Vortex Optics unveiled the Strike Eagle 1-10x24 FFP riflescope, a compact tactical scope featuring 1-10x magnification, illuminated EBR-8 BDC reticle, and motion activation. Designed for AR platforms, it delivers versatility from close-quarters to 600+ yard distances at $699.99 MAP.
Kinetic Development Group reaffirms its disciplined engineering philosophy for optic mount development, emphasizing real-world feedback and long-term reliability. The company's SideLok series remains its flagship offering, with internal development efforts underway as part of its 2026 product roadmap.
Springfield Armory launched a new line of Aimpoint COA-equipped pistols featuring the Aimpoint A-CUT interface and closed-emitter red dot sight. The initial Echelon 9mm variants (4.5F, 4.0FC, and 4.0C models) are priced at $1,119 MSRP, representing over $200 in savings compared to purchasing components separately.
Hawke Optics announced a strategic partnership beginning in 2026 with the Chasing Giants Podcast, a premiere whitetail deer hunting show hosted by Don Higgins and Terry Peer. The partnership aligns the precision optics leader with a podcast that shares expert hunting advice and listener-driven content based on 40 years of trophy whitetail hunting experience.
Meprolight announced its sponsorship of Precision Rifle Series competitor Garrett Tyler for the 2026 season. Tyler will represent Meprolight optics while competing in PRS events throughout the Atlantic Coast Region, using the MVO 6-36X56 scope in matches.
It ain’t “side focus,” y’all! What’s that parallax dial for on the side of your scope? What does it do and how do you use it? Find out in the video above.
TL:DR version:
Parallax is an optical illusion that, in the case of a riflescope, causes your reticle to wander based on the position of your eye behind the scope.
If your parallax isn’t adjusted properly and your eye isn’t perfectly centered, your reticle will appear to be on target…even though it isn’t.
The scope’s parallax adjustment dial moves the focal plane of the reticle. If your target is at 350 yards, your reticle needs to be on a 350-yard focal plane.
Adjust your parallax dial and, with the rifle on a solid rest so it won’t move, nod your head slightly behind the scope. As your eye leaves the center of the exit pupil, does the reticle wander off target or does it stay steady? Tinker with that parallax adjustment dial until the reticle doesn’t wander even if your eye is off-center. This is the point where your reticle’s focal plane is precisely at your target distance.
If your scope doesn’t have a parallax adjustment dial (typically lower magnification scopes won’t and, in those cases, they’re usually set at 100 yards…sometimes 150), or even if it does, a best practice for ensuring your eye is centered in the exit pupil is to adjust your eye relief — the distance between the scope and your eye — such that there’s a thin black border around your scope picture. Like an eclipse. If that black border is perfectly even all the way around the image circumference, then your eye is centered. If your eye is centered, incorrect parallax adjustment won’t matter.
