How do I zero my scope?

How to Properly Zero Your Rifle Scope for Maximum Accuracy

Zeroing your rifle scope is one of the most important skills every shooter should master. Whether you’re preparing for a hunting trip, shooting at the range, or engaging in long-range precision shooting, ensuring your rifle is properly zeroed can make all the difference between hitting or missing your target. By following the correct steps, you can guarantee that your rifle and scope are accurately aligned for optimal performance.

What Does it Mean to "Zero" a Rifle Scope?

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand what it means to "zero" your rifle scope. Zeroing refers to aligning the rifle's sights (in this case, the reticle in the scope) with the point where the bullet impacts the target at a specific distance. Most shooters zero their rifles at 100 yards (or approximately 90 metres), but this distance can vary depending on your goals and shooting style. When your rifle is zeroed, the bullets will strike the point of aim when the scope is correctly aligned, ensuring greater consistency and accuracy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Zeroing Your Rifle Scope

1. Set Up at the Right Distance

Most shooters zero their rifles at 100 yards (or approximately 90 metres). This distance offers a good balance between ease of shooting and providing a clear indication of your rifle’s performance at typical engagement ranges. However, some shooters prefer zeroing at 200 yards or 50 yards, depending on their shooting discipline or the type of shooting they do.

Choosing the Right Distance:
- 100 Yards/90 Metres: A standard distance for general-purpose zeroing.
- 200 Yards: Ideal for hunters who often shoot at longer distances.
- 50 Yards/45 Metres: Suitable for shorter-range shooting, especially with certain hunting rifles or scopes.
Target Setup: Use a high-quality paper target or a reactive target that allows you to clearly see where your shots land. Ensure your target is set at eye level, making it easier to assess shot placement.

2. Get a Stable Shooting Position

Zeroing your rifle scope is all about precision, so a stable shooting position is essential. To avoid throwing off your shot placement due to movement, use a stable rest for your rifle.

Use a Resting Platform:
- Bipod or Sandbags: These provide stability and minimise rifle movement. Position the rifle so that the stock is supported comfortably while keeping the barrel aimed at the target.
- Benchrest: If you're at the range, using a benchrest will provide a rock-solid platform, allowing you to focus entirely on adjusting the scope.
Focus on Proper Trigger Control: In addition to adjusting the scope, ensure that you are using proper shooting technique. Gently squeeze the trigger instead of jerking it, and avoid flinching or pulling the rifle off target as you fire.

3. Bore-Sight the Rifle (Optional, but Helpful)

To save time and ammunition, you can bore-sight your rifle before firing your first shots. Bore-sighting ensures that your scope is reasonably aligned with the rifle’s bore, bringing your shots closer to the centre of the target.

Bore-Sighting Tools: These tools help you quickly align the rifle’s bore with the crosshairs of your scope. You can use a laser bore-sighter or visually align the scope and bore.
A Quick Tip: If you don’t have a bore-sighting tool, you can manually approximate it by looking through the bore of the rifle while it’s pointed at a distant target. Then, adjust the scope’s reticle to match what you see through the bore.

4. Fire a Group of Three Shots

Once the rifle and scope are roughly aligned, it’s time to fire a group of three shots to establish how your rifle is shooting. Aim at the centre of the target.

Controlled Shots: Fire slowly, taking time between shots to maintain a steady aim. This minimises potential shooter error and allows you to assess shot placement before making adjustments.
Assess the Grouping: After firing the three shots, note where they land. Ideally, they should land close to the centre, but it’s common for the first group to be a bit off. This is perfectly normal.

5. Adjust the Scope Based on Shot Placement

After assessing the first group of shots, it’s time to make adjustments. Use the elevation and windage turrets to move the reticle to match the point of impact.

Elevation (Up/Down): If your shots are hitting high or low, adjust the elevation dial. Turn the dial in the direction that will raise or lower the point of impact to align with your aim.
Windage (Left/Right): If your shots are hitting to the left or right, adjust the windage dial to move the point of impact accordingly.
Adjustment Increments: When making adjustments, take small steps. Most turrets use 1/4 MOA (Minute of Angle) increments, which typically move the point of impact by approximately 1/4 inch at 100 yards.

6. Fire Another Group of Shots

After making initial adjustments, fire another three-shot group to confirm the adjustments were correct. Ideally, the shots should now land closer to the centre.

Consistency: Pay attention to how the shots are grouped. Are they clustered tightly together? If they are, you’re on the right track. If they are still scattered, continue making small adjustments until the shots land where you want them.

7. Fine-Tune and Make Final Adjustments

Once your shots are consistently hitting near the centre, fine-tune the scope. Make slight adjustments to the windage and elevation knobs until the bullet impacts are exactly where you want them.

Confirm Zero: After final adjustments, fire a few more groups to ensure the scope’s zero is consistent. If the shots remain in the same spot on the target, your rifle is now zeroed.
Record Your Settings: It’s a good idea to write down the exact settings for your scope (such as windage and elevation adjustments). This will serve as a reference should you need to return to the same zero in the future.

8. Confirm Zero at Longer Distances (Optional)

If you plan to shoot at distances beyond 100 yards, it’s important to verify that your rifle still shoots accurately at those longer ranges.

Test at 200 Yards or More: Fire additional shots at 200 yards or further to confirm that your zero remains accurate. If you notice deviations in shot placement, make further adjustments.
Trajectory Considerations: At longer distances, you may need to adjust for bullet drop and environmental factors like wind.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common problems you may encounter when zeroing your rifle and how to troubleshoot them:

Inconsistent Shot Placement: This could be due to poor shooting technique or an unstable shooting position. Ensure you’re using a stable rest and firing with proper technique.
Scope Won’t Adjust Properly: If the scope’s turrets aren’t adjusting as expected, check for loose parts and ensure the turrets are functioning correctly. Consult the manual for specific instructions on adjusting the scope.
Wide Shot Groupings: If the shots are scattered all over the target, check for loose parts in the rifle or scope, such as a loose mount or ring. Tighten everything securely and try again.

Conclusion

Zeroing your rifle scope is an essential skill for maintaining accuracy, whether you’re hunting, shooting at the range, or engaging in long-range precision shooting. By following these steps—properly mounting the scope, selecting the right distance, making small adjustments, and confirming your zero—you can ensure your rifle is dialled in and ready for action. With practice, the process will become second nature, allowing you to confidently hit your target every time.