Abstract: A reticle system for a variable optical power sighting device includes front and rear reticles proximate respective front and rear focal planes of the device. Range-compensating features are provided, such as a scale and a pair of bracketing marks formed in the rear reticle which cooperate with an indicator mark formed in the front reticle. The indicator mark is radially offset from the optical axis it appears to move in the field of view along the scale in response to adjustment of the optical power to thereby indicate a measurement corresponding to a size of a distant target subtended in the field of view by the bracketing marks. A two-part electronic reticle system is also disclosed utilizing similar principles of operation. The rear reticle and scale may be electroformed to reduce cost and improve light transmission relative to a glass reticle.

Abstract: A reticle system for a variable optical power sighting device includes front and rear reticles proximate respective front and rear focal planes of the device. Range-compensating features are provided, such as a scale and a pair of bracketing marks formed in the rear reticle which cooperate with an indicator mark formed in the front reticle. The indicator mark is radially offset from the optical axis it appears to move in the field of view along the scale in response to adjustment of the optical power to thereby indicate a measurement corresponding to a size of a distant target subtended in the field of view by the bracketing marks. A two-part electronic reticle system is also disclosed utilizing similar principles of operation. The rear reticle and scale may be electroformed to reduce cost and improve light transmission relative to a glass reticle.