Re: Curious as to why CW & CCW options on S&B? Prefer?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hazardus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In looking at the S&B scopes, I noticed that they come in both clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) options on various scopes. Almost all of the scopes that I'm familiar with are CCW so I'm wondering why they decided to go that route?
Do all S&B scopes come in both a CW and CCW option? Also, what is preferable? </div></div>
Before this thread spins into speculative obscurity, I feel that someone should jump in here and address your questions with a little bit of knowledge as to how scope adjustments actually work.
There are a few opinions on what and why, but with mine being the most important, I'm inclined to share...
Being someone who has a few hours inside a scope and most recently, a riflescope manufacturer, I think I can not only address the question, but possibly lend some guidance.
Rather than get into the theory of paraxial optics, I'll give you the pragmatic view:
With scopes that have a fixed-rotating turret; meaning that when you adjust the elevation or windage, the dial turns, but NOT in and out, to or away from the scope body-this explanation is applicable.
CW (clockwise) turret mechanisms have a right-hand threaded turret engagement. Therefore, when you spin the dial clockwise, the bullet impact moves UP and/or the reticle moves DOWN while looking through the scope…kinda makes sense if you observe this through the scope. However, this is counterintuitive if you consider the physics of what is actually happening.
CCW (counter-clockwise) adjustments entail a left-handed thread engagement which when dialing CLOCKWISE, the bullet impact moves DOWN and/or the reticle moves UP when viewed through the scope.
Back in school, my shop teacher had a saying: “righty-tighty, lefty-loosy”. This holds true to adjusting a scope. If you turn the dial CLOCKWISE (righty-tighty), then one would expect something to happen in THAT direction. Me, if I’m zeroing a scope, I’m looking at the report on paper. Therefore, if my bullet impact is HIGH, then when adjusting the turret down (righty-tighty), I expect the bullet impact to move DOWN. “…a US trend” might just be the explanation of an esteemed colleague, but it also happens to make ALOT of sense.
Now back to CW (clockwise)….this happens to be the “European” standard. It’s origins are very vague, but most recently, I was given a pretty damn good argument….When dealing with wind that is blowing say from right to LEFT, when adjusting a scope’s windage adjustment to compensate, [with a clockwise/right hand thread] you will turn the turret the LEFT (counter-clockwise), which in turn moves the bullet impact RIGHT.
I’m not really sure when I’ll end up if I continue this diatribe, but suffice it to say:
Righty-tighty, bullet impact DOWN
Lefty-loosy, bullet LEFT
US/American trend/style or not, it happens to make more sense………………….
I realize that this is an “S&B” directed thread, but being a consummately accommodating scope company, Premier also offers the option of “CW” or “CCW” turrets. Right or wrong, the customer deserves a choice.
Best Regards,
Chris Thomas, President
Premier Reticles
