Brownells - Parallax and Your Laser

Published on November 1, 2011
Duration: 1:30

This video explains the concept of parallax in relation to laser sights on firearms. Parallax is defined as the difference between the bore axis and the laser's axis. Proper sighting ensures the laser beam intersects the bore axis at a specific distance, typically around 50 feet. Beyond this distance, the laser dot will appear higher than the bullet's impact point due to the offset.

Quick Summary

Parallax in firearm laser sights is the difference between the bore axis and the laser's axis. Proper sighting ensures the laser beam intersects the bore axis at a specific distance, usually around 50 feet. Beyond this distance, the laser dot will appear higher than the bullet's impact point due to the offset.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction to Parallax
  2. 00:25Defining Parallax
  3. 00:31Sighting In Laser Sights
  4. 00:43Laser Dot Behavior Beyond Zero
  5. 00:46Laser Dot Behavior Closer Than Zero
  6. 00:58Practical Implications for Self-Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

What is parallax in relation to firearm laser sights?

Parallax in firearm laser sights refers to the difference between the firearm's bore axis and the axis of the laser beam. This offset causes the laser dot to appear in a different location than the bullet's impact point at various distances.

How do you properly sight in a firearm laser sight?

When sighting in a laser sight, you aim to make the laser beam intersect with the bore axis at a specific distance, typically around 50 feet. This ensures predictable bullet impact relative to the laser dot.

Where will a laser dot print if the target is further than the sighted-in distance?

If the target is further than the distance at which the laser sight was zeroed, the laser dot will appear higher than where the bullet will actually strike due to the parallax effect.

Is laser sight parallax a concern for self-defense?

For typical self-defense ranges, the parallax error from a properly sighted laser is usually minimal, often within 3/4 of an inch. This level of accuracy is generally considered sufficient for self-defense applications.

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