History of rifle scopes
Our rifle scopes are more directly related to refracting telescopes, the first practical versions of which were seen around 1608 in the Netherlands. These early refracting telescopes are attributed to Hans Lippershey and Zacharias Janssen, eyeglass makers, and Jacob Metius. We are probably more familiar with the name of Galileo Galilei, who learned of the invention in 1609 and proceeded to make his own version. The first experiments to give shooters a telescopic sight date back to the early 17th century, but all early attempts had practical or performance limitations.
The first documented telescopic rifle sight was invented shortly after 1835 by Morgan James of Utica, NY. John R. Chapman, a civil engineer, worked with James on some of the concepts and design, and they produced the Chapman-James sight. In 1855, William Malcolm of Syracuse, New York, began producing his own sight. Malcolm incorporated achromatic lenses like those used in telescopes. It also improved the elevation and wind settings. Malcolm sights and those made by Mr. LM Amidon of Vermont were the standard during the Civil War.
Both sides used telescopic sights to good effect during the Civil War. There were a number of notable shots and some rumors of hits from 1000 yards or more. In Spotsylvania, Union General Sedgwick was killed by a sniper from a distance of 1000 yards. Actual measured distance is about 550 yards, which is still very impressive for a black powder rifle in combat conditions (shooter fired from a tree).
Variable power rifle scopes were not developed until the late 1940s and it took several years before they were reliable products in both performance and longevity. They often did not return to zero after adjusting for elevation or wind and fogged up in wet conditions or simply from changes in altitude. Waterproof visors appeared around 1960.
The introduction of variable power rifle scopes also introduced the problem of mounting the reticle in the first or second focal plane. In general, an endoscope with a first focal plane reticle will cost more than one with a second focal plane reticle. In first focal plane optics, the reticle cell is located in front of the lenses that control the magnification level, so that as the magnification level changes, the reticle will appear to get larger and smaller from the shooter’s perspective. The graticule actually maintains its size relative to the target, which means that range estimation, trajectory compensation, and taps can be performed at any available magnification level.
The most common arrangement for a variable power rifle scope is to have the reticle in the second focal plane. This arrangement is cheaper to design and produce compared to a close-up focal plane reticle. The second cell of the focal plane reticle is installed at the end of the erector tube so that as the magnification level changes, the reticle appears to remain the same size. This means that precise range, holds, and taps can only be done in a magnification setting without some conversion.
The basics of viewfinder design have remained largely the same since the 1960s with a few additional details such as multilayer lenses in the 1970s and parallax adjustment (only needed above 8x magnification) and illuminated reticles that they can extend the morning and evening intake times. The basic reticle has been improved in a multitude of varieties, including adaptations of the Mil-Dot military range search system. Each manufacturer has also created proprietary range search grids.
The most recent and most significant change in rifle scope design is the incorporation of laser range finders into the scope itself. In 1997 Swarovski Optik introduced the LRS series telescopic sight, the first telescopic sight on the civil market with an integrated laser rangefinder. The LRS can measure ranges up to 600 meters (660 yards). The LRS sights are out of production, but Burris and Bushnell market sights with similar but superior features. Scopes are available in all price ranges and with a wide variety of options. Carefully consider your needs and evaluate the options available and you will find a rifle scope that is perfect for you. If you need a laser scope or other rangefinder scope, visit http://www.rangefinderriflescopes.com