Getting started with a rifle scope can feel overwhelming, but it’s a skill anyone can learn. Knowing how to use a rifle scope properly is the key to accurate and consistent shooting at various distances. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from mounting to making your first shot, in simple, clear steps.
First, let’s understand the main parts. A scope has an objective lens (the front), an ocular lens (the eye piece), and a turret housing (the top and side knobs). The turrets are for windage (left/right adjustment) and elevation (up/down). You’ll also find a power ring to change magnification and a focus ring, often near the ocular lens, for a clear reticle.
How to Use a Rifle Scope
Before you can shoot, you need to set up your scope correctly on your rifle. A poor mount will ruin your accuracy no matter how good the scope is.
Step 1: Mounting the Scope
You’ll need a quality scope base, rings, and a torque wrench. Here’s the basic process:
* Clean all mounting surfaces on the rifle base and the rings.
* Place the bottom rings on the base and hand-tighten them just enough to hold.
* Lay the scope in the rings, ensuring it’s oriented right-side up.
* Place the top rings on and finger-tighten the screws.
* Now, check for proper eye relief. Move the scope forward or back until when you shoulder the rifle quickly, you see a full field of view without any dark shadowy ring. This is critical for safety and speed.
* Use the torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s specification, typically in inch-pounds. Alternate between screws in a criss-cross pattern.
Step 2: Bore Sighting (Initial Rough Alignment)
Bore sighting gets you on paper at 25 or 50 yards, saving ammo. You can use a laser bore sighter or do it manually:
1. Secure your rifle in a steady rest, ensuring it cannot move.
2. Remove the bolt (if possible) to look directly down the barrel.
3. Look through the barrel and center a target at 25 yards.
4. Without moving the rifle, look through the scope. The crosshairs will be in a different spot.
5. Adjust the windage and elevation turrets until the crosshairs are centered on the same target you see through the barrel.
Step 3: Zeroing Your Rifle Scope
This is where you make the scope’s point of aim match the rifle’s point of impact at a specific distance. A 100-yard zero is common for starters.
1. Set up a large target with a clear bullseye at 100 yards. Use a solid rest like sandbags.
2. Fire a careful, three-shot group. Don’t adjust between these shots.
3. Look at where the group hit. Let’s say it’s 6 inches low and 4 inches left.
4. Here’s the rule: Most scopes adjust in ¼ MOA clicks. One click = ¼ inch at 100 yards. So, to move 6 inches up, you need 24 clicks UP on the ELEVATION turret. To move 4 inches right, you need 16 clicks RIGHT on the WINDAGE turret.
5. Fire another three-shot group to confirm. Repeat the process until your group is centered on the bullseye. Remember, you adjust the turret in the direction you want the bullet impact to move.
Step 4: Understanding Turrets and Parallax
Modern turrets often have a cap you can lift to adjust. Some are exposed. Always check your scope manual. After adjusting, if your turret has a zero-stop feature, you can set it so you can always return to your 100-yard zero easily.
Parallax error can cause aiming inaccuracy if your eye is not perfectly centered. Scopes with parallax adjustment have a side or objective bell knob, usually marked with yardages. To set it, aim at your target and move your head slightly up and down. If the reticle appears to move across the target, adjust the parallax knob until that movement stops.
Step 5: Making a Shot at Different Ranges
Once zeroed, you can aim at other distances. This is where reticle holdovers or dialing the turret comes in.
* Using Holdovers: Many reticles have hash marks below the center. You’ll need to know what distance each mark represents (e.g., 2 MOA per mark). If your target is 300 yards and your bullet drops 6 MOA, you’d hold the 3rd hash mark (if 2 MOA each) on the target.
* Dialing the Turret: This is often more precise. Using a ballistic calculator or chart, you know you need 6 MOA of elevation for 300 yards. Since your scope has ¼ MOA clicks, that’s 24 clicks up. You dial that on the elevation turret, and then aim dead center. Don’t forget to dial back to zero after!
Helpful Tips for Consistent Accuracy
* Check Your Eye Box: Always position your head the same way behind the scope for every shot.
* Natural Point of Impact: Let the rifle rest naturally in the bags; don’t force it onto the target.
* Follow Through: Maintain your sight picture and trigger squeeze after the shot breaks.
* Keep a Data Book: Write down your zero, ammo details, and holdovers for different conditions. Memory is not reliable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* Overtightening or unevenly tightening scope ring screws.
* Forgetting to set the parallax for the correct distance.
* Canting the rifle (tilting it sideways) instead of keeping it level.
* Confusing the direction of turret adjustments. Remember: “Follow the bullet.”
* Not allowing the barrel to cool between shot groups, which affects point of impact.
With practice, these steps become second nature. The key is a methodical setup, a careful zero, and understanding how your specific scope and rifle combination performs. Always prioritize safety and take your time. Good shooting starts with good fundamentals.
FAQ: Your Rifle Scope Questions Answered
What does 4-12×40 mean on a rifle scope?
This describes the magnification and lens size. “4-12x” means the scope can zoom from 4 power to 12 power. The “40” is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters, which affects light gathering.
How do you sight in a rifle scope at 100 yards?
Start by bore sighting. Then, fire a three-shot group at a 100-yard target. Measure how far the group center is from your aim point. Adjust your windage and elevation turrets using the click values (e.g., ¼ MOA per click). Fire another group to confirm and repeat until centered.
Why can’t I see clearly through my scope?
First, check the diopter adjustment on the ocular lens (rear). Point the scope at a plain surface (like the sky) and turn this ring until the reticle is sharp. If the target is blurry, adjust the parallax/focus knob, usually on the side or objective bell. Also, ensure your magnification is not set too high for the conditions.