Why is it important to have proper eye relief?

Having proper eye relief is crucial because it serves two primary functions: preventing injury from recoil and ensuring a clear image. Eye relief refers to the distance between the ocular lens of a scope or sight and the shooter's eye. If the eye relief is too short, the recoil of the firearm can cause the scope to hit the shooter’s brow or face, leading to potential injury. This is a significant safety consideration, particularly when using high-recoil firearms.

Additionally, proper eye relief allows the shooter to comfortably align their eye with the sight while maintaining a clear and unobstructed view of the target. If the eye relief is too long or too short, it can result in images that are distorted or difficult to see, negatively impacting the accuracy of shots. Therefore, ensuring proper eye relief is essential for both safety and effective aiming.