If you’re shopping for a rifle scope, the third question—after “What do you plan to use it for?” and “How much are you looking to spend?”—is “Are you looking for a first-plane or second-plane reticle?

U.S. Army snipers will soon see the benefits of a new grid-based reticle for rifle scopes that will improve targeting as well as add versatility with its use across various weapons and ammunition.

A. Focusing the eyepiece of a scope sight is solely intended to control the clarity with which you see the reticle. The sharpness with which you see the target is determined by a variety of ...