How to Zero in a Gun Scope

Zeroing in a gun scope is essential for shooting accuracy. It is a simple task but takes patience and concentration.

Things You'll Need

• Scoped gun
• Ammunition
• Target
• Marker
• Masking tape
• Shooting bench
• Sandbags

Instructions

Sighting In

1. Have a gunsmith bore-sight your gun. Take your gun to a shooting range. The range should have a solid bench to rest your gun on. Bring ammunition, a paper target, a marker, masking tape and sand bags.

2. Make sure the range is clear. Affix a 4 foot by 4 foot target to a shooting stand 100 yards from your bench. The range must be 100 yards because most scopes' adjustments are calibrated for this range. The large target is necessary so you can make initial hits on it while making adjustments.

3. Sit at the bench. Prop your gun on the sandbags until you are comfortable and steady. When the range is clear, announce that you are ready to fire. Load the gun.

4. Train the scope's cross-hairs on the bulls-eye. Click the safety off. Relax and exhale as you gently squeeze the trigger. Fire three rounds at the same spot. Engage the safety after you shoot.

5. When the range is clear, examine the target. If your gun was bore-sighted properly, you should have hit the target. If not, move the target closer and repeat the process until you can hit the target.

6. Find the center point of your three-shot group. If the center is on the bulls-eye and your shots are no more than three inches apart, you're done. A three-inch group is generally acceptable. If you aren't centered on the bulls-eye, note where the gun is shooting. Most targets have a grid calibrated in one-inch squares for easy measuring.

7. Circle the shots with the marker or cover the bullet holes with tape, so you can identify the group from subsequent holes. Return to the bench.

8. Make sure your gun is unloaded and the safety is on. Unscrew the scope's turret caps. The elevation (up and down) turret is located on top of the scope. The windage (side to side) turret is located on the side.

   Note the increments on the turrets, such as, "One click equals ¼ inch at 100 yards." That means when shooting at a target 100 yards away, one click of the turret will move your point of impact one-quarter inch. The turrets will also indicate which direction to turn for "up" (generally counter-clockwise) and "right" (also generally counter-clockwise).

   For example, if your group is two inches left of the bulls-eye and three inches below it, at 100 yards, you'd have to turn eight clicks counterclockwise on the windage adjustment (4 clicks per inch, times 2 inches equals 8 clicks). Likewise, you'd have to turn the elevation turret 12 clicks counter-clockwise (4 clicks per inch at 100 yards, times 3 inches equals 12 clicks).

9. Make the necessary adjustments and take three more shots. The gun should now be grouping over the bulls-eye. If not, determine the group's center and readjust the scope accordingly. If your group doesn't get closer to the bulls-eye, there may be a problem with the gun, the scope or your shooting form. Consult a shooting instructor for advice.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep safety in mind. Load the gun only when you're ready to fire, and keep the safety on whenever you're not shooting. Make sure no one is downrange when you're ready to fire and always announce that you are walking downrange if other shooters are present.

• Wear shooting glasses and hearing protection for additional safety.

References

• Binoculars Direct