Introduction

Choosing the wrong rifle scope reticle can cost you precious shots and missed opportunities in the field. Whether you're hunting deer in dense woods or targeting elk across open plains, the right reticle can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to select the best scope reticle that matches your hunting style and terrain.

Hunter's Checklist for Reticle Choice

• What distance and terrain will you mostly hunt in?
• Do you prefer simple aiming points or advanced ballistic holdovers?
• Are you hunting in low light or bright conditions?
• Do you want a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) reticle?
• Is ease of zeroing and adjusting important to you?

Reticle Types Explained

The infographic below shows the most common rifle scope reticle types you'll encounter, from simple crosshairs to complex MIL-DOT and BDC reticles. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with their shapes, features, and best hunting uses.

Basic Crosshair and T-Plex: Simple and reliable, these reticles work great for close to mid-range hunting where speed and clarity are key. They’re easy to zero and great for quick shots.
BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator): Includes marks for bullet drop compensation at various distances.
MIL (Milliradian): Used for precise range estimation and holdover adjustments.
MOA (Minute of Angle): Measures angular units for accuracy over distance.

First Focal Plane (FFP) vs Second Focal Plane (SFP) Reticles

The focal plane determines if the reticle size changes with magnification.

• FFP: Reticle scales with zoom, keeping measurements accurate at any magnification.
• SFP: Reticle remains fixed in size, typically larger and easier to see but measurements apply at one magnification only.

Choose FFP for long-range precision and SFP for general hunting convenience.

Match Reticles to Hunting Scenarios

Shop MCJ Optics reticles built for your hunting needs »

Pro Tips for Reticle Usage

• Always focus your reticle sharply before zeroing your scope.
• Use ballistic calculator apps compatible with your reticle type to plan holdovers.
• Practice at varying distances to become confident with your reticle’s subtensions.
• Consider lighting conditions—illuminated reticles can improve visibility at dawn/dusk.

MCJ Optics Recommended Scopes

At MCJ Optics, we craft premium rifle scopes engineered for serious hunters who demand accuracy, durability, and value. Our lineup matches or exceeds features from leading brands like Leupold and Vortex — but at a fraction of the cost.

Here are some of our top scopes to fit your hunting needs:

1. MCJ Optics 5-25x56 Rifle Scope (SKU: MOF-RS-HOY5-25X56)
   Comparable to high-end precision scopes, this model offers a versatile 5-25x magnification with a large 56mm objective lens, perfect for long-range big game hunting. Features an EXIT PUPIL diameter of 1.2-2.24 mm and excellent eye relief for comfortable, accurate shooting.
2. MCJ Optics 4.5-14x50 Rifle Scope (SKU: MOF-RS-HUQ4.5-14X50)
   Designed for mid- to long-range hunters, this scope’s 4.5-14x magnification and 50mm lens provide bright, clear images in varied lighting. The wide field of view and reliable reticle system make it ideal for versatile hunting situations.
3. MCJ Optics 1.2-6x24 IR Scope (SKU: MOF-RS-CHX1.2-6X24IR-SFP)
   Compact and fast, the Ranger is perfect for brush hunting or treestand setups with a 1.2-6x magnification range and illuminated reticle for low-light conditions. It combines quick target acquisition with precision.

All MCJ Optics rifle scopes include multi-coated lenses, waterproof and fogproof construction, and are backed by our no-hassle warranty.

Conclusion & Get Expert Help

Choosing the right scope reticle is a critical step to improving your hunting success. Don’t let an ill-suited reticle cost you your trophy. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a crosshair or the precision of a MIL-dot FFP reticle, MCJ Optics has you covered.

Need personalized advice? Contact our optics experts or chat live to find the perfect scope for your hunting needs.