How to fix parallax error

Whether you’re hunting or target shooting, accuracy is king. And while there are plenty of variables at play, one thing that can throw a real spanner in the works is parallax error. If you’ve ever wondered why your shots can sometimes land a little off-centre, even though you swear you’re on target, then chances are parallax is the culprit. In this piece, we’ll break down what parallax error is, how it messes with your accuracy, and most importantly, how to overcome it, so you can get those shots where they need to be.

What is parallax errox?

In the simplest terms, parallax is the apparent shift in the position of the reticle (the crosshairs in your scope) relative to the target. This shift happens when the target and the reticle are not at the same focal point. If they’re out of sync, you’ll notice that when you change your head position or eye angle, the reticle appears to “float” over the target.

Parallax error is most noticeable when you’re using higher magnification settings, as the reticle becomes larger and more sensitive to even the smallest movements. In practical terms, this means that when you shift your head or change your line of sight, the reticle will seem to drift away from the target. At best, this results in a slight miss; at worst, it can lead to completely off-target shots, which is frustrating, to say the least.

How parallax error affects your shots

So why does this matter for your shooting? Well, when you’re aiming at something — be it a target or an animal — you need to know that the reticle and the point of impact are lined up. If they’re not in focus together, there’s a risk that the pellet won’t go where you want it to.

Now, you don’t always notice this when shooting up close. For instance, in those “backyard plinking” sessions, parallax error might not be a big issue because the target is close enough that the reticle stays in focus. However, as distances increase, so does the risk of parallax error. When you’re shooting at longer ranges, where your pellets take longer to reach the target, even a small misalignment in your scope’s parallax settings can have a noticeable effect on your accuracy.

Spotting parallax error

The best way to check if parallax error is affecting your accuracy is to observe how the reticle behaves when you change your

position. You’ll notice parallax error if, as you shift your eye left, right, up, or down, the reticle seems to float or shift relative to the target.

Here’s a quick way to spot parallax error in your scope:

Set your scope to your normal magnification and parallax distance: It’s easier to notice parallax error on higher magnification, so make sure you’re using a setting that you’d typically use in a real shooting scenario.

Align your eye with the reticle: Get comfortable, settle into your shooting position, and line up the crosshairs with your target.
Move your head or eye position: Now, gently move your head and eyes left, right, up and down. If the reticle shifts around relative to the target, bingo — you’ve got parallax error.

Adjust the parallax focus if allowed: Some scopes will have a parallax adjustment dial that lets you focus the reticle to a specific distance. If you’ve got a scope like this, making the right adjustments should help get things back on track.

If you are not allowed to adjust the scope: Measure the amount of error, for instance 1 mil-dot at 40 yards, and make sure you shoot in the middle of the measurement. So, pick your aim point and have 0.5mil of movement above and 0.5mil below.

Overcoming parallax error

The good news is parallax error doesn’t have to mess with your shots. In fact, it’s relatively easy to overcome with a few key adjustments. Here are the most effective ways to deal with it:

Use a low parallax error scope: If you don’t want to constantly worry about adjusting your parallax, look for a scope that has low levels

of error. These are mainly scopes with small objective lenses like the Falcon S10i and the ever popular MTC Connect. In fact, the Connect has the lowest level of error of any scope that I have used. It not only has a small objective lens, but minimal eye relief and this helps you to always be centred on the ocular end and as there is a new one out, we are going to take a deeper delve into it next month.

Of course, you’ll still need to ensure your scope is properly zeroed, but having a low parallax scope takes a huge chunk of worry out of the equation. If you’re mostly hunting or plinking at shorter distances, this could be a game changer for you.

Adjust your parallax focus: If you are a hunter or FT shooter, most airgun scopes will let you adjust the parallax to match the distance of your target. This is often done through a side adjustment dial or an adjustable objective (AO) on the lens.

For example, if you’re shooting at a target 30 yards away, you’ll want to adjust the parallax focus on your scope to 30 yards (or whatever the target’s distance happens to be). This ensures that both the reticle and the target are in focus at the same time, meaning no more floating reticle or shifting aim points.

Keep in mind that adjusting the parallax is not a “one size fits all” fix. If you’re shooting at varying distances, you’ll need to make regular adjustments to keep things sharp. But with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it and don’t forget, this is not permitted in HFT.

Master your shooting position: Even if your scope is properly set up, your shooting technique can still play a role in parallax error. If you’re not consistent with your eye position and head alignment, you’ll introduce more parallax errors, even with the best equipment. Make sure your head is consistently in the same position behind the scope for every shot. This is especially important for elevated shots at a steep angle as this can prevent you getting a consistent head position.

If you can, make sure you’re always maintaining the correct eye relief as well. This means your eye should be positioned at the correct distance from the ocular lens (the lens closest to your eye). If you’re too close or too far, you’re making it harder to get a clean, consistent sight picture, which could lead to parallax error.

What scopes are good to fixing parallax error?

Parallax error is one of those things that can really affect your accuracy if left unchecked. But, with the right scope and the right adjustments, you can easily overcome it. Whether you go for a low parallax error scope, or a standard scope, take the time to learn your head position and improve your shooting technique; you’ve got the tools to get your shots dialled in. Stay sharp, stay focused and let that reticle stay on target. Once you’ve got parallax under control, the only thing left to worry about is wind, range, stability and standing and kneeling shots — so that should all be easy.

Take a look at scopes like the new MTC Connect and Hawke Touch, Optisan CP Compact 10×32 and Falcon S10i, find a scope that works for you and that will give you consistent results