Why are sniper scopes so long looking?

Question

ive seen pictures of sniper scopes and wondering what that is. is it so there is no reflection from the glass? what are they called?

Answer 1

what you are referring to is called a sunshade, a long piece of plastic that extends past the objective lens in order to keep glare off the lens.  To properly block reflection, though, you need a mesh filter that keeps sunlight from bouncing off and exposing your position.  Here is an example of one of those:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.ex...

Answer 2

To make them look "tact-i-cool" and impress people who haven't a clue how scopes really work.

Or...

It could simply be that form follows function and their size is a function of their design.

How to Choose a Riflescope -

Rifle Scope Expert's Guide to Firearm Optics!

http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-choos...

Answer 3

Q:  Why are sniper scopes so long looking?

A:  I wish people would lose the word 'sniper' from their vocabulary. A rifle is just a rifle (or a scope is just a scope) until it is actually used by a sniper for the nefarious purpose of snipering, like those idiots in Maryland a few years ago or the Texas Tower Sniper or that incident in Dallas in '63.  

Longer scopes usually have more magnification for longer distance sighting.  The reason you see no reflection is because it either has a lense cover, or mesh-netting is affixed over the optics to prevent give-away glare from the glass.

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Answer 4

so you can see a really LONG way with them!!

Answer 5

The longer your sight plain the more accurate it will be.

Answer 6

The longer they are the farther you can see, and the accurate you can aim :)