The closer the eye is to the bore of the rifle, the more natural the process of aiming becomes for the shooter. Capitalizing on this trait requires that sights -especially scopes- be mounted as close to the bore as possible, and that stocks have enough room to allow aiming without physical straining. Fortunately, the low-magnification scopes favored by N.L.Heineke, Inc. often have the smallest objective lenses and allow for the lowest mounting. They also have to greatest eye relief, while the low-magnification promotes a steady hold.

Sight picture is an important, and often neglected, aspect of scope selection. Everyone sees a little differently and will prefer different a sight picture. Sight picture consists of the following factors: magnification; reticule size and shape; eye relief; and, field of view. The best question to ask is which scope provides the most viewing comfort. A comfortable sight picture distinguishes itself by a lack of strain, or eye fatigue. It has a pleasant balance between the distinguishing factors. It provides sufficient information to the shooter, but is not overwhelming. And, with differences in individual makeup and preferences, will be a little different for everyone.

The best way to choose a scope is to arrange a selection and compare them in the field. They do not have to be mounted on a rifle. This can be done with your existing scopes, scopes borrowed from friends, visiting a local dealer, or by comparing the extensive selection of test scopes at N.L.Heineke, Inc.

Excellent examples of similar designs can be found by studying the rifles of Keith, O’Neal and Hopkins. These classic firearms demonstrate the extraordinary measures their designers took to allow for a low scope mounting.