When selecting an optic for the first time, a new gun owner might be asked if he needs it to be for “tactical” or “hunting” use. While the novice gun owner might not think there’s much of a difference between a magnified telescopic scope on an AR-15 and one on a bolt action rifle, the reality has a bit more nuance.
While both types of optics can be designed for a variety of ranges and offer pinpoint accuracy, they cater to different applications and requirements.
Applications
Tactical riflescopes are primarily designed for military and law enforcement applications in which their operators are expected to shoot at man-sized targets in scenarios at various distances that range from close-quarters room clearing to long-range sniping and reconnaissance. A good tactical riflescope is built to withstand harsh environments, extreme temperatures, punishment from a combat environment, and recoil from high-caliber firearms.
Hunting Riflescopes, as their name suggests, are tailored for the needs of hunters and sportsmen. They are optimized for tracking and engaging game at varying distances but are most often designed for shooting game at moderate to long ranges, often in challenging terrain and lighting conditions. Hunting riflescopes prioritize features like low-light performance, eye relief, and surgical accuracy at typical hunting ranges, since the hunter’s objective is to hit small targets like an animal’s brain or heart on a (hopefully) stationary animal.
Expected Ranges
A tactical riflescope engineered for extended ranges can be designed to make precise shots at distances exceeding 1,000 yards, which can be especially helpful for both long range shooting and reconnaissance. Tactical riflescopes typically offer higher magnification ranges, allowing shooters to identify and engage targets at extreme distances accurately.
Hunting riflescopes on the other hand are designed for more modest ranges, typically up to 500 yards or less, depending on the specific hunting scenario. This is because shooting an animal at extremely long range is considered by many to be unethical, since bullets deliver less force at longer ranges, and hunters prefer to kill their prey in a single shot rather than let the animal suffer. They often feature variable magnification ranges that allow hunters to adapt to different situations, from close-quarter shots to longer-range engagements.
Reticle Types
While all riflescopes feature reticle designs measured in mil-dots or MOA, there tends to be a larger variety of reticles for tactical riflescopes because of their various engagement ranges. Tactical riflescopes are more likely to feature designs like the circle-dot for close quarter fighting or a Christmas tree reticle for precision long range shooting. Some also feature chevron reticles to mimic military optics or subtension lines designed to find ranges specifically with a man-sized target.
Hunting riflescopes typically employ simpler reticle designs, such as duplex or BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles. These reticles are optimized for quick target acquisition and holdover compensation at typical hunting ranges. Once again, since manufacturers do not expect hunters to make extremely long range shots on animals, complex reticles with subtension lines that aid the shooter to engage targets at distances in the 4-digit range are typically not used for hunting. Simple reticles also allow hunters to have an unobstructed field of view, since a clutter-free reticle allows the hunter to focus on the animal’s characteristics that could determine whether the animal is huntable or not.
Typical Firearms
Tactical riflescopes are commonly mounted on precision rifles, designated marksman rifles, and long-range firearms capable of delivering accurate shots at extended ranges. LPVOs designed as tactical optics are designed to be mounted on modern sporting rifles such as the AR15. These shorter-range optics are typically calibrated for smaller rounds like .223/5.56x45mm.
Hunting riflescopes are compatible with a wide range of hunting rifles, from bolt-action to semi-automatic platforms. These types of riflescopes are commonly used with calibers suitable for hunting medium to large game, such as .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, and many others within the hunting caliber spectrum.
Tactical and hunting riflescopes are designed with distinct purposes in mind, catering to the specific needs of their respective applications. While tactical riflescopes prioritize extended ranges, advanced reticles, and rugged construction, hunting riflescopes emphasize features like low-light performance, eye relief, and suitability for typical hunting scenarios. Understanding these differences can help shooters make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate optic for their intended use, ensuring optimal performance and accuracy in the field or on the range.