Rifle Scopes What does a lack of parallax adjustment translate to at distance ?

[Rprecision]

I have a scope that has a fixed parallax setting at 100 yards. Due to its low magnification 10X this has been inconsequential thus far.

It occurred to me the other day, if parallax cant be eliminated when shooting at say 500 yards, unless a very careful check-weld is kept wont this create problems ?

Am I overthinking this ?

 

[roggom]

With a fixed parallax scope, parallax will be considerably noticeable at closer ranges(10-50). May not be as bad at further distances, although it varies by scope manufacture. Best way is to actually check your scope, secure it down with some bags and take a peek, focus on your target and move your head up and down, side to side. If your target appears to move in relation to the crosshairs, then you will know.

To answer your question, yes, cheek weld will be very important. Practice NPA (natural point of aim) and it will help you get a feel for a consistent cheek weld.

 

[M40_A1]

Would probably be O.K. to 500. Beyond 500 might start to cause significant problems. It all depends how well you can naturally center on the scope. One trick to check center is to pull pull your head back (some move the scope forward to always have this happen) until you see a shadow around the edges. An even shadow all the way around means your eye is centered. You could shoot that way for the longer ranges since you can't adjust your paralax. Not the best way, but in your case maybe the only way.

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

It occurred to me the other day, if parallax cant be eliminated when shooting at say 500 yards, unless a very careful check-weld is kept wont this create problems ?
Am I overthinking this ?

No, that's the main reason higher magnification scopes have adjustable parallax. Parallax problems get worse with:
-magnification
-target distance relative to fixed focus distance (either much closer or much farther)

 

[flyboy]

You can cheat the fixed parallax by backing off your scope until you have the slight shadowing around the picture. Then center that shadowing the same every time and it will eliminate the need for the adjustable parallax. A perfect cheek weld will make this unnecessary but it's how I sight in other peoples rifles.