Getting your shots to hit exactly where you aim starts with a properly set up optic. Learning how to align rifle scope is the essential first step for any shooter, whether you’re sighting in a new hunting rifle or setting up a precision rig. It’s a process called “boresighting,” and it gets your scope close to zero before you ever fire a live round. This saves you time, ammunition, and frustration at the range.
Think of it like this: if your scope isn’t aligned with your rifle’s barrel, you’ll be constantly fighting to get on target. Even the best scope and ammunition won’t perform well if the foundation isn’t right. This guide will walk you through the simple methods to align your scope correctly, setting you up for a quick and successful zeroing session.
How to Align Rifle Scope
Before you start turning turrets, you need to ensure your scope is mounted correctly. A scope that isn’t level or is mounted loosely will never hold a true zero. So, let’s start from the beginning.
Gather Your Tools:
* A solid rifle vise or shooting bags (essential for stability).
* Your scope’s specific torque wrench and hex bits.
* A leveling kit, or use a small bubble level.
* Your rifle, rings, and base.
* A boresighting tool (optional, but very helpful).
Step 1: Mount the Base and Rings
First, attach the scope base to your rifle’s receiver. Clean the mounting surfaces with a degreaser and apply a small drop of thread-locker to the base screws. Use your torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer’s specification—do not guess. Next, place the bottom halves of your scope rings on the base.
Step 2: Level the Rifle
Place your rifle securely in the vise or on bags. Put a small bubble level on a flat part of the rifle, like the rail or the flat top of the receiver. Adjust the rifle in the vise until it is perfectly level. This is your primary reference point.
Step 3: Set the Scope in the Rings
Now, lay the scope in the bottom ring halves. Before tightening anything, you need to level the scope to the rifle. Here’s the common method:
1. Place a small bubble level across the flat top of the elevation turret (the cap is usually flat).
2. While looking through the scope, gently rotate the scope in the rings until the crosshairs appear vertical and horizontal.
3. Now, check the level on the turret. Adjust minutely until the crosshairs look level to your eye and the bubble level confirms the scope body is level.
4. This ensures your reticle is not canted, which causes drift at longer distances.
Step 4: Secure the Scope
Once level, carefully place the top halves of the rings on and start the screws finger-tight. Follow a criss-cross tightening pattern, just like lug nuts on a car wheel. Slowly torque the ring screws to the proper inch-pound specification, alternating sides to apply even pressure. Overtightening can damage your scope tube.
Two Methods for Initial Alignment (Boresighting)
With the scope mounted and level, you can now align it with the barrel. You can choose one of two common methods.
Method 1: Optical Boresighter
This is a simple tool that inserts into your rifle’s muzzle or chamber. It projects a grid or crosshair pattern onto a wall.
1. Secure your rifle pointing at a blank wall about 25 yards away.
2. Insert the boresighter according to its instructions.
3. Look through your scope. You will see the scope’s reticle and the boresighter’s projected dot or grid.
4. Using the windage and elevation turrets on your scope, adjust until your crosshair centers directly on the boresighter’s point.
5. This gets you “on paper” at the range.
Method 2: The Visual Bore Method
This method requires no tools, just a steady rest and a good eye.
1. Remove the bolt from your rifle so you can look straight down the barrel from the breech.
2. Set up a target with a clear, small point (like a bright orange dot) exactly 25 or 50 yards away.
3. Secure the rifle in a vise so it is aimed directly at that dot. When you look down the barrel, the dot should be centered in the bore.
4. Without moving the rifle, look through your scope. The crosshair will likely be nowhere near the dot.
5. Adjust the windage and elevation turrets until the crosshair is centered on the exact same dot you see through the barrel.
Final Zeroing at the Range
Boresighting is just the preliminary step. You must confirm and refine your zero with live fire.
1. Set Up: Go to a known-distance range. Start at 25 yards for a centerfire rifle. Set up a large target with a clear bullseye.
2. First Shot: From a solid, supported position (bench and bags), fire a single, careful shot.
3. Measure Impact: See where the bullet hit relative to your point of aim. Let’s say it hit 2 inches low and 1 inch left.
4. Adjust: Turn your elevation turret in the direction marked “UP” to move the point of impact up. Do the same with windage, moving it “RIGHT.” Most scopes move 1/4 inch at 100 yards per click. At 25 yards, you need 4x the adjustment. So, to move 2 inches at 25 yards, you’d need to adjust 8 clicks (2 / 0.25 = 8, but since it’s 1/4 the distance, you actually need 2 clicks. It’s best to consult your scope manual).
5. Fire a Group: After adjusting, fire a 3-shot group to see where they cluster.
6. Fine-Tune: Make smaller adjustments until the center of your group is exactly where you aim.
7. Move Back: Once zeroed at 25 yards, move to 100 yards. Fire another group. You will likely need minor final adjustments to get a perfect 100-yard zero.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* Not Using a Torque Wrench: Guessing on tightness leads to loose mounts or damaged equipment.
* Canting the Rifle: If you tilt the rifle while shooting, your shots will go off horizontally. Keep the reticle level.
* Chasing Single Shots: Always fire a group (3-5 shots) before making adjustments. A single flier isn’t a true indicator.
* Forgetting Parallax: If your scope has a side focus or adjustable objective, set it for the distance you’re shooting to avoid parallax error, which can make your reticle appear to move on the target.
* Rushing: Take your time with mounting and leveling. A hasty start makes everything else harder.
Maintaining Your Zero
Once you’ve achieved a perfect zero, you want to keep it. Always store your rifle properly in a good case. Check the tightness of your ring and base screws periodically with the torque wrench, especially after transporting the rifle over rough terrain. Its also a good idea to confirm your zero before an important hunting trip or competition. Environmental factors and normal wear can cause slight shifts over time.
FAQ Section
How often should I check my rifle scope’s alignment?
You should check it at the start of each shooting season or before a major trip. Also, check it if you drop your rifle or notice any changes in your point of impact. A quick confirmation at the range gives you peace of mind.
What’s the difference between boresighting and zeroing?
Boresighting is the initial mechanical alignment of the scope with the barrel, done without firing. Zeroing is the final process of adjusting the scope using actual bullet impacts at a specific distance to ensure point of aim equals point of impact.
Can I align a scope without a boresighting tool?
Yes, absolutely. The visual bore method, where you look down the barrel and adjust the scope to match, is a very effective and free technique. It just requires a steady setup and a good target at a close distance.
Why are my shots still inconsistent after aligning the scope?
If your scope is properly aligned and mounted, inconsistency usually points to other factors. This could be your shooting fundamentals (trigger control, breathing), ammunition variation, or a mechanical issue with the rifle itself. Its best to have an experienced shooter try your rifle to help diagnose the problem.