In our business we we a lot of quesitons asking for advice on the best scope choice for certain scenarios. It may be an "any scope" or more specific between makes, models or some other criteria.

In most cases there is no clear cut winner, a lot is down to user preference, situation and budget. 

The example here is a real one which is pretty specific but I hope is helpful in guiding you in the way to think in such a decision making process, and learn a bit about scopes at the same time. '

Question: After another element optics from you but a Titan. For 100-150m precision shooting FAC air and Rimfire. 3-18 x50 or 5-25x56. What would you recommend?

There is no right or wrong here, it is an "it depends" The following is what you'd need to consider in this situation - But also is a guide to how to think through choices in other situations, maybe very long range centerfire for game, very short range tactical and all in between. 

Hack tip - I know all of what is below but it would take ages to write it up. So, get over to Chat GPT, create a free account and ask the AI. the AI will query the Internet faster and better than Google and give you a pretty good answer - as long as you ask it the right way. How you ask it is the key to good AI results.

In this case I asked: "For 100-150m precision shooting FAC air and Rimfire. 3-18 x50 or 5-25x56 - is either best or what else should a user consider in this choice?"

Here is what we got.

Magnification Range

  • 3-18x50:

    • Offers greater flexibility for both closer and medium-range shooting.
    • The lower magnification (3x) is useful for quick target acquisition or wider fields of view (e.g., scanning).
    • 18x is sufficient for precision work at 100-150 meters, though it might lack detail for very fine aiming points.

  • 5-25x56:

    • Better for purely long-range precision shooting due to higher magnification (25x).
    • The 5x lower end limits field of view, making it less versatile for shorter ranges or dynamic scenarios.
    • At 100-150m, the extra magnification can make precise shot placement easier, especially for rimfire with small targets.

Objective Lens Size

  • 50mm vs. 56mm:
    • The 56mm objective lens gathers more light, providing better clarity and brightness in low-light conditions (dawn, dusk).
    • The 50mm lens is slightly lighter and may result in a lower mounting height, which could help maintain a better cheek weld.

Size and Weight

  • Larger magnification ranges and bigger objective lenses often mean:
    • Heavier weight.
    • Larger profile, potentially affecting balance and portability.
    • Consider how important weight and size are, especially for an air rifle or lightweight rimfire setup.

Parallax Adjustment

  • Both scope types should have adjustable parallax or side focus to ensure precision at specific ranges. This is especially critical for air rifles and rimfire shooting, as parallax errors are more noticeable at closer distances.

Reticle Type and Quality

  • Precision shooting benefits from a reticle with fine aiming points (e.g., Christmas tree or MOA/MRAD hash marks).
  • Choose a scope with a reticle suited for your intended use, whether it's holdover, wind adjustments, or dialing.

Field of View

  • The 3-18x50 scope will generally have a wider field of view at lower magnifications, which is helpful for tracking or acquiring multiple targets.
  • The 5-25x56 will have a narrower field of view, which is fine for precision shooting but less versatile.

Use Case Scenarios

  • 3-18x50: Ideal for versatility if you intend to use the scope for varying ranges or disciplines. It balances magnification with practicality.
  • 5-25x56: A better choice for dedicated precision shooting at 100-150m or beyond, where maximum magnification aids in spotting and precision.

Other Considerations

  1. Optical Quality: Brands and models matter; a high-quality 3-18x50 could outperform a lower-quality 5-25x56.
  2. Budget: Larger magnifications and objective lenses usually come at a higher price point.
  3. Turret Adjustments: Look for reliable, repeatable, and precise turret adjustments for elevation and windage.
  4. Rifle Fit: Ensure the scope fits your rifle's size and mounting system.

Recommendation

  • If versatility is key: Choose the 3-18x50. It's a solid middle ground for mixed use.
  • If precision at 100-150m is your main goal: Choose the 5-25x56, as the extra magnification will give an edge for fine aiming and shot placement.

And here are the scopes:

Element Optics Titan 5-25x56 APR-2D MOA

Element Optics Titan 5-25x56 APR-2D MRAD

Element Optics Titan 3-18x50 APR-2D MOA

Element Optics Titan 3-18x50 APR-2D MRAD