Reticle

A reticle is the visible pattern (e.g., crosshairs) of very thin lines used in optics not only to precisely aim at a specific point, but also to help determine differences between the point of aim and point of impact. Reticles are almost always found in rifle scopes and take the form of a cross pattern running top to bottom and left to right within the viewing lens. Many scopes have sophisticated reticles with smaller “hash marks” etched onto them to help shooters aim more precisely. These hash marks tend to be either measured in minutes of angle or mil radians. Some red dot sights are designed with electronic reticles rather than just a dot. These reticles help shooters measure offset at closer ranges and assist with accuracy at medium-to-long ranges. Other uses are to determine hold-over/under and for ranging items based on the size of a known thing measured with your reticle.