How to Use Adjustable Objective Rifle Scopes
Be sure that your scope is mounted properly., Know your rifle., Most eyepieces have a lock ring., Adjust the objective for infinity (very far, often a small 8 symbol)., Point the scope toward a blank wall or the sky., Once the eyepiece has a sharp...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Be sure that your scope is mounted properly.
Sighting-in can have been done preliminarily, but additional sighting-in will be desirable after following these steps: -
Step 2: Know your rifle.
There are actually two optical systems in a rifle scope.
The objective (front lens) focuses the target image on the reticle (cross-hairs); the eyepiece (rear lens) focuses the eye on the reticle.
The eyepiece must first be adjusted before any adjustment of the objective. , Unscrew the lock ring a turn or two so that the eyepiece can be screwed in and out. , This will cause anything you actually look at that is close to be very blurry. , At this stage, we are only interested in focusing the eyepiece on the reticle and not on any actual target.
Screw the eyepiece in/out until the reticle is in sharp focus.
This may take several tries with removing your eye from the eyepiece between tries to give it a rest. , (This does not have to be more than just snug.) , Now that we have a clear image of the reticle, the distant target image can be focused on the reticle.
In practice, you will think that you are focusing the image on your eye, but what is actually happening is that the image is being focused on the reticle.
Most objectives focus by turning the front lens.
Some focus by turning a knob on the side of the scope.
In any case, the idea is to get a sharp image of the target.
It will be easier to focus if you choose a target area with some contrasting texture such as wood grain
- you will see the image "pop" into focus better on patterns than on large areas. , This means you have eliminated parallax from your scope system for this target.
If the distance to the target changes, you only refocus the front objective (or side focus).
You never touch the eyepiece adjustment unless your prescription changes, basically. -
Step 3: Most eyepieces have a lock ring.
-
Step 4: Adjust the objective for infinity (very far
-
Step 5: often a small 8 symbol).
-
Step 6: Point the scope toward a blank wall or the sky.
-
Step 7: Once the eyepiece has a sharp reticle image
-
Step 8: lock the eyepiece adjustment with the lock ring.
-
Step 9: Adjust the objective.
-
Step 10: You should now be able to move your eye from side-to-side while the rifle stays still and the cross-hairs of the reticle should not move on the target.
Detailed Guide
Sighting-in can have been done preliminarily, but additional sighting-in will be desirable after following these steps:
There are actually two optical systems in a rifle scope.
The objective (front lens) focuses the target image on the reticle (cross-hairs); the eyepiece (rear lens) focuses the eye on the reticle.
The eyepiece must first be adjusted before any adjustment of the objective. , Unscrew the lock ring a turn or two so that the eyepiece can be screwed in and out. , This will cause anything you actually look at that is close to be very blurry. , At this stage, we are only interested in focusing the eyepiece on the reticle and not on any actual target.
Screw the eyepiece in/out until the reticle is in sharp focus.
This may take several tries with removing your eye from the eyepiece between tries to give it a rest. , (This does not have to be more than just snug.) , Now that we have a clear image of the reticle, the distant target image can be focused on the reticle.
In practice, you will think that you are focusing the image on your eye, but what is actually happening is that the image is being focused on the reticle.
Most objectives focus by turning the front lens.
Some focus by turning a knob on the side of the scope.
In any case, the idea is to get a sharp image of the target.
It will be easier to focus if you choose a target area with some contrasting texture such as wood grain
- you will see the image "pop" into focus better on patterns than on large areas. , This means you have eliminated parallax from your scope system for this target.
If the distance to the target changes, you only refocus the front objective (or side focus).
You never touch the eyepiece adjustment unless your prescription changes, basically.
About the Author
Carol Parker
Creates helpful guides on home improvement to inspire and educate readers.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: