There’s a moment of truth for every shooter, whether you’re at the range or in the field, when you realize your shots aren’t landing where you’re aiming. It can be a frustrating experience, but it’s almost always solved by one thing: a properly adjusted scope. Knowing how to get your point of impact to match your point of aim is a fundamental skill that builds confidence and ensures ethical, effective shooting.
While the dials and technical terms might seem intimidating at first, the process itself is quite logical and, with a bit of patience, something anyone can master. This article will walk you through the entire process of How To Adjust A Rifle Scope In Easy Way [A Clear Guide], breaking it down into simple, manageable steps. We will demystify the turrets, explain the basics of zeroing, and give you a clear path to a perfectly sighted-in rifle.
Getting to Know Your Scope’s Adjustment Dials
Before you start turning any knobs, it’s crucial to know what they do. Looking at your scope, you’ll see two main dials, often called turrets, on the top and the side. The top turret controls the elevation, which moves the point of impact up and down. The side turret controls the windage, which moves the point of impact left and right.
These dials are almost always marked with arrows or the words “UP” and “RIGHT” (or “L” and “R”). A very important thing to remember is that these directions refer to the movement of your bullet’s impact, not the crosshair itself. So, if your shots are hitting low, you would turn the elevation turret in the “UP” direction. This actually moves the crosshair downward in the scope, which in turn raises the barrel of the rifle to correct for the low impact.
How To Adjust A Rifle Scope In Easy Way [A Clear Guide]
Now that you’re familiar with the controls, let’s walk through the practical steps. The goal is to “zero” your rifle, which means aligning the scope so that at a specific distance (like 100 yards), your bullet hits exactly where the crosshair is centered.
First, you need a stable shooting platform. A sandbag rest or a bipod is ideal. Consistency is key, so eliminate as much human error as possible. Start at a close range, like 25 yards, to get on paper safely and save ammunition. Fire a three-shot group. Don’t adjust after a single shot; a group shows your true average point of impact.
Look at the target and identify the center of your shot group. Let’s say your group is 4 inches low and 2 inches to the left of the bullseye. Here’s where you use the turrets. Check your scope’s manual to find its click value—this is how much each “click” of the dial moves the point of impact (e.g., ¼ inch at 100 yards). Since you’re at 25 yards, each click is only worth ¼ of its 100-yard value. So, a ¼ MOA click would move impact 1/16 inch at 25 yards.
To correct being 4 inches low at 25 yards, you would need to come up a significant amount. Using our example, you’d need to turn the elevation turret in the “UP” direction the appropriate number of clicks. Then, turn the windage turret “RIGHT” to move the impact to the center. Fire another three-shot group to see the new impact. Repeat this process until you are hitting the bullseye at 25 yards. Once zeroed at 25, you can move to 100 yards and make finer adjustments.
Pro Tips for a Smooth and Successful Zeroing
A few small habits can make a big difference in your results. Always use a firm but consistent touch when turning the turrets. You will often hear and feel a distinct click. Don’t be afraid to apply light pressure to the turret to ensure it engages properly with each turn.
Another critical tip is to always turn your dials in the same direction to reach your final point. If you overshoot your adjustment, don’t just reverse the dials back. Instead, turn past your intended point and then come back up to it. This removes any “slack” or backlash in the scope’s internal mechanism, ensuring your adjustment is precise.
Finally, keep a data card or a small notebook with your rifle. Write down your final zero, the date, the ammunition used, and any other relevant details. Ammunition can shoot differently, so this record is invaluable for the next time you head to the range.
What to Do If Your Adjustments Aren’t Working
Sometimes, you might feel like you’re turning the dials but nothing is happening on the target. First, double-check the basics. Are you sure you’re turning the dials the correct way? Remember, “UP” means move the impact up. Is your scope mounted securely? A loose scope mount or ring is a common culprit for erratic point-of-impact shifts.
If you’ve run out of adjustment travel on your turrets, you may have a mounting issue. This can often be fixed by using a scope mounting kit with alignment bars or by installing a cantilevered mount designed to provide a better starting point for your scope’s internal adjustments.
Final Thoughts on a Perfectly Sighted Rifle
Adjusting your rifle scope is a systematic process that rewards patience and a methodical approach. By understanding the function of the elevation and windage turrets, starting at a close distance, and making careful, measured adjustments, you can confidently zero any rifle. The feeling of seeing that third shot land perfectly in the center of the target, knowing you put it there through your own skill, is one of the most satisfying parts of shooting. With your scope now perfectly adjusted, you can head out with the confidence that your aim is true.