strange while you’re holstering, do not proceed! Double check to make sure everything is fine before moving forward.

Lastly, be careful when you’re toting a concealed carry—the trigger should always be covered. Numerous accidents have happened because a trigger got snagged, the belt slid the holster, or a dropped string mistakenly pulled the trigger. That might sound a little ridiculous, but it happens...so be careful!

Final Thoughts On The Best Glock Trigger

Upgrading your trigger will improve your accuracy and be more enjoyable to shoot.

For most weapons, improving the trigger is one of the first upgrades we recommend for you to do, which is super easy for Glocks. 

As you can see, there are quite a few different options out there for  finding the best aftermarket Glock triggers.

Keep in mind that this list was just a starter guide, and there are dozens of other options. 

Hopefully, this list helps you find the best Glock trigger for your weapon.

How To Check if a Gun is Stolen (3 Simple Ways)

If you’re buying a used firearm, there are a couple of things that should cross your mind. You should fully inspect the weapon to make sure it’s in working order, first. However, you should also check to make sure the weapon is legally clean, meaning that it hasn’t been reported stolen.

Not many people think about this, but it could save you some serious legal headache if the gun is actually stolen.

Related Read: What’s the Best Conceal Carry Gun? Top 10 Revealed

Find Out if Any Gun is Stolen

There are a few ways that you can check this. Let’s talk about how to do this.




www.HotGunz.com

There are a couple of different ways for you to check online. One tool is www.HotGunz.com. This website allows you to search the serial number of the gun, and if it’s been reported stolen on the website, you’ll be able to tell.

However, this tool isn’t perfect, because it requires the victim of the theft to know the website exists and requires them to input the serial number as stolen. If they don’t know about the website or didn’t input the serial number, the website is useless.

Manufacturer’s Website

The next way to check online is to check the firearm manufacturer’s website. While not all of them have it, some of the websites have a search function, which will allow you to search the serial number. Other manufacturers will lead you to another site to search.

These search functions come with the same limitations as HotGunz, but the firearm manufacturer will have access to more information so that the original owner will not have to report the theft.

Check with the Police

One very simple way is to check with your local police. They have access to more tools and databases than we do and can do a much more thorough check.

Some state police will allow you to search online. Others don’t have this feature, but all of them will be able to search with a simple phone call. This would be my recommended course of action because they have the most access.

Conclusion

There aren’t a ton of ways to check on the status of a firearm, but it is always worth doing. If you inadvertently buy a stolen firearm, you could find yourself in a sticky legal situation.

Taking the few minutes to check if it’s stolen will save you time in the long run.

What Exactly is AccuTrigger And Should I Be Using It?

Maybe you’ve heard of AccuTrigger, maybe you haven’t. Sure, it sounds cool, but what does it actually mean? Is it just another name for any old trigger in a rifle?

In this article, we will talk about what AccuTrigger really is, and some advantages and disadvantages to using it.

AccuTrigger – A Basic Adjustable Trigger

Simply put, AccuTrigger is a two-stage adjustable trigger. More specifically, AccuTrigger is a specific trigger that the firearms manufacturer Savage Arms uses. If you’re hearing the term AccuTrigger, it refers to Savage Arms’ triggers, but it is also commonly used to describe other, similar triggers.

There were a few terms used there that maybe not everyone will be familiar with. First, let’s talk about what a two-stage trigger is.

Most triggers that you are probably familiar with are single-stage triggers. In this kind of trigger, there is only one motion that is made in the internals of the trigger mechanism. You pull the trigger back, and at some point, it fires. They are very simple.

In opposition to this, a two-stage trigger has more than one internal motion. The first stage of the trigger pull is pulling out the “slack” in the trigger. Once you’ve reached the end of the first stage, you hit a positive wall. Once you pull the trigger any further than this positive wall, you will reach the second stage of the trigger, which fires the weapon.

The next factor of the AccuTrigger is the fact that it is adjustable. While it may seem simple, al that this means is that you can adjust the weight of the trigger pull. You can make it either easier or harder to pull the trigger, which allows you to customize it to your needs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxQZ1M7FXCM

What are the advantages of an AccuTrigger?

Due to the fact that it is a two-stage, adjustable trigger, you will find that it is much easier to shoot.

Ever shot a weapon that you weren’t exactly sure when it was going to fire? When this happens, you subconsciously are anticipating the weapon firing, which can cause you to flinch, and shoot less accurately.

With an AccuTrigger, this is completely eliminated. You know exactly when the weapon will fire due to the positive wall in the two-stage functioning. This will prevent you from flinching, so you will be able to shoot more accurately.

Similarly, this is the same with the adjustable trigger pull. You will be able to fine-tune the amount of pull it takes to fire the weapon so that it meets your needs very precisely. These two things put together will allow you to be a noticeably more accurate shot.

However, this isn’t just with an AccuTrigger. This is applicable with any adjustable, two-stage trigger. While the AccuTrigger was one of the first, similar triggers are used in Ruger and Marlin weapons.

Should I use an AccuTrigger?

What Scope Does The Military Use

If you have never shot a two-stage, adjustable trigger, you should definitely give it a shot (no pun intended). We think that it will significantly increase your shooting abilities.

However, to say that this is absolutely necessary would be false.

If you are doing any type of precision shooting, a high-quality trigger, such as AccuTrigger, is going to be extremely important to you.

But, if you are hunting, a high-quality trigger like this isn’t exactly necessary. It certainly won’t hurt, but you will be able to get by without it.

Conclusion

AccuTrigger, or any other adjustable, two-stage trigger is a great idea. However, if you aren’t a fan of Savage Arms (as many people aren’t), don’t feel that using an AccuTrigger is absolutely paramount.

It will improve your shooting, but there are other choices. For those who don’t like Savage Arms, these other options would be worth looking into.

Featured Image via SavageArms

How Many Magazines Should I Have?

How many magazines should I have? This is a common question among new firearm owners.

It is a fairly simple question, but it doesn’t really have a simple answer. The primary reason for this is because it depends entirely on what you’re using your weapon for.

In this article, we will talk more about this, and make some basic recommendations for you.

Weapon Uses – Hunting, Self Defense, Home Defense, Range Shooting

Before being able to answer this question, you must first identify what type of shooting you’re going to be doing with your new weapon.

Are you planning on hunting? If so, what type of hunting? Different types of hunting warrant having different numbers of magazines.

If you are using your weapon for self-defense, what is the magazine capacity of the weapon? Are you planning on carrying concealed or open?

In a home defense situation, the same question applies. What is the magazine capacity of the weapon?




Hunting

Shotgun Home Defense Ammo-What Should You Choose
Shotgun Home Defense Ammo-What Should You Choose

This really depends on what type of hunting you are doing. If you are doing nothing but deer hunting out of a stand, you really can get by with only having one or two magazines. In a traditional deer rifle, your magazine capacity is pretty low, but you also aren’t having to take many shots per day.

On the contrary, if you are doing any varmint hunting, coyote hunting, or hog hunting, there’s a good chance you’re using a semiautomatic weapon with a much larger magazine capacity.

With this kind of hunting, there’s also a good chance that you will be taking follow up shots in quick succession. As such, it’s probably going to be better for you to own four or so magazines, to be able to have plenty of ammo for the hunt.

Self Defense

Home Defense Tactics
Home Defense Tactics

If you are carrying a single stack 9mm pistol concealed, there’s a good chance that your magazine capacity is going to be in the neighborhood of 7+1. In this kind of situation, having more ammo could be the difference between life and death.

If you only have eight shots to engage the target… well, you better be a good shot. Having an extra two magazines certainly won’t hurt.

But, if you’re carrying a larger weapon with a larger magazine capacity, you probably can get away with only having one magazine and one spare.

Home Defense

Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired
Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired

This one is kind of broad because so many different weapons are used for this. However, my opinion on this is that you are going to be using the weapon in a stationary area. It’s not like hunting or carrying a weapon, where you have to carry the magazines and extra ammo on you at all times.

In a home defense situation, I would keep as many magazines loaded as you feel comfortable with. For any type of weapon, there’s really no reason that you can’t have six magazines loaded and ready to go, just in case. And you should keep your magazines in the best handgun safe for the money in your home, it will keep safe for your family.

Range Shooting

What Is A Match Grade Barrel Who Should Use It
What Is A Match Grade Barrel Who Should Use It

This one depends entirely on how often you want to reload magazines. You can get by with one magazine at the range and change after every shooting iteration, or you can bring six and change less frequently. The choice is yours.

Personally, I like to bring three magazines to the range. It’s less to keep track of, and I don’t have to spend time between every shot group to reload a magazine. It lets me develop a better shooting rhythm.

Conclusion

As you can see, this is a somewhat general question with a somewhat general answer. It really depends on what type of shooting you plan to be doing. Hopefully this article has pointed you in the right direction, or given you a general idea of how many magazines you should really own.

Understanding Handgun Calibers: The Definitive Guide

Looking to purchase a handgun, but not sure what caliber is best for you? In this article, we will go over some of the most common handgun calibers and make some recommendations for you about when to use each one.

Handguns are very widely used. They are commonly used for home defense, personal defense, and can be used for hunting as well. There are tons of different calibers out there, and it can get a little confusing.




The Guide to Understanding Handgun Calibers

We’ll get this started with common pistol calibers, from small to large.

.22LR

Yes, the rimfire cartridge commonly found in bolt action rifles. While not all that common, .22LR can be found in both pistols and revolvers. They don’t see much personal defense or home defense use because the round is so small, but they are pretty fun for just plinking around.

Due to the fact that the ammunition is readily available and pretty inexpensive, most people like their .22LR pistols and revolvers for range shooting. However, some people do decide to carry them. You know the old saying, the gun on you is better than the one in the gun safe. If you’ve got nothing else, carry a .22LR by all means, but you can certainly do better.

.380 ACP for handgun

.380 ACP for handgun
.380 ACP for handgun

Next up we’ve got another small round, the .380 ACP. These bullets are .355 inches in diameter, weigh between 90 and 100 grains, and are fired around 1000 feet per second. These projectiles are still very small, but the round is barely suitable for personal defense.

This round is commonly found in really small frame concealed carry pistols. Many of the pocket pistols and secondary weapons that you see are chambered in .380 ACP. I carry a .380, but only in the summer when people are wearing less clothing. I would definitely recommend 9mm over .380 for personal defense, but .380 is acceptable.

However, for home defense, you aren’t worried about the size of the weapon, so I would recommend a larger caliber projectile.

9mm Luger

Now we’re getting into more widely used rounds. 9mm is one of the most common rounds in the world. The bullets are .355 inches diameter as well, but they weigh 115 to 130 grains and are fired around 1100-1200 feet per second. These bullets are much larger and are fired faster, so this is a better round for any defense purposes.

9mm is a great round for range shooting and any defense purposes.

There’s an absolutely gigantic array of weapons available, ranging from tiny carry weapons to full sized weapons.

You can get a single stack carry weapon in 9mm, but also a double-stack weapon with a 17+ round magazine capacity for home defense. For range shooting, the recoil is manageable, and the ammunition isn’t that expensive.

.40 Smith & Wesson

While this round is not nearly as common as it used to be, .40 Smith & Wesson is a pretty good round. The projectiles are .4 inches in diameter, weigh between 135 and 165 grains, and are fired around 1100 feet per second.

.40 S&W is sort of on the way out, due to the fact that 9mm offers such similar performance in a smaller frame. 9mm is a smaller round, so you are able to fit a few more in a magazine, while achieving similar ballistic results to the .40 S&W.

However, despite this fact, I still think that .40 S&W is a great round for any defense uses. I would shoot 9mm at the range over .40 S&W, but I feel very comfortable carrying around a .40 S&W weapon. There aren’t quite as many weapons out there, but they are suited great for personal and home defense uses.

.45 ACP

Now we’re getting into much larger cartridges. These projectiles are .451 inches in diameter, weigh between 165 and 185 grains, and are fired around 1050 feet per second, dependent on the round.

These are large, heavy bullets that are fired pretty fast. For this reason, they are great for defense uses and as a hunting sidearm.

Due to the size of the cartridge, there aren’t many .45 ACP weapons that are meant for concealed carry. There are a couple, but your magazine capacity is going to be extremely small. I would recommend .45 ACP for home defense, such as in a full-size 1911. This same weapon would be decent for a hunting sidearm, but slightly larger cartridges might perform a little better for this. .45 ACP will take care of smaller targets, but if you’re going to hunt deer with a handgun, you probably want a bigger round.

I’m not going to say you shouldn’t shoot .45 ACP at the range, but the ammunition is pretty pricey. Your wallet will probably thank you if you shoot a smaller cartridge.

10mm

This is the largest pistol cartridge we will talk about. There are some exceptions out there (looking at you, Desert Eagle), but 10mm is the largest pistol cartridge that is really commonly found. The projectiles are slightly smaller than .45 ACP, with a diameter of .40 inches. However, they are usually about the same weight but are fired at 1200-1300 feet per second.

These projectiles generate a lot more energy because they are moving so much faster. In terms of terminal performance, .45 ACP is a larger bullet, so they create larger holes and damage more tissue, but these bullets are moving faster. It’s almost a tie between the two for which one does better in terms of ballistics.

However, I prefer 10mm for hunting because it retains energy over a longer distance. 10mm performs similarly to .45 ACP in terms of handgun hunting. Both are decent cartridges that can put a deer down, dependent on your shot. Personally, I like 10mm better due to the flatter trajectory, but both are decent.

Similar to the .45 ACP, 10mm is decent for defense uses. The round has a lot of recoil, so I wouldn’t recommend it for plinking at the range.

Let’s get into revolver rounds now.

Note: If you have a handgun, i think you should have best handgun safe to keep it safe. It’s very important.

.38 Special

These projectiles are .357 inches in diameter, weigh between 125 and 150 grains, and are fired around 950 feet per second. In terms of ballistics, these bullets are larger and heavier than 9mm bullets but aren’t fired as fast. For the sake of comparison, it definitely outperforms .380 ACP.

Due to the similar performance, I would recommend this for the same uses as 9mm. It’s great for home defense, self-defense, and range shooting. It’s a pretty commonly carried cartridge because there are some tiny revolvers that are available in .38 Special.

.357 Magnum

Up next is another great defense round. The bullets are also .357 inches in diameter and are commonly 125 or 158 grains, but they are fired much faster than .38 Special ammunition. These rounds are fired closer to 1200-1400 feet per second. For this reason, it is an even better defense round. It will do a ton of damage in tissue.

The revolvers are usually not that large, so you can carry them somewhat easily. They are great for home defense as well, and would definitely be fun to shoot at the range.

.44 Remington Magnum

These bullets measure .429 inches in diameter, weigh from 240 to 300 grains, and are fired between 1200 and 1400 feet per second. As you can see, these are some giant rounds that are being fired extremely fast.

While they aren’t as wide as .45 ACP pistol projectiles, they are significantly more heavy, and are fired significantly faster. This round is really devastating. However, as you can imagine, the cartridge itself is pretty large. It’s fired from much larger weapons, so you won’t find many people trying to conceal this.

When you get into these much larger revolver cartridges, you get more into handgun hunting. Due to the fact that the projectiles are so large and are fired so fast, many people do different kinds of hunting with these revolvers.

.44 Magnum is the first of our revolver cartridges that I would recommend hunting with. It will put down all different kinds of animals with relative ease. It’s an excellent choice.

However, this combination of size, weight, and speed also means that the round is good for home defense. While it’s certainly not my first choice to shoot at the range, it is a great revolver to have in the nightstand.

.454 Casull

Similar to the pistols, we won’t talk about the absolute largest revolver cartridges available (such as .460 S&W Magnum), but we will talk about .454 Casull, which is absolutely giant. The bullets are .452 inches in diameter and are usually over 300 grains. They are fired at 1500 to 1600 feet per second.

Once again, these are fired out of huge revolvers. You could definitely hunt with these, and you can definitely defend your home with it as well. They are huge bullets and will do all kinds of damage within a target.

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope Review

In this article we will review this extremely popular riflescope from Vortex Optics.

Vortex is very popular in the industry, and for good reason. They produce some extremely high quality optics, and are available at a pretty reasonable cost.

We will fully review the optic in terms of pros and cons, and make some buying recommendations.

The Features of Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40

What Calibers Can You Build an AR-15

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope Review

This optic measures in at 12.8 inches long with a 40mm objective lens. The magnification range is from 4-12x, and the eye relief is 3.1 inches. Your field of view through the scope is 32.4-11.3 feet at 100 yards.

In terms of size, this scope is not that large, despite its magnification range.

It has some weight to it, but compared to other scopes with similar magnification, this one is definitely around the same size. 

The eye relief is somewhat short, but it definitely works for shooting this scope.



Highlights About Optics Diamondback 4-12×40

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

The scope offers some excellent optical features.

The internals of the scope are fully multi-coated. This allows for maximum light transmission, especially when paired with the large 40mm objective lens.

To put it simply, this light allows maximum light to go through, so you will be able to clearly see everything through the scope.

Another huge pro of this scope is that the reticle is on the second focal plane.

This means that while you change the magnification range, the scale of the reticle remains the exact same. Especially when you are using the bullet drop compensating reticle at longer distance, this is a huge pro for you.

Pros of this product

  • One other thing to consider with the optical features of the scope is how acute the adjustments are. Each click of the turrets allow for a ¼ MOA adjustment. This translates to ¼ inch at 100 yards. As you can see, this is very precise. The turrets also allow for an easy return to zero, once you are done shooting at long distance.

  • However, the best feature of this scope is the durability. It is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof, and the internals are contained within an aluminum housing that is given a hard anodized finish. This makes for a very tough scope that can withstand the elements and any amount of recoil that you can imagine.

Cons

In terms of the optics though, there are a couple cons that we found. For one, dependent on the range at which you zero the rifle, the parallax at close range makes the scope nearly unshootable.

However, this scope really isn’t meant for shooting at close range, as evidenced by the minimum 4x magnification.

Another cons that we identified is that the eye relief is pretty unforgiving.

While the scope can withstand the recoil, the eye relief is pretty difficult to manage, especially with larger caliber weapons.

When using a higher magnification, this eye relief becomes difficult to manage.

Lastly, it can have some glare in it at some times. We would recommend adding a sunshade to optimize this scope.

Comparison with another scope

We will compare this scope to some of its competition: the Leupold VX-R 4-12x40mm and Nikon P-308 4-12x40mm. This comparison will give you an idea about what to expect when purchasing the Vortex Optics Diamondback.

As is well known, Leupold makes some of the highest quality scopes on the market. When comparing the Vortex to the Leupold, the Leupold is clearly a better scope (in my opinion). The optics are way clearer, it is just as durable, and we found the reticle to be easier to use. However, Leupold scopes are notoriously expensive.

Comparing the Nikon and the Vortex is a much closer comparison. Nikon offers great optical features, but the scopes are extremely similar in the end. They are both very accurate and easy to shoot with. The reticles are comparable, and the scopes are nearly identical overall. We give a slight edge to the Vortex, but it is very close.

Recommendation

Upon first looking at this best scope for an AR-15, it’s clear to see that it’s obviously meant for long range hunting or hunting with a larger caliber weapon.

It is extremely durable, and it can withstand any recoil from the weapon. As such, it’s great for big game hunting or for use when shooting shotgun slugs.

However, that’s not to say that it’s impossible to use the scope for anything else.

Due to how precise the adjustments can be on this scope, you could use this for longer range target shooting.

After all, this scope does zoom out to 12x, and it does have ¼ MOA adjustments. For target shooting of this nature, the eye relief may not be as much of a concern either.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a quality scope that offers some great optical features. It is very clear, and extremely durable.

While there are some shortcomings that are to be expected of a scope of this nature, it is a great product for multiple uses when it’s all said and done.

Regardless of your use for the scope, you will pleased with its performance overall.

The Best Red Dot Sight for the AR-15 Rifle

Red dot sights are by far the most popular choice for AR-15's and other AR-frame weapons. Likewise, there are hundreds of different options available on the market. Everyone has their personal favorites, but we can all agree that it is very difficult to decide which is the best red dot sight.

In this article, we will review six of the best red dot sight products available. 

These optics are all great choices, and will serve your weapon well.

We'll discuss all of them in terms of pros and cons, and then we'll provide some buying recommendations for the best red dot sight.

Top Our Pick For Best Red Dot Sight For Ar 15 In 2019

Review of 6 Best Red Dot For AR 15 On The Market

PRODUCT PRODUCT TITLE
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Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

  • Extremely compact
  • Amber-Bright technology
  • Shockproof
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Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sights

  • Extremely easy to use
  • Very durable
  • Waterproof
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Ohuhu Red Green Dot Gun Sight Scope Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles

  • Extremely small
  • Made with an Allen key
  • No eye relief and no parallax
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Holosun HS503C Paralow 133x54x72mm Circle Dot SightHolosun HS503C Paralow 133x54x72mm Circle Dot Sight

  • Durable and reliable
  • Ease of use
  • Solar power
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UTG 4.2" ITA Red/Green CQB Dot with QD Mount, Riser Adaptor

  • Waterproof
  • Fogproof
  • Shockproof
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Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight, Black

  • Extremely compact size
  • Very durable
  • Optical settings
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Continue reading for our full review of the best red dot sight for an AR-15.

1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope best red dot sight

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

This red dot sight from Bushnell is extremely compact. It measures only 2.4 inches long, and only weighs 3.6 ounces—you'll hardly notice that it’s attached to your rifle.

And even better, this scope has unlimited eye relief. You can shoot it with your head placed wherever you want, and with both eyes open. As long as your zero is accurate, your shots will be on target. Just like with the Vortex, this allows for incredibly fast target acquisition.

In terms of light transmission, this scope also performs as well as the Vortex. It has Bushnell’s Amber-Bright technology, and the internals are fully multi-coated. The front lens is amber in color, which improves vision down the sight. However, this scope isn’t quite as bright, because the objective lens is 5mm smaller and slightly limits the amount of light that can enter the optic.

Another similarity to the Vortex is that the scope offers a high level of durability. It's waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof—which is excellent for hunting.

On the other hand, this scope starts to lag a little behind the Vortex is in its accuracy. The reticle of this optic— which is a simple red dot— is 3 MOA in size. It's a pretty large reticle, and at longer distances, the target might completely be covered by the reticle. As you can imagine, that makes it difficult for precise shooting at longer ranges.

Overall, this is an excellent value for the product. It's a quality scope and will serve your AR-15 well. While some have experienced issues with the newer version of this scope, we did not have any problems with ours. It was bright and easy to see the field of view.

2 .Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sights

Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sights best red dot sight

Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sights

I’m sure you’ve heard of Vortex Optics—they are well-known and respected throughout the industry. They produce many different optical products, including rifle scopes and tactical-style red dot sights. The brand offers an excellent combination of quality and affordability.

The Strikefire II is an internal reflex sight that has very bright red or green reticle. It's super easy to use and offers relatively accurate shooting. The entire system is designed for AR-frame weapons, so it's naturally a great choice.

The optic measures 5.6 inches long and weighs 7.2 ounces. The objective lens is 30 millimeters, and the internals are fully multi-coated, which allows maximum light transmission: it makes the scope very bright and easy to see through.

When you’re looking down the optic, there is no parallax, and red dot provides unlimited eye relief, which allows for easy shooting with both eyes open. The reticle is a simple dot, but there are 10 brightness levels, and you can choose between red or green. The lowest settings are night vision compatible and it makes the sight acquire its targets quickly.

When you power the scope up with the rear-facing controls, it instantly reverts back to the previous brightness setting. If you accidentally leave the power on, it will automatically turn off after 12 hours—significantly increasing the battery life.

The scope itself is also very durable. It is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. The optic is made from an aluminum alloy and has been given a hard anodized finish to match. This optic would be great for hunting or any other outdoor shooting, because of how durable it is. Another aspect of the durability of this scope is that it holds your zero for thousands of rounds.

It super easy to make adjustments with this scope and each click results in a ½ MOA movement; it makes your point of impact move by half of an inch at 100 yards. For an AR-15, this is an incredibly precise adjustment, which allows for very accurate shooting.

Overall, this sight is really easy to use, and it's packed with features. It offers the best bang for your buck. We discovered that it was simple and enjoyable to shoot, and we are able to shoot accurately with it.

3. Burris Fastfire III With Picatinny Mount 3 MOA Sight

best red dot sight burris fastfire

Burris Fastfire III With Picatinny Mount 3 MOA Sight

The Burris Fastfire is great if you have multiple firearms you’d like to interchange it with. It works well on hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Not only that, it’s equipped for increased target acquisition.

It’s easy to remove the mFounts, and the Fastfire’s recoil tolerance is top-notch. It can endure the recoil of a 0.45 semi-automatic handgun with ease.

Furthermore, this product lets you change the dot’s elevation without using any other equipment. You can set it on auto-bright or manually adjust the brightness yourself.

For the cost, the Burris Fastfire III is an awesome value. Plus it provides perfect alignment with the target and hits directly where the sight is pointed.

The only downer is that you won’t get a good mount from this sight if you want to put it on a revolver. You’d do better using another product that’s more specific to your needs.

4. Holosun HS503C Paralow 133x54x72mm Circle Dot Sight

best red dot sight Holosun HS503C Paralow 133x54x72mm Circle Dot Sight

Holosun HS503C Paralow 133x54x72mm Circle Dot Sight

This sight from Holosun is a very basic red dot sight. However, don’t let that turn you off from how high quality it is. It's actually one of our favorite red dot sights, despite its simplicity.

The optic measures 5.24 inches long, and weighs in at a tiny 4.25 ounces. As you can see, it’s a really small optic. It’s an internal reflex style red dot, which means that it’s a small tube with two lenses and the actual reticle is inside the tube, between the lenses. The dot is red, and the scope has no magnification.

When most people hear the term “red dot sight,” they think about an external reflex sight. An internal reflex sight works pretty much the same, but the reticle and lights are all on the inside. In my opinion, they are more durable and reliable than external reflex sights, and I think they look a little better.

The pros of this optic are it's ease of use, solar power, and durability.

When we say the ease of use, we mean it in so many different ways. For starters, firing it is a breeze, and the reticle is simple. It’s a basic dot reticle or a circle/dot combination, which makes it super simple to acquire targets and shoot accurately.

The optic is also  adjusted, as most red dots are. All you have to do is open the turrets, and use the simple mechanism to move the reticle. You can clearly to hear and feel the clicks, and it gives you peace of mind in that zero.

Another component of its ease of use is how straightforward it is to install the optic. It has a crossbar style mount, meaning that you can mount it to either Picatinny or Weaver style rails.

The solar power also aids in the simplicity of the scope. Solar energy is something not commonly used in optics. For us, we really liked the feature. The reticle brightness adjusts to the light outside, and when it’s bright enough to power the solar panel, the optic stays on the entire time. As you can imagine, this makes it so simple to use.

This scope also has a battery backup, when it’s not bright enough out to use solar power. The battery life is fantastic, and the scope automatically turns off after a waiting period.

The con of this optic is that it's quite pricey, and it isn’t the most precise optic available. The cost is primarily due to the solar power, and similar optics without this feature are less expensive —based on my research. But in our opinion, it’s worth the extra money.

5. UTG 4.2" ITA Red/Green CQB Dot with QD Mount, Riser Adaptor

best red dot sight UTG 4.2" ITA Red/Green CQB Dot with QD Mount, Riser Adaptor

UTG 4.2" ITA Red/Green CQB Dot with QD Mount, Riser Adaptor

The UTG 4.2-inch ITA scope is affordably priced, but it offers some decent features. While it isn’t the highest quality scope available, it definitely works for basic tactical uses and range shooting. You wouldn’t shoot in competitions with it, but it's doable.

It measures 4.17 inches long and weighs 9.8 ounces. Similar to the last optic, it’s a standard red dot with no magnification. However, it's different because it has a T-style reticle, which is either red or green.

The highlights of this product are its simplicity and durability. While the optics of the previous sight are better quality, this scope is average—for basic shooting, it works just fine.

The ease of this scope is similar to the Holosun— therefore, we won’t repeat the same features. However, this product has a quick detach base, allowing you to flip a lever to remove it from a Picatinny rail.

As with the Holosun, UTG is also a durable optic. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, and the internals are durable enough to withstand the recoil of multiple weapons. Plus, you can use it on shotguns and rifles with large calibers as well.

Unfortunately, the downside is that the reticle isn’t as simple to operate, isn’t bright enough, and it's not precise. I prefer the circle/dot combination reticle over the T-style—it makes the target acquisition slightly slower, and it's harder to get an accurate shot.

Speaking of the reticle, on bright days it can be challenging to see. The red dot works better than the green dot, but both are hard to view when it’s sunny outside.

Plus, the adjustments of this optic are low as well. If you’re shooting at longer distances, it’s challenging to be accurate with this scope. The reticle is large, and you can’t adjust it properly.

6. Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight, Black

best red dot sight Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight, Black

Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight, Black

Last up, we’ve got an excellent optic from Sig Sauer. Similar to the previous two optics, this one is an internal reflex sight that is very compact in nature and has no magnification range.

It only measures 2.47 inches long and weighs only 5.1 ounces. As you can see, this is a tiny optic. It’s got a simple 2 MOA red dot style reticle, and really does have some great features. In regard to optical clarity, this may be my favorite on the list.

The biggest advantage of this weapon—other than it's compact size—is its durability, MOTAC, and optical settings. As with all of the other optics, this one is very durable. However, Sig takes it to another level by guaranteeing that the optic is IPX-7 rated.

The MOTAC is a Sig creation. Essentially, the optic is motion activated and will turn on when it senses motion, and turns off when it doesn’t— It’s that simple. It saves a lot of battery. I still prefer the solar power of the Holosun, but by a very slim margin.

Another advantage of this product is that it has two night vision settings to go along with its eight standard settings. It has a wider variety than the other optics mentioned.

Just like the other sights on the list, the red dot is large, and the adjustments aren’t that precise. It's difficult for longer range shooting, but it works for CQB style shooting, and casual range use.

Buying Recommendations for the best red dot sight

Now that we’ve discussed the scopes, let's go over some buying recommendations.

Simply put, the Vortex is the best of the group.

If you are going to be shooting in low-light conditions or under night vision, the Vortex is the right choice. It will allow more light to pass through, and will be easier to see down.

For hunting, the Bushnell and the Vortex are both great options, because of  how durable they are.

The Advantages Of Using A Red Dot

The primary advantage of using a red dot sight over other optical scopes is that it’s more affordable. Not only that, but they’re a lot safer than sights that use holographic technology. Unfortunately, if a holographic sight breaks, your eye could potentially come into contact with the laser and cause damage.

Another great benefit of red dots is that it spots targets quickly. The scope accommodates a variety of firearm sizes, and it helps you precisely view your target with both eyes.

What To Look For When Buying The Best Red Dot Sight

Luckily, one red dot sight fits a variety of AR-15’s within the same class—which helps you save money on buying multiple equipment. With that said, you want to choose one that’s durable, has good performance, and is interchangeable.

You can find a cheap red dot for about fifty bucks, but we’d advise you to stay away from those. Primarily because  you’ll find yourself replacing it regularly—it’s best to invest in a quality dot and save yourself the headache.

In regards to the MOA  dot size to get, 4MOA will due for professional shooters. It usually does well on multiple types of guns, especially rifles. On the other hand, if you’re a private consumer range, 2MOA to 3.5MOA is the best fit.

Lastly, you have to make sure you get a size you’re comfortable with. A dot that’s too large makes it difficult to see the target clearly, and one that’s too little is distracting.

Final Thoughts On The Best Red Dot Sight

Hopefully, our review of the best red dot sight was useful to you. When considering some of the things that we mentioned, it should be easier for you to select an optic for your weapon.

Buying a the best red dot sight for your AR is an overwhelming experience. Choosing one of these, especially the Bushnell or the Vortex, will be a great choice for you.

For range shooting, either of these two options is a great choice. They are both good optics, but the Vortex may be slightly more accurate, especially at longer distance.

Shotgun Home Defense Ammo-What Should You Choose?

For many reasons, shotguns are considered the ideal home defense weapon. At short range, they are extremely deadly. For home defense, this is an ideal situation. In the event that someone were to break into your home, a shotgun should be the first weapon you reach for.

However, shotgun shells can be a little confusing. What really is the best shotgun ammunition for home defense?

In this article, we will go over some of the best options, and talk about what makes them so great.

The Basics – Types of Shotgun Ammunition




Shotgun ammunition can be a little confusing. There are three different main types, and beyond that, there are sizes for each.

The primary types of shells are buckshot, birdshot, and slugs. Birdshot has more, smaller pellets. Buckshot has fewer pellets, but they are significantly larger. A slug is one solid piece of metal, and they are usually very large in size. This turns your shotgun into a crude rifle and is very effective for taking down big game.

Next up, there are numbers associate with each type. For example, there is 00 buckshot, #4 birdshot, 4 buckshot, #8 birdshot, and many more.

As the number increases, the number of pellets within the shell increases. However, this also means that the size of the pellet decreases.

So, for example, #8 birdshot has hundreds of pellets that are .09 inches in diameter. #2 birdshot has 90 pellets that are .15 inches in diameter.

#4 buckshot pellets are .24 inches in diameter, and 00 buckshot pellets are .33 inches in diameter.

Make sense so far?

So, Which of These are the Best for Home Defense?

As you can imagine, buckshot is the best for home defense. Birdshot has more pellets, but they are very small in size, and usually don’t penetrate deep enough to be effective against a human target.

Buckshot penetrates much deeper, and it has larger pellets to damage more critical tissue.

Slugs would be effective in bringing down a target, but they require much greater accuracy, and they penetrate too deep. If you were to miss your target, that slug would travel through anything in its way for quite some time. This can be dangerous in a home defense situation.

What About Specific Ammunition?

How to choose a shotgun
How to choose a shotgun

In general, 00-1 buckshot is more than effective rounds for home defense. If you aren’t interested in buying ammo specifically for home defense, any of these buckshot shells will work. In fact, the military and many police departments use simple 00 buckshot for their shotguns.

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However, there are some ammo choices available that are made specifically for home defense. Keep reading to check some of these out.

  • Federal Premium Personal Defense PD13200. This is a simple 00 buckshot shell. It is aimed for home defense and is loaded with 9 pellets. It offers reliable, tight shot groups, and does more than enough damage.
  • Federal Tactical 1 Buckshot. This is a 1 buckshot round. Similar to the previous ammo, this ammo offers reliable groups. However, this one has 15 pellets as opposed to 9.
  • Winchester PDX1. These rounds are more specifically for personal defense. In 12 gauge, there is a segmenting slug and one shell that has a slug and buckshot in it. The segmenting slug will break apart on impact, which damages more tissue. The slug and buckshot round spreads apart very rapidly, so you are able to cover more surface area.

Conclusion

As previously mentioned, shotguns are absolutely key to home defense. However, due to how confusing shotgun shells can be, it is difficult to choose one specific ammo for home defense.

Generally speaking, buckshot is a great choice. While there are fewer pellets, they are much larger. However, if you are looking for a shell that is specifically for home defense, there are a few out there. Winchester specifically makes a great shell for personal defense.

You can’t go wrong with most buckshot, but getting a more specific shot for home defense certainly won’t hurt. The extra cost will be worth it in the event that you need it.

What Exactly is A Round of Ammunition?

Obviously, ammo is round in shape. However, what really is one round?

I’m sure most people have the general idea right. One round is one cartridge or one shotgun shell. However, the term is commonly mixed up with the term “bullet.”

So, in this article, we will cover the absolute most basic parts of ammunition. In doing so, you will understand what exactly a round is, and how it is different from a bullet.




Handgun and Rifle Ammo Components

When looking at a handgun or rifle round, they are really pretty similar. These rounds are composed of a bullet, which is located inside a casing, which is filled with a propellant.

The bullet is the “front” of the round. It is the actual projectile that will fly through the air. It is also the part that will enter the target, whatever that may be.

This bullet is crimped into the casing, which is the larger brass part that makes up a good portion of the round. This casing will be ejected from the weapon after the trigger is pulled.

The casing has a primer on the very back of it. When you pull the trigger, the firing pin in the weapon will strike the primer. The primer has a very sensitive igniter in it, which will light the propellant.

The propellant is located inside the casing. It is never seen by the normal shooter because it is contained within the casing and is completely consumed after firing.

After the primer is struck, the igniter lights the propellant. The propellant, or gunpowder, burns rapidly, which creates gas pressure. This gas pressure is what actually fires the bullet downrange.

All of these components added together are referred to as a cartridge. One “round” of ammunition is simply one cartridge.

Shotgun Ammunition

Shotgun ammunition is slightly different. Instead of having a brass casing, shotgun shells have a plastic hull. These plastic hulls are crimped at the end opposite the primer.

Instead of one bullet, shotgun shells have “shot” in them.

Shot refers to the pellets that are located within the hull.

Shotguns traditionally fire many pellets, as opposed to only one bullet.

The shot is actually inside of the hull, as opposed to rifle ammo, where you can see the projectile.

Shotgun shells also have what is called a “wad.” The wad is located between the powder and the shot. Its purpose is to protect the shot and trap the gas behind the shot, which allows the shell to work.

Other than these terminologies, shotgun shells work very similar to handgun and rifle ammunition. They have a primer, which ignites the powder and propels the shot downrange.

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Conclusion

As you can see, ammunition is pretty simple. One “round” simply means one cartridge or one shotgun shell. It’s really that simple.

Ammunition can get a little confusing, but understanding the basics will give you a better grip on ammunition as a whole.

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