A Basic Scope Parallax Question

[Turkeytider]

I have a scope that came on a used rifle, no box, no written materials. I know that the scope has a parallax setting of either 50 yards or 100 yards. The scope has no adjustment. How can I determine which setting is in play? The manufacturer has two scope models that are exactly the same, only with different parallax settings and they weren`t much help when I inquired. Thanks.

 

[Thomasss]

Scope manufacturer name and model(s) name or number would help a lot. Otherwise take it to a range and shoot it at both 50 and 100 yards and you will find out in a hurry.

 

[jmr40]

If the scope is designed to be used on centerfire rifles, it is almost always either 100 or 150 yards. If it is designed to be used on handguns, shotguns, rimfires, or muzzle loaders they are usually set at either 50 or 75 yards.

And for most people parallax just isn't a thing to worry about, especially if you're using the scope correctly. Get your eye directly behind the scope and it is never a problem. If you are looking through the scope from an angle and if bullet impact off by an inch or so at 500 yards is important, or 1/4" at 100 yards matters to you then you need to worry about it.

 

[Varminterror]

Set up on target at 50 yards, if you can’t force parallax disconnection between the reticle and target, then try 100yrds - you SHOULD be able to force disconnection, and you’ll know it’s set for 50 yards. And vice versa, if it disconnects at 50, but not at 100, you know it’s 100.

 

[CraigC]

No offense intended but it baffles me that people post questions like this without provided the details of exactly what it is we're talking about.

For some dumb reason, most handgun scopes will still be set at 100-150yds. Only rimfire and shotgun scopes are set under 100yds.

 

[Turkeytider]

Set up on target at 50 yards, if you can’t force parallax disconnection between the reticle and target, then try 100yrds - you SHOULD be able to force disconnection, and you’ll know it’s set for 50 yards. And vice versa, if it disconnects at 50, but not at 100, you know it’s 100.

Thank you sir. Appreciate it.

 

[denton]

Put the gun on a rest, with a target at 50 yards. Move your eye left, right, up and down within the eye box. If the reticle does not appear to move, parallax is set for 50. If it does move, try again at 100.

 

[Turkeytider]

Put the gun on a rest, with a target at 50 yards. Move your eye left, right, up and down within the eye box. If the reticle does not appear to move, parallax is set for 50. If it does move, try again at 100.

Thank you too, sir!