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Optics, Mounts, Rails and Sights If it aims your firearm, post about it here. |
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#1
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Are some/better scopes less prone to parallax from eye position?
This is a 6-shot group I shot at 200 yards today.
The rifle is a Savage 111 TH with the "free" scope provided by Savage as part of the combo. My aim point for all 6 shots was the center of the target (the large red square.) The shots were taken off a bench with a rifle-mounted bipod and my off hand under the rear of the stock. (Don't laugh... this is pretty good for me...) There was a mag change in the group, this was two 3-round mags. I'm starting to see this more and more as I improve: my shots are coalescing into a number of decent groups instead of looking like a "shotgun" blast. As best as I can tell, I'm putting my face into a SLIGHTLY different place, despite being careful, and the shots are grouping as you see above due to scope parallax, and my eye being in a slightly different place behind the glass. I know they make scopes with AO controls that can be used to control this, but I really don't like the idea of seeing a elk, and having to mess with an AO control in the middle of everything else... I'd like to set it to a "good enough" setting, and then do the rest with skill and practice, if I can. So, with the knowledge that my current scope is absolute crap, are higher end scopes more forgiving of this effect than cheap scopes? Is a larger Exit Pupil or scope tube diameter helpful here? Thanks...
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NRA Patron Member I've written up my ongoing adventures as I learn to hunt. Yes, you CAN fit a case of shotgun shells into a .50cal ammo can. I think i found an optimal solution for ammo can labeling. I made this target for the NRA's Marksman pistol test. I think it's a lot better than the paper plate they suggest. |
#3
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A larger exit pupil is better at gathering light & will help with the brightness at max magnification. A larger tube diameter gives more adjustment range for the turrets. Neither of those things will help with parallax.
Spud's advice about centering the black ring is good.
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--------------------- "There is no "best." If there was, everyone here would own that one, and no other." - DSB |
#4
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Consistency is the key. I have my stock adjusted so that each time when I get in to shooting stance, be it prone or bench or whatever, it's the same each time. Much like a shotgun fit, it just takes practice and getting used to where it sits in your shoulder pocket and cheek, or as stated above get used to the field of view your witnessing. Eventually it will become second nature. To answer your question yes you can get a better eye relief but it's gonna cost you. Vortex usually has a 4" box which is pretty good for the cost but you're better off learning with he cheap redfield or Nikon you have then upgrading after you've learned the fundamentals. If you can't shoot a stock Glock a Gucci Glock won't make you win competitions same principle applies here.
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God, Guns & Integrity. Prioritize your Priorities. |
#5
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Have you checked if parallax was present at 200 yards? FYI, non adjustable scopes are set at the factory to be parallax free at 100-200 yards depending on the manufacturer. Whatever parallax exists at 200 is minuscule. It would not cause what you’re seeing.
Recoil control or a mechanical defect in the system is more likely the culprit. |
#6
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What kind of ammo are you shooting? Cheap milsurp? Factory bulk? Match? Handloads?
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"Show me a young conservative and I'll show you a man without a heart. Show me an old liberal and I'll show you a man without a brain." - Sir Winston Churchill "I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!" - Senator Barry Goldwater |
#7
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You have a few factors that could be related to the rifle, then there's ammo choices, Shooter issues, and lastly (maybe) the scope parallax. I've tried to list in descending order of effect here.
1) The Trophy Hunter is a skinny barrel in a plastic stock. Both are not conducive to repeatable accuracy. 2)As asked above, what ammo. Some "hunting ammo" is 2-3MOA capable max. 3) Shooter ability/skill. Are you focusing on reticle only or gazing at the target (correct answer: the reticle)? When you "dry-fire" do the crosshairs stay stable or move? 4) Parallax. As others stated usually fixed at 100 or 200yds. Parallax at shorter distances from setting has more influence than further shots. This is least likely the cause of your 3MOA spread. 5) Wind. May be a slight factor, but not likely to push bullets that far off at 200yds. |
#8
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Quote:
It is. The scope's not clear enough for a sharp measurment, but it's about 3" at 200 yards. If anything, my error is likely related to trigger control.
__________________
NRA Patron Member I've written up my ongoing adventures as I learn to hunt. Yes, you CAN fit a case of shotgun shells into a .50cal ammo can. I think i found an optimal solution for ammo can labeling. I made this target for the NRA's Marksman pistol test. I think it's a lot better than the paper plate they suggest. |
#9
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Loose scope mount. Or You shifted your setup behind the rifle. (Which can affect trigger pull) |
#10
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Try purchasing some match ammo in various weights. You need to find out what your rifle likes to eat. Then, if you hand load you can refine it further once you narrow it down with factory rounds. I suspect a big part of the problem is your ammo. If the problem still persists, at least you eliminated one variable.
__________________
"Show me a young conservative and I'll show you a man without a heart. Show me an old liberal and I'll show you a man without a brain." - Sir Winston Churchill "I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!" - Senator Barry Goldwater |
#11
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Scope rings could be loose, or in need of a lapping job. But considering it is two fairly distinct groups, I suggest going back to 100 yards and trying to tighten things up.
Also avoid putting too much downward pressure on the barrel whether using a bipod or bag. |
#12
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I just realized, the image is rotated. The spread is vertical.
I guess that means ammo quality is a more likely issue...
__________________
NRA Patron Member I've written up my ongoing adventures as I learn to hunt. Yes, you CAN fit a case of shotgun shells into a .50cal ammo can. I think i found an optimal solution for ammo can labeling. I made this target for the NRA's Marksman pistol test. I think it's a lot better than the paper plate they suggest. |
#13
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Just get a better scope.
If there is that much difference due to head movement, something else is out of whack. That is more than just the parallax at 200 yards should give you if the scope is parallax free at 100 yards. Generally, even without parallax adjustment, better scope will be more forgiving. For example, I routinely shoot my SWFA 3-9x42 out to 600 yards with no issues. You want something with better depth of field to use at longer distances without parallax adjustment. ILya www.darklordofoptics.com |
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