Whether you’re a hunter, target shooter, or just an enthusiast, knowing how to zero your rifle scope is a vital skill. “Zeroing” your scope means aligning the point of aim (where the crosshairs are) with the point of impact (where the bullet hits). It ensures that your rifle shoots accurately at a specific distance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process in simple, easy-to-follow steps. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to properly zero your rifle scope.
Why Zeroing Your Scope is Important
Zeroing a rifle scope is all about accuracy. If your scope is not zeroed, your bullets may not hit where you aim, making your shooting unpredictable. Whether you’re shooting at a deer in the wild or paper targets at the range, you want to know that when you place the crosshairs on something, your bullet will land exactly there.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, make sure you have the right tools and equipment for zeroing your scope. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your rifle (with the scope already mounted properly)
- Ammo (preferably the type you’ll normally use for shooting)
- A stable rest (like sandbags or a bipod) to steady your rifle while shooting
- A target (most people zero at 100 yards, but you can start closer)
- A spotting scope or binoculars (to see where your bullets hit)
- An adjustment tool (usually a small screwdriver or tool for the windage and elevation knobs on your scope)
Step-by-Step Guide to Zeroing Your Rifle Scope
Step 1: Choose Your Distance
The first thing you need to decide is the distance at which you want to zero your rifle. Most shooters zero at 100 yards, which is a good standard distance. However, if you’re hunting or shooting at shorter or longer ranges, you can adjust the distance based on your needs.
- 100 yards: This is ideal for most hunters and target shooters.
- 50 yards: Good for close-range shooting, small game hunting, or plinking.
- 200 yards or more: Long-range shooters might opt for a greater distance.
Once you’ve chosen your distance, set up your target at that range.
Step 2: Set Up Your Rifle on a Stable Platform
Stability is critical during zeroing. Use sandbags, a bipod, or a gun rest to hold your rifle steady. Any wobbling can throw off your aim and make it difficult to know if your scope is properly zeroed.
Step 3: Bore-Sight Your Rifle (Optional but Helpful)
Bore-sighting is a technique to get your rifle roughly aligned with the target before you start shooting. It can save you time and ammo by getting you “on paper” right away.
To bore-sight your rifle:
- Remove the bolt from your rifle (this works best with bolt-action rifles).
- Look through the barrel and aim it at the center of your target.
- Without moving the rifle, adjust the scope’s windage and elevation knobs until the crosshairs are also centered on the target.
This rough alignment will help you hit the target within the first few shots.
Step 4: Fire Your First Group of Shots
Now it’s time to actually fire your rifle. Load a few rounds (three to five) and aim directly at the bullseye or center of your target. Fire carefully, making sure to keep your rifle steady.
The purpose of shooting a group is to see where your bullets are landing compared to your point of aim. Ideally, you want all the shots in a tight cluster (this shows consistency). However, even if your shots are scattered, don’t worry—we’ll adjust your scope to correct that.
Step 5: Analyze Your Group and Make Adjustments
After shooting, check your target. Where did your shots land?
- Measure the distance between the center of your group and the bullseye. For example, if your shots hit 2 inches low and 3 inches to the left, you’ll need to adjust your scope accordingly.
- Adjust the scope using the windage and elevation knobs.
- Windage moves the point of impact left or right. If your shots are hitting left of the target, adjust the windage knob to the right.
- Elevation moves the point of impact up or down. If your shots are hitting below the target, adjust the elevation knob to raise the impact.
Scopes typically have adjustments in MOA (Minute of Angle). One click of the knob might move the point of impact ¼ MOA, which translates to about ¼ inch at 100 yards.
- If your shots are 2 inches low at 100 yards, and your scope adjusts in ¼ MOA increments, you would need to move the elevation knob 8 clicks up (because 8 x ¼ = 2 inches).
Step 6: Fire Another Group and Recheck
After making your initial adjustments, fire another group of three to five shots. Check the target again to see if your point of impact is now closer to the bullseye.
If you’re still off, repeat the process of measuring and adjusting until your shots are landing where you want them.
Step 7: Fine-Tune Your Zero
Once you have your group hitting close to the bullseye, you can fine-tune the zero by making smaller adjustments to your windage and elevation. Take your time with this step to make sure your rifle is perfectly zeroed.
Step 8: Confirm Your Zero at Different Distances
While your rifle may be zeroed at 100 yards, it’s important to understand how your bullets will behave at other distances. You may want to shoot at 50, 200, or even 300 yards to see how much the bullet drops or rises at those ranges.
If you plan on hunting or shooting at longer distances, knowing how your rifle shoots beyond your zero distance is crucial. You can then make on-the-fly adjustments using holdover (aiming higher or lower) or by adjusting your scope’s elevation knob.
Common Problems and Tips for Zeroing
1. Shots Not Grouping
If your shots aren’t grouping closely together, the problem may be with your shooting technique, not the scope. Make sure your rifle is secure, you’re using proper trigger control, and you’re breathing steadily before each shot. Inconsistent shots can also be due to poor-quality ammunition.
2. Too Many Adjustments
It’s easy to get carried away with scope adjustments. Make small, deliberate adjustments, and recheck after each group of shots. Over-adjusting can lead to frustration and a scope that’s even further from being zeroed.
3. Keep Records
After zeroing your scope, record your settings for windage and elevation. This is especially useful if you plan on changing the zero for different ranges or ammunition types.
Conclusion
Zeroing your rifle scope is an essential skill for any shooter, and while it may seem intimidating at first, it’s a straightforward process once you understand the basics. By following these steps and taking your time, you’ll be able to zero your rifle accurately and confidently.
Whether you’re hunting, shooting targets, or practicing at the range, a properly zeroed scope ensures that your shots hit exactly where you want them to. Now that you know how to zero your scope, go out, practice, and enjoy the benefits of precise, accurate shooting!