Learning how to sight a rifle scope is a fundamental skill for any shooter. Getting it right means your point of aim matches your point of impact, and this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. It might seem technical at first, but with patience and the right method, you’ll achieve an accurate zero. Let’s get your rifle hitting exactly where you’re aiming.
How To Sight Rifle Scope
Sighting in, or zeroing, your scope is the process of adjusting its internal mechanisms so the crosshairs align with where the bullet strikes at a specific distance. A properly sighted scope is crucial for ethical hunting and effective target shooting. Without this step, even the best rifle and ammunition combination will be unreliable.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you head to the range, gathering the right equipment will make the process smoother and safer. Here’s what you need:
* Your rifle with the scope securely mounted.
* The correct ammunition you plan to use regularly.
* A solid shooting rest, like sandbags or a bipod.
* 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.
Choosing Your Zero Distance
Your “zero” is the distance at which your bullet’s point of impact is the same as your point of aim. The best distance depends on your intended use.
* 100 Yards: The most common zero for many centerfire rifles. It provides a good baseline for a variety of shooting situations.
* 50 Yards: Often used for rimfire rifles or for shooters at a short-range facility.
* 200 Yards or More: Preferred by long-range shooters; often requires starting at a closer range to get on paper.
Step-by-Step Sighting Process
Follow these numbered steps to zero your rifle scope effectively and efficiently.
Step 1: Secure Your Firearm
Safety is paramount. Ensure the rifle is unloaded whenever you’re not on the firing line. At the range, place it securely in the shooting rest so the stock is firm against your shoulder but the barrel and scope are completely supported by the bags or rest. You should not be muscling the rifle at all; the rest should eliminate almost all human movement.
Step 2: Bore Sight (The Preliminary Step)
Bore sighting gets you on the paper quickly, saving time and ammo. You can use a laser bore sighter or do it manually.
1. Remove the bolt (if possible) or securely action the rifle in a safe direction.
2. Look directly through the barrel and center the target in the bore.
3. Without moving the rifle, look through the scope and see where the crosshairs are pointing.
4. Adjust the windage and elevation knobs until the crosshairs move to the same point on the target you see through the barrel.
Step 3: Fire Your First Group
Now it’s time to fire live rounds. Aim for the exact center of your target. Fire a three-shot group, taking your time between each shot to let the barrel cool and maintaining a consistent hold. The goal is to see where these three shots cluster together.
Step 4: Adjust Your Scope
Locate the adjustment knobs on your scope, usually labeled for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). The direction of adjustment is typically marked, but a good rule is: follow the bullet. If your group is low, adjust the elevation knob “up.” If it’s left, adjust the windage knob “right.”
1. Carefully remove the protective caps from the adjustment knobs.
2. Each click on the knob moves the point of impact a specific distance (e.g., ¼ inch at 100 yards).
3. Calculate the needed adjustment based on your shot group’s center. Move the knobs the required number of clicks.
Step 5: Confirm Your Zero
After making adjustments, fire another three-shot group at the target’s center. This group should now be much closer to your aim point. Repeat the adjust-and-shoot process until the center of your shot group is exactly where you’re aiming. Once satisfied, fire a final group to confirm consistency. Then, carefully replace the adjustment knob caps without turning the dials.
Understanding Scope Adjustments
Knowing how your scope works makes the process less confusing. The turrets you turn are connected to a internal spring and lens system that physically moves the reticle. When you turn the knob, your are literally shifting the angle of the crosshairs inside the tube. Modern scopes are very reliable, but always track your clicks in a logbook in case you need to make field adjustments later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shooters can make errors when sighting in. Being aware of these can help you avoid frustration.
* Inconsistent Shoulder Pressure: Pushing the rifle forward into the rest between shots can change the point of impact.
* Mixing Ammunition: Different brands or bullet weights will fly differently. Stick to one type for zeroing.
* Overheating the Barrel: A hot barrel can warp slightly, causing shots to string. Let it cool between groups.
* Forgetting Parallax: If your scope has a parallax adjustment, set it for the distance you’re shooting to prevent reticle movement.
* Rushing the Process: Take you’re time. Hasty shots lead to poor groups and an unreliable zero.
Final Checks and Maintenance
Once you’ve achieved a perfect zero, it’s a good idea to mark your turret positions with a small paint pen or tape. This gives you a visual reference if they get bumped. Always check your zero periodically, especially before an important hunting trip or competition. A bump or a fall can knock a scope out of alignment, so its wise to verify it’s still on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shots does it take to sight in a rifle scope?
With proper bore sighting, you can often get zeroed in with 10-15 rounds. Without it, you may need 20 or more, especially if your initial shots are off the paper entirely.
What if my shots are not grouping tightly?
If your shots are scattered and not forming a cluster, the issue likely isn’t the zero. It could be the shooter (flinching, jerking the trigger), loose scope mounts, inconsistent ammunition, or a mechanical problem with the rifle. Focus on fundamentals first.
Can I sight in my rifle at 25 yards?
Yes, and it’s a great strategy for high-powered rifles meant for a 100-yard zero. A common method is to zero at 25 yards to be about 1 inch low. This will often put you very close to zero at 100 yards, saving money on ammo and allowing for a shorter range.
How often should I re-check my rifle’s zero?
You should check it at the start of each shooting season or before any major use. Also check it anytime the rifle suffers a significant impact or if you change your ammunition type. Its good practice to verify it every few range trips.
What do MOA and click value mean?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, an angular measurement. 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.). Understanding this is key to making precise adjustments.