Rifle Scope Help

[ntex2000]

Just bought a few weeks ago a Cabelas brand 3x12x40 scope for my Marlin 22 mag rifle. This scope does not have an adjustable objective. Finally took it to the indoor range down the street to sight it in yesterday. The rifle lanes for the indoor range are only 25 yards deep. The problem I had was after focusing in on the target the reticle was not as sharp and clear as I had expected. I was seeing sort of a ghost image of the reticle just a milimeter above it. Am wondering if the cause of this was the short distance I was zeroing in on or the lack of an adjustible objective? This is my first scope...

 

[hoghunting]

Did you adjust the focus on the reticle? There is probably a locking ring on the rear eyepiece that you loosen, then turn the eyepiece to focus the reticle. Do not look through the scope as you turn the eyepiece as your eye will try to focus the blurry image. Turn the eyepiece a full turn, then check the reticle. Keep trying until you get a clear picture, then adjust the eyepiece in 1/2 turn increments until the reticle is sharp and clear.

 

[rcmodel]

You can probably get a clear reticule at 25 yards by adjusting the eyepiece.
But only at the lower power settings, say 3x through 8x or so.

Probably not at 12x though, if you want it clear at longer range.

Close range at high power magnification is one of the things that make AO necessary on airgun and .22 scopes.

rc

 

[Jim Watson]

I had a similar deal; a 6-18 Simmons.
Even with eyepiece focus and adjustable objective it would not clear up at 25-50 yards if set higher than about 10X.

 

[Mike1234567]

Maybe you should exchange it for a scope with an AO?

I just bought a Simmons 6.5-20x50 on sale. It easily adjusts from as close as I could ever shoot with a scope of this magnification to beyond infinity. So far, I'm happy with it.

 

[ntex2000]

I haven't tried refocusing it down to the minimum magnification, but will try doing so. But am tempted to follow your advice to exchange it for one with an adjustable AO. Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions!

 

[Mike1234567]

Changing the focus of the reticle won't help you because that will only make your reticle fuzzy. You need to focus the reticle then focus the view. If your view is out of focus with the reticle sharp then you need an AO.