Our classic Wm. Malcolm scope line includes scopes with the most traditional reticle style of all - the plain duplex. In other words, the reticle is a big plus. 

Still, this reticle may not be the one you actually want to use when out hunting or out at the range. If you're looking to swap from the plain crosshairs to another style, here's everything you need to know. 

Which Scopes Can Swap Reticles?

Currently, three scopes in our lineup are built to swap reticles easily. The 8X and 20X Unertl-style scopes use a short reticle frame, secured by two screws. The 6X Long Parallax scope has a longer reticle frame, though also secured by two screws. While the 8X and 20X have compatible frames, they are not interchangeable with the 6X long.

Why Should I Swap Reticles?

There are three good scenarios in which swapping out the reticle is the easiest solution.

1. Your reticle may be damaged. The actual wire that makes up the reticle is quite thin (around 0.001"). It's strong enough against its own weight to handle quite a bit of recoil, but it is not fond of being poked or touched by a tool or finger.

2. The reticle is too thick or thin. A reticle is a very personal choice. For some, the standard wire is too thick. For others, too thin. This can also vary as your vision changes throughout the years. 

3. You want a different design. While I am a fan of the standard duplex. others often like the mil-dot or crossed aperture. It's definitely easier to change one reticle for a wholly new one than it is to modify an already-existing reticle.

How do I Take Out a Reticle?

The method for removing the reticle (and reticle frame) is the same between the 8X, 20X, and 6X is the same, even if the frames aren't exactly the same shape. The only tool you'll need is either a Phillips or Torx driver to remove two small screws.

For any of the scopes, start with the scope body either level or objective-down. Don't let the eyepiece be the lowest point, or the reticle will try to slide out when the screws have been removed. 

1. Remove the eyepiece
2. Remove the eyepiece lock ring
3. Remove the two reticle frame screws (found 180 degrees apart on the reticle lock ring)
4. Slide off the reticle lock ring
5. Tilt the scope eyepiece-down to slide the reticle frame out

Step 5 is the trickiest one. Try to keep your finger at the edge of the opening (where the eyepiece once was) to catch the frame on the way out. You'll want to stop the frame by touching the corner or side of it, not the center. The center is where the reticle wire can be found, and your finger will bend it if it touches. 

How do I Install a Reticle?

Installing a reticle is the same process as above, but backwards in most ways. There will be two extra notes on positioning the reticle correctly, but it's not any extra work.

1. Tilt the scope objective-down (in other words, eyepiece-up).
2. Slide the reticle into the tube. The two points to be aware of are:
1. Make sure the two screw holes on the reticle frame line up with the slots on the side of the scope. This way, the holes will already be lined up when you next go to put the screws in.
2. The screw holes are down. In other words: the side with the reticle should be closer to the eyepiece, and the side of the frame with the holes should be closer to the objective. 
3. Slide the reticle lock ring onto the tube, lining up the holes with the slots on the side of the scope.
4. Install both screws. They don't require much torque to lock in place, only a few inch-pounds. 
5. Reinstall the eyepiece lock ring.
6. Reinstall the eyepiece.

Final Notes

That's about all there is to it, folks. A bit of unscrewing, one tool, and a light touch. That's all you'll need to Install or remove a reticle from the 6X Long Parallax, the 8X (either version), and the 20X.