Eye Relief Explained

Published on December 14, 2016
Duration: 3:20

This guide, drawing from Brownells, Inc., explains the critical concept of eye relief for various firearm optics. It details the recommended distances for standard rifle scopes (1.5-3 inches), scout scopes (10-16 inches), handgun scopes (arm's length), and red dot sights (unlimited). The information emphasizes maintaining proper distance to prevent injuries, especially with heavy recoiling calibers, and references Jeff Cooper's scout rifle concept.

Quick Summary

Eye relief is the distance between a scope's eyepiece and your eye, critical for a clear view and preventing 'scope eye' injuries from recoil. Standard scopes need 1.5-3 inches, scout scopes 10-16 inches, handgun scopes arm's length, and red dots have unlimited relief. Proper positioning is vital, especially with heavy recoiling firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Standard Rifle Scope Eye Relief
  2. 00:39Intermediate Eye Relief (IER) / Scout Scopes
  3. 01:46Handgun Scopes
  4. 02:24Red Dot Sights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eye relief and why is it important for firearms?

Eye relief is the distance between the scope's eyepiece and your eye. It's crucial for a clear sight picture and, more importantly, to prevent 'scope eye' injuries caused by the scope hitting your face during recoil, especially with heavy calibers.

What is the recommended eye relief for different types of firearm optics?

Standard rifle scopes need 1.5-3 inches, scout scopes (IER) 10-16 inches, handgun scopes arm's length, and red dot sights have unlimited eye relief, allowing flexible positioning.

How can I avoid 'scope eye' injuries when shooting?

Always maintain the recommended eye relief for your optic. This is especially critical when shooting heavy-recoiling firearms like .338 Magnum or .416 Weatherby. Position yourself correctly behind the rifle.

What is a scout scope and its advantage?

A scout scope, or IER scope, offers longer eye relief (10-16 inches) and is typically mounted further forward on the rifle. This allows for quick target acquisition, even with both eyes open, and can be mounted on various rifles without permanent modification.

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