Quick Answer
To identify the right eye relief for your optic, hold the rifle with the optic installed and look through it with both eyes open. Measure the distance from the center of the ocular lens to the back of your eye or use the manufacturer's recommended eye relief. A general rule of thumb is to use a minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief for LPVOs.
Understanding Eye Relief
When it comes to LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics), eye relief is crucial for a comfortable shooting experience. LPVOs typically have a shorter eye relief compared to high power scopes, which makes them more susceptible to eye position. A comfortable eye position is essential to avoid eye fatigue, reduce parallax, and maintain accurate shots.
Measuring Eye Relief
To measure the eye relief of your LPVO, you can use a ruler or caliper. Hold the rifle with the optic installed and look through it with both eyes open. Place the ruler or caliper at the center of the ocular lens and measure the distance to the back of your eye. Repeat this process several times to ensure accurate measurements. A general rule of thumb is to use a minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief for LPVOs. However, some LPVOs may have shorter eye relief, such as 3.1 inches for the Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 1-6x24.
Adjusting Eye Relief
If you find that your LPVO has a shorter eye relief, you can adjust the scope’s position on the rifle to achieve a comfortable eye position. Use the scope’s elevation and windage adjustments to move the reticle to a position that is comfortable for your eye. Keep in mind that adjusting the scope’s position may affect the zero of your rifle, so make sure to re-zero after making any adjustments.
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