Choosing the right scope can significantly impact your shooting accuracy and overall experience. One crucial factor often overlooked is eye relief. For many shooters, especially those with glasses or those using high-recoil firearms, long eye relief scopes are essential for safety and comfort. This guide will delve into the importance of long eye relief, explore the benefits, and help you select the perfect scope for your needs.
What is Eye Relief?
Eye relief refers to the distance between the rear lens of the scope and your eye when looking through it. It's measured in inches or millimeters. Insufficient eye relief means you need to position your eye very close to the scope to get a full field of view. This can lead to discomfort, bruising from recoil, and even eye injury with powerful firearms.
Long eye relief scopes provide a longer distance, typically ranging from 3.5 to 6 inches or more. This generous distance allows for more comfortable viewing, especially for those wearing eyeglasses or shooting high-recoil weapons.
Benefits of Long Eye Relief Scopes
The advantages of choosing a scope with extended eye relief are numerous:
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Enhanced Safety: The increased distance minimizes the risk of eye injury from recoil. This is particularly important with powerful rifles or shotguns.
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Improved Comfort: Shooters with glasses can easily use the scope without experiencing discomfort or the need for constant readjustment.
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Better Shooting Experience: The added distance allows for a more relaxed and natural shooting posture, contributing to improved accuracy and consistency.
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Greater Field of View: Some long eye relief scopes offer a wider field of view, which can be advantageous in various hunting and shooting scenarios.
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Reduced Eye Strain: Maintaining proper eye position is less critical, reducing eye strain during extended shooting sessions.
Types of Long Eye Relief Scopes
Several types of scopes are specifically designed with extended eye relief in mind:
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Tactical Scopes: Many tactical scopes prioritize long eye relief to ensure safety and comfort during high-recoil situations.
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Hunting Scopes: Long eye relief hunting scopes are beneficial for hunters who need a clear view even when using powerful rifles.
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Airgun Scopes: Air rifles, while often lower in recoil than firearms, still benefit from increased eye relief, especially for higher-powered models.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Long Eye Relief Scope
When selecting a long eye relief scope, several key factors should be considered:
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Magnification: Choose a magnification range suitable for your shooting needs. Higher magnification is better for long-range shooting, while lower magnification is better for closer targets or faster-moving game.
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Objective Lens Size: A larger objective lens gathers more light, improving low-light performance.
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Reticle: Select a reticle that suits your shooting style and preferences. Popular choices include crosshairs, duplex reticles, and mil-dot reticles.
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Durability: Ensure the scope is built to withstand the rigors of regular use and recoil. Look for scopes made from high-quality materials.
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Budget: Long eye relief scopes can range in price from affordable to quite expensive, depending on the features and quality.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit
Choosing the right long eye relief scope is crucial for safety, comfort, and shooting accuracy. By considering the factors discussed above and carefully evaluating your needs, you can select a scope that enhances your shooting experience and allows you to achieve your goals. Remember to always prioritize safety and comfort when selecting any optical equipment.
