Sighting in your rifle scope is the most important step before hitting the range or field. It ensures your point of aim matches your point of impact. If you don’t do it correctly, you can’t shoot with confidence. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from setup to final adjustments, in simple steps anyone can follow.
You’ll need a few things before you start. First, a stable shooting rest like sandbags or a bipod is essential. You also need a target, usually a paper one with a clear bullseye. Ammunition is obvious, but use the same ammo you plan to hunt or compete with. Finally, a safe shooting range with a known distance, typically 100 yards, is required.
How Do You Sight In A Scope On A Rifle
Before you fire a single shot, there’s critical prep work. A scope that isn’t mounted properly will never hold zero. Let’s get your rifle ready for success.
Step 1: Mounting the Scope Securely
Start by ensuring your scope rings and base are tight and level. Use a torque wrench if possible to avoid damaging the tube. The scope should be positioned so you have a full field of view without straining. When you shoulder the rifle, you should see a clear picture immediately—this is called “eye relief.” Once it’s in the right spot, tighten the rings evenly and according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Step 2: Bore Sighting (The Easy Prelude)
Bore sighting gets you on paper quickly and saves ammunition. You can use a laser bore sighter or do it manually.
* Manual Method: Remove the bolt and look directly down the barrel from the breech. Center the target in the barrel. Then, without moving the rifle, adjust the windage and elevation knobs on the scope until the crosshair is also centered on that same target.
* Laser Method: Insert a laser bore sighter into the muzzle or chamber. It projects a dot onto your target. Simply adjust your scope’s crosshairs to align with that dot.
This doesn’t mean you’re sighted in, but it puts you very close.
Step 3: The Firing Process at the Range
Now it’s time for live fire. Always prioritize safety. Wear ear and eye protection and follow all range rules.
1. Set up your target at a close distance first, like 25 yards. This guarantees you’ll hit the paper, making corrections easier.
2. Secure your rifle firmly in the rest. You want the gun to recoil freely but consistently. Don’t apply shoulder pressure yet.
3. Aim dead center at the bullseye. Fire a three-shot group. Take your time between shots and let the barrel cool.
4. Go downrange and look at your group. Don’t worry about where it is yet.
Step 4: Making Scope Adjustments
Locate the adjustment turrets on your scope. The one on top is for elevation (up/down). The one on the side is for windage (left/right). They are usually marked with arrows indicating the direction the point of impact will move.
* To move your point of impact UP, turn the elevation turret in the direction marked “UP.”
* To move your point of impact RIGHT, turn the windage turret in the direction marked “RIGHT.”
Most scopes adjust in units called MOA (Minute of Angle) or MRAD. One click typically moves the point of impact ¼ inch at 100 yards for MOA scopes. If your group is 4 inches low and 2 inches left at 100 yards, you’d come up 16 clicks (4 / 0.25 = 16) and right 8 clicks (2 / 0.25 = 8).
Step 5: Finalizing Your Zero
After making your first adjustments, fire another three-shot group. This group should be much closer to the bullseye. Repeat the process of shooting a group and adjusting until your group is centered where you want it at 25 yards.
Once zeroed at 25 yards, move your target out to 100 yards. Fire another group. You will likely need to make finer adjustments to perfect your 100-yard zero. When your shots are consistently hitting your chosen point of aim at the desired distance, you’re zeroed. Always fire a final three-shot group to confirm.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes
Even with good steps, small errors can cause big problems. Here’s what to watch for.
Ensuring a Consistent Foundation
* You are the variable: Your cheek weld, shoulder pressure, and trigger pull must be consistent. Any change can shift the group.
* Let the barrel cool: A hot barrel wanders. Shoot slowly and let it cool between groups.
* Use good ammo: Stick with one brand and load. Different bullet weights shoot to different points.
What to Avoid
* Don’t adjust after every single shot. Always use a group of shots to account for human error.
* Avoid canting the rifle. Keep the scope level, or your adjustments won’t be true.
* Don’t forget to record your zero. Write down the ammo, distance, and number of clicks from a baseline for future reference.
FAQ: Your Sighting-In Questions Answered
How far should I sight in my rifle?
For most common rifle cartridges, 100 yards is the standard. For rimfire rifles, 50 yards is more typical. Some hunters choose a “maximum point blank range” zero for their specific game.
Why does my zero keep changing?
Loose scope mounts are the #1 culprit. Re-torque them to spec. Also, cheap rings or bases can flex. Using different ammunition will always change your point of impact.
What if my adjustments aren’t moving the point of impact?
First, ensure you’re turning the turrets the correct direction. If they are turning but nothing happens, the internal mechanism may be faulty, or you may have reached the adjustment limit. Try resetting the turrets to their mechanical center.
Can I sight in without a shooting rest?
It’s not recommended. Even pros use a rest to eliminate human error. If you must, use a backpack or other soft, stable support to mimic a rest as closely as possible.
How often should I re-check my zero?
Always check it at the start of a new hunting season or competition year. Check it if the rifle suffers a hard bump or fall. Otherwise, a well-mounted scope on a quality rifle should hold zero for a long time.
Sighting in a scope is a methodical process that rewards patience. By following these steps, using good equipment, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll build confidence in your rifle’s accuracy. Remember, a well-zeroed rifle is the foundation of all good shooting. Take your time, be safe, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your bullet will go.