How to Bore Sight a Scope

Using a telescopic scope on a rifle is a lot more than simply clamping or bolting it to the top of the rifle and taking aim. An improperly aligned scope will not shoot straight, no matter how fine the long-range optics are. The tool for making this alignment is called a bore sighter, and scopes need to be regularly re-sighted to offer peak performance. Using this tool is a simple procedure, and requires only a minor investment in time.

Things You'll Need

• Bore sighter 2+ targets at set, known ranges

Instructions

1. Set up between 2 and 4 targets at known distances.

2. Begin by placing the bore sighter appropriate to your rifle into muzzle of the barrel. It will fit easily into place.

3. Use good aiming technique. Take a firm hold of the grip with your main hand (the right one if you are right-handed), and hold the stock forward of the trigger and grip with the other hand. Place the rifle butt solidly into the shoulder. Look down into the scope with the closer eye, while closing the other eye.

4. Look through the telescopic scope and aim at the nearest set target. There should be two sets of reticles (crosshairs).

5. Adjust the bullet drop compensator (X knob) and windage compensator (Y knob) until the two reticles are aligned, and you can only see one. The scope is now bore sighted.

6. Check your work by taking aim at more targets at other distances, and changing the scope's magnification. There may be a need to make some fine tuning. If so, repeat Step 5.