Just remember that on some scopes the lens carrier will try to move when you are removing the objective cap. On most scopes you can hold in place with a very small screwdriver but be careful that it doesn't slip and scratch the objective lens.
Just remember that on some scopes the lens carrier will try to move when you are removing the objective cap. On most scopes you can hold in place with a very small screwdriver but be careful that it doesn't slip and scratch the objective lens.
I ran into a similar but opposite problem with a Nikon. The cap unscrewed without the carrier moving but after adjusting the parallax and when tightening the cap it screwed the carrier back in to the original factory parallax setting. Nikon used some type of clear thread locker, similar to fingernail polish, that clogged up the threads and wouldn't let the cap screw in place freely.
I tried holding the carrier in place with a small screwdriver but that didn't work so I used a Dremel tool with a fine wire brush to clean the threads and problem solved.
Thanks to the OP and the commenters. I had no idea this was even possible. Thought there was complicated internal work involved in changing the parallax free yardage. Good info!
It's a common misconception that one end or the other of a scope controls parallax, but as you noted it's essentially the entire system.
With many lower-powered scopes I've found small amounts of parallax at 50 yards can be adjusted out just by focusing the rear end, but it doesn't work with all scopes.
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Changed several over the years. Very easy to do. Never knew it was such a big secret to some.
Strangely, I hadn't thought of it for a long time now, and just told a guy on another forum it could be done. Then I stumble onto this thread. Weird, wild stuff.
I didn't hit the link to Rimfire central, but if it is what I think it is, it is a very good write up on the subject and explains te process well......
Just changed my Leupold vari x III 3.5-10x40 to a 40 yard parallax for squirrel hunting. It was just sitting in the safe but now it sits atop my BRNO 22. Easy breezy. This thread should be a sticky in "rim fire" section.
Just be careful to watch that the lense doesn't turn when unscrewing objective cap or screwing back on. Mine wanted to turn when screwing cap off and back on. I just held it the lense end, by the grove with my fingernail, while taking ring off and putting ring back on, and it worked fine.
Agreed on a sticky in the rimfire section. I've done a couple of VX1 2-7s for 50 yards and it works as well as he said it does.
The objective lens carrier was pretty tight to turn on one scope. I found a piece of metal that was long enough to fit across the objective lens and about 1/16th" thick that fit in the slots on both sides of the lens carrier. It makes it a lot easier to turn and adjust the carrier. I'd guess the back of a table knife blade would probably work as well. I don't know if it would work that way on other scopes.