What does PA mean on Vortex scope?

What does PA Mean on Vortex Scope?

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PA on Vortex scopes means Parallax Adjustment. These are adjustable objectives or side focuses used to correct parallax (a riflescope scenario where the point of impact slightly varies as a result of a change in the shooter’s eye position behind the scope)

Scope Parallax Explained

Scope parallax is best explained as a  noticeable variation in the reticle while looking through your scope at different angles. The scenario happens when the reticle moves off-target. To get the reticle back to accuracy you have to adjust the parallax.

Parallax settings-

  • Rimfire scopes at 50 yards
  • Shotgun scopes  at 60 or 75 yards
  • Rifle scopes at 100 or 150 yards

Scope Parallax Explained

 

The reticle image as sen above is out of focus while the target image is clear. Looking straight on the image is very clear, when you move your head or look through the scope at a different angle there is a reticle shift to the left/right.

Parallax Correction

Most Riflescopes come with a parallax correction (Side focus) a dial on the main tube’s side.

Side focus works to allow forward/ backward image adjustment to match the reticle focal plane ( FFP or SFP). Side focus is marked at 50 or 100 yards.

The easiest way to do this is setting up a target ( with a clear background), rest your rifle securely, set the magnification at the highest level, look through the scope, move your head at different angles, back and forth.

If the reticle moves with movement, the scope has parallax.

To correct parallax, you will use the yardage indicators. Start adjusting to the level the reticle is sharp and locks to the aiming point. At this point, you are supposed to see the reticle and target without any focus shift.

Make the corrections fine in such a way that you can move the angle further but still maintain a full clear image.

 

Watch the below video to understand parallax correction

 

Vortex scopes Parallax settings

  1. Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope -Parallax: 50 yds to infinity
  2. Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope- Parallax: 100 yds
  3. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope- Parallax: 100 yds
  4. Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60x52mm Rifle Scope- Parallax: 20 yds to infinity
  5. Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope- Parallax: 20 yds to infinity
  6. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope- Parallax: 100 yds
  7. Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope- Parallax: 100 yds
  8. Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm Rifle Scope- Parallax: 15 yds to infinity
  9. Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Riflescope- Parallax: 100 yds
  10. Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44mm Rifle Scope- Parallax: 50 yds to infinity

 

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