How to Sight In a Rifle Scope: A Step-by-Step Guide
A scope is only useful if it is mounted correctly and zeroed to your rifle and ammunition. This guide walks through the basics. Always follow firearm safety rules and the manufacturer instructions for your rifle and scope, and only shoot at an approved range or safe backstop.
1. Safety and setup
Treat every firearm as loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger until ready. Wear eye and ear protection. Use a stable rest or sandbags and a target at a known distance. Many hunters zero at 100 yards, but follow your own situation and local range rules.
2. Mount the scope correctly
Use rings and bases that match your rifle and scope tube size. Set eye relief so you see the full image without the scope touching your brow when firing. Level the scope with the rifle, keep the reticle straight and tighten the ring screws evenly to the torque the manufacturer lists.
3. Bore sighting
Bore sighting roughly aligns the scope with the barrel so your first shots land on paper. With the bolt removed on a bolt-action rifle, you can look through the bore at the target, then adjust the turrets until the reticle is on the same spot. Collimators are an alternative. Bore sighting is only a starting point.
4. Fire a group
From a steady rest, shoot a small group, usually three shots, at your target. Let the barrel cool between groups. Look at the center of the group rather than any single shot.
5. Adjust the turrets
Turrets move the point of impact by a set amount per click, such as a fraction of an inch at 100 yards. Check your scope manual for its click value, then move the reticle in the direction you want the bullets to go. Fire another group to confirm.
6. Confirm and record
Once the groups are centered, fire a final confirming group. Note your ammunition, distance and settings. If you change ammunition, check zero again, since different loads can hit in different places.
7. Check zero before the season
Recheck your zero before hunting season and after any hard knock to the rifle. Practice from realistic positions, not just the bench.
Quick checklist
- Are rings and bases correct for my rifle?
- Is the scope level and eye relief set?
- Am I using a safe range and a stable rest?
- Do I know my scope's click value?
- Have I recorded my zero and ammo?
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