Getting your rifle to hit where you aim is a fundamental skill. Learning how to zero in rifle scope is the first step to becoming a confident and ethical shooter. It’s the process of aligning your scope’s point of aim with your rifle’s point of impact at a specific distance. Once done, you can trust your crosshairs, which is essential for hunting, target shooting, or defense.
This guide walks you through a clear, step-by-step method. We’ll cover the tools you need, the best practices for safety, and how to make those final adjustments. Let’s get your rifle dialed in.
How to Zero in Rifle Scope
Before you fire a single shot, proper setup is crucial. Rushing this stage will only lead to frustration and wasted ammunition. Follow these preparatory steps carefully.
First, ensure your rifle is unloaded and the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction. Mount your scope securely using a quality base and rings. Torque the screws to the manufacturer’s specification with a proper screwdriver or torque wrench. A loose scope will never hold a zero.
Next, you need to get a rough alignment, often called “boresighting.” This saves time and ammo. You can use a laser boresighter inserted into the muzzle or chamber, or you can do it manually. For manual boresighting, securely rest your rifle on sandbags, remove the bolt, and look directly down the barrel. Center the barrel on a small target about 25 yards away. Without moving the rifle, adjust the windage and elevation turrets on your scope until the crosshairs are centered on that same target. This gets you on paper.
Essential Gear for the Range
You’ll need a few key items for a successful range session:
* Ammunition: Use the exact ammo you plan to shoot regularly. Different brands or bullet weights impact differently.
* A Solid Rest: A front sandbag and a rear sandbag or shooting rest. This supports the rifle, not your hands.
* Eye and Ear Protection: Non-negotiable safety gear.
* Targets: Use a target with a clear, high-contrast bullseye. Grid-style targets are excellent for seeing your shot placement.
* A Notebook: To record your adjustments and shots.
* Tools: A small screwdriver or the adjustment tool that came with your scope.
Choosing Your Zero Distance
The “zero distance” is where your point of aim and point of impact meet. A common choice for many rifles is 100 yards. This provides a good balance for mid-range shooting. For close-range hunting in thick woods, a 50-yard zero might be better. For longer-range precision, a 200-yard or even 300-yard zero could be appropriate, but starting at 100 yards is recommended for most. Consider your primary use for the rifle.
The Step-by-Step Zeroing Process
Now for the practical part. Here is the proven method to zero your scope.
Step 1: Start at 25 Yards
Begin at a close range, like 25 yards. This ensures you hit the paper even if your boresighting was off. Fire a careful, three-shot group from a stable rest. Aim for the exact center of the target each time. Let the barrel cool slightly between shots for better consistency.
Step 2: Adjust to Center
After your three-shot group, look at where the bullets hit. Let’s say the group is 4 inches low and 2 inches to the left of the bullseye. Check your scope’s manual to find its adjustment value (e.g., “1/4 MOA per click”). To move the impact up 4 inches, you would adjust the elevation turret in the “UP” direction. The number of clicks is calculated: at 25 yards, each 1/4 MOA click moves impact roughly 1/4 inch. So, to move 4 inches, you’d need about 16 clicks up. For windage, to move impact right 2 inches, adjust the windage turret in the “RIGHT” direction, about 8 clicks. Fire another three-shot group to confirm.
Step 3: Move to Your Final Zero Distance
Once centered at 25 yards, move your target to your chosen zero distance (e.g., 100 yards). Fire another careful three-shot group. Don’t be suprised if the group isn’t perfectly centered; this is normal. The bullet’s trajectory means it will impact differently at a longer range.
Step 4: Final Adjustments at Distance
Measure how far your new group is from the bullseye at 100 yards. Now, using your scope’s click value at this distance (e.g., 1/4 inch per click at 100 yards for 1/4 MOA), make the necessary adjustments. Be patient. Fire, adjust, and confirm. A good zero is typically a group centered within an inch of your aiming point.
Confirming and Recording Your Zero
Your final step is to fire a confirmation group. Shoot a five-shot group at your zero distance. This verifies that the rifle is consistently hitting where you aim. Record the details in your notebook: date, rifle, scope, ammunition, zero distance, and any notable weather conditions. This record is invaluable if your scope gets bumped or you change ammo.
Common Zeroing Mistakes to Avoid
* Inconsistent Shooting: Flinching or poor trigger pull ruins groups. Focus on fundamentals.
* Hot Barrel: A very hot barrel can warp slightly, changing point of impact. Let it cool.
* Loose Mounts: Double-check that all scope ring and base screws are tight before you start.
* Chasing a Single Shot: Always adjust based on a group (3-5 shots), not a single flyer.
* Forgetting Parallax: If your scope has a side focus or adjustable objective, set it for the distance you’re shooting to avoid parallax error.
FAQ: Your Zeroing Questions Answered
How often should I check my rifle’s zero?
You should check it at the start of any hunting season or competition, and anytime the rifle suffers a significant bump or drop. Its also good practice to verify it periodically.
What does MOA mean on a scope?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It’s an angular measurement. Roughly, 1 MOA equals about 1 inch at 100 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, etc. If your scope adjusts in 1/4 MOA clicks, one click moves the point of impact about 1/4 inch at 100 yards.
Why does my zero seem to change?
Common causes include loose scope mounts, using different ammunition, a change in the environmental conditions (like temperature), or a shift in the scope itself due to mechanical failure.
Can I zero my rifle at 50 yards instead of 100?
Absolutely. A 50-yard zero is perfectly valid for many uses, especially in dense brush or for certain calibers. Just be aware of where the bullet path is at other distances.
What’s the difference between a bore sight and a zero?
Boresighting is a rough mechanical alignment done without firing (or with just a laser). It gets you on the paper. Zeroing is the final, precise adjustment done by actually shooting the rifle at a target.
My groups are large and inconsistent. What’s wrong?
This is usually a shooter error or an equipment issue, not a zeroing problem. Practice your shooting fundamentals from a solid rest first. Also, some rifles just prefer certain ammo; try a few different brands to see if groups shrink.
Mastering how to zero your rifle scope is a basic but vital skill. It builds confidence in your equipment and your own abilities. With your scope properly zeroed, you can focus on the other elements of accurate shooting, knowing your point of aim is true. Remember to always prioritize safety, be patient with the process, and keep good records. Now that your rifle is sighted in, your ready for the range or field.