Parallax Question

[AzHornedToad]

I just won a Ruger Charger last night at an NRA function and am off looking for a pistol scope that doesn't cost a fortune. My question is-When it is said that a scope is set for a parallax of 50 yards, is it still an effective tool out to 100 yards plus? Obviously, I am not too schooled on scopes and the more I read about parallax, the more lost at sea I become! Thanks guys and stay safe

 

[JDGray]

Parallax is a non issue if you line up behind the rifle dead straight everytime. If your target shooting for bugholes, your gonna want a scope that is parallax adjustable, if your hunting with it, it really dont matter as an inch off will still get you game.

 

[Walkalong]

Most hunting scopes are set to be parallax free at 100 yards. Rimfire scopes are usually set for 50 yards.

As JDGray posted, if your eye is lined up perfectly, there is no parallax anyway, but who here does that every time.

The good news is we usually line up our eyes pretty well with the tube and the amount of parallax error is very small & certainly not enough to matter in hunting any sizable game.

So.......Yes, your pistol scope set to be parallax free at 50 will still be good to go at 100 yards. Yes, there will be a small amount of parallax error, but not enough to worry about. The cheap .22 ammo you will be shooting will have more variances than the parallax.

Welcome to THR

 

[AzHornedToad]

Thank so much for the info as your answers have made the light bulb go off in my head. The THR community has taught many a man just by perusing the forums. Thanks again and stay safe.

 

[Z-Michigan]

JDGray and Walkalong are both quite right, but I will add that parallax is also a non-issue with lower magnification scopes (roughly below 8x). Yes, it exists in theory and can be measured, but is insignificant compared to other factors with lower magnification scopes.

 

[AzHornedToad]

Z-Michigan,Might I ask what the other factors to be aware of in lower magnification scopes? I am looking at a 2-7X28mm pistol scope-thanks

 

[Z-Michigan]

Basically all the usual scope quality factors, but the less magnification you want, the less money you need to spend for quality. However, a long-eye-relief pistol scope is a complication and will reduce your choices considerably, and all such scopes unavoidably have less field of view than scopes with shorter eye relief.

Your standard factors:
-quality of lenses (best ones are made in Japan and Europe)
-lens coatings (I consider fully multicoated a minimum)
-name brand and reputation
-light transmission claims (95-96% total light transmission is the highest you would commonly see, and 90% is the floor for anything quality)
-warranty (lifetime is common)
-where assembled - US, Japan or Europe all beat China, Taiwan, Philippines and other Asian countries in my view.