Since the first firearms came into existence, humankind has been looking for various ways to shoot them straight. The invention of gunpowder and projectile weapons allows us to engage our enemies at great distances. 

Firearms also slowly replaced other hunting tools like the traditional bow and arrow, crossbow, and spear. However, while gunsmiths perform various improvements, we still need some attachments to assist any shooter. 

What is a Rifle Optic? 

Today, we enjoy using various gun models. We might select any firearm that can fit our personality or immediate needs. Aside from that, guns are now a crucial tool for defending our country’s borders. As many devices and attachments appear on the market, you might be wondering what a rifle optic is all about. 

Rifle optics are the predecessors of traditional rifle scopes. Beginning with new optics: eotechs are a good start for newbies wanting to experience advancements in modern weaponry. Optical gunsights have many benefits to share with its users. Many war movies portray combatants with assault rifles complete with optics and IR laser attachments. Let us first explain to you what a Telescopic sight is:

What is a Telescopic Sight?

A telescopic sight is also famous for the term scope. Telescopic sights are firearm attachments that allow a shooter to magnify a target two or more times than its actual size. Because of their zooming ability, telescopic sights are mounted on firearms with long barrels. Telescopic sights now let any shooter aim and shoot at targets far from their position. 

Telescopic sights use glass lenses. Typically, early models of telescopic sights feature crosshairs. A crosshair is a reticle inside a telescopic sight that people can adjust to meet a firing solution. The knobs of a telescopic sight are what we will call windage and elevation. 

Windage Knob

The windage is the amount of wind deflection a shooter’s projectile might encounter during flight. Any marksman or sniper can turn the knob to adjust the flight path of their bullet while accounting for wind effects. Windage also allows the shooter to measure the horizontal distance of their bullet’s impact point from their target. 

Elevation Knob

Elevation plays a crucial role when a shooter attempts to hit distant targets. The elevation knob allows a sharpshooter to measure the vertical distance of their projectile’s impact point from their target. 

Telescopic sights became prevalent during the early stages of the second world war. However, history indicates that the earliest gunsights began in 1450. The first gun sight iterations are beads sitting on a gun’s barrel with a standing rear sight. Since then, gun sights have become a natural addition to every gun model humankind will invent. 

What are the Different Rifle Optics in Existence? 

Modern gun manufacturing companies invent new attachments for improving the aim of a shooter. While many devices are now available, it is confusing to differentiate various optics you can attach to your rifle. Let us now discuss typical rifle optics you can use. 

Telescopic Sights

Typically, telescopic sights are attachments to sniper rifles and hunting rifles. You can also attach telescopic sights to a modern composite bow or crossbow. Telescopic sights give an edge to long-range shooters since they feature lenses for magnifying a target. New telescopic sights also have crosshairs helping shooters calculate an effective firing solution to hit their targets. 

Iron Sights

Almost every firearm in existence features an iron sight. The traditional iron sight is a non-magnifying type of weapon optic. It is a natural component of a gun. A typical iron sight has a bead on the business end of the barrel with an aiming notch on the rear part of a firearm. 

Reflex Sights

The first reflex sights became famous with the piston-engine monoplane fighters of the Second World War. It allows a person to sight a target through a glass plate. The glass plates have reflective components serving as reticles that illuminate a target. Only a few reflex sights can magnify targets. Luckily, many glass and optics companies now manufacture high-quality reflex sights. You may even shop used Swarovski optics here for a more affordable price. Not only are they useful for hunting, but also for tactical operations in the military or police force.

Holographic Sights

New rifle advancements call for robust optical gunsights. An example is the famous holographic sight. Usually, a holographic sight is a non-magnifying optic allowing a shooter to sight a target through a small glass window. A holographic image reticle will appear, assisting a person in aiming their weapons at any target quickly. Close Quarter Battle specialists usually use holographic sights for gunfights at close ranges. 

Conclusion

There are many rifle optics you can select for your gun. You can now attach various optics with the help of Picatinny rails. When choosing an optic, you first have to determine your preferences. Rifle optics range from conventional telescopic sights to new holographic sights.