Learning how to sight a rifle scope is a fundamental skill for any shooter. It’s the process of aligning your scope’s point of aim with your rifle’s point of impact, and getting it right is essential for accuracy. Whether you’re a hunter, a target shooter, or just getting started, this guide will walk you through the steps in a clear, simple way.
How To Sight A Rifle Scope
Sighting in, or zeroing, your scope ensures your shots land where you intend. A rifle that isn’t properly sighted will lead to frustrating misses, no matter how steady your hold is. The goal is to make the crosshairs and the bullet’s path meet at a specific distance.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you head to the range, gather these items. Being prepared makes the whole process smoother and safer.
- Your rifle with the scope securely mounted.
- The correct ammunition for your rifle.
- A solid rest like sandbags or a shooting vise.
- Eye and ear protection.
- A target with a clear, visible aiming point.
- A screwdriver or the specific tool for your scope’s adjustment caps.
- A notebook to record your adjustments.
Pre-Checks: Mounting and Bore Sighting
First, double-check that your scope rings and base are tight. A loose mount will ruin any chance of a good zero. Next, consider bore sighting. This gets you on paper faster and saves ammunition.
How to Bore Sight
- Securely place your rifle in a rest, ensuring it cannot move.
- Remove the bolt so you can look straight down the barrel.
- Look through the barrel and center the target in the bore.
- Without moving the rifle, look through the scope and see where the crosshairs are pointing.
- Adjust the windage and elevation knobs on your scope until the crosshairs are centered on the same point you see through the barrel.
The Step-by-Step Sighting Process
Now you’re ready for live fire. Always follow all range safety rules. This process assumes a 100-yard zero, which is common for many rifles.
- Set Up Your Target at 25 Yards: Start close. This makes it easier to get initial hits on the target and makes large corrections simpler.
- Take a Stable Position: Use your sandbags or rest to support the rifle’s forend and butt. You want to eliminate as much human error as possible.
- Fire a Three-Shot Group: Aim carefully at the bullseye and fire three shots. Take your time between shots to let the barrel cool if needed.
- Find Your Group’s Center: Go downrange and look at your shots. Identify the center of the three-shot cluster. This is your current average point of impact.
- Adjust Your Scope: Here’s the key part. Look at your scope’s turrets. They are usually marked “UP” and “DOWN” for elevation and “L” and “R” for windage. To move your point of impact toward your point of aim, turn the knobs in the direction indicated. For example, if your shots hit low, turn the elevation knob “UP.” Each click moves the impact a specific amount (e.g., ¼ inch at 100 yards).
- Shoot and Confirm at 25 Yards: Fire another three-shot group. The center should now be very close to your aiming point. Make fine adjustments until it is.
- Move to 100 Yards: Once zeroed at 25 yards, move your target to 100 yards. Fire a new three-shot group. You will likely need a final, smaller adjustment.
- Final Zero at 100 Yards: Adjust your scope to center the group on the bullseye at this distance. Fire a final group to confirm. When your point of aim matches your point of impact, your rifle is sighted in.
Understanding Scope Adjustments
It’s easy to get confused about which way to turn the knobs. Remember this simple rule: Follow the bullet. If your shots are hitting high and left, you need to move the impact down and right. So, you would turn the elevation knob “DOWN” and the windage knob “R.” Always double-check the markings on your specific scope.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shooters can make these errors. Being aware of them helps you get a better zero.
- Poor Rifle Support: Don’t just rest the rifle on a hard surface. Use a soft, stable rest like sandbags to avoid bouncing.
- Inconsistent Shoulder Pressure: Mount the rifle the same way for every shot. Changing your cheek weld or how hard you hold it can shift the group.
- Adjusting After Every Single Shot: Always adjust based on a group (3-5 shots). A single shot can be a flier and will give you bad information.
- Forgetting Parallax: If your scope has a parallax adjustment, set it for the distance you’re shooting. This prevents the crosshairs from appearing to move on the target if you shift your head.
- Rushing the Process: Take your time. Let the barrel cool and stay focused on the fundamentals of marksmanship for each shot.
Maintaining Your Zero
Once your scope is sighted in, you’re not necessarily done forever. Its a good idea to confirm your zero before any important hunting trip or competition. Check that all mounting screws are tight periodically, and avoid banging the scope or turrets. Store your rifle properly to.
FAQ: Your Sighting-In Questions Answered
What distance should I sight my rifle in at?
For most centerfire rifles, 100 yards is the standard starting point. For rimfire rifles or shotguns with scopes, 50 yards is more common. Your intended use will determine the best zero distance.
How many shots does it take to sight in a scope?
With a good bore sight, you can often get zeroed with 10-15 rounds. Without it, you might use 20-30 rounds, depending on your starting point. Always bring extra ammunition to the range.
What do MOA and click value mean?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle. One MOA is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards. If your scope has ¼ MOA clicks, each click moves the point of impact ¼ inch at 100 yards (and ½ inch at 200 yards, etc.).
Why is my shot group still inconsistent?
Large, scattered groups are usually not the scope’s fault. The cause is often shooter error (flinching, jerking the trigger), inconsistent ammunition, a loose scope mount, or a rifle that doesn’t like a particular load. Work on your fundamentals first.
Can I sight in my scope at an indoor range?
Yes, if the range is long enough. A 25-yard zero is perfectly possible indoors, and you can then translate that to a 100-yard zero using ballistic calculations or by confirming later at an outdoor range.
Do I need a laser bore sighter?
They are helpful tools, especially for beginners, but they are not a replacement for live-fire zeroing. They get you close, but final adjustments must always be made with actual shooting.
Mastering how to sight a rifle scope takes patience and practice, but it’s a deeply satisfying skill. By following these steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll build confidence in your equipment and in your own ability to make precise shots. Remember, a well-sighted rifle is the foundation of good shooting.