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Rifle Scopes Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

m1ajunkie

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Minuteman
Feb 22, 2010
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Boise, ID
I am new to long range shooting and have been shooting groups on steel for the majority of my time at the range. I have a max of 700yds, but I have steel about every 50yds the whole way out.

For every range I am adjusting parallax so I don't have to worry about that causing bad groups.

However, I would like to shoot some competitions at this range that have multiple targets in quick time limits. I can't figure out how to adjust the parallax quickly. It takes me a while to make sure I have it correct.

What is the correct way to deal with parallax in multiple targets in rapid succession?

ETA: I have a NF 3.5-15x and a leupold mk4 3.5-10x that I am using.
 
Re: Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

just shoot, I have had my parallax on the 50m setting and shot out to 900m without adjusting it. Can we all be more precise by using, of course. If time is not an issue by all means adjust. But if you are shooting at targets and not Xs and time is a factor, you will hit your target. Also remember this, still practice it but get past the point of shooting for groups. Yes it is great practice and instills great discipline but evolve your shooting past this. Go alternate, go uncomfortable alternate, go hold off, extreme holdoff etc.........FOR OTHERS HERE ON THE HIDE, JUST GO SHOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Re: Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

Set it for 300 and give it hell! If you want to make sure, just set your parallax for a middle target, and then leave it there for your whole range session..
 
Re: Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

I remember hearing how much parallax affects impact, but I can't remember the details. If you where to set the parallax for a middle distance like you say, what would be the difference at nearer and farther distances- is there a general rule?
 
Re: Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FromMyColdDeadHa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I remember hearing how much parallax affects impact, but I can't remember the details. If you where to set the parallax for a middle distance like you say, what would be the difference at nearer and farther distances- is there a general rule?</div></div> The effects of parallax depends on the inconsistencies you have with your position and primarily your stock weld. Improper parallax settings have more effect at the closer range targets than the farther from the parallax setting.

Achieve the same stock weld with your eye properly centered every time and you will have very little effect from parallax. Shooting on multiple "Brain T" targets with a fixed parallax Unertl inside 100yds while your instructor has you on a PACT timer you learn really quick the value of proper stock weld, because beer penalties get expensive.....

Really though, put your own equipment and capabilities to the test. Throw off your parallax settings and try it. Move your eye around and see how it affects your impacts. What works or doesn't work for a NF might be different than for a USO, S&B, etc. Nothing is reliable until you've proven it with rounds on target yourself.

Anyone practicing for tactical style shooting should be pushing the limits of their equipment and skills by throwing yourself into the error region anyhow, because just shooting over and over for groups in a perfect scenario sucks.
 
Re: Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

Thanks for the advice.

Next time I am out at the range I will try setting the parallax about half way out and also experiment and see what happens at different settings.

As far as not shooting groups, I am moving away from that now that I have my load developed. I want to start practicing the way the matches are held with targets at unknown distances in random sequences.
 
Re: Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

At the distances that you are talking about, I wouldn't worry about parallax. Just focus the target and run with it. As long as your cheek weld is pretty consistent, it won't be a problem.

I often forget to set my parallax and don't realize it unless my view through the scope is blurry enough to make me stop what I'm doing.
 
Re: Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

What I do is that I set my parralax to the middle of my shooting range. That way the error is split in half going up or down the range. Then just practice consistent cheek weld and shoot.
 
Re: Adjusting parallax for rapid shots?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What I do is that I set my parralax to the middle of my shooting range. That way the error is split in half going up or down the range.</div></div>

Parallax is inversely proportional to distance, so setting to the halfway point does not half the error. Not that this is a bad way to go, since you'll minimize errors farther out, but parallax will be worse closer in.

I usually leave parallax adjusted to 200 yards or so for general purpose shooting, and seldom change it.