Gunsight / Weapon Sight Reticles

Gunsight reticles are the aiming patterns built into optical sights that provide a reference point for aiming and can assist with estimating distance and compensating for bullet or projectile drop. Reticle designs range from simple crosshairs to highly detailed “Christmas tree” patterns, with each type tailored to specific shooting applications

Graticules Optics has over 60 years’ experience in producing high quality micro-pattern products for gunsight applications. 
All procedures at Graticules factories are accredited to ISO 9001 quality standards.

Over the years we have developed specialised processes to manufacture the most complex of products.

Whether you are looking for a one-off prototype or a production run of thousands, Graticules has the experience and capability to help you. If you are looking for glass, film or metal foil products please send us your specifications.

Types of Gunsight Reticles

• Crosshair: The simplest reticle design, consisting of a vertical and horizontal line intersecting at the centre.
  Use Case: Commonly used for general-purpose shooting, especially by beginners and hunters engaging targets at shorter distances where an uncluttered sight picture is preferred.
   
• Duplex Reticle: An enhanced version of the crosshair, featuring thick outer posts that join onto a finer centre section.
  Use Case: Widely favoured for hunting, as the bold outer lines draw the eye quickly while the thin centre allows for accurate shot placement.
   
• Dot Reticle: Uses a single dot—often illuminated—as the aiming point.
  Use Case: Well suited for rapid target acquisition, particularly in competition or when engaging moving targets. Dot size (measured in MOA – Minute of Angle) balances speed versus precision.
   
• Mil-Dot / MOA Reticles: Incorporate evenly spaced dots or hash marks along the crosshairs based on angular measurements (milliradians or minutes of angle).
  Use Case: Common among military, law enforcement, and precision shooters for estimating range and holding for windage and elevation without adjusting scope turrets.
   
• BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) Reticle: Features a central aiming point with additional reference marks below it, corresponding to specific preset distances (such as 200, 300, or 400 yards).
  Use Case: Ideal for hunting or tactical scenarios requiring quick shots at known distances, minimizing the need for manual adjustments.
   
• Christmas Tree Reticle: A complex reticle with multiple horizontal and vertical hash marks forming a tree-like pattern.
  Use Case: Designed for long-range precision shooting, offering extensive options for elevation and wind corrections.
   
• Horseshoe / Circle Dot Reticle: Combines a central dot with a surrounding circle or horseshoe shape.
  Use Case: Enables fast target acquisition at close range while maintaining precision at medium distances, making it versatile across multiple shooting environments.
   

Key Considerations

• Illumination: Many modern reticles include illumination to improve visibility in low-light conditions or against dark backgrounds, though this increases cost and requires a power source.
   
• Focal Plane: In First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes, the reticle scales with magnification, keeping measurements accurate at all zoom levels. In Second Focal Plane (SFP) scopes, the reticle remains the same size, with measurements only accurate at a designated magnification.
   
• Application: Selecting the right reticle depends on the intended use—whether for short-range hunting, dynamic competition, or long-range precision shooting.

All of the gunsight reticles we manufacture are made to order, so please send us your requirements at this link or by email to [email protected]
 

Enquire here for custom products

Or send us your enquiry with any attached drawings to [email protected]