How to Shoot Better in Low Light: Let Your Eyes Help You Aim



Ever tried to take a shot at night and your reticle is either way too bright or hard to see? It’s annoying—and can ruin a good shot. You might think it’s your scope’s fault, but it usually comes down to something simple: your eyes.



Your Eyes Adjust to Light – So Should Your Scope

Your pupil (the black circle in your eye) changes size depending on light. In daylight, it gets small. In the dark, it gets bigger to let in more light—sometimes up to four times bigger.



This matters because if your reticle is too bright when your pupil is wide open, it can mess up your night vision. The reticle might blur or hide the target. And your eyes might take a while to adjust again.



Using LPVOs at Night Can Be Tricky

Scopes with zoom, like LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics), are great—but they need extra care in low light. On low zoom (like 1x), a bright reticle works fine in daylight. But when you zoom in at night, your eye needs more natural light, and a bright reticle can hurt your vision instead of help.



Here’s what can go wrong:



Blurry Reticle – It flares too much and blocks your view



Can’t See the Reticle – It’s too dim to spot



Night Vision Wipeout – A flash of light ruins your ability to see in the dark



Quick Fix: Do the “2-Second Test”

You don’t need a manual or fancy gear. Just try this:



Aim at a dark target like you normally would.



If both the reticle and the target appear clearly within 2 seconds, you’re good.



If the reticle shows up first: Turn the brightness down 1–2 clicks.



If the target shows first: Turn the brightness up 1 click.



Keep testing until they show up together.



This quick test helps you find the right brightness for your exact lighting.



Use Red at Night

If your GUNNR OPTICS scope lets you pick reticle colors, use red in the dark. Red light is easier on your eyes and won’t ruin your night vision. Save green or white for the day or brighter conditions.



Zoom and Brightness Should Match

When you zoom in at night (like from 1x to 6x), your scope lets in less light. That means you should turn down the reticle brightness, not up. Make brightness part of your zoom routine.



Light Changes – Keep Adjusting

Light outside changes all the time, and your eyes change with it. Here's how to keep up:



Always start with the lowest brightness that still works



Adjust anytime the light around you changes



If you’re over 30, your eyes may not adjust as quickly—just bump up the brightness a little more if needed



Final Tip: Work With Your Eyes, Not Against Them

You don’t need new gear to shoot better at night. You just need to understand how your eyes and scope work together. Keep your reticle just bright enough to see—nothing more.



Try the “2-Second Test” next time you’re out with your GUNNR OPTICS scope, and you'll notice a real difference.

The ODIN FFP LPVO from GUNNR OPTICS is built for real shooters who need clarity, precision, and control—especially in low light. With smart reticle brightness settings and first focal plane design, you can quickly adjust to changing light without losing your target. Pair it with the "2-Second Test" and let your eyes guide you. Whether you're hunting at dusk or training at night, the ODIN LPVO helps you shoot smarter, not harder.