Reticle Focus

by
posted on April 1, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
deer.jpg

Q. Scope instructions generally state that you should focus the eyepiece on the crosshairs. While this may show clear focus on a target at lower powers, at higher powers, the target’s image may get fuzzy on some scopes. Is there any solution, or is this limitation inherent to certain scopes?

A. Focusing the eyepiece of a scope sight is solely intended to control the clarity with which you see the reticle. The sharpness with which you see the target is determined by a variety of factors, including the target distance relative to the distance for which the scope was focused at the factory, as well as the distance for which you have set the focus of a scope that provides user-adjustable objective focusing. Target sharpness is also affected by atmospheric conditions, lighting, the scope’s overall optical quality and the condition of exposed optical surfaces (clean vs. dirty; scratched vs. pristine). Other factors can also affect target clarity to varying degrees.

-Hugh C. Birnbaum

Originally published May, 2006

More like this from around the NRA

Latest

Heckler Koch Cc9 Rifleman Review 1
Heckler Koch Cc9 Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Heckler & Koch CC9

When Heckler & Koch USA launched its micro-compact CC9, it proved to be one of the most robustly built micro-compact handguns yet made.

Beyond the Headlines on Armed Citizen Stories

Concealed carriers in the U.S. commit almost no crimes with their lawfully owned firearms. Armed citizens do, however, stop a lot of crimes.

Rifleman Interview: Smith & Wesson FPC and M&P22X

Smith & Wesson’s latest rimfire semi-autos were on display at Plinkapalooza in May.

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.