Using a traditional optic, even low-power glass doesn’t improve your fundamental shooting skills, but they sure do let you see the target better. The more precise you can aim the more accurate the hits. But this only applies when your scope is mounted properly. A large part of this is establishing the proper eye relief.

Eye-relief is the distance between your eye and the ocular lens of the scope. For you to have a clear view through the scope your eye has to be located somewhere within the manufacturer’s recommendation. For example, there are three categories – short, standard, and long eye relief scopes. A short relief requires the scope to be positioned within about one-half inch from the eye. You don’t see these often, the eye relief is too short. A standard relief will be three to four inches; this is most versatile.

Long eye relief is considered to be four inches or more, something you’d see forward mounted on a “Scout” rifle. Eye relief is a major consideration when purchasing glass. You’ve got to make sure it will mount in the proper place on your style/type rifle, and provide the proper view through the scope when you’re in a firing position. (This also requires establishing the proper length of pull – see 29 Sept Tactical Wire.) If eye relief isn’t listed by the manufacturer, then it’s not even a scope you should consider.

This also means that you must be involved in the mounting process. How you position the rifle into the body will be unique; someone else cannot mimic this. Everyone’s eyes “see” differently. The actual eye relief required will likely vary a little to a lot between shooters.

For adjustable optics the eye relief will change according to what magnification the scope is set. The higher the zoom the shorter the eye relief. As you change firing positions the location of your head and eyes will shift on the stock. For example, your head will shift forward on the stock when going from an offhand firing position to kneeling or prone. You’ll have to check eye relief at all magnifications and the various firing positions that may be used.

The goal is to be able to look at the target, shoulder the rifle, establish a proper cheek weld on the stock and have a clear view through the scope – without having to reposition your head. There are shots that must be made “now;” there’s no time to shift your eye in order to get it properly located in behind the scope.

In addition to length of pull, and having a scope that has the proper eye relief you’ll need to ensure the comb of your stock allows you to have a good cheek weld, and the eye is at the proper height to see through the scope. provides a proper cheek weld. Chances are you’ll need to increase the height of your stock’s comb. We’ll address this soon.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. www.shootrite.org or visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.