Adjusting scopes is one of the most effective ways of improving a shooter’s accuracy and consistency.
If you’re a rifle shooter looking to get the basics down or a seasoned pro needing a refresher, this guide on how to adjust a rifle scope is perfect for you.
I will discuss what a scope adjustment is, what tools you will need, the nitty-gritty of how to adjust rifle scopes, some expert tips, and a quick discussion on hot topics regarding adjusting scopes.
Ready to get the best aim of your life with any scope? Read on.
Contents
What Is Scope Adjustment?
Scope adjustment is the process of dialing in a rifle scope so that the bullet lands right where you aim it (or as close to it as you intend). Simply put, it is a way to help you shoot accurately and precisely.
To be more technical, scope adjustments align the reticle (crosshairs) of a rifle scope to the bore of a rifle, ensuring no discrepancies between your point of aim and point of impact.
The two main reasons why it is important to adjust a rifle scope, especially for new rifle scopes, are accuracy and consistency.
Scope adjustment also tackles challenges like bullet drop due to gravity, wind pushing them off course, and even mistakes you might make when aiming or pulling the trigger.
Adjusting a rifle scope involves securely mounting the scope, finding the eye box, bore sighting and sighting in, and fiddling with the adjustment knobs (namely the windage turret [horizontal adjustment) and the elevation turret [vertical adjustment]).
While it can be tedious, if you put in the effort to adjust your scope properly, your shooting accuracy will skyrocket.
What Do You Need to Adjust a Scope?
To properly adjust a rifle scope, you will need the following tools and materials.
- Rifle and Scope: You cannot sight your scope unless it is mounted on your weapons system. This will ensure your measurements are dialed in for that specific rifle, ensuring accuracy and the ability to adjust your aim in the field.
- Target: You will need a target to aim at when adjusting a rifle scope. Ensure it is placed at a known distance from where you are shooting.
- Torque wrench: A torque wrench ensures your scope rings are tightened just right. This step is crucial to prevent any wobbling or loosening of the scope.
- Cleaning cloth: Keeping your scope’s lenses clean is vital for a perfect view of the target. A cleaning cloth will help you maintain optimal visibility.
- Patience: Adjusting a rifle scope takes time, especially if you want it done right. Stay patient throughout the process for the best results.
When working with most scopes, having these essentials ready will ensure a smoother experience so you can appropriately calibrate the windage and elevation turrets.
Refer to your scope’s manual for specific instructions when adjusting a new rifle scope.
How to Adjust a Rifle Scope
Adjusting a rifle scope is a process that aims to make your loadout work in sync with your shooting position and your target.
There are quite a few steps to remember on how to adjust rifle scopes, so let’s get started.
Step 1. Mount the Scope Securely
To begin, you need to learn how to mount a scope. If it is not properly mounted, there is potential for trouble and even injury if your loose scope falls on your foot.
Getting and installing the appropriate scope mounts is the first step in any scope adjustment process.
Scope Rings/Base
Scope rings are the connectors that join a rifle scope with the rifle itself.
These rings are usually constructed from materials like aluminum or steel, and they come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different scopes.
Their primary function is to create a stable and secure attachment point to ensure that the scope remains steady and unaffected by the rifle’s recoil and firing procedure.
To secure your scope safely on your rifle, follow the steps below.
- Make sure you get rings that match your rifle and scope dimensions.
- Before mounting the rings, clean the rifle and scope mounting surfaces to eliminate any debris or dirt that might hamper the mounting process.
- Follow the guidelines provided with your rings to install them onto the rifle. Tighten the screws evenly to guarantee secure mounting.
- Gently slide the scope forward into the mounted rings and proceed to tighten the screws. Avoid over-tightening, as this could potentially damage the scope.
Some rings offer a height adjustment feature that enables you to modify the scope’s height on the rifle, which is handy for getting your eye in just the right spot to avoid eye strain and keep your vision clear.
Note that you might need to buy these rings separately, depending on the scope.
If you want to change the height of the scope or upgrade your scope to a different size or style, you will have to buy replacement mounting rings.
Level the Scope
Leveling a scope is the process of ensuring that the reticle of the scope is perfectly parallel to the bore of the rifle.
This is important because it ensures that the point of impact of the bullets will be consistent with the point of aim.
An unlevel or canted scope is going to be unable to hold zero. This means that the point of impact of the bullets will change over time, making it difficult to hit targets consistently.
The reticle comes into play as it is the part of the scope the shooter uses to aim their shot. It is typically made up of crosshairs or other aiming points. It must be parallel to the bore of the rifle for the shot to be accurate.
Follow these steps that explain how to level a scope.
- Attach a level tool to the rifle.
- Look through the scope and center the level in the reticle.
- Use the torque wrench to tighten the screws on the scope mount until the level doesn’t reveal any slanting or canting.