I guess no one has ever explained parallax to me. Sorry to look like a dummy, but what is it and how does it effect the decision on what scope to use?
There are scopes made for shotguns and muzzleloaders. They were designed for shotguns and muzzleloaders do to the shorter range that they are used. Here are a few definitions. Hope this helps, if not could some one explain it better that I can. I understand it but it is harder to explain for me.
Parallax is the change of angular position.
A minimal extremum (minimal turning point or relative to each other as seen by an observer, due to the motion of said observer. Or more simply put, it is the apparent shift of an object against a background due to a change in observer position.
What is parallax ?
Parallax is a condition that exists when either the reticle or the image is not focused precisely together . This can create the effect of the crosshair appearing to move when you move your head side to side or up and down.
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How can I tell if I have a parallax problem ?
From a solid rested position, such as a benchrest, line your scope up on a target as if aiming to fire a round . Remember to keep the scope in a solid position . Carefully note the position of the crosshairs . Move your head up, down, and side to side . Should you see the crosshairs move off target, while moving your head, you have parallax . Unless you position your eye in exactly the same location from shot to shot, you can experience slight point - of - impact shift and larger group sizes .
Should I be concerned about parallax and why ?
There are two separate lines of thought in regard to parallax due to the small variations in values . One is the line of thought from the big game hunting standpoint and the other is from the target shooting and varmint hunting standpoint . In big game hunting situations, where intended targets are larger and yardages are not excessive, minimal parallax is not a concern . In target shooting, when attempting to place one bullet on top of another and in varmint hunting situations, a shooter has need for concern . When using the high powered scopes associated with these types of shooting disciplines, parallax error can decrease accuracy . The amount of accuracy loss can be directly tied to the amount of parallax error that exists .
