Rifle Scopes SWFA SS 10x42 - Difficult to focus on reticle

[dinkydonuts]

Hello all. New guy here. I've been reading the forums for a while as I've been starting my first tactical 308 project. Up until now I've been an AR guy so it has been a learning opportunity to pick up on the bolt action world. I'm starting with a Remington SPS Tactical, LaRue Tactical 20MOA base, SWFA SS 10x42 in Warne QD rings, and a Harris Bipod. I can already say that I need a new stock because the Hogue stock is way too soft near the front end.

Today I took the rifle out for the first try and overall it shot well, but I am having difficulty focusing on the reticle.

For reference, I was setup with a zeroing target at 25 yards. I usually zero at this range with any rifle because it helps to minimize the amount of shots I need to put down range. This at least gets me to the point where I know I'm hitting near the reticle center. Next time I go out I'll setup at 100 yards and give it another go.

Anyway, using the SWFA 10x, I just could NOT focus on the reticle while holding over the target. The focus was set on the scope, but me, nor some other guys shooting, could use the reticle to aim. It just blurred out.

Could this be due to the range I was shooting at? (25y) Does anyone have any suggestions?


Thanks!

 

[The_FNG]

Re: SWFA SS 10x42 - Difficult to focus on reticle

Might be too close for a fixed 10x, i usually just bore sight at 20m then shoot at 100.

 

[billyburl2]

Re: SWFA SS 10x42 - Difficult to focus on reticle

The 10x focuses down to 10 yards, so that shouldn't be a problem. How did you focus the diopter? It should be focused with the parallax set to infinity, looking at a clear blue sky. Look through the scope. Is the reticle clear? If not change the diopter ring and close your eyes briefly...Repeat until the reticle is crystal clear when you first open your eyes. It is very important that the reticle be clear when you first open your eyes, or they will struggle to focus on it or the target...

Also when adjusting the parallax, the marking on the scope mean very little. When the target is the clearest, move your head just a bit, left and right, up and down, do the cross-hairs move? If yes, you still have parallax. Adjust the scope until the cross-hairs don't move. At close range, this might be a very minute bit on the dial, whether it is a rear or side focus model.

 

[thezoltar]

Re: SWFA SS 10x42 - Difficult to focus on reticle

A little visual to go with the above...

 

[dinkydonuts]

Re: SWFA SS 10x42 - Difficult to focus on reticle

Thanks for the advice! I will try all these suggestions.

Also, I did not realize the difference between the reticle focus ring and the AO ring. I actually had the reticle focus ring covered up with a butler creek cap.