Instructions for Using a Crossbow Scope

Crossbow with scope

Although a crossbow scope is not necessary for successful crossbow hunting, a properly adjusted crossbow scope can make a huge difference. Whether you have a traditional optical crosshair scope or a battery-operated red dot scope on your crossbow, carefully adjusting your scope is the key to using the scope correctly and getting the best performance possible out of your crossbow. With the right preparation and a little patience, you can learn to adjust and use your crossbow scope in a weekend.

Things You'll Need

• Crossbow with red-dot or optical crosshair scope
• Practice arrows
• Layered foam crossbow target with bulls-eye
• Shooting range
• Penny

Instructions

1. Find the windage and elevation knobs on your crossbow scope. The windage knob is located on the side of the scope and controls the left/right adjustment of the scope. The elevation knob is located on the top of the scope and controls the vertical adjustment of the scope. Remove the dust caps from the adjustment knobs and set the caps aside in a safe place.

2. Stand 20 yards from your target and double-check to be sure the range is clear. If you have a red-dot scope, make sure that the scope is turned on. Sight through the scope at the bulls-eye and fire three arrows at the target.

3. Remove the arrows from the target and continue firing in groups of three from 20 yards away until the arrows are in a tight grouping. Practice holding the crossbow steady and gently squeezing the trigger until you consistently can produce a tight grouping of three arrows on the target. The grouping should be no larger than a tennis ball.

4. Adjust your scope to move your arrows toward the bulls-eye. If your grouping is too low, adjust your elevation knob clockwise. Insert a penny into the elevation knob and rotate the knob until you hear a click. Each click should adjust your grouping on the target by 1/20 inch. To correct a grouping that is too high, adjust the elevation knob counterclockwise.

5. Adjust the windage knob to move your grouping to the right or left. If your grouping is to the right of the bulls-eye, adjust the grouping to the left by inserting a penny into the windage knob and turning it counterclockwise. Again, each click should adjust your grouping on the target by 1/20-inch. Adjust a grouping to the right by turning your windage knob clockwise.

6. Clear the shooting range and fire three more practice arrows at the bulls-eye. Continue making adjustments as needed. When the crossbow hits the bulls-eye consistently, replace the dust caps on the adjustment knobs.

Tips & Warnings

• Never load to fire a crossbow without checking to make sure that the downrange area is clear.

References

• Hunter's Friend: Crossbow Assembly and Setup