This article aims to outline the key considerations to checking eye relief before fitting a riflescope, along with methods to check the main factors related to safe eye protection i.e. stock fit for eye relief, magnification, recoil, scope mounting and verification by a qualified scope fitter. Remember always to abide by all local laws and range rules as well as the manufacturer’s instructions for any work that may endanger safety – this work can be performed by anyone qualified.
Start with the real use case
When you are checking eye relief across real positions to determine if a particular product will suit your needs, start by establishing the real use case for the equipment. The conditions in which you intend to use the scope will have a big impact on the decision making process. Establishing the trip length, the likely weather conditions, the distance over which you will be shooting, method of transport and the shooter’s experience are all key factors to take into account when selecting the correct equipment for your needs. Stock fit, magnification, recoil, scope mounting and even a professional check all need to be viewed in the light of the real use case.
Inspect before every outing
Stock fit, magnification, recoil, scope mount and service checks should all be done in good light before you take your shooting equipment out to the field. Look for wear, loose parts, dirt, poor setting, etc. Note any wear or any repairs done on any of the parts. A simple 5 minute check prior to use will expose any problems with your shooting equipment before you go out for a shoot.
Make fit part of the safety check
Eye relief is determined by the position of the stock against the shooter’s face. Items that pinch or rub in any way need to be re-positioned for comfort. The outfitter needs to test the outfit with all clothing worn for the activity, then mimic the various activities that the shooter will be involved in. If all activities are stood in a warm room then more work is required.
Adjust in a controlled order
Work from a list of one change at a time. Make sure you record the change that you made, go for a short session to test out the new settings, and only make further changes one at a time. If you make lots of changes then it will be extremely difficult to work out which change improved things and which change introduced problems.
Spend where reliability matters
To ensure you get value for your money, the most basic piece of equipment, fit for purpose and easily maintained, with readily available spare parts is generally better than the latest whiz-bang model which cannot be serviced. Allocate your cash for protective equipment, quality training and those key items that ensure safe use of the whole shooting system. Then you can spend freely on all the various ‘accessories’ as you discover them.
Plan for weather and transport
The weather exposes weak plans to rapid breakdown. So the heat must be recognized as requiring the same level of hydration as others at ease in the warm weather. The rain will find all unsealed openings and grease up all the moving parts and interfere with the small controls. So a simple way to protect the important item and to dry it out must be included. The item must then be allowed to fully dry out before being stored away in closed storage.
Use clear range and field habits
Other people are involved in your safe shooting routine too. If you have a shooting partner, tell them what you are checking. Follow the local range or club rules as posted. If you are unsure of a procedure ask the staff. Local commands take precedence over online advice.
Clean without causing damage
Use the maintenance products recommended by the manufacturer for cleaning, lubricating, etc. Avoid using more oil, cleaning or applying more force than recommended. Be careful not to get liquids into sensitive areas. Stopping damage to your gear before it requires the attention of a trained technician is the main objective for safe storage as well as for maintenance.
Review the kit after the trip
Once you have returned from your day out on the hill record your findings against each piece of equipment that you took. Outline items that you found were surplus to requirements, were difficult to access for any reason, and items that would have been useful in the event of an emergency. Dispose of any redundant weight, and restock consumables as necessary.
A simple checklist
- Verify the desired application, terms and conditions of local clubs etc. before selecting equipment.
- Check the fit, condition and adjustment of all relevant spare parts in a controlled environment.
- Limit the protective and support items which you take on a trip to what you actually need.
- The maintenance of the sports equipment is registered and, in case of damage, immediately replaced by the right model instead of making do with something else.
- Clean, dry and secure everything promptly after returning home.
Final perspective
When we test eye relief in real positions, we should test for sound fundamentals in normal conditions and go from there. Each session or trip can then become calmer and more useful instead of a chaotic mix of equipment, hasty changes and possible damage.
Practical note 1
A short practice session is all you need to find out if your new set up works. Go at a slow to moderate pace, complete one effective correction to your technique before you get tired and write it down. Remember, consistency is more important than trying to resolve every issue within one day.
Practical note 2
Whether you purchase a container for storage of your protective and support equipment online or in a local store, pay attention to the storage location as well as to the container. Opt for a dry place, protected from temperature fluctuations, and keep it out of reach of children and people who might misuse it. Label the cases clearly and keep the keys for the storage locations and the access codes for locked facilities safely.
Practical note 3
These websites are to provide some thought for what to look for. In the end you need to check out as much as possible personally and hear from some more experienced people the good and the less good about the different alternatives you are looking at.
Practical note 4
You work out whether a fix is going to work within the context of a short practice session. You want to keep the practice session at a low intensity and try to come up with one thing that you can change for the better and then put that into practice the next time you go for a run.