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

TC Encore 01
TC Encore 01

Return of the Encore: T/C Arms Brings Back Its Iconic Single-Shot

In 2024, former owner Gregg Ritz purchased Thompson/Center Arms. Now the company has introduced a modern take on its classic Contender/Encore concept: the ENCORE PROHunter.

7 New ARs for 2026

While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features.

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.