Getting started with a rifle scope can feel a bit overwhelming. But with the right steps, you can learn how to use a scope on a rifle effectively and with confidence. This guide will walk you through everything from mounting to making your first shot, using simple, clear instructions.
A scope is a tool that magnifies your target and provides a precise aiming point. Using it correctly improves your accuracy and makes shooting more enjoyable. Let’s break down the process from start to finish.
How to Use a Scope on a Rifle
Before you can shoot, you need to get the scope physically ready. This first phase is all about setup and it’s crucial for success.
Step 1: Mounting the Scope Properly
First, you need a good set of scope rings and a base that fits your rifle. Make sure everything is clean and free of debris.
* Place the base on the rifle’s receiver and tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.
* Set the bottom halves of the rings on the base.
* Carefully lay the scope in the rings, ensuring it’s oriented right-side up.
* Place the top halves of the rings on and finger-tighten the screws.
* Before final tightening, you need to set the eye relief.
Step 2: Setting Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s ocular lens (the one you look through). Correct eye relief prevents scope bite—when the scope hits your eyebrow during recoil.
* Shoulder the rifle in a natural, comfortable position with your eyes closed.
* Open your eyes. You should see a full, clear circle of view (the “sight picture”) without moving your head.
* If you see black edges, move the scope forward or backward in the rings until the picture is full.
* Once it’s perfect, tighten the ring screws evenly in a criss-cross pattern to the proper torque specification. Don’t over-tighten!
Step 3: Leveling the Scope
A canted (tilted) scope will cause your shots to drift. To level it:
* Use a small bubble level on a flat part of the rifle’s receiver.
* Place another level on the top turret cap of the scope (the flat part where windage and elevation adjustments are).
* Adjust the scope in the rings until both levels show a perfect horizontal plane. Then complete the final tightening of the ring screws.
Bore Sighting (A Helpful Shortcut)
Bore sighting gets you on paper before live fire. You can use a laser bore sighter or do it visually.
* Secure the rifle in a steady rest.
* Remove the bolt and look directly down the barrel at a target 25-50 yards away.
* Center the barrel on the target. Without moving the rifle, look through the scope and adjust the windage and elevation knobs until the crosshairs are centered on the same point you see through the barrel.
Step 4: Zeroing Your Rifle Scope
Zeroing means adjusting the scope so the point of aim matches the point of impact at a specific distance. A 100-yard zero is common for many rifles.
1. Set up a target at 25 yards. Fire a careful, supported 3-shot group.
2. Look at where the group hit relative to your aiming point. Use the adjustment knobs to move the crosshairs toward the group. The knobs are usually marked “UP/DOWN” (elevation) and “L/R” (windage).
3. Fire another group to confirm. Once centered at 25 yards, move your target to 100 yards.
4. Fire a 3-shot group at 100 yards. Your shots will likely be a few inches high. Adjust the elevation knob to bring the group down to your aiming point.
5. Fire a final 3-shot group to confirm your zero. Your rifle is now sighted in.
Step 5: Understanding Turrets and Reticles
Scope turrets are the knobs used for adjustment. Most modern scopes have “click” adjustments, where each audible click moves the point of impact a specific distance (e.g., ¼ inch) at 100 yards. Your scope’s manual will tell you the value.
The reticle is the crosshair pattern inside the scope. A standard duplex crosshair is great for beginners. Know that some reticles have marks for holdover (aiming high for longer distances) or windage compensation.
Step 6: Making the Shot: Fundamentals
Using a scope doesn’t change the basics of good shooting. It just makes them more visible.
* Steady Position: Use a solid rest like sandbags or a bipod. Be consistent in how you shoulder the rifle.
* Breath Control: Take a breath, exhale halfway, and hold it naturally while you squeeze the trigger.
* Trigger Squeeze: Press the trigger straight back smoothly. Don’t jerk it. A surprise break is good.
* Follow-Through: Keep looking through the scope after the shot to see where you hit. This helps with calling your shots.
Step 7: Maintenance and Care
Keep your scope’s lenses clean with a soft brush and lens cloth. Avoid touching the glass with your fingers. Check the mounting screws periodically to ensure they haven’t loosened with vibration. Store your rifle in a safe, dry place to protect the optics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* Over-tightening mounts: This can damage the scope tube.
* Incorrect eye relief: Leads to poor sight pictures and safety issues.
* Chasing the shot: Making huge adjustments after a single flyer. Trust your groups.
* Forgetting parallax: At higher magnifications, parallax error can occur. If your scope has a side focus or adjustable objective, use it to eliminate this.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to learn how to use a scope on a rifle is to practice. Start at shorter distances to build confidence. Dry-fire practice (with an absolutely unloaded rifle) at home is an excellent way to work on your steady hold and trigger control without spending ammunition. Record your adjustments and groups in a logbook to track your progress and learn your rifle’s behavior.
FAQ Section
What is the proper way to sight in a rifle scope?
The proper way is to start at a close range like 25 yards to get on paper, then move to your desired zeroing distance (like 100 yards). Fire small, supported groups and adjust the turrets to move your point of impact to your point of aim. Always confirm with a final group.
How do you adjust a rifle scope for windage?
You adjust for windage using the horizontal turret, usually marked “L” and “R” or “Windage.” If your shots are hitting left of the target, turn the knob in the “R” direction. The clicks will move the point of impact accordingly. Remember, you adjust the crosshairs toward the group.
What’s the best scope magnification for a beginner?
A variable power scope like a 3-9x40mm is an excellent choice for beginners. It offers versatility for close and medium ranges. Start on a lower power for easier target acquisition and field of view, then use higher magnification for precise aiming at longer distances or small targets.