Getting your rifle scope perfectly dialed in is a key step for accuracy at longer ranges. One of the most important, yet sometimes confusing, parts of that process is learning how to adjust parallax on a rifle scope. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know in simple, practical steps.
Parallax error occurs when the reticle appears to move over the target if you shift your eye behind the scope. It’s an optical illusion, but it causes aiming errors. If your target is blurry and the reticle seems to float, you likely have a parallax issue. Adjusting it removes this error, making your point of aim consistent no matter your head position. This is crucial for precision shooting.
How to Adjust Parallax on a Rifle Scope
The core process involves turning the parallax adjustment knob, usually located on the side or objective bell of your scope, until the target image is sharp and the reticle stops moving relative to the target. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to do it correctly.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you begin, make sure you have a few things ready:
* Your rifle securely placed in a stable rest or shooting bags. A vise is ideal.
* A target placed at a known distance. Start with 100 yards if you’re new to this.
* Good lighting so you can see the target and reticle clearly.
* Your scope’s manual (helpful for specific model details).
Step-by-Step Adjustment Process
Follow these numbered steps to adjust your scope’s parallax accurately and safely.
1. Secure Your Rifle. This is non-negotiable. The rifle must be absolutely still, pointing safely downrange at your target. Any movement will make it impossible to see the subtle parallax shift.
2. Look Through the Scope. Get into a normal shooting position behind the rifle. Take a moment to get a clear view of the target through the scope. Notice if the target looks fuzzy.
3. Identify the Adjustment Knob. Find the knob labeled “Parallax,” “Side Focus,” or “AO” (Adjustable Objective). It often has distance markings (yards or meters). On many scopes, its the knob on the left side.
4. Move Your Head. While looking at the target, slowly move your head up and down and side-to-side behind the eyepiece. Watch what happens between the reticle and the target. If the reticle appears to swim or move across the target, parallax is present.
5. Turn the Knob and Observe. Begin turning the parallax knob slowly. As you turn, continue to move your head. Your goal is to find the point where the reticle stops moving relative to the target when you move your head.
6. Focus on Target Clarity. The second goal is to make the target image as sharp as possible. The point of minimum parallax error will also be the point of best target clarity. These two things happen together.
7. Fine-Tune and Verify. Make small final adjustments until all movement ceases and the image is crisp. Double-check by moving your head again. If there’s no reticle movement, you have successfully eliminated parallax error for that distance.
Different Types of Parallax Adjustments
Not all scopes adjust the same way. Knowing which type you have is important.
Adjustable Objective (AO) Scopes
Common on hunting and tactical scopes, the adjustment ring is on the objective bell (front) of the scope. You simply rotate the ring to the specific distance you are shooting. It’s straightforward, but you must reach to the front of the scope.
Side Focus (Side Parallax) Knob
Common on higher-end scopes, the knob is on the left side of the scope turret housing. This allows for much easier adjustments from your shooting position. These often have finer adjustments and are preferred for long-range precision.
Fixed Parallax Scopes
Many budget or traditional scopes have no adjustment knob. They are factory-set, usually at 100 yards. For these, you cannot mechanically adjust parallax. You must maintain a perfectly consistent cheek weld to minimize the error.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good instructions, its easy to slip up. Watch out for these common errors.
* Adjusting While the Rifle is Unstable: Any wobble will hide the parallax effect.
* Confusing Parallax with Focus: The main goal is to stop reticle movement. Target sharpness is a bonus, but the ocular lens (rear eyepiece) is for reticle focus only—don’t use it to fix a blurry target.
* Forgetting to Re-check at Different Distances: Parallax is distance-specific. You must adjust it whenever your target distance changes significantly.
* Rushing the Process: Take your time with small knob movements and careful observation.
When and Why Parallax Adjustment Matters Most
Parallax error has a bigger effect in some situations than others. You need to be most diligent about adjusting it when:
* Shooting at longer ranges (beyond 200 yards).
* Using high magnification (above 10x).
* Engaging in precision disciplines like benchrest, F-Class, or PRS.
* You notice inconsistent shot placement despite good fundamentals.
For close-range big game hunting inside 150 yards, a small amount of parallax error is often less critical than a quick shot opportunity. But knowing how to manage it is always a valuable skill.
Practical Tips for Field Use
In a real shooting scenario, you won’t always have a bench. Here’s how to manage.
* Use a Range Finder: Know the exact distance to your target to set the knob accurately.
* Practice Dry-Firing: Get familiar with the feel of your side focus knob so you can adjust quickly.
* Pre-Set for Known Distances: If you’re waiting at a known-distance lane, set your parallax beforehand.
Getting your parallax adjusted correctly might seem like a small detail, but it has a huge impact on accuracy. It’s the difference between hoping your aim is true and knowing it is. By following these steps and practicing the technique, you’ll remove a major variable from your shooting equation. This leads to more confidence and better results on the target or in the field.
FAQ: Common Parallax Questions
What is parallax in simple terms?
Parallax is an optical effect where the reticle looks like it moves over the target when you move your eye behind the scope. This causes aiming errors because your point of aim isn’t fixed.
Does adjusting parallax fix a blurry target?
Yes, it should. The parallax adjustment knob also brings the target image into focus on the same focal plane as the reticle. If the target is still blurry after adjusting parallax, you may need to adjust the eyepiece for your eye’s vision first.
How often should I adjust my rifle scope parallax?
You should adjust it every time your target distance changes significantly—typically every 50 to 100 yards in long-range shooting. For a fixed distance session, set it once and your good to go.
Can I eliminate parallax completely?
You can reduce it to an undetectable level for practical purposes. Perfect optical zero parallax exists at only one exact distance, but proper adjustment makes the error insignificant for accurate shooting.
Is parallax the same as windage and elevation?
No, they are different. Windage and elevation adjust where the reticle points (bullet impact). Parallax adjustment fixes an optical alignment issue between your eye, the reticle, and the target image. It doesn’t change where the barrel is aimed.