Parallax and short distances

[Dos_Meadowlandos]

Hey All,

Looking to pickup a new 22LR that I can use for squirrel hunting and the occasional rifle match at my local club.

I have an optic already that I could use for the rifle yet the minimum parallax setting on it is 45 yards.

I understand the basics of what parallax affects w/r/t POA/POI shift at distance...

With that said...what challenges might I face when engaging targets closer than 45 yards...say the random 25y target at a match or squirrel at 15?

- jakeb

 

[littlepod]

If you understand the effects of parallax with respect to POA/POI, then you basically answered yourself.

Shooting 1/4" target at 25yd, doesn't leave much room for parallax error.

 

[steve123]

If you get a your cheek weld so you are looking directly down the center of the eye box and FOV that will help avoid as much parallax error as possible, short of having the proper scope for the job.

That could be done with adjustable Cheek piece, stock pack, or lower rings. Precisely why I try to buy rifles with adjustable cheek pieces to save some hassle.

I change scopes around to different rifles since I can't afford a bunch of $4000 scopes. Also why I try to avoid scopes with parallax above 25Y anymore. I shoot airguns as well so ideally I buy scopes with 10Y close focus.

No cost for the recipes I just shared....

 

[vaguru]

Here is a link to calculate possible parallax error. https://www.lelandwest.com/parallax-error-calculator.cfm

 

[Shooter J]

Here is a link to calculate possible parallax error. https://www.lelandwest.com/parallax-error-calculator.cfm

Wow thanks for posting this calculator. That was quite crazy to play with the numbers and see the results.

 

[slickalaus12]

there are many scopes that will adjust parallax down to 10 yards now, which is a really convenient option to have. it also means your reticle and the target will both be clear at that yardage, which makes aiming easier. it's a nice option to have on a 22, at least for me as most of my shooting is between 15- 70 yards.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

there are many scopes that will adjust parallax down to 10 yards now, which is a really convenient option to have. it also means your reticle and the target will both be clear at that yardage, which makes aiming easier. it's a nice option to have on a 22, at least for me as most of my shooting is between 15- 70 yards.

I agree and if I was the OP, I would just get a new scope. A 22 needs to have parallax adjustments that goes down to a minimum of 25 yards IMO.

 

[orkan]

When operating inside an optics minimum parallax setting, reduce magnification as much as possible... as this will often minimize the error.

As others have mentioned, a solid cheek weld is a must.

Another trick is to pull your head back or push it forward a bit, bringing the eye relief out of zone which will allow you to "optically center" based on the dark shadow around your FOV.

 

[Bigdude]

Bushnell scopes have some models with parallax down to 10 yards
March scopes parallax go down to 10 yards
Athlon scopes parallax go down to 10 yards
Trijicon Accupower scopes parallax go down to 10 yards
Tract scopes parallax go down to 15 yards (Toric UHD)
Vortex scopes parallax go down to 20 yards (Razor HD LH)