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Scope Eye Relief Distance Chart – Easy Guide
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the back lens of your scope where you see the clearest image. If you're too close, you'll see dark edges or shadows. If you're too far, the image gets smaller or disappears. Getting the right eye relief helps you shoot more comfortably and safely—especially with powerful rifles.
Typical Eye Relief by Scope Type
Here’s a simple chart to help you understand what kind of eye relief different scopes usually have:
Eye Relief for Different Scope Types
Hunting Scopes
Most standard hunting scopes give you around 3 to 4 inches of eye relief. That’s a great balance—enough to stay safe from recoil but still get a good field of view.
Tactical / AR Scopes
AR and tactical scopes usually have slightly shorter eye relief (around 2.5" to 4.0"). This helps you aim quickly and stay on target, especially in fast-paced or defensive shooting.
LPVO Scopes (Low Power Variable Optics)
LPVOs (like 1–6x or 1–10x) typically offer about 3.0 to 4.0 inches of eye relief. These scopes are great for close to mid-range shooting. A good example is the GUNNR Odin FFP LPVO, which offers stable eye relief even when zooming—making it perfect for fast shots and precision aiming alike.
High-Recoil Rifles
If you’re shooting something powerful like a .300 Win Mag or a 12-gauge slug gun, you’ll need longer eye relief (4.0"+) to avoid getting hit in the face by the scope. This is where proper setup really matters.
Scout Scopes
Scout scopes are made to sit farther down the barrel, so they need long eye relief—usually 8" to 12". This setup helps you track moving targets while keeping a wide view.
Pistol Scopes
These scopes are designed for shooting with your arms fully extended. They usually need 10" to 20"+ of eye relief to work properly.
Red Dot Sights
Red dots don’t have fixed eye relief. You can mount them wherever you want and still get a full sight picture. They’re built for speed and flexibility—perfect for close-quarters shooting.
How to Set Eye Relief
To set your eye relief:
Getting the right eye relief is key to accuracy, comfort, and safety.
Final Thoughts: Eye Relief Matters
Choosing the right eye relief helps you shoot better and stay safer. It prevents scope bite, keeps your vision clear, and gives you confidence when aiming. Whether you're using a hunting scope, a red dot, or an LPVO like the GUNNR Odin FFP LPVO, knowing your eye relief can make a big difference.
If you're new to scopes or setting up your rifle, start with proper eye relief—it’s one of the most important steps to becoming a better shooter.
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the back lens of your scope where you see the clearest image. If you're too close, you'll see dark edges or shadows. If you're too far, the image gets smaller or disappears. Getting the right eye relief helps you shoot more comfortably and safely—especially with powerful rifles.
Typical Eye Relief by Scope Type
Here’s a simple chart to help you understand what kind of eye relief different scopes usually have:
| Hunting Scopes | 3.0" – 4.0" | Good balance of comfort and recoil protection |
| Tactical / AR Scopes | 2.5" – 4.0" | Shorter distance, made for speed and close-range shots |
| High-Recoil Scopes | 4.0" – 5.0"+ | Keeps your face safe with hard-kicking rifles |
| Scout Scopes | 8.0" – 12.0" | Mounted forward for better awareness and longer distance |
| Pistol Scopes | 10.0" – 20.0"+ | For shooting with arms fully extended |
| Red Dot Sights | Unlimited | No eye relief needed—use with both eyes open |
| LPVO Scopes | 3.0" – 4.0" | Perfect for AR-style rifles and fast transitions |
Eye Relief for Different Scope Types
Hunting Scopes
Most standard hunting scopes give you around 3 to 4 inches of eye relief. That’s a great balance—enough to stay safe from recoil but still get a good field of view.
Tactical / AR Scopes
AR and tactical scopes usually have slightly shorter eye relief (around 2.5" to 4.0"). This helps you aim quickly and stay on target, especially in fast-paced or defensive shooting.
LPVO Scopes (Low Power Variable Optics)
LPVOs (like 1–6x or 1–10x) typically offer about 3.0 to 4.0 inches of eye relief. These scopes are great for close to mid-range shooting. A good example is the GUNNR Odin FFP LPVO, which offers stable eye relief even when zooming—making it perfect for fast shots and precision aiming alike.
High-Recoil Rifles
If you’re shooting something powerful like a .300 Win Mag or a 12-gauge slug gun, you’ll need longer eye relief (4.0"+) to avoid getting hit in the face by the scope. This is where proper setup really matters.
Scout Scopes
Scout scopes are made to sit farther down the barrel, so they need long eye relief—usually 8" to 12". This setup helps you track moving targets while keeping a wide view.
Pistol Scopes
These scopes are designed for shooting with your arms fully extended. They usually need 10" to 20"+ of eye relief to work properly.
Red Dot Sights
Red dots don’t have fixed eye relief. You can mount them wherever you want and still get a full sight picture. They’re built for speed and flexibility—perfect for close-quarters shooting.
How to Set Eye Relief
To set your eye relief:
- Mount your scope loosely.
- Shoulder your rifle and move the scope forward or backward until the sight picture looks full and clear.
- Make sure you can see the image without dark edges, even when wearing eye protection.
- Tighten everything once it feels natural and safe.
Getting the right eye relief is key to accuracy, comfort, and safety.
Final Thoughts: Eye Relief Matters
Choosing the right eye relief helps you shoot better and stay safer. It prevents scope bite, keeps your vision clear, and gives you confidence when aiming. Whether you're using a hunting scope, a red dot, or an LPVO like the GUNNR Odin FFP LPVO, knowing your eye relief can make a big difference.
If you're new to scopes or setting up your rifle, start with proper eye relief—it’s one of the most important steps to becoming a better shooter.
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