| Some folks are born risk-takers and others wouldn't | | | | means using a reliable, precise, quality scope on my |
| venture out of the accepted realm of safety for love | | | | firearm. Determining which scope and rifle depends on |
| nor money. I must confess to being one of the | | | | the type of hunt I'm going on. |
| risk-takers. I've worked on high power lines at 120 feet | | | | Hunting big game in the western US affords |
| from a helicopter platform while bonded on to the wire | | | | opportunities for long distance shots. In addition to a |
| and wearing a stainless mesh suit. I loved the feel of | | | | powerful rifle, you want a scope that provides |
| falling through space before I pulled the rip chord of my | | | | magnification of your target while maintaining crisp |
| parachute on a HALO jump. As a sniper for the 82nd | | | | resolution. This also translates to finding a scope that |
| Airborne I anticipated the adrenaline rush of preparing | | | | has multi-coated lenses to prevent reflection and glare. |
| for deployment. Preparation was crucial- both mental | | | | A larger objective lens will provide greater capacity to |
| and of the equipment. BUT, there was one risk I would | | | | gather light, thereby delivering optimum resolution. |
| never take. It could have cost me my life: I would | | | | Game is usually active during early morning dawn and |
| never want to lose a shot due to lack of accuracy | | | | evening dusk hours; times when light gathering |
| from using inferior equipment. | | | | capabilities would be an advantage. In rugged terrain it |
| A quality rifle and scope (along with the spotter's | | | | would be wise, if not a requirement, to ensure you |
| scope and feedback) were crucial to achieving my | | | | have a waterproof, fog proof, durable scope that |
| goal as a sniper. I didn't just fall into sniping. The soldiers | | | | won't be affected by weather or a few trips or falls |
| selected by the army had to show consistency in their | | | | when you're scouting for game. |
| shooting, and be one of the top three in our unit | | | | For hunting smaller game, a lower magnification would |
| shooting competitions. Frequent practice individually and | | | | be desired, and will provide a wider angle visual field. |
| as a sniper/spotter team was important for success. I | | | | However, you still want a good model scope that's |
| learned about breath control, trigger control, focus and | | | | waterproof, has lens coating, and is parallax error-free. |
| intense concentration. Snipers need to have excellent | | | | Once you have determined your main hunting interests, |
| optics for ranges 300-800 meters that are resilient. | | | | you can more confidently select the rifle and the |
| There's too much jolting and jarring out in the field to | | | | scope features to maximize your success. |
| utilize a show piece. The rifle scope's seals have to be | | | | Leupold, Sightron, and Burris are trusted manufacturers |
| able to go through different atmospheric pressure and | | | | that offer a wide selection and price range. Don't take |
| temperature changes. | | | | any risks when it comes to bagging or losing that |
| Now, years later, I insist on accuracy when I hunt which | | | | trophy! |