{"id":1384,"date":"2024-04-08T18:11:47","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T18:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=1384&#038;fishpig=1617656157&#038;preview=true"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","slug":"improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Part 1 \u2013 <\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Have you found yourself questioning the high-dollar <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" title=\"scope\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"957\">scope<\/a> you just purchased because you cannot see the full sight picture? Are you struggling with getting the consistency that your high-end set-up should be delivering? Here are a few common issues that many shooters face while trying to use their <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/rifle-scope-accessories-you-might-consider\/\">rifle<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-marksmanship-trigger-control-success\/\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship : Trigger Control Equals Success\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1421\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope effectively and maximize rifle marksmanship<\/a>.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1590\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/9Q7A7768-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" width=\"564\" height=\"376\" \/><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/#Scope_Shadow_Rifle_Marksmanship\" >Scope Shadow: Rifle Marksmanship<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/#Eye_Relief\" >Eye Relief<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/#Sight_Picture\" >Sight Picture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/#Effects_of_Cant\" >Effects of Cant<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/#Read_the_entire_Rifle_Marksmanship_Series\" >Read the entire Rifle Marksmanship Series:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scope_Shadow_Rifle_Marksmanship\"><\/span><strong>Scope Shadow: Rifle Marksmanship<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">According to William &#8220;Bart&#8221; Bartholomew, retired SWAT Team Leader and current long range precision instructor for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergara.online\/us\/the-bergara-academy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bergara Academy<\/a>, &#8220;many first-time shooters experience a grey shadow within the outer edge of the field of view during the aiming process.&#8221; This is caused because their eye is either too far, too close, or off center to the optical center of the scope. For accuracy purposes Bart explains, &#8220;it&#8217;s important that that there is no shadow present because if there is, it will have a direct impact on where the round impacts.&#8221; If the shadow appears on the left, the round will strike to the right of the target (see chart below). A completely clear picture should be seen, and no shots fired until you have adjusted your eye position needed to see the full <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/choosing-the-best-riflescope-for-deer-hunting\/\" title=\"Choosing the Best Rifle Scope for Deer Hunting\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1254\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">field of view<\/a>.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1385\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Shadow-1024x668.png\" alt=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" width=\"492\" height=\"321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Shadow-1024x668.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Shadow-300x196.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Shadow-768x501.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Shadow-460x300.png 460w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Shadow-150x98.png 150w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Shadow.png 1217w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 492px) 100vw, 492px\" \/><\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eye_Relief\"><\/span><strong>Eye Relief<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Eye relief is defined as the distance from your eye to the rear of the eyepiece lens. This eye relief must be exact for you to be able to achieve maximum shot placement. Your position behind the gun plays an integral part in achieving consistent results. Adjustments to where the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/types-of-rifle-scope-mounts\/\" title=\"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1145\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope is mounted<\/a>, and where you place your cheek on the weapon, all need to be made before any firing takes place. Butt spacers, adjustable combs, and second man inspections will greatly enhance your ability to adjust or &#8220;build&#8221; the weapon to meet your body size. Bart emphasizes to his long range students that &#8220;if you want to improve your accuracy, it&#8217;s critical that your cheek weld remain consistent for every shot!&#8221;<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1387\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Eyerelief-3.png\" alt=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" width=\"464\" height=\"301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Eyerelief-3.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Eyerelief-3-300x195.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Eyerelief-3-463x300.png 463w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Eyerelief-3-150x97.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 464px) 100vw, 464px\" \/><\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Most scopes have an eye relief of 3-3.5&#8243;, however the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/toric-1-3-15x42-review-ronspomer\/\" title=\"TORIC 3-15X42 1\u2033 Rifle Scope Review by Ron Spomer\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC line of scopes<\/a> feature a 4&#8243; constant eye relief throughout the entire magnification range allowing your cheek weld to be consistent at all times.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sight_Picture\"><\/span><strong>Sight Picture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Sight picture is the correct placement of the aiming point (your crosshairs) on the target for the desired impact. For a correct sight picture the intersection of the crosshairs is placed in the center of the desired impact area resulting in a quartered target. Keep in mind that your primary focus is on the crosshairs and not the target. Concentration on the crosshairs should not be too long, as this will cause the reticle to blur. Approximately 3-12 seconds is a good rule of thumb before eyestrain will become a factor. It is important that during the initial &#8220;gun building&#8221; that a solid focus is obtained.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Steps to getting a clear sight picture:<\/p><ol style=\"text-align: justify\"><li>Setting the diopter (quick focus eyepiece) for your eye is paramount in improving accuracy.\u00a0 Follow the steps outlined in the video below to make sure your scope is set for your eye<\/li><li>Most scopes above 10x have a side <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/the-toric-34mm-4-25x50-ffp-mrad-elr-rifle-scope\/\">parallax adjustment<\/a> to help bring your desired target in focus.\u00a0 Utilizing this feature will be key in getting a clear sight picture.<\/li><\/ol><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bpFRau5JFYI\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Learn <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/videos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" title=\"how to\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"956\">how to<\/a> properly adjust the quick focus eyepiece on your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/adjust-the-diopter-scope\/\">TRACT rifle scope<\/a>.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_of_Cant\"><\/span><strong>Effects of Cant<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Canting results when the rifle is tipped to either side. Terrain conditions or an improper position in your shoulder can cause canting. Another <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/5-reasons-to-own-a-spotting-scope\/\" title=\"5 Reasons to Own a Spotting Scope\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1195\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reason might be that the scope<\/a> is not straight in its mounts. If a rifle is canted to the left, the round will strike low and to the left. The more pronounced the cant, the greater distance the round will miss the target.<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">If you still have questions on how to maximize the performance of your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/scope-height-does-it-affect-accuracy\/\">TRACT<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/sean-utley-reviews-the-toric-22-45x65-spotting-scope\/\">Rifle Scope<\/a>, please feel free to contact us: Live Chat: <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TRACTOptics.com. <\/a>Call: 631-662-7354 Email: support@tractoptics.com<\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>William &#8220;Bart&#8221; Bartholomew <\/strong>currently instructs a 2-Day 1,000 yard Precision Rifle Course with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.guntry.com\/training\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guntry Gun Club of MD<\/a> as well a 3-Day Long Range Precision School hosted by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergara.online\/us\/the-bergara-academy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bergara Academy<\/a> in MT.\u00a0 Bart is a retired Baltimore County SWAT Sniper Team Leader and has 46 years of long rifle experience\u201420 years as a Counter Sniper and is the recipient of the prestigious Carlos Hathcock Jr. Award.<\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Read_the_entire_Rifle_Marksmanship_Series\"><\/span><strong>Read the entire Rifle Marksmanship Series:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Part 1 &#8211; Scope Fundamentals<\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/rifle-marksmanship-trigger-control-success\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Part 2 &#8211; Trigger Control Equals Success<\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/rifle-marksmanship-follow-through\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Part 3 &#8211; Follow Through<\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/rifle-marksmanship-breathing-control-techniques\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Part 4 &#8211; Breathing Control Techniques<\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/key-elements-of-a-good-shooting-position\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Part 5 &#8211; Key Elements of a Good Shooting Position<\/a><\/p><p>&nbsp;<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/r2.dotdigital-pages.com\/p\/5GBO-4VS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1547 size-full\" title=\"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1.png\" alt=\"Types of Rifle Scope Mounts\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1.png 728w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1-300x37.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1-600x74.png 600w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/04\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Long-Range-Shooting-Guide-728x90-1-150x19.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12022,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2257,2265,2267,2273],"tags":[2797,2906,3004,3020,3022,3032,3058,3126,3189,3278],"class_list":["post-1384","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-fix-adjust","category-rifle-scope","category-shooting-skills","category-tractoptics","tag-hunting","tag-long-range-shooting","tag-rifle","tag-rifle-marksmanship","tag-rifle-marksmanship-scope-fundamentals","tag-rifle-scope","tag-rifle-scopes","tag-scope-fundamentals","tag-shooting","tag-target-shooting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1384"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12812,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1384\/revisions\/12812"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12022"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}