What is the definition of a "Tactical" scope?

[BigDuncs]

Some scopes are referred to as tactical but I don't remember ever seeing an explanation of what this means?

Can anyone help?

Thanks.

[Raffaz]

I think its just a scope that fits on a tactical rifle. Look here.
http://www.shootingtimes.com/optics/STtactical_1005/

[Mike T]

It's a marketing name used to get grown men to buy the kit, the harder the name sounds, 'tactical, military style etc etc ' the more chance it will sell.
Hey I've got a tacticle sound better than Hey look at my optic!

Proof of this marketing is the sale of buggys and prams, since adding 'all terrain' to three wheeler push chairs, sales have gone up 60%. This was a specific ploy to introduce men into buying push chairs, an untapped resource.
Women want something light to lift and easily stowable, men want the great outdoors, super chunky wheels gortex and independant suspension. Have you tried lifting one - guaranteed you buy a lightweight one within 3 months!

Imagine '3-12 ultra tactical swat sight' we'd all rush to buy it cos it sounds HARD!

[Mr. Gain]

As people have already said, "tactical" is more to do with marketing than meaning, but you'd expect a "tactical" scope to offer a large elevation turret for dialling in corrections and a mil-dot or military-style reticle for rangefinding and aiming off, plus a matte finish for stealth, and generally rugged looks.

[Forth]

since adding 'all terrain' to three wheeler push chairs, sales have gone up 60%

Brings visions of an "all terrain" and "tactical" Reliant Robin......

[luddite]

Calling anything "Tactical" is a marketing tactic. I'm surprised that we haven't had tactical laptops, tactical mobile phones and tactical pencils.

[some bloke]

Just lacking in the tact department

[BigDuncs]

Thanks folks - all clear now!

[GS Rider]

Imagine '3-12 ultra tactical swat sight' we'd all rush to buy it cos it sounds HARD!

If they add Illuminated Reticle / Night Vision with bonny iridium coated optics, the cheque's in the post.

[Zico]

For some reason I'd always thought sniper/tactical turrets allowed for a larger elevation/windage range of adjustments

Dunno where I got that from..

[BigDuncs]

Was it Leupold who coined the word/phase "Tactical" with their range of Tactical scopes?

[joekid]

I think its just a scope that fits on a tactical rifle. Look here.
http://www.shootingtimes.com/optics/STtactical_1005/

i wouldnt like to put a so called airgun £250 tactical scope on a sniper rifle.

[cnorris517]

Calling anything "Tactical" is a marketing tactic. I'm surprised that we haven't had tactical laptops, tactical mobile phones and tactical pencils.

There are tactical laptops although the buzz word in IT terms is ruggedised

[gunculture]

I'm surprised that we haven't had tactical laptops, tactical mobile phones and tactical pencils.

Oh they'll be there mate don't you worry.

[chrisss]

i think its because the cheap ones like to creep out of zero when youre not looking