Blog - Page 9 of 16 - Daily Shooting | Shooting Tips And Reviews

How Long Will Ammo Last For?

Wondering about the shelf life of ammunition is an extremely common question that most people have.

Whether you are hoping to stockpile ammunition for any number of purposes or have found some older ammunition, it is extremely common to wonder how long it will last for.

While there is no one single answer, as not all ammo is the exact same, there are a few rules of thumb to follow.

Most ammunition is good for at least 10 years, but a few factors can affect this. The primary factors that will shorten this shelf life are being exposed to high heat or moisture.

Temperature

At high temperatures, the chemical composition of the gunpowder can start being affected. While it may not be instantaneous, sustained exposure to extremely high heats can negatively impact the ammunition. Over time, it may cause the round to be less effective, and eventually could lead to the ammunition not working.

Moisture

When ammunition is exposed to moisture, whether it is submerged in water or experiences high humidity, the powder could potentially become ineffective.

Once the propellant gets wet, it may not burn, so the ammunition may not function.

Generally speaking, manufacturers say that their ammunition is supposed to last for 10 years. However, this is just a general number that they give.

There is absolutely no reason that the ammo can’t be used after 10 years, if it is stored properly. Ammunition that is stored in a generally cool and dry place will last for well past 10 years. While it may not be the best idea to keep ammunition for this long, there’s no reason that it wouldn’t still function.

3 Tips For Storing Your Ammunition

Try to store ammunition indoors in a climate controlled room. Best gun safe is good choice.
If you must store it outdoors or in the attic, keep it in a place that won’t be in direct sunlight
Consider using an ammo can – they will keep the ammunition cooler and protect from moisture

One thing to keep in mind is that once your ammunition has been taken out of this cool and dry environment, it should be used at your soonest convenience.

If you take your ammo out to the range on a hot or rainy day, or take it out hunting in the swamp, your best bet is to expend that ammo sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ammo will last as long as you treat it right. As long as it’s stored in a cool and dry environment, there is no reason that the ammo can’t last for decades.

However, once it has been exposed to high heat or moisture, you run the risk of it being no good.

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Unlimited Guide to Red Dot Sights (Definition/Type/Pros And Cons)

Red dot sights are extremely common on many modern rifles.

While they are extremely simple sights, most people do not understand exactly how they work.

Red Dot Sights in use

Curious about the basics of red dot sights? Look no further. In this article, we will go over the types of red dot sights, how they work, pros and cons of red dot sights, and potential uses.

Red dot sight is NOT exactly a specific type of sight; it is more of a general term.

The term “red dot sight” is used to describe any number of electronic weapon optics that utilize a red dot as an aiming point.

Green dots are also extremely common in weapons optics that would usually be referred to as a “red dot sight.”

Types of Red Dot Sights and How They Work

The different types of red dot sights have been written about on this website before, but I will give a very brief refresher of each, if you want to find more, click here:

The first type is a prism sight. Prism sights are very small and utilize a prism to focus the image you see down the scope, rather than the traditional series of lenses. They are often called “red dot sights” because of the illuminated reticle they commonly have. Generally speaking, they offer a small magnification.
Reflex sights are the most common type of red dot sights. Exposed reflex sights have an aiming point that is projected from the rear of the sight onto one single aiming window. They are extremely small, as they only have one small window. When you think of a “red dot sight,” odds are you are thinking about an exposed reflex sight. Internal reflex sights have two lenses, and the rear one projects the aiming point onto the forward lens. They are a tube shape.
Holographic sights are similar in appearance to exposed reflex sights. They differ in that they essentially use a picture of a reticle sandwiched between glass layers. EOTech owns the patent on holographic sights.

I already have post compare red dot vs scope, You should read it if you are confusing about this.

What Are Pros and Cons of Red Dot Sights

Why is Red Dot Sight Good?

The biggest pros of red dot sights are the versatility and the ease of use.

Pros of red dot sights

No matter what type of shooting you are doing, there is a red dot sight that will meet your needs.

There are magnified red dot sights as well as non-magnified red dot sights.

There are battery operated red dot sights as well as sights that do not require batteries.

Red dot sights are extremely easy to use. Once you have zeroed the sight, it’s as simple as point and shoot.

As opposed to iron sights, where you have to line up the rear sight and the front sight, red dot sights are extremely easy to use.

Reflex sights and holographic sights in particular are easy to use, because you can shoot them with both eyes open.

Red dot sights vary significantly in price. There are entry level red dot sights available at extremely affordable prices, while some of the higher quality sights are much more expensive.

More expensive sights, such as an EOTech holographic sight, will have a smaller MOA measurement.

So What's MOA?

MOA, or minutes of angle, is a measurement of the size of the reticle.

1 MOA commonly translates to 1 inch at 100 yards. A smaller MOA means that the reticle will cover less of targets at greater distances, allowing you to get a more accurate shot.

What's downside of Red Dot Sights?

The cons of red dot sights are kind of dependent on the type of red dot sight.

Prism sights have a smaller eye relief, meaning your eye has to be closer to the scope to accurately aim.

Reflex sights aren’t available with magnification, unless it is a completely separate scope.

Holographic sights are expensive.

Uses of a Red Dot Sight

As previously mentioned, red dot sights are extremely versatile.

They can be used for any number of different types of shooting. For just casual shooting, you would be fine with any number of red dot sights.

For accurate distance shooting, you would be better off with a prism sight or a holographic sight.

For hunting, any type of red dot sight would excel, as long as it is waterproof.

Related: If your own an ar15, i highly recommend you buy the best ar15 scope. I like to use an scope than red dot,

Conclusion

Overall, red dot sights are an excellent sight for the modern rifle.

The three different types all vary slightly, but are similar in that they use some type of dot type reticle for aiming.

While each type has its pros and cons, rest assured that there is a red dot sight available that will meet your needs.

While older shooters may not agree, red dot sights are the rifle sights of the future.

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How To Zero A Rifle Scope In The Best Way

So, you just came home with your brand new rifle scope and got it installed on your rifle. Now you’re wondering, how do I go about getting this scope zeroed?

Zeroing a rifle scope is a relatively easy task, but many people are unsure exactly how to do this. In this article, we will go over some basics and talk about how to actually zero your rifle to your weapon.

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What does it mean to “zero” a rifle scope?

Zeroing a rifle scope refers to aligning the point of impact with the aiming point. It’s a process of adjusting your scope to ensure that the projectile will actually impact where your aim point is. A rifle scope is zeroed when the bullet actually hits where you put your crosshair or aiming reticle.

Before you can start zeroing your rifle scope, make sure you understand how to go about adjusting your scope. You may have to look in the owner’s manual for your rifle scope to figure it out. To adjust a rifle scope, it is pretty common to spin a knob or turn an Allen key.

How to zero your scope:

To start, you need to select the distance at which you are going to zero your rifle scope. This should be based on the distance that you are planning to shoot your rifle.

If you are zeroing a rifle that will be used for long distance shots, you are probably going to want to zero it at a greater distance. I would recommend starting the zeroing process of a brand new rifle scope at a much closer distance, such as 25 meters.

If you need to shoot at longer distance, once you’ve got a 25 meter zero, you can confirm your zero at 100 meters or longer. Check the best long range scope for ar15 to get easy for zero.

There are paper targets available that are meant specifically for zeroing. These targets have a grid system, which will tell you how much you need to adjust your scope by based on the distance you are shooting with. However, any paper target will work. A paper target without grids will just take longer and require a little bit more guesswork.

Once you’ve got the target set up at your prescribed distance, use the following steps to accurately zero the scope.

Aim at the center of mass of the target, and shoot three rounds
Place the weapon on safe, and go down to check where your shots hit
Adjust the scope as necessary, using the owner’s manual. If your point of impact was to the right of the aiming point, adjust the scope to move the crosshairs or reticle accordingly

Continue to fire three round iterations and adjust your scope until your scope is zeroed. You will know that the scope is zeroed once you are accurately hitting what you are aiming at. Keep in mind, this may require multiple targets and quite a bit of time to perfect.

If your shot isn’t on paper at 25 meters, you have a couple options. You can either get a larger target or move the target in to a closer distance. This will allow you to start the process of getting your scope zeroed.

What next?

From there, you can confirm your zero at a greater distance. Minor mistakes will be more magnified over a greater distance, so it may require more adjustments when you shoot at a greater distance.

While most scopes are pretty durable, repeated rounds through the rifle will eventually move the scope slightly. It’s a good idea to reconfirm your zero every once in awhile before you go shoot or hunt.

Conclusion

As you can see, zeroing a rifle scope is a relatively easy process, but people who are new to firearms may be a little confused by exactly how to do it.

Zeroing your scope simply means ensuring that your bullet will hit exactly where your crosshairs or reticle are. It is easy to do, but it does take some time. It may also require getting into the owner’s manual of your scope to figure out exactly how to adjust it.

Shed Antlers: A Natural Process for Deer

Deer are among the most mystical creatures on the planet. Long sought after by hunters. The cause of many ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ among children and hikers. A regular sighting in many regions throughout the world.

But with how common deer are throughout North America, it’s surprising how little most people know about them. We’re aiming to change that.

Today we’re going to take a look at how and why deer shed their antlers.

What are antlers?

Antlers on deer are, for all intents and purposes, an extension of bone.

what's deer antler jans canon

Honeycombed bone, to be exact, that grows outside of the body. They extend outward from the pedicles. These are permanent fixtures on a deer’s head that develop during the first year of the buck’s life.

Each year, the antlers protrude outward from the pedicles.

There may be slight differences in the antlers year to year.

A buck’s health is one major reason for this.

The antlers will develop quickly. The process usually doesn’t take longer than two to four months and starts late in the Spring here in North America.

Testosterone, the male hormone, is the main factor in how a deer’s antlers will develop. Velvet is formed.

Over the course of the Spring, Summer, and Fall, the deer will typically rub his antlers against trees.

The velvet, as a result, shrinks and starts to tumble off, a procedure that actually benefits the animal because the antlers are strengthened and grow back again the next year.

The entire procedure is rehashed every Spring, and as long as the deer maintains decent testosterone levels he will keep his antlers deep into the Autumn season.

Here is a time lapse antler growth video:

Natural cycles which cause deer to shed their antlers

Why do deer shed their antlers?

It may not surprise you to learn that the reason this happens is purely natural. It all starts during the rut. Throughout this time, deer begin to lose the velvet on their antlers. It usually begins to happen in November in North America.

The biggest reason behind this is a drop in testosterone in the deer. As the testosterone drops, the antlers begin to loosen and eventually fall off. Without high levels of testosterone, the deer experience a weakening in the tissue, as well as the bones, at the base of the antlers.

Once a significantly low point is reached, the antlers fall off.

When does this happen?

There is a defined evolutionary process behind the shedding of a deer’s antlers. How familiar are you with photoperiods? Photoperiods act alongside the testorone to develop the antlers and determine when they will fall off. Genes also help determine early or late development and shedding of antlers because family history can have an impact on the overall health of the deer.

Emotional factors play into this as well. Deer experience social anxiety much like humans, which has a negative impact on their health and thus can lead to earlier dropping of the antlers.

A deer will generally lose his antlers at a similar point every year, barring medical emergency. Testosterone levels rise during the development and the subsequent shedding of the velvet. As the seasons begin to change, the physiological reaction of antler shedding is triggered.

When should a hunter get out and find the sheds?

Depending on where you are located in North America, early spring is typically the best time. Those in Colorado and southern parts of the country can start earlier because it typically warms earlier than it does in Canada, Minnesota, and other northern and colder areas.

We like to point out that while antlers can be found year round, the rise in popularity of collecting them generally means that if you aren’t on the ball early in the spring, there’s a strong chance that you will miss out entirely.

February for southern areas is a great time to start. Further north, March into April will suffice. Often, it depends on snow melt because the antlers might get covered over the course of the winter.

Light snow years mean that antler hunters can get out earlier than during heavy snow years. Ar15 with best scope for deer hunting is good choice in a deer hunt

Here is a great video of a buck shedding antlers.

How long does it take for a deer to lose its antlers?

This all depends on how rapidly the deer’s testosterone levels drop.

In many cases, this can happen in less than two days. The antlers may appear to be firmly affixed one day. Then, as the rut progresses and natural cycles occur, the antlers begin to loosed rapidly

Before long, a sudden jerk of the head or scare from afar puts that final feather on the dam. The tissue is no longer strong enough to support the antlers, and as a result they simply fall off.

Generally speaking, peak condition bucks will hold onto their antlers longer than unhealthy or weaker bucks. They are able to maintain stronger tissue and remain in better physical condition, resulting in higher than average antler-to-head durability.

Late drop can be affected by a few distinct causes. Variable deer populations in an area play a big role. Low population means shedding won’t optimize until late March or April.

Second, first-year grovels that achieve rearing weight their first winter will come into estrous. This for the most part happens well after the pinnacle groove and is the primary driver of the second trench in many spots.

Also, circumstances like these will keep a buck’s testosterone levels higher for longer periods of time. If there is a lot of rivalry going on among male bucks, testosterone levels will peak. Strong mating seasons also have a similar effect.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got a general understanding of why and when deer shed their antlers.

The most important thing to keep in mind is what part of the continent you’re in. We can’t emphasize this enough- get out early! Early season leads to better antlers that are found with more ease and less time.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, please give us a share on social media. We all love deer, hunting, and antler collecting. Help us spread the good vibes! If you have specific hints on antler collecting that relate to your area, leave them in the comments below. Let’s make this the ultimate resource for antler knowledge!

What’s Difference Between Shotguns vs Rifles and Who Should Use Which?

To someone new to hunting or firearms, it can be a difficult to decision to choose between a shotgun and a rifle.

In this article, we will go over the pros and cons of each, and make recommendations for when each one is better.

Before starting, we will go over some shotgun and rifle basics.

What Are Shotguns?

Shotguns are firearms that shoot shells rather than the traditional cartridge.

Shells are loaded into the shotgun, and are either automatically or manually (pump style) cycled through after shooting the shotgun.

Shotguns traditionally fire “shot,” which is a higher quantity of smaller projectiles, but can also fire a slug. Slugs are one larger projectile, and essentially make the shotgun a basic rifle.

The Pros and Cons of Shotguns

The pros of a shotgun are the versatility, legality, and slug size.

Shotguns are some of the most versatile weapons. With very few changes, you can hunt birds and big game with the exact same weapon.

weapon used has a significant impact on the range

By changing the shell used, you are able to do many different types of hunting with a shotgun.

In some places, you are not able to hunt with a rifle. In this situation, a shotgun shooting a slug is an excellent choice to be able to hunt.

Similarly, a slug that is shot from a shotgun is generally much larger and heavier than traditional rifle projectile.

As a result, a shotgun shooting slugs is much deadlier.

The cons of a shotgun are the accuracy and the range.

When a shotgun is used to shoot slugs, it is not nearly as accurate as a high quality rifle.

While scopes can be mounted on a shotgun, the accuracy is still limited.

There are shotguns available specifically for slugs with a rifled barrel, but this limits the shotgun to only shooting slugs.

Similarly, the range is limited to 75-100 yards, while high quality rifles can easily shoot out to 300+ yards.

What Are Rifles?

While there are countless different types of rifles, they all function basically the same.

Rifles fire a traditional cartridge, which has a projectile located above a propellant filled casing. Rifles fire this projectile downrange at extremely high rates of speed. There are many different cartridge sizes available.

The Pros and Cons of the Rifle

The pros of a rifle are the range, accuracy, and the available options.

Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight-2

As previously mentioned, many modern rifles can accurately shoot out to 300+ yards.

When paired with modern optics, shooting to 300 yards is not even a stretch for the experienced marksman.

Due to the rifling in the barrel, rifle projectiles are able to travel much further and much more accurately.

With modern rifles, there are many options available. There are seemingly endless cartridge sizes and ammunition types.

Choosing the exact cartridge size you would like to shoot and pairing it with a hand chosen ammunition will help to ensure your exact needs are met.

However, even with the multiple cartridge and ammunition possibilities, rifles are still extremely limited compared to shotguns.

If you are having an ar15, you should choose the best optic for your AR-15.

The cons of a rifle are its limited uses and potential legality issues.

Despite the fact that there are so many cartridges available, once you select your rifle, that specific cartridge is all that the weapon will be able to shoot.

With a shotgun, you can shoot multiple different loads of shot as well as slugs.

The other con, as previously mentioned, is that in some areas it is not legal to hunt with a rifle.

Why would a hunter choose to use a shotgun with slugs instead of a rifle?

First, there are some places where it’s illegal to hunt with a rifle.

In areas like this, hunting with a slug gun is absolutely necessary. However, there are other reasons to use a shotgun slug instead of a rifle as well.

If you hunt in an area with a lot of brush, a slug will travel through brush much better than a rifle bullet. Similarly, due to the stopping power, if you’re shooting within 100 yards, a shotgun is a better choice.

Shotgun Slug vs Rifle Bullet

Shotgun slugs and rifle bullets are similar in some regards, but different in others.

On one hand, they are both largely used for hunting deer and other larger animals. However, there are some key differences. Right off the bat, the biggest difference is the size.

Shotgun slugs commonly weigh about an ounce (437.5 grains), while rifle bullets are usually closer to 150 grains, dependent on the size.

Slugs are also significantly wider, at .69 inches in diameter, compared to rifle bullets which are commonly half that diameter or less.

As you can imagine, the significantly increased size and weight of the slug can be extremely devastating. A well placed shot with a slug will stop a deer dead in its tracks.

Recommendations

If you are planning on doing nothing but hunting for larger animals, such as deer, elk, and hogs, I would recommend getting a fine tuned modern rifle
If you know for a fact that you will be taking similar shots over and over again, a rifle is going to be your best bet, as long as it is legal in your area.
If you live in a flat area, where you will likely be taking long distance shots, you absolutely need a rifle.
If you plan on doing multiple types of hunting, but don’t mind buying multiple weapons, I would still recommend a rifle due to the increased accuracy and range.
However, if you plan on doing multiple types of hunting, but only want one firearm, a shotgun is the way to go. Choosing different loads will allow you to do many different types of hunting with this one versatile weapon.
If you plan on only hunting for birds, a shotgun is definitely your best bet.
If you live or hunt in a heavily wooded area, I would recommend a shotgun. As a result of the terrain, it is unlikely that you are going to take any shots at long distance. The added size and weight of a shotgun slug will be deadlier, but will also cut through foliage better.
If it’s illegal to hunt with rifles where you’re from, a shotgun is your best bet. If you’re looking for a home defense weapon, a shotgun will function admirably.

Conclusion

As you can see, both rifles and shotguns serve specific purposes.

While there are definitely circumstances where one is better than the other, they are both very useful weapons.

Shotguns are some of the most versatile firearms out there, and modern rifles have come a long way in terms of effective range and accuracy.

All said, decide what you need your firearm to do, and decide from there whether a shotgun or a rifle better suits your needs.

What Are Shotgun Slugs and When Is It Better to Use a Slug?

To first understand the basics of shotgun slugs, you must understand what exactly a slug is and how a shotgun works.

How a shotgun works

A shotgun is a firearm that shoots shells rather than the traditional rifle cartridge.

So what's the shotgun shells?

Shotgun shells are generally plastic and are filled with their intended projectiles
Shotgun shells are commonly filled with smaller projectiles, called shot, but can also have one singular piece of metal, called a slug

The traditional rifle cartridge is generally some type of a metal filled with a propellant and the projectile on top of the cartridge. Both are fired by a firing pin striking a primer.

After the shotgun is fired, many shotguns are pump action. When the pump is pushed rearward, it ejects the spent shell, and loads in the next shell.

What exactly is a slug

As previously mentioned, a slug is one solid projectile, rather than smaller projectiles, such as birdshot or buckshot.

When a slug is fired from a shotgun, one larger solid projectile is fired, making it similar to a rifle firing a bullet. A shotgun firing a slug can be viewed as a simple rifle.

Pros and cons of using a slug

Strength of Slug

When compared to a similar hunting rifle, a shotgun slug is much heavier. source

Generally speaking, a rifle slug is at least twice as heavy as a comparable rifle bullet. I have a article to compare shotgun with rifle, you can read it in here.

While an advanced rifle fires its projectile nearly twice as fast, the sheer weight of a shotgun slug makes it extremely deadly.

The Cons of Slugs

However, the range of a shotgun with a slug is much less than that of a rifle.

A general rule of thumb is that slugs work within 100 yards. Modern advanced rifles can accurately shoot out to at least three times that far.

Another con of using a slug is that they cost slightly more than rifle ammunition.

Man is holding his Shotgun

When is it better to use a slug?

There are multiple situations in which using a shotgun firing slugs would be better than using a rifle. This is some situations:

Legal issue: In some states and areas, you aren’t able to hunt using a rifle. In an area like this, using a shotgun shooting slugs will allow you to continue hunting legally
About weight: If you are hunting large game, due to the weight of the shotgun slug, you will have a deadlier shot. While there are also bigger rifle cartridges, these come with larger weapons. Shotguns are generally easier to carry around than a much larger comparable rifle
About performance: In heavily wooded areas, using a slug may also be preferential. As a result of the added weight and size, a slug will be able to penetrate through brush easier. Similarly, in any situation in which your expected shot is within 100 yards, a slug will be better than most rifle cartridges, because it is more deadly.

Conclusion

Shotguns are an extremely versatile weapon. Slugs are just another facet of their versatility.

Shooting slugs from a shotgun give you a basic rifle. While the range is greatly decreased, it fires a much larger and heavier projectile than most rifles, making it a much deadlier projectile. (You should choose the best scope for ar15 rifle to make a perfect shot)

While the slug is by no means a one size fits all answer, there are definitely specific circumstances in which shooting a slug is more than likely better than most rifles.

While it will ultimately come down to personal preference, a shotgun shooting slugs is a formidable weapon for hunting.

Which is Better Between Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired?

Despite the fact that a striker and a hammer serve the same purpose, they are actually a little bit different.

Striker Fired vs Hammer Fired

Ever wondered when a striker fired weapon may be better than a hammer fired weapon?

In this article, we will go over the differences between the two and a comparison about when each firing mechanism is better to have.

For starters, striker fired and hammer fired refer to how the firearm actually fires a bullet.

What's Hammer Fired Weapon?

A hammer fired weapon, as the name may imply, has a hammer.

A perfect example is a revolver and any 1911 semiautomatic pistol.

When you rack the slide of a hammer fired weapon, it cocks the hammer back.

When you pull the trigger, the hammer will fall, which strikes the firing pin. The firing pin then springs forward and punches the primer of the cartridge, which then initiates the propellant that sends the bullet down range.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that not all hammer fired weapons have external hammers. There are some weapons that have internal hammers that you will not be able to see.

What about Striker Fired Weapon?

Striker fired weapons are fired by an internal striker.

Think about any Glock firearm. These all work with an internal striker.

When you rack the slide of a striker fired weapon, the internal striker is cocked. When you pull the trigger, that internal striker is what rides forward to punch the primer. Most striker fired weapons can only be decocked by pulling the trigger.

What's the different between Striker Fired and Hammer Fired? Which's better?

One common thing that you hear is that hammer fired weapons are safer.

Skilled Amateur Stiker Fired and Hammer Fired Source: http://www.awwba.com

People say that because of the fact that you are able to decock the hammer, you are unlikely to accidentally discharge the weapon. Once you rack the slide and a round is chambered, you are able to decock the hammer, if you are not ready to shoot yet.

In a striker fired weapon or a weapon with an internal hammer, you are NOT able to decock the hammer or striker.

Usually, the only way to decock the hammer is to fire the weapon, although you can obviously pull the slide back and take the round of the chamber.

My opinion is that both firearms are definitely safe in the right hands, but the external hammer does add an additional degree of safety.

Another reason that I think hammer fired weapons with an external hammer are slightly safer, is that you can actually see the position of the hammer, so you will know exactly what position the firearm is in.

When to Use Each

In my opinion, hammer fired weapons with an external hammer are excellent for new shooters.

Being able to physically see the position of the hammer, and what pulling the trigger does to the hammer is a tremendous advantage to someone new to firearms. However, this is just my personal opinion. Safe handling of any firearm will make it easy for a new shooter to learn and shoot.

Striker fired weapons are more commonly used as concealed carry weapons.

The reason for this is that the striker fired weapons don’t have a hammer that can catch on the user’s holster or pocket. Since everything is internal, it makes for a sleeker weapon with no snags or catches.

For home defense purposes, I also prefer striker fired weapons. The reason for this is that I like the point and shoot use. In a high stress situation, there is nothing to worry about other than aiming and pulling the trigger.

For hunting and general shooting purposes, either type of weapon will work, and I don’t really have a preference. The important thing is to ensure that you are using the weapon safely, and are familiar with how it functions.

Related: Best shooting sticks for hunting are great accessories for hunters. Fine out it one is right for you.

Conclusion

Overall, both striker fired and hammer fired weapons systems are excellent options.

The primary difference is how the firearms is actually fired. In a striker fired weapon, an internal striker is cocked back and fired when you pull the trigger. In a hammer fired weapon, there is a physical hammer that does the same.

While both weapons have their pros and cons, they are both excellent choices.

Striker fired weapons generally are better in defense situations, but hammer fired weapons will also perform admirably.

New shooters may learn better from hammer fired weapons, and some old school shooters will prefer hammer fired weapons.

It comes down to personal preference, and whatever you can comfortably and safely use.

What is Scope Ring Height and How to Measuring Scope Ring

Picking out the right scope rings can seem stressful, and is often an overlooked part of pairing your rifle with a scope.

If you don’t make the right selection, your rifle will NOT be as accurate, or even worse, your scope won’t fit at all.

Wondering how to pick scope rings for your rifle?

We will go over what measurements you will need to pick your scope rings.

What's Scope Height and How to measuring it?

Scope height refers to the distance from the center of the scope to the outside of the tube at the thickest point.

To find this, you will have to measure your objective lens diameter in millimeters. The objective lens is the biggest lens, and is the closest to what you are aiming at. In other words, it should be opposite from the lens you are looking through.

Once you have this objective lens diameter, add 2-4 millimeters to account for the tube of the scope. Then, divide that number by 2

Alternatively, you can simply measure the entirety of the scope and tube at the objective lens, and divide that number by 2.

How to Choose Rings For Your Scope

Once you have the scope height, you have the height at which the centerline of the scope must sit above the rail.

To choose the best rings, you should choose the smallest ring and base measurement that is also above the calculated scope height.

However, different manufacturers measure ring heights differently.

The first way is to measure from the base of the rings to the center of the rings.

If the manufacturer uses this ring height measurement, all you have to do is add the base height to the ring height, and ensure it is the smallest number that is higher than your scope height.

The next way is to measure from the base of the ring to the inner ring edge. If the manufacturer does this, add 12.7 millimeters for a 1 inch tube or 15 millimeters for a 30 millimeter tube to the combined ring and base height.

Once you’ve added in the extra number, make sure that your selected ring is minimally higher than your scope height. If you plan to buy a sights for your ar, i highly recommend you should read best scope for AR-10 to have good choice.

Conclusion

Overall, these measurements can be confusing for someone new to scopes or firearms.

There are plenty of calculators available online, as well as tables that have already done the calculations for you.

However, this article was simply to give you an idea where these measurements come from you, and help you in picking the correct scope rings for your scope and rifle combination.

Choosing the correct rings for your scope and rifle is of utmost importance. If your scope sits too high, you will be inaccurate. If your scope sits too low, it may not even fit your rifle. Understanding these measurements is extremely important for someone trying to fit their rifle with a scope.

Can You Use a Rifle Scope on a Shotgun?

Using a shotgun to shoot a slug is very common, and they are often used in the same situation as a rifle would be used.

However, when it comes to adding optics, the two are slightly different?

Wondering whether or not you should use a rifle scope on your shotgun? Look no further.

When considering whether you should use a rifle scope on your shotgun, there are a few key factors to consider: recoil, eye relief, and effective range.

Recoil
Eye Relief
Effective Range

What about Recoil when shot a rifle scope on shotgun?

Shooting a shotgun, even when using a slug, creates a good bit more recoil than using a standard hunting rifle.

While many do not consider it, recoil affects your scope.

Constantly being rattled around by the recoil of the weapon can affect the accuracy of the scope.

Shotgun scopes are generally sturdier, and are built to withstand the recoil from a shotgun.

Rifle scopes are generally not built to withstand the same amount of recoil, so that leads to problems.

These problems could range from inaccuracy over time to potentially even ruining the scope.

When making your decision, be sure to keep the recoil of the weapon in mind.

Eye Relief

So what's the Eye Relief?

Eye relief refers to how close your eye has to be to the scope to effectively see down it.

The eye relief of a shotgun scope is generally longer than the eye relief of a rifle scope.

The primary reason for this is that the shotgun scope has to take into effect the amount of recoil that the weapon produces.

Using a rifle scope means that you will have a shorter eye relief.

When you do this, you run the risk of potentially having your weapon’s recoil cause the scope to hit you in the eye.

While it sounds unlikely, it is entirely possible given the worst circumstances.

Effective Range

When I say effective range, I mean the range at which a particular firearm can fire accurately.

The rifle with Magnified Scope

For a shotgun shooting slugs, a general rule of thumb is that the effective range is approximately 75 yards.

While it varies greatly based on the exact weapon and ammunition, rifle ranges can extend well past that.

For that reason, the two types of scopes must be designed differently. A shotgun scope is perfected to work within 100 yards, while rifle scopes can be accurately used out to 300+ yards.

As a result, the required magnifications changes drastically. Rifle scopes are generally more magnified, as they are designed to be used at a greater distance.

Following from the maximum effective range, the scopes will have different reticles, in order to be more accurately and effectively used at their designed range.

Conclusion

While it is not impossible to use a rifle scope on a shotgun, I would NOT recommend it. Best shotgun scope will work well on your shotgun

It can be done, but I would urge you to do a lot of research. Due to the differences in effective range, eye relief, and recoil of the designed weapon, the different scopes will have vast differences.

I would recommend getting a specific shotgun scope, but the choice is ultimately up to you. I would hate to hear about an expensive rifle scope getting ruined by using it on a shotgun, as I have heard of before.

The Best AR-15 Scope to Help You Shoot Effortlessly

There are so many scopes available these days that it can be tough to determine which one is the best AR-15 scope.

As many have learned, the vast majority are completely overrated.

What we’ve got here today is a list of the five best AR-15 scopes, and why each one made the list.

One stands tall above the rest, but each of these has something to offer. But first, quick check out the other choices:

Top 5 Best AR-15 Scope Brands

This is my review of 5 best AR-15 scopes on the market, and it will help you find the top equipment for hunting. In this article, I only discuss rifle scopes, not red dot sight brands or iron sights. If you want to find the best red dot for an AR-15, you should check here. Now let's check out the best AR-15 scope brands:

1. Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

Vortex rockets itself onto the list of best scopes with this Diamondback model.

It's sleek and effective, and I bought one years ago and recently bought this model and love the optics.

The glass has a perfect view and takes little to no time to adjust. Plus, the reticle is spot on and looks realistic.

Here are the top features:

The visibility and range of this scope are second to none.
Numerous rounds don’t offset the visibility or accuracy, unless there's a lot of movement. I’ve held zero for over 300 rounds and have friends who did the same.
I find the crosshair very helpful.
Tuning the sight to your liking takes just a few seconds.

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2. Nikon M-223 4-16x42M BDC 600

best AR-15 scope - Nikon M-223 4-16x42M BDC 600

If you are looking for a great scope for your AR-15 that won’t break the bank, you need to check out the Nikon M-223.

Need to adjust and stay on target? Nikon’s Rapid Action Turret technology has you covered. You can dial in your elevation from 100 to 600 yards in less than one turn.

This scope is easy on the eyes, literally. Nikon’s Eye Box technology gives you 4-times zoom range with 4-inches of eye relief.

You need your target to be clear as day. This scope delivers with a 95-percent light transmission rate, giving you clarity whether you’re shooting at noon, dusk, or dawn.

You don’t have ever worry about your optics fogging up. The Nikon M-223 is nitrogen sealed, making it fog proof. It is also waterproof and shockproof.

For those that want even more accuracy, the side focus parallax adjustment is something you are going to want to use.

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2. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings

UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings

When looking for the best AR-15 scope, there is really only one viable option: the UTG 3-12X44 30mm. This scope—renowned for its accuracy and dependability in tough field situations— has risen as the cream of the crop for three main reasons:

The zeroing capability: Not only is this product simple and straight forward while zeroing, it holds the zero better than any scope on the market. Not to mention, it also is a great package value without the need to purchase a bunch of expensive add-ons. Even after removing the scope and reattaching it, your aim will remain perfect. It makes a good shooter feel like a great shooter!
It’s durability: Instead of buying a poor-quality scope and needing to replace it every year or two, this UTG will last a lifetime if it's properly cared for. The 3x zoom is perfect for zeroing on 50 yards and nailing the preferred portion of the target from 100 yards with no problem.
Performance: Take it out as far as 900 yards and back to zero without losing focus or confidence in what you are doing. The scope is easily mountable, adjustable, and simple to master— even for new shooters.

Overall, this UTG scope is of the elite products for an AR-15 that you’ll find. I’ve been using it for years without need to get maintenance done. Honestly, I never want to try another scope, period. This is the top of the line.

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3. Bushnell Tactical Elite SMRS 1-8.5x 24mm Illuminated BTR-2 FFP Reticle Riflescope, Black Matte

Bushnell Tactical Elite SMRS 1-8.5x 24mm Illuminated BTR-2 FFP Reticle Riflescope, Black Matte - best AR-15 scope

For hunters looking to transition between close quarters and midrange targets, the Bushnell Tactical Elite Short Midrange Rifle Scope has you covered.

This scope has a 1 to 8.5x magnification, as well as a 24mm objective lens.

Your target is always in sight with the BTR-2 (FFP) reticle. The reticle has 11 levels of illumination, giving you a clear view in just about any condition.

The scope features a one-piece tube, 34-millimeter construction, with a black matte finish that reduces glare.

No matter where you are hunting, this scope has you covered with fully waterproof construction. It can even stay dry when immersed in up to three feet of water for half an hour.

Don’t worry about the temperature either. Argon gas inside the scope keeps everything clear and fog-free, no matter what the ambient temperature may be.

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5. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount

CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount

This is the scope to choose for shooters who need vision enhancement on multiple AR-15's.

Deer hunters seem to like taking this scope to pinpoint moving animals. Keeping the target in range across long distances is a breeze, as well as accounting for their body movements.

It's accuracy incredibly useful while trying to strike a specific target without making an errors.

However, be careful on those high-recoil weapons. If this scope is loose or not properly affixed, it can jolt back and strike you. In some rare cases, it might cause injury.

Nonetheless, the problem is easily avoided by double checking to make sure everything is secured. Other than that, this is a solid option.

You'll get accustomed to how it feels on your gun because it’s easy to find your rhythm with AR-15's when you’re zeroed and the scope stays consistent.

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Take a look at the list for the best AR-15 scope brands again:

Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescopes (Editor's Choice)
Nikon P-223 3-9x40 Mate BDC 600
UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings (Good in price range)
Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle-223 Riflescope 1-4x/24mm
CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 2.5-10x40e Red & Green Illuminated Gun Scopes with 20mm & 11mm Mount

Head-to-head comparison

Two of the best AR-15 scope products stand out from this list. First, the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6 x 24 AR-BDC Reticle is the industry leader in its class, and it's a great option.

The Nikon Prostaff is the second best AR-15 scope. It's consistent and sustains better than the others on this list. The Nikon scope works well for novice and uninformed hunters, but doesn’t stack up against these two. The others products perform well, but they don't quite match up.

Hence, the Vortex Spitfire holds the title as the best AR-15 scope. It comes highly recommended and will impress even the most skeptical of hunters.

The Benefits Of Using An AR Scope

If you’re a first-time buyer and you’re on the fence about whether you should get a scope or not, this section is for you. Believe it or not, using a scope with your AR-15 makes a world of difference. Here are some of the advantages:

It offers a clear and precise shot from long distances.
Accurate shots help you save bullets.
Fast and reliable target acquisition.
Provides night vision so you can catch large buck in the evening.
Offers light transmission so you can get a clear view of the target.

Obviously, there are plenty of other benefits to using a scope, but surely this list was enough to convince you to get one. Without question, it’ll improve your shooting experience.

What You Should Do Before Buying Rifle Scopes

When you’re on the hunt for the best AR-15 scope, there are a few things you should take into consideration. The last thing you want to is to buy something that’s a disappointment and doesn’t perform well. Make sure you do some research before you make a purchase. Here’s what you should like out for:

Find The Right Scope

This bit of advice might seem ridiculous, but it’s an important one. When you’re shopping around, it’s easy to get caught up with cheap prices, bells and whistles, and pretty much anything that doesn’t benefit you. Make sure you only buy what you need—otherwise, it’s a waste.

Thoroughly Read Reviews

Never take a product rating for face value. Go through and read all the reviews, both good and bad. More importantly, pay attention to the negative reviews that point out flaws about the scope. Unfortunately, some customers end up with faulty merchandise. But pay close attention repetition—when multiple people complain about the same thing, listen!

Make Sure the Scope And Rifle Are Compatible.

This is a biggie. Although it might seem like a no-brainer, this is a common mistake folks make when purchasing a new rifle scope.

Check For A Warranty

A lot of brands offer warranties, which is great because anything can happen when you’re out shooting. If you can, try to get a scope with a lifetime warranty, so you can replace the product breaks or has a defect.

Final Thoughts On The Best AR-15 Scope

If you have enjoyed this article, or have other scopes to suggest, go ahead and leave a comment below.

Also, please share on social media. Sharing is caring, and in the hunting world, the more informed we all are, the better we’ll be going forward.