How to Zero a Rifle Scope

A shooting career comes with the utmost demand for you to be able to zero your rifle scope. Zeroing a rifle scope is aligning the optical barrel, also known as the scope, so the crosshair falls on the exact point where you want to shoot the rifle. It is an essential skill since you will have to zero in your rifle scope every once in a while. This skill can come in handy when you use your rifle after an extended period of storage, when you change your scope, or when you clean it out.

Here, we will guide you on how to zero in your rifle and make your target as accurately as possible.

Look for a Safe and Secure Place for Target Shooting

You have to attempt shooting at a target before zeroing the rifle. Try and do this in a safe and secure environment, most probably controlled, so you and everyone else are safe. You can go to a local range to zero a rifle. Here, you will need to be in an environment where you do not have to worry about anyone getting hurt. Also, you need the least amount of things to do when you shoot the rifle. For example, applying a fresh target every single time, knowing the distance between the target and the shooting place, and familiarizing with the spacing between the markings of the target.

Remove the Human Errors When You Zero Your Rifle

You have to attempt shooting at a target before zeroing the rifle. Try and do this in a safe and secure environment, most probably controlled, so you and everyone else are safe. You can go to a local range to zero a rifle. Here, you will need to be in an environment where you do not have to worry about anyone getting hurt. Also, you need the least amount of things to do when you shoot the rifle. For example, applying a fresh target every single time, knowing the distance between the target and the shooting place, and familiarizing with the spacing between the markings of the target.

Understanding How to Adjust Your Scope

Adjusting the scope of your rifle is a necessity and not very tricky. There is a movable knob on the scope side for adjustment, which moves from left to right, and another that moves up and down. It is essential to know the working of these knobs. Most scopes come with movable, labeled knobs for clarity. 

The knob labeled MOA indicates how much the crosshair will move on the bulls-eye. When you twist the scope by 1 inch, it will change the scope by an inch on the selected target. One inch may be a considerable distance, so a click will move the crosshair just a quarter of an inch to make it easier to zero the rifle. You may also find some scopes where the knob is not labeled as MOA. Instead, they are labeled as ‘1 click = ¼ inches’. This makes it easier to comprehend.

Shoot Right at the Target

Align your crosshair with the target that you are taking and shoot. 

If your shot is on point or a little off target, you need to make minor adjustments. You should know the distance between you and the target. It will help you make the necessary adjustments if there is any issue with the alignment of the crosshair. 

However, if you have not aligned your shot with the target, you must make bigger adjustments. You can do this by placing the shim on the scope’s side and loosening or tightening the scope mounts. The rifle mounts must be tight enough since it will affect future adjustments you may make. 

You can try shooting at a bulls-eye to ensure that you zero your rifle correctly. This will tell you exactly how off your target was. You will know how much you will have to adjust the scope. This will ensure accuracy when shooting.

Make the Required Adjustments in the Scope

Now that you know about the MOA adjustments on the scope and the issues with the crosshair’s alignment to the target, you can start working on zeroing your rifle. 

After the test shot, you can figure out how many changes are required for the crosshair to align accurately with the target. The test shot will determine how many clicks you need to make to zero your rifle.

1 MOA at a hundred-yard distance changes an inch in the aim, and the scope adjusts ¼ inches. Here is what you will have to do. If you need to modify 3 inches up, you must twist the top knob 12 times. Also, to adjust the aim 1.5 inches left, you must turn the knob six times in the required direction.

Take Another Test Shot

You will have to aim at the target from the same place, in the same way, to see how accurately you have zeroed your rifle. Repeat all these steps as often as required until you get satisfactory results. Practice makes you better, so try to zero your rifle at this point. The test shots will tell you all you need to know about the accuracy of your weapon.

Take test shots from a few angles to ensure your rifle is zeroed. Also, try multiple positions when taking the test shot. You can try this safely at your local range. This will ensure complete accuracy, and you will not have any issues taking a target. 

Conclusion

You may have issues getting an accurate shot from your rifle. Most of the time, beginners need help understanding why and may not resolve this issue alone. You can take clear shots with complete knowledge of how to zero your rifle. Your shots will be accurate, and you will not miss your target.