How to Install Scope Turrets

A scope adds accuracy and stability to hunting rifles.

Almost all riflescopes use a set of turrets to help adjust the rifle. Turrets are known as the windage and elevator. Windage turrets adjust the horizontal crosshairs for the scope and elevators take care of the vertical. Installing a turret means setting the adjustments to zero, or replacing the dials on the turrets themselves. This requires working with the rifle. Keep it unloaded, the safety on, and point it safely away from people and pets.

Things You'll Need

• Needle nose pliers (optional)
• Small screwdrivers

Instructions

1. Unscrew the existing dials from the turrets with the screwdriver. If no dials are on, check the screws for the dials and make sure they are grit free.

2. Place the windage dial on the right-side screw of the scope. Place the elevator dial on the top-center turret-screw on the scope.

3. Align the "zero point" of the dials on the turrets to the center line on the turrets as well as the rotation scale on the bottom of the turret (this is usually engraved).

4. Push a finger down onto the dial and tighten the screw. Do not let the dial move as you tighten the screw. Do this for both dials.

5. Take the rifle and scope and target in the scope to your preferred range or settings.

Tips & Warnings

• Different scope makers use different screws, hex nuts or placements on the dials. If yours does not have screws in the center, find them in the side of the dials.

References

• Nightforce Optics: Riflescope Manual: PDF
• Busnell: Tactical