When it comes to precision or accurate shooting, a rifle scope’s magnification plays a big role. One of the most common magnifications shooters and hunters use is the 9x magnification at 100 yards.
Why is this magnification so common? Let’s break it down.
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9x Magnification at 100 Yards
As you probably already know, magnification is the degree to which an image will be enlarged through a rifle scope. When we talk about 9x magnification at 100 yards, we mean the image we see through the rifle scope will appear nine times closer than it would have through the naked eye.
For instance, if you’re looking at a bear located 100 yards away through a 9x magnification scope, it will appear about 11.1 yards away. In other words, it’s dividing the 100 yards by 9 to get the 11.1 distance. Such magnification lets you see the target clearly, making it easier to aim and make accurate shots.
With that said, it’s important to note that the magnification you need will depend on the type of shooting you’re doing.
A higher magnification like 9x is often ideal for precision shooting or long-range shooting, where the target is located at a great distance and every little detail matters.
If you’re shooting fast-moving targets or at close quarters, a smaller magnification is better because it’ll provide you with a wider field of view.
For instance, at 100 yards, a 3x magnification will have a FOV of about 30 feet, while a 9x magnification will have a FOV of about 14 feet. A larger diameter doesn’t change these numbers because a FOV is directly related to the eyepiece construction.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 9x Magnification
When choosing a 9x magnification, it’s crucial to consider the quality of the optics, as that factor will hugely affect the accuracy and clarity of the image you see through a scope.
There are many scopes manufacturers out there producing 9x magnification scopes. Some produce quality scopes that provide clear and sharp images despite the magnification level. On the other hand, low-quality optics lead to distorted or blurry images despite a high magnification level, preventing you from aiming accurately. (1)
Another important factor to consider is the reticle’s size. The reticle, also known as the crosshair, is the aiming point in a riflescope.
Large reticles are easier to see, especially in low-light situations. However, they can also cover up or dwarf the image if your target is far away. Thinner reticles can make it hard to see in low light conditions or if the background is complex.
So, choosing a scope with a reticle that suits your shooting style and other needs is essential.
Overall, using a 9x magnification at 100 yards is pretty common for shooters and hunters, especially when used for precision shooting. This setup lets you take really accurate shots by making your target extremely clear and easy to hit dead-on.
Best Rifle Scope Magnification for 100 Yards
If you go with the “1x magnification for each 100-yard” argument, then even a 3x magnification is good for 100 yards. During hunting and benchrest matches, you can still hit your target with such a scope.
That’s why the 3-9x, 4-12x, and 4-16x magnification scopes are all considered good for 100-yard shooting, as the magnification can be reduced or increased to see the images clearly depending on the distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distance is a 9x scope good for?
A 9x magnification scope is good for mid-range to long-range shooting.
What is a good field of view at 100 yards?
A good field of view at 100 yards (91.4 meters) is 30 feet (9.14 meters).
What is 9x magnification?
9x magnification means that the target will be magnified nine times more than what your naked eye can see.
Dakota Potts is a gunsmith, armorer, and gun rights advocate with nearly 10 years of experience. He is well respected in the industry and his work has appeared on various industry leading firearm publications. He enjoys learning about firearm history and technology. You can follow Dakota Potts on Youtube or see his Facebook.
