Do You Still Need to Tap the Scope? | Gun Talk

Published on December 15, 2021
Duration: 1:46

This video discusses the practice of tapping a rifle scope after making adjustments. While historically done to ensure reticle movement, modern high-quality optics generally do not require this. A technique to overcome potential reticle lag is to dial past the desired adjustment and then return to it.

Quick Summary

Tapping a rifle scope after making adjustments is largely an outdated practice for modern, high-quality optics. The reticle typically moves accurately without this manual intervention. If concerned about adjustment lag, a better technique is to dial past your desired click count and then return to it.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction to Tapping the Scope
  2. 00:22Why People Tap Scopes
  3. 00:43Optics Quality and Necessity
  4. 00:53Alternative Technique for Adjustment
  5. 01:23Conclusion on Tapping Scopes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did people used to tap their rifle scopes?

Historically, tapping rifle scopes after adjustments was a common practice. It was believed to ensure the reticle had fully moved to the intended setting, a concern that may have stemmed from older, lower-quality optics.

Is tapping a rifle scope necessary with modern optics?

For most modern, high-quality rifle scopes, tapping is generally not necessary. These optics are manufactured with greater precision, and the reticle typically adjusts accurately without the need for manual persuasion.

What is a recommended alternative to tapping a scope for adjustment?

If you're concerned about ensuring your reticle is properly adjusted, a good technique is to dial past your intended click count and then return to the exact number. For example, if you need four clicks, dial seven and then come back to four.

Can tapping a rifle scope cause damage?

While not strictly necessary for modern optics, tapping a scope is unlikely to cause harm unless done with excessive force. However, it's always best to handle optics with care to avoid potential damage to the internal mechanisms or external housing.

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