Rifleman Q&A: Number Of Turns To Focus A Scope?

by
posted on June 19, 2021
4X
photo by Forrest MacCormmack

Q. I have noticed several scopes at the range have their eyepieces screwed all the way in—just as they come from the factory. The shooters using these scopes claim the reticles are in focus. I have found my focus to be two to three turns from the shipping position. I wear corrective lenses, but my oldest scope is more than 30 years old and the reticle is still in position. How many turns does one make on the eyepiece of a scope to have the reticle focus for 20/20 vision?

A. There is no set, standard number of turns required to focus the eyepiece of a riflescope for critical reticle sharpness for any specific visual capability, such as 20/20 vision. Among the variables are: The eyepiece setting when the scope was shipped; manufacturing variation from one scope sample to another; the pitch of the focusing threads; and condition of the user’s eye. In 20 years of handling a wide variety of scope sights, I have encountered scopes that required no ocular adjustment at all and still others that required only moderate focusing movement to sharpen the reticle for me. The latter were in the majority.
—Hugh Birnbaum


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the July 2004 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Bayard Auto Pistol
Bayard Auto Pistol

I Have This Old Gun: Bayard Auto Pistol

The Herstal, Belgium, firm of Anciens Etablissements Pieper was apparently expecting big things when, in 1908, it named its new semi-automatic pocket pistol “Bayard.”

The Armed Citizen® March 31, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New For 2025: Benelli USA Nova 3 Tactical

This latest update to Benelli’s pump-action shotgun gives users a few upgrades over previous generations, making the new NOVA 3 the most exciting pump-gun yet to come from the Italian maker.

Mauser: The Rifle That Made Good

Combining inventive genius with shrewd sales ability, the Mauser brothers, Paul and Wilhelm launched one of the world’s most famous small arms dynasties.

Preview: Hornady Backcountry Defense

The company’s new Backcountry Defense line is designed specifically for personal protection in the backcountry.

Military Armament Corporation Introduces New MAC 9 DS Models

Military Armament Corporation expanded its line of M1911-style, double-stack handguns with its new Double-Stack Duty, D-Comp and Comp designs.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.