Picking the Perfect Reticle

August 10, 2025

So Many Lines, So Little Time

You’ve got the rifle. You’ve got the scope. You’re standing in the veld with a big grin… and then you peer through the glass and think:
“Why does my crosshair look like a spider web?”

Welcome to the world of reticles — those lines, dots, and hashes in your scope that magically turn “point and hope” into “point and hit”. At Sons of Guns, we’ve helped everyone from first-time bushveld hunters to long-range snipers choose the right reticle for their needs. Trust us — pick the wrong one, and you’ll be chasing missed shots all season. Pick the right one, and it’s like your rifle’s talking directly to you.

What’s a Reticle, Anyway?

In simple terms, it’s the aiming point in your scope — the “crosshair”.
In the old days, you got a plain X and that was that. These days, reticles are as varied and specialised as the rifles they sit on. Some are so simple a beginner can master them in minutes, while others look like a maths test for snipers.

The Main Players in the Reticle Game

1. Duplex / Plex Reticle

What it is: Thick outer lines tapering to fine crosshairs in the centre.
Best for: Bushveld hunters, beginners, and general use.
Why we like it: Simple, fast, and not cluttered. Like training wheels — but for your rifle.

2. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) Reticle

What it is: Reticle with pre-marked holdover points for different ranges.
Best for: Plains hunters or those taking shots at varying distances.
Why we like it: No turret twisting. Just aim at the right “step” and fire.

3. MIL-Dot / MOA Reticle

What it is: Evenly spaced dots or hashes for measuring distance, windage, and bullet drop.
Best for: Precision shooters and tactical enthusiasts.
Why we like it: It’s like having a built-in ruler inside your scope.

4. Christmas Tree Reticle

What it is: A grid-like layout under the crosshair for both elevation and wind adjustments.
Best for: Long-range hunters in windy terrain.
Why we like it: It’s basically GPS for your bullet.

5. Illuminated Reticles

What it is: Reticle that lights up for better visibility in low light.
Best for: Dawn, dusk, and shaded bushveld.
Why we like it: Makes that first and last light shot much easier — and no, it’s not just for night shooting.

Match Your Reticle to Your Hunt

Bushveld hunting: Fast, close shots — think Duplex/Plex or Illuminated.
Kalahari / Plains: Longer distances — BDC, MIL-Dot, or Christmas Tree.
Varmint or pest control: High precision — fine crosshairs, MIL or MOA.

Beginner Pitfalls to Avoid

Picking something too busy to read under pressure.
Forgetting about light conditions.
Choosing a design because it “looks cool” instead of because it works for your type of hunting.

The SOG Way

At Sons of Guns, we’ve tested, sold, and used every reticle under the African sun. Whether you’re taking a quick shot in thick bush or calculating wind drift across a kilometre, we’ll make sure your scope is set up to make you look like the pro.

Come in and look through a variety of scopes in person — because when it comes to reticles, the difference between “close enough” and “perfect” is something you have to see with your own eyes.

🎯 Pro Tip: Bring your rifle in. We’ll help you match your reticle, magnification, and calibre for the exact style of shooting you do most.

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