Modern tactical scopes enable skilled shooters to perform advanced methods of engaging targets wthout the need for additional electronic equipment, and an excellent field optic is an extremely valuable tool to any Sniper team. Those scopes with military style reticles such as the Mildot or Horus reticle, allow shooters to accurately and precisely estimate target ranges, lead moving targets, hold-off for wind, and compensate for up and downhill shooting.

There are two components to range estimation; the mechanics and the math. The mechanics encompass the physical methods of placing the reticle on the target and reading the reticle. The math is taking the reading and converting it to a usable range.

Test out your range estimation skills by undertaking the following exercises. Make sure you read up on how to use the mildot relation formula first, by studying Chapter 2 of the MST manual. To jump to the relevant section for a quick study, click here.