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How to Use Small Scopes

Small scopes have all the operational features of their larger counterparts but give you the advantage of taking up less space. Small scopes can be particularly useful on tactical weapons where minimizing size is an advantage. Many small scopes feature an extended eye relief (the distance between your eye and the scope necessary for a clear sight picture), which makes them practical for scout rifles or handguns. Some small scopes may be adjustable for parallax error, an optical illusion of target movement usually encountered when viewing long-distance targets and high magnification settings.

Things You'll Need

target

Instructions

- 1
  Sight in your scope by aligning the intersection of the scope reticles with the weapon's point of impact. Determine your point of impact by firing three well-aimed bullets at your target and recording where they hit in relation to your point of aim. Adjust the horizontal axis of your scope reticles with the windage adjustment dial located on the right side of the scope body. Adjust the vertical axis with the elevation adjustment dial located on the top of the scope.
- 2
  Adjust your scope magnification to the desired power. Variable-power scopes have a power ring located just in front of the rear eyepiece. Most variable-power scopes have a locking ring located right behind the power ring that prevents your magnification setting from shifting inadvertently.
- 3
  Adjust your scope to compensate for parallax error (if so equipped). Parallax adjustments are usually found on the objective lens bell or on the left side of the scope adjacent to the reticle adjustment dials. Set the scope to the target distance.

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