Getting your rifle scope dialed in is a fundamental skill for any shooter. If you don’t know how to adjust rifle scope when sighting in, you’ll struggle to hit your target consistently. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from setup to final confirmation, in simple, clear steps. You’ll learn what the turrets do, how to make adjustments, and how to get your rifle zeroed with confidence.
How To Adjust Rifle Scope When Sighting In
Before you touch a turret, you need a proper foundation. A scope that isn’t mounted correctly can’t be adjusted properly. Start by ensuring your scope rings are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications. The rifle should also be firmly supported. Use a solid bench rest and sandbags or a bipod. The goal is to eliminate your body’s movement from the equation so you can focus on the rifle’s point of impact.
Understanding Your Scope’s Turrets
Your scope has adjustment turrets, usually covered by caps. The top turret adjusts for elevation (up and down). The side turret adjusts for windage (left and right). Each click of the turret moves the point of impact a specific distance at 100 yards, like 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch. This is called the “click value.” You must know your scope’s click value to make correct adjustments.
- Elevation Turret: Marked with “Up” or an arrow pointing up. Turning it in the “Up” direction will move your bullet impact higher on the target.
- Windage Turret: Marked with “R” for right or an arrow. Turning it in the “R” direction will move your bullet impact to the right.
- Parallax Adjustment: Often a side knob or objective bell ring. This helps focus the reticle to reduce aiming error if your head moves.
Step-by-Step Sighting In Process
Follow these steps in order for the best results. Always prioritize safety, wearing ear and eye protection on a designated firing range.
Step 1: Bore Sighting (Initial Alignment)
This saves time and ammo. Secure the rifle in a rest. Remove the bolt and look directly down the bore. Center a target object about 25 yards away in the barrel. Without moving the rifle, adjust the scope’s windage and elevation turrets until the crosshair is centered on that same object. Your scope is now roughly aligned with the barrel.
Step 2: The First Shots at 25 Yards
Start close. Place a target at 25 yards. Fire a careful, three-shot group. Let the barrel cool between shots if needed. Go downrange and look at where the group hit.
- If the group is centered, you can move straight to 100 yards.
- If it’s off, you need to adjust. At 25 yards, your clicks are four times more powerful. If your scope clicks are 1/4″ at 100 yards, they are 1/16″ at 25 yards.
Step 3: Making the Adjustments
Here’s the core of how to adjust your scope. Find the center of your three-shot group. Measure how far it is from your point of aim (the bullseye). Let’s say your group is 4 inches low and 2 inches left at 25 yards, with a 1/4″ per click scope.
- Calculate Elevation: You need to come UP 4 inches. At 25 yards, each click = 1/16″. 4 inches / (1/16) = 64 clicks UP.
- Calculate Windage: You need to go RIGHT 2 inches. 2 inches / (1/16) = 32 clicks RIGHT.
- Remove the turret caps and turn the elevation turret in the “Up” direction 64 clicks. Turn the windage turret in the “R” direction 32 clicks.
Step 4: Confirm and Move to 100 Yards
Fire another three-shot group at 25 yards. It should now be very close to the bullseye. Move your target to 100 yards. Fire a new three-shot group. This is your true zeroing distance.
Step 5: Final 100-Yard Adjustments
Measure your new 100-yard group’s center. Now use your scope’s true click value (e.g., 1/4″ at 100 yds). If the group is 3 inches high and 1 inch left:
- You need to come DOWN 3 inches. 3″ / 0.25″ per click = 12 clicks DOWN.
- You need to go RIGHT 1 inch. 1″ / 0.25″ per click = 4 clicks RIGHT.
Make these adjustments. Fire a final three-shot group to confirm. This group should be centered where you want it, completing your zero.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors to ensure a smooth process. First, be consistent. Your cheek weld, shoulder pressure, and trigger pull must be the same for every shot. Second, let the barrel cool. A hot barrel can “walk” shots to a different point of impact. Fire in 3-5 shot strings and then wait.
Always track your adjustments. Some shooters write them down. Also, remember that turrets adjustments are always about moving the point of impact, not the crosshair. If your shot is low, you move the impact UP by turning the turret “Up.” It’s easy to get this backwards when your starting out.
Finally, use good ammo. Inconsistent ammunition will give you large groups, making it impossible to know where to adjust. Stick with one type of quality factory ammo or your specific handload for the entire process.
FAQ: Sighting In Your Rifle Scope
How many shots does it take to sight in a rifle?
You can usually get a good zero in 15-20 rounds if you follow the steps above. Bore sighting first saves a lot of ammunition.
What does MOA mean on a scope?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It’s an angular measurement. 1 MOA is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards. A 1/4 MOA scope moves the impact 1/4 inch per click at 100 yards.
Why is my rifle scope not holding zero?
This can be caused by loose mounting rings, a faulty scope, or even the rifle’s action screws being loose. Double-check all you’re mounting hardware torque first. If the problem persists, the scope itself may be defective.
How often should I re-zero my rifle?
You should check your zero at the start of a hunting season or competitive season, or if the rifle suffers a significant bump or drop. Otherwise, a well-mounted scope on a quality rifle should hold zero for a long time.
What distance should I zero my hunting rifle at?
A common zero for many flat-shooting cartridges is 100 yards. Some hunters use a 200-yard zero to extend their point-blank range. It depends on your cartridge, typical shot distance, and personal preference.
Mastering how to adjust your rifle scope is a key skill. It requires patience and attention to detail, but the reward is a rifle you can trust. With your scope properly zeroed, you can focus on the fundamentals of marksmanship and make that shot count when it matters most. Always remember to practice regularly under different conditions to stay familiar with your equipment.