Finding the right scope can significantly impact your shooting experience. For shooters with glasses, those with physical limitations affecting their shooting posture, or anyone wanting a faster target acquisition, a long eye relief scope is essential. This comprehensive guide explores what long eye relief scopes are, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is Eye Relief?
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the eyepiece of the scope when you have a clear, full field of view. It's measured in inches or millimeters. Insufficient eye relief can lead to a reduced field of view, blurry images, and even eye injury from the scope recoiling into your face.
Understanding Long Eye Relief Scopes
Long eye relief scopes are designed with a longer distance between the eyepiece and your eye, typically ranging from 3.5 to 5 inches or more. This extended distance provides several key advantages:
Benefits of Long Eye Relief Scopes:
- Comfort for Eyeglass Wearers: This is perhaps the most significant benefit. The extra space allows eyeglass wearers to comfortably position their eye behind the eyepiece without the glasses interfering with the field of view.
- Improved Safety: The longer distance minimizes the risk of eye injury from scope recoil, especially with high-powered calibers.
- Faster Target Acquisition: A larger eyebox (the area around the eyepiece where a clear image is visible) translates to quicker target acquisition, crucial in fast-paced shooting situations.
- Versatile Shooting Positions: Long eye relief scopes are ideal for various shooting positions, including awkward or unconventional stances where maintaining proper eye alignment can be challenging.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Long Eye Relief Scope:
Selecting the right scope requires careful consideration of several factors:
1. Magnification:
- Low Magnification (1-4x or 1-6x): Ideal for close to medium-range shooting, offering versatility and a wide field of view. Excellent for hunting in dense environments or home defense.
- Medium Magnification (3-9x or 4-12x): Suitable for a broader range of shooting distances, providing a balance between magnification and field of view.
- High Magnification (6-24x or higher): Best for long-range shooting, allowing for precise target engagement at extended distances but often with a narrower field of view.
2. Reticle:
The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming points within the scope. Choose a reticle suited to your shooting style and intended use. Popular options include:
- Simple Duplex Reticles: Classic and straightforward, ideal for general-purpose shooting.
- BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) Reticles: Designed to help compensate for bullet drop at various ranges.
- Illuminated Reticles: Offer enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
3. Objective Lens Diameter:
This refers to the diameter of the front lens, affecting light gathering capabilities. Larger objective lenses are better in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier.
4. Tubing Diameter:
Scopes typically come in 1-inch or 30mm tubing diameters. 30mm tubes generally offer greater adjustment range and are more commonly found in long eye relief scopes.
5. Eye Relief Measurement:
Always verify the manufacturer's specified eye relief to ensure it meets your needs. Remember that the advertised eye relief is an approximate value.
Popular Long Eye Relief Scope Brands:
Several reputable brands consistently produce high-quality long eye relief scopes, such as Leupold, Nikon, Vortex, and Burris. Researching specific models from these brands will help you find the perfect fit for your requirements.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right long eye relief scope can dramatically enhance your shooting experience. By considering the factors outlined above and understanding your specific needs, you can confidently select a scope that offers comfort, safety, and improved accuracy. Remember to always prioritize safety and practice responsible gun handling.
