How to Check Parallax in Rifle Scopes
Parallax occurs when the position of an object being viewed appears to move because the observer of the object has moved. Parallax happens with rifle scopes when the image being viewed through the scope doesn't focus on the same plane as the target reticle. Some rifle scopes have an adjustable parallax to compensate for this, but most rifle scopes have a fixed parallax. Fixed parallax scopes have a specific distance where there is no parallax, usually 100 or 200 yards, but the effect is seen when the target is viewed from any other range.
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Things You'll Need
- Scoped rifle
- Sandbags
- Table
- Paper targets
- Firing range with marked distances
Instructions
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Place paper targets out on the range at 100 and 200 yards.
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Place two sandbags on the table next to each other at the firing line of the range.
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Place the scoped rifle in between the sandbags to prop the rifle upright on the table.
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Align the target reticle in the scoped rifle on the 100-yard target while keeping the rifle propped up between the sandbags.
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Change your eye position from right to left while looking through the scope at the 100-yard target without touching the rifle. If the target reticle in the scope moves when your eye position moves, your fixed parallax scope is not set for this range and you are experiencing parallax. If the reticle does not move, your scope's fixed parallax is set for 100 yards.
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Align the target reticle in the scoped rifle on the 200-yard target while keeping the rifle propped up between the sandbags.
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Change your eye position from right to left while looking through the scope at the 200-yard target without touching the rifle. If the reticle doesn't move, your scope's fixed parallax is set for 200 yards. If the reticle does move, you are experiencing parallax at that range.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you know the distance at which your rifle scope does not have any parallax, you also know your optimum range for accuracy with your rifle scope. This is the range in which you should try to take your hunting shots if possible.
Always be absolutely sure your firearm is unloaded when handling it and checking for parallax in your rifle scope.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Main Battle Assault Rifle image by Peter Orsaeo Sr from Fotolia.com
