How to Shoot in Low Light: Easy Tips for Your Reticle and Your Eyes

[jameslee]

How to Shoot in Low Light: Easy Tips for Your Reticle and Your Eyes


Ever tried to take a shot at night, only to see your reticle (the cross in your scope) light up so bright it blocks your target? Or maybe you couldn't see the reticle at all? You're not alone. A lot of people blame their scope, but the real issue might be your eyes—specifically, your pupils.

Your Pupil: Your Eye's Natural Light Tool
Your pupil is like a built-in camera lens. In bright light, it gets small to protect your eyes. But in the dark, it opens wide to let in more light—up to 4 times bigger! That change helps you see better at night, but it also affects how you use your scope or GUNNR OPTICS sight.

Here's the problem: If your reticle is too bright when your pupils are wide open, it can ruin your night vision. You might lose sight of your target completely. Understanding how your eyes adjust to darkness helps you use your gear more effectively.

Why LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics) Can Be Tricky
LPVOs are great because you can zoom in and out. But they behave differently in the dark. At low power (1x), you need a brighter reticle. At high power (like 6x or 8x), your eye needs to gather more light—so you actually want a dimmer reticle.

If you don't adjust the brightness as you zoom, you may face problems like:

Blurry glow (bloom): The reticle flares and hides your target.

Can't find the reticle: It's too dim to see.

Flash blindness: A bright reticle ruins your night vision for a few minutes.

A Simple Trick: The 2-Second Test
You don't need fancy tools—just follow this quick test:

Point your rifle at a low-light target.

Look through your optic normally.

Within 2 seconds, you should clearly see both the reticle and the target.

If the reticle appears first, it's too bright. Turn it down 1-2 clicks.

If the target appears first, the reticle's too dim. Turn it up 1 click.

Repeat until both appear at the same time. That's your perfect setting.

This works great with GUNNR OPTICS, helping you find that sweet spot fast in real-world conditions.

Use Red Light at Night
Red reticles are better for night vision. They're easier on your eyes than green or white, which can be harsh in the dark. Use red at night, save green/white for daytime.

Match Brightness to Zoom
Zooming in? Lower your reticle brightness. Zooming out? You might need it brighter. Get in the habit of adjusting brightness when you change magnification.

Bonus Tips for Better Night Shooting
Start low: Always begin with the lowest brightness that works.

Re-check often: Light conditions change. Your settings should too.

Aging eyes: If you're over 30, your eyes adjust more slowly. That's normal—just tweak brightness as needed.

Final Thoughts: Work With Your Eyes, Not Against Them
You don't need new gear to shoot better at night—you just need to understand your eyes. Keep your reticle just bright enough to see without overpowering your vision. Test it with the 2-second rule and adjust as needed.

Smart shooting starts with understanding how your optics and your body work together. With the right adjustments, GUNNR OPTICS can help turn frustrating night shots into confident hits.

[jameslee]

If you're shooting in low light, having the right scope makes a big difference. The ODIN FFP LPVO from GUNNR OPTICS is built for low-light performance, with a red illuminated reticle that's easier on your eyes at night. Its first focal plane design means your aim stays true no matter how much you zoom in. Whether you're hunting at dusk or training in the dark, the ODIN LPVO helps you see clearly and shoot with confidence—even when the light is fading.