What is it?
A scope enhancer bridges the gap between the ocular lens of your telescopic sight and your face, stopping any peripheral light from entering your shooting eye. This allows you to focus, mentally and physically, on the reticle and target without unwanted distractions.
What does it do?
Enhancers are made of a synthetic material, traditionally rubber, that cups your eye socket. Depending on the material, some cups may mould themselves to your facial features. The body of the enhancer will usually be a concertina or bellows shape, allowing it to naturally adjust to length when you shoulder your rifle. Some enhancers are less flexible than others, but either way a perfect fit is required.
When should I use one?
Enhancers help you position your head and eyeline consistently, and the shape of the eye cup, especially if it’s made of a slightly harder material, can help you hold the rifle at a consistent angle in relation to your head. If you always shoot with a scope enhancer, you will be greatly assisting consistency as well as reducing ambient light.
What should I look for?
Comfort and fit are paramount. Scope enhancers are very much a ‘Marmite’ shooting accessory because they may not fit that well – at least at first. The enhancer is being asked to fit a human face – an object that’s full of compound curves. The eye cup can be gently trimmed to get a better fit, but this must be done carefully, because any material you remove can’t be added back on if you cut off too much.
How do I use one?
Scope enhancers are usually associated with target shooters, but the many benefits they offer apply to all types of shooting. Reducing peripheral light when lamping rabbits is just as beneficial as cutting out artificial light on an indoor target range, although target acquisition won’t be as fast. Enhancers remain quite specialised, however, because it can be hard to find one that feels just right.
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