Getting your shots to hit exactly where you aim starts with a properly adjusted scope. Learning how to adjust rifle scopes is a fundamental skill for any shooter, whether you’re sighting in a new rifle or compensating for different distances. It might seem technical at first, but with a few key tools and a methodical approach, you can achieve precise accuracy.
The process involves two main parts: mechanical zeroing, which aligns the scope’s internal parts, and the actual sighting-in, where you adjust the crosshairs to match your point of impact on the target. Let’s break it down into simple, manageable steps.
How to Adjust Rifle Scopes
Before you even touch the adjustment turrets, there’s some essential prep work. Starting correctly makes the whole process smoother and more effective.
First, ensure your rifle is completely unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Safety is always the number one priority. Next, you’ll need a few basic tools: a solid rest like sandbags or a bipod, a target set at a close distance (25 yards is perfect for starting), and a screwdriver or coin if your scope has capped turrets.
Mounting the scope correctly is also crucial. The scope should be level on the rifle and positioned so you get a full, clear sight picture without straining. A proper mount and rings that are torqued to the manufacturer’s specification will prevent shifting and frustration later.
Understanding Your Scope’s Adjustments
Your scope has two main adjustment turrets, usually protected by caps. The top turret adjusts for elevation (up and down), and the side turret adjusts for windage (left and right). Turning them changes where the crosshairs point relative to the barrel.
Most scopes adjust in clicks, with each click representing a specific measurement (like ¼ MOA or 0.1 MRAD) at a certain distance. You’ll need to consult your scope’s manual to know your click value. Remember the simple phrase: “Follow the bullet.” If your shots are hitting low, you need to adjust the elevation turret in the ‘Up’ direction. If they’re hitting left, adjust the windage turret ‘Right’.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sighting In
Now for the practical part. Here’s a clear, step-by-step method to get you zeroed.
1. Bore Sight First (If Possible): This gets you on paper quickly. Secure the rifle in a rest. Remove the bolt and look directly down the bore, centering the target. Without moving the rifle, adjust the scope’s crosshairs to center on that same target. This is a rough alignment that saves ammo.
2. Fire Your First Group: Set up your target at 25 yards. Using your solid rest, fire a careful group of three to five shots. Use a consistent aiming point, like the bullseye.
3. Analyze the Impact: Go downrange and see where your group landed. Let’s say the group is 4 inches low and 2 inches to the left of your aiming point.
4. Make the Adjustments: Here’s where the math comes in. At 25 yards, a ¼ MOA click is roughly a ¼-inch move. To move 4 inches up, you’d need 16 clicks up (4 ÷ 0.25 = 16). To move 2 inches right, you’d need 8 clicks right (2 ÷ 0.25 = 8). Make these adjustments on your turrets.
5. Fire a Confirmation Group: Shoot another group of three to five shots. Your group should now be much closer to, or directly on, your aiming point.
6. Move to Your Final Zero Distance: Once zeroed at 25 yards, move your target to your desired zero range, like 100 yards. Fire a new group. The adjustments will be more fine-tuned now. Use the same process: measure the error, calculate the clicks needed (now using the true value at 100 yards), and adjust.
Fine-Tuning for Different Conditions
A zero is only perfect for one specific set of conditions. As you shoot at varying distances or in wind, you’ll need to understand holdovers or use your turrets.
If your scope has a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) dial, you can often turn the elevation turret to a marked setting for different ranges. Otherwise, you’ll learn to “hold over” by aiming higher than your target. For windage, you must judge the wind speed and direction and adjust your aim into the wind, or dial the correction on your turret.
Always keep a data logbook. Record your rifle, ammo, zero distance, and how many clicks you needed for longer ranges. This reference is invaluable for making quick adjustments in the field.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shooters can make errors. Being aware of these common pitfalls will help you succeed.
* Inconsistent Shooting Position: If you’re not settled the same way for every shot, you’ll introduce human error. Use a solid rest and focus on fundamentals.
* Chasing a Single Shot: Never adjust your scope based on one shot. Always use a group of shots to find the true average point of impact. That first shot might have been a flier.
* Loose Mounts: Periodically check the tightness of your scope rings and base. A loose mount will ruin your zero and is a frequent cause of accuracy problems.
* Forgetting Parallax: If your scope has a parallax adjustment, set it for the correct distance. Parallax error can make your crosshairs appear to be on target when they’re actually not, leading to unexplained misses.
Maintenance and Final Checks
After you’ve achieved a perfect zero, it’s good practice to gently replace the adjustment turret caps without disturbing the settings. Some shooters also use a small piece of tape or a marker to note their zero position on the turret for a quick visual reference.
Store your rifle properly and avoid any impacts to the scope. It’s a good idea to confirm your zero with a few shots before any important hunting trip or competition, just to ensure nothing has shifted. With practice, the process of how to adjust rifle scopes becomes second nature, giving you the confidence to make hits at any range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shots does it take to sight in a rifle?
With good preparation, you can often get a rough zero in about 10-15 shots. Fine-tuning to a precise zero might take another 10 or so. Using a bore sighter can significantly reduce the number of rounds needed.
What does MOA mean on a rifle scope?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It’s an angular measurement. For simplicity, 1 MOA is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, etc. So, a scope that adjusts in ¼ MOA clicks moves the point of impact about ¼ inch at 100 yards per click.
Why are my shots still inconsistent after adjusting?
If your groups are large and scattered (not in a tight cluster), the problem likely isn’t the scope zero. It could be your shooting fundamentals, the rifle’s rest, inconsistent ammunition, or a mechanical issue with the firearm itself. Focus on shooting tight groups first, then adjust the scope to move that group to the aiming point.
Can I adjust a scope without shooting?
You can get a rough mechanical alignment using a bore sighting tool, which projects a laser or provides an optical alignment. However, you must always confirm and finalize your zero by actually firing the rifle with the ammunition you plan to use. Recoil and barrel harmonics can only be accounted for by live firing.
How often should I re-zero my rifle?
You should check your zero if your scope suffers a significant impact, if you change ammunition brands or bullet weights, or before a new hunting season. Otherwise, a well-mounted scope on a hunting rifle should hold its zero for a long time under normal use.