How to Sight a Rifle Scope in 7 Easy Steps

For any shooter wanting to improve their accuracy, learning to sight a rifle is an essential skill to master. Installing and learning how to sight a rifle scope requires some technical understanding, but if you follow these basic steps, even a beginner can learn to use this valuable shooting accessory.

What Is a Rifle Scope?

A rifle scope is a magnified optic that helps shooters hit targets with long-range accuracy. Scopes are constructed with a series of magnification lenses and some type of reticle. The reticle is an instrument that indicates where your rounds should impact the target. Together, these tools provide more accurate shots from further away.

Why Do You Need to Sight in (Zero) Your Scope?

Sighting in a scope means aligning the scope’s point of aim (POA) with the projectile’s point of impact (POI) at a specific distance. Basically, you want the projectile to hit where you are aiming.
For instance, if your scope is zeroed at 100 yards, your rounds should impact exactly where your reticle is positioned when shooting at that distance.
A properly zeroed scope provides:

• Improved accuracy at known distances
• Consistent groupings during practice or competition
• Faster target acquisition
• Ethical and effective hunting
• Safer shooting by confirming your target and surroundings

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The Basics of Ballistics and Trajectory

Most projectiles follow a curved trajectory due to gravity. When you zero your scope at a specific distance, you’re aligning the reticle so that the projectile’s arc intersects your line of sight at that point.
If you aim at a target that is farther than your zeroed distance, the round will drop. The amount of drop will vary based on the caliber and style of ammunition, as well as several other factors. Heavier rounds tend to drop faster.
With that in mind, if you are aiming at a target beyond the zeroed range, you’ll need to account for the drop. This means intentionally aiming high. To accurately adjust your reticle position, you’ll need to know how far away you are, and how much the projectile will drop at that distance. Federal has a ballistics calculator to help you determine the drop.

How Height Over Bore Affects POA vs. POI

Height over bore refers to the vertical distance between your rifle’s bore axis (the center of the barrel) and the center of your optic. On many modern rifles, this distance is usually between 1.5 and two inches. This distance has a noticeable effect on your point of impact, especially at closer ranges:

• At 25 yards, POI will typically be 1.5 to two inches low because the projectile hasn’t risen to meet the point of aim.
• At your zero distance, POA = POI.
• Beyond the zero, the projectile will fall below the line of sight due to gravity.

Understanding this relationship is critical when shooting at close distances. You need to aim above where you want the projectile to impact.

Are There Different Types of Scopes?

Getting the correct scope for your firearm is just as important as knowing how to set it up. Shooting conditions and reasons for needing an accurate shot can vary greatly depending on the situation.

Here are common types of scopes:

• Fixed scope: Basic scope with fixed magnification.
• Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO): Allows you to adjust the magnification level from no magnification (1x) to, usually, a maximum of 10x.
• Medium Power Variable Optic (MPVO): These scopes typically start at a minimum of 3x magnification and go to up to 15x.
• High Power Variable Optic (HPVO): These scopes typically start at 5x magnification and can go up to 40x (or more).
• Night vision scope: A magnified optic which uses image intensification technology to allow the user to see at night or in dark conditions.
• Thermal scope: Scopes which use the infrared spectrum to pick up and display heat signatures to the user, typically these scopes use digital magnification instead of optical.
• Scout scope: A very long eye relief optic which is typically mounted to the front of a rifle.

Choosing the correct scope is crucial. Consider what your goals are (i.e., hunting, recreation, competition), and what distances you’ll be shooting at. You also need to consider whether you want a scope with a first focal plane or second focal plane reticle.
An FFP’s reticle increases as you zoom in. While that sounds like a plus, the reticle can be too small at 1x magnification and too large at maximum power. On the other hand, SFP scopes have reticles that stay the same size at all magnifications.

What Are the Steps to Sight a Rifle Scope?

To learn how to sight in a rifle scope, you’ll want to make sure that you have the correct information, equipment, and you pay close attention to safety. Taking the time to set up your scope can greatly improve your shooting experience. Follow these seven rifle scope adjustments¹ to improve your aim instantly.

1. Make Sure Your Scope Is Installed Properly

Most modern rifles are equipped with a mounting system for a scope. Your rifle may have pre-drilled and tapped holes for scope bases or has a grooved rail system, such as Weaver or Picatinny rails.
You will want to make sure that your scope mount and rings are a proper fit for your rifle style. Certain types of scope rings fit only certain types of scope bases. It is essential that these components match.

2. Adjust Eye Distance

For scopes with an adjustable diopter, adjust your eyepiece so that you see a clear, distinct image. You’ll need to fine-tune the scope and create the perfect amount of eye relief (the distance between the end of the scope and your eye).
Eye relief is a crucial component to sighting your rifle scope. You will need to make sure that the distance between your eye and the scope is far enough so that upon firing a shot, the recoil doesn’t make contact with your eye.
Depending on the type of gun and ammunition, the recoil could cause the gun to bounce back and hit your eye, causing serious injury. We call this a “Scope Bite.”

Get practice with your point of aim at The Range 702 in Las Vegas. The experts at our rifle shooting range can teach you how to adjust your scope for the perfect shot.

3. Stabilize Your Rifle

To properly sight your rifle’s scope, you need a stable shooting position. You can choose to position your rifle on a shooting bench with a mount, use a bipod, or shoot from another supported firing position. Any of these methods can achieve the desired result; however, a rifle mount can reduce the recoil up to 95% while securely holding your rifle on their target.
Many types of rifle mounts are available in various price ranges that are specifically designed for scope sighting. Your range may have a rest or bench you can use for sighting in your optic.
The goal is to keep your weapon stable, so your involuntary movements (i.e., swaying) do not impact the accuracy of your zero.

4. Bore Sight Your Rifle and Watch Out for Cant

If you’re starting from scratch, bore sighting can get you on paper quickly. Most bore sighting is done with the help of a laser device which will fit into your chamber or go in the muzzle. You will make sure the laser is straight in line with your bore, then adjust the scope’s windage and elevation knobs until the reticle matches the target center.
You’ll need a stable shooting platform that keeps your rifle still while you bore sight the weapon and adjust your optic. If your platform isn’t perfectly level, then your boresight will be off.

Learn how to properly set your rifle scope. The experts at The Range 702 Las Vegas are here to answer all your questions. Come see us today.

5. Fire Three-Shot Groups

Fire three-shot groups at 25 or 50 yards. Starting short makes it easy to get on paper and start sighting in a scope. Fire three carefully aimed shots; then check your target. Measure the distance between your group and the bullseye. Grid targets are designed for zeroing rifles, and are a great tool to speed up the process.
Use the scope’s turrets to adjust. Elevation adjustments move the point of aim up or down. Windage moves the point of aim left or right. Most scopes adjust in MOA (minute of angle) increments, 1 MOA = 1 inch at 100 yards. A scope with ¼ MOA adjustments will move your point of impact a quarter of an inch in the indicated direction per ‘click’.
Let’s say you are two inches low and one inch right at 100 yards. With ¼ MOA adjustments, you’ll need eight clicks up and four clicks left to center your POI.

6. Confirm Scope Zero at 100 Yards

Once you’re close at 25 to 50 yards, move your target out to 100 yards. Fire another three-shot group, make adjustments, and repeat as needed. Most hunters and recreational shooters zero their rifles at 100 yards. Your scope, reticle, caliber, and velocity of your preferred ammunition will together determine the best distance to zero at.
When zeroed at 100 yards, you can easily adjust for distances, like 200 yards and 300 yards. Just know what the drop on your projectile is at those distances.
Most ammo manufacturers provide ballistic data for their ammunition based on a 100-yard scope zero. They will provide 200-yard and 300-yard drop data.

What Should You Do If Your Scope Loses Zero After Firing?

A scope can lose zero for a number of reasons. The most common reasons include incorrect installation of either the scope base or the scope in the rings, loosening of the scope rings, and mechanical failure of the optic.
If your scope does not hold zero after firing, here is what you should do:

• Check the torque of the screws securing the scope to the mount, and the mount to the gun. If loose, tighten to manufacturer specifications.
• While looking through the scope, turn the adjustment dials. If the reticle does not move, or does not adjust according to the dial, you may need to replace the scope.
• Have a gunsmith examine your barrel and muzzle crown for damage or excessive wear.

Practice Your Sharpshooter Skills at The Range 702

Installing and sighting a rifle scope is an important skill for a sharpshooter to develop. If you follow the basic steps outlined here, you will gain confidence and build precision target shooting skills in no time. Learning to properly use a scope is essential for any shooter wanting a more consistent and precise shot.

The expert firearms instructors at The Range 702 are ready to help you learn how to use valuable target tools correctly and instantly improve your shot. Contact our team today to set up a private instructor for individual attention and expert advice.

Sources:

¹Carmichel, Jim. (12 June 2019). Mount a Rifle Scope Yourself in 7 Easy Steps. Outdoor Life. Retrieved 14 March 2022.

²Petazl, D. (3 May 2013). On the Level: A Simple Method for Aligning Vertical Crosshairs. Field and Stream. Retrieved 14 March 2022.