Into A Scope
A scope on a rifle or in any sport optics almost functions in the same way. It is an optical sighting device that consists of many lenses inside a long tube.
Every scope has an objective lens on one end, and its purpose is to transmit light back into the ocular lens which stays on the other end, so you can see the image.
An object that holds the ocular lens is an eyepiece; it is where you place your eye close-up to see things from a far distance. When you look into a scope, that image you see is a light that has been magnified from a focal point by the ocular lens.
Everything inside a scope is controlled by the three knobs outside called turrets, and rifle scopes usually have two or three turrets depending on what type you are using.
On a gun scope, there is a reticle which also known as crosshairs. They are multi lines appeared on your eyepiece, and shooters usually rely on this reticle to aim because it shows them exactly where the shot will hit when they pull a trigger.
However, a bullet flight path does not always go straight due to many factors. Its trajectory is affected by many reasons such as gravity pull, wind or temperature.
To fix this problem, this is when the windage, elevation and parallax turret come into use.
Now that we understand the anatomy of scope, let’s move on to answer the question of why we need scope adjustment.
How Does Scope Adjustment Work?
Scope adjustment is a combination of balancing three things, elevation, windage, and parallax. Learning how to adjust this can take a lot of time and practice, but in the end, you will be rewarded.
The two basic turrets on the scope that everyone can adjust are elevation and windage. They simply help you to sight the reticle up and down or left and right on the target.
Some new high-end scopes nowadays have a parallax turret for focusing, and to add more accuracy. In the past, this feature is not available because they don’t want you to mess with it. But having this option on the scope is a trend now in the game.
People sometimes are confused as what it is exactly when they are making scope adjustment. They are not adjusting the bullet, and neither is the barrel of the gun. The bullet comes out in the same way, and the barrel is fixed. The only thing that moves is the reticle.
This reticle on your scope does not control the bullet’s movement. When you adjust the scope, you simply move this crosshair to where the bullet hits on the target. By doing this, your eye will know where the bullet goes based on the position of the reticle.
Scope adjustment is measured either by MOL (minutes of angle) or MIL (milliradian). The first one is more easier to understand than the latter. Knowing this minute of angle will help you to zero your rifle. It is the first step when adjusting a scope.
Most scopes have 1/4 MOA per click which indicates that every four clicks will be equal to one MOA of adjustment. 1/8 MOA means eight clicks will adjust one MOA and the same goes for others.
Now let’s make a simple calculation. You are aiming a target at 100 yards away, and your scope has 1/8 MOA adjustment. If your shot is 3 inches low, then you need to adjust your scope 3 MOA up by turning the elevation turret by 24 clicks. Did you get it?
This principle works the same on the windage turret. The more inches you short on the target, the more clicks you turn based on the MOA adjustment of the scope.
There are two popular turret types you usually see on a rifle scope; they are exposed turret and capped ones. This adjustment works on both of them. However, the latter requires you to remove the cap, and use an adjustment tool to make changes if they don’t have finger adjustments.
There is a small trick for those who have a regular capped turret. You can use a coin as a tool to adjust it.
Watch this video below to understand more about scope adjustment.
Why Do We Need Scope Adjustment?
At a certain magnification, you should be able to see the image in front of a scope reticle. But when you cannot, this means you are out of focus, and this is what you don’t want to happen.
The shade border effect you are experiencing is called parallax. This happens every time you move your head or adjust the elevation and windage turret.
While adjusting the parallax turret, keep in mind that it must be adjusted slightly when you head, and the eye is moving. You know it’s correct when the reticle no longer move at the target.
There is also a tip for you to correct the elevation and windage turret. You should never adjust both of them at the same time, and always use the same bullet brand for every shot.
Finally, be patient is the most important, you might have to shoot a few rounds before making it right.
Being able to judge the windage, elevation, and parallax is an essential skill for a shooter. It’s all about practicing and dedicating.
Every rifle scope is different, but the way they work always follows this principle. This explains why scope adjustment matters when shooting. It not only helps you to aim but also makes you a great shooter.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, this is all you need to know about how scope adjustment work. Understand this not only helps you to aim properly but also improve your skill. Now if you think this article is helpful, please share it around among your friend, and give some comments below. We love to hear from your experience.
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