Preparing for the Journey
Gear and Safety
Before the first shot echoes across the range, careful preparation is paramount. A haphazard approach to zeroing will lead to frustration, wasted ammunition, and, ultimately, poor results. The journey towards a precise zero requires a thoughtful approach, starting with gathering the right tools and creating a safe and conducive environment.
Begin by collecting the essential gear. You’ll need, of course, your rifle and scope securely mounted. The scope’s mount must be firmly attached to the rifle’s receiver to ensure consistent performance. Select the ammunition you intend to use; it’s best to zero your scope with the specific ammunition you plan to shoot with regularly. Different types and even batches of ammunition can affect the bullet’s trajectory.
A solid shooting rest is indispensable. A good rest minimizes shooter-induced error, allowing you to focus solely on the scope adjustments. Sandbags, a sturdy bipod, or a quality bench rest will all provide a stable platform. Consider a spotting scope or binoculars for easily identifying and assessing your shot groups. Having to constantly walk downrange to check your target will be time-consuming and interrupt your flow. Finally, don’t forget cleaning supplies for your rifle and some tools that might be needed for making adjustments on your scope.
Safety must be your foremost priority. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded, ensuring the muzzle is always pointed in a safe direction. Wear appropriate eye protection to shield your eyes from potential debris or recoil. Hearing protection is equally vital to protect your ears from the loud noise of the gunshots. Be sure to be aware of all of the range’s rules and regulations before beginning the process. Knowing your backstop is also important, as it will contain the bullets fired.
Rifle and Range Preparation
Preparing the rifle itself is equally important. Before you begin, make certain the barrel is clean. A clean bore ensures the bullets travel as consistently as possible. Check the scope rings to make sure they are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. Loose rings can allow the scope to shift, leading to inaccurate results.
Finally, prepare your shooting environment. Choose a range appropriate for the distance you intend to zero your scope. Common distances include twenty-five, fifty, or one hundred yards or meters, depending on the caliber of your rifle and the intended use. For example, shorter distances are often used for zeroing a handgun scope or for shooting .22 caliber rifles. Longer distances are common for centerfire rifles. Set up your target at the chosen distance, ensuring it is properly secured and visible from your shooting position. A clear, well-lit range will contribute to a more efficient and accurate zeroing session.
Understanding Your Optic
Scope Components
Before you start making adjustments, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics of your scope. Think of your scope as your primary aiming tool, and knowing how it functions is critical.
At its core, the scope comprises several key components. The objective lens, the large front lens, gathers light and transmits the image to your eye. The eyepiece and its adjustable diopter allow you to focus the reticle. The windage adjustment is used to adjust for horizontal deviation and the elevation adjustment will adjust for vertical deviation. If your scope includes parallax adjustment, it eliminates the effect of parallax by adjusting the focus. The reticle, the crosshairs or other aiming pattern within the scope, is your aiming point. Different scopes may utilize different reticle patterns, such as simple crosshairs, illuminated crosshairs, or more complex reticles with holdover points for different distances.
MOA vs MRAD
Understanding the concept of Minutes of Angle (MOA) and Milliradians (MRAD) is essential. These units of measurement define the amount of adjustment each “click” of your scope’s adjustment knobs will make. In simple terms, MOA is a unit of angular measurement. One MOA represents approximately one inch at one hundred yards. So, a scope with ¼ MOA adjustments moves the point of impact approximately ¼ inch at 100 yards with each click. MRADs, or milliradians, are also units of angular measurement. One milliradian is approximately 3.6 inches at one hundred yards, but 10 centimeters at 100 meters. Scopes with MRAD adjustments typically have clicks that adjust the point of impact by one-tenth of a milliradian.
Familiarize yourself with the specific adjustments on your scope. Look at the dials and knobs. Know the click values of your scope. Consult the manual that came with your scope or rifle. This will give you the specific instructions for your specific scope and will allow you to make accurate adjustments when zeroing. Some scopes may also have illuminated reticles.
The Process Unveiled
Boresighting and Initial Shots
Now that you have gathered your equipment and understand your scope, you are ready to zero your scope. A systematic approach is the most efficient.
While not absolutely essential, boresighting is highly recommended. Boresighting involves aligning the bore of your rifle with the center of the scope’s reticle. This gets you on paper with minimal adjustments. You can do this visually by looking through the bore of the rifle from the chamber and centering the target in the bore, then looking through the scope and adjusting the reticle to the same location. Laser bore sighters can be also be used. Simply insert the laser sighter into the barrel and adjust the scope’s reticle to match the laser’s dot on the target.
Begin by firing a small group of shots (usually three to five) at your target. Observe the point of impact of the group. This is where your shots are hitting. Locate the center of your group and note its position relative to your point of aim (the center of the target).
Adjusting the Scope
Now, you will need to make the necessary windage and elevation adjustments on your scope. If the group is low, you will adjust the elevation dial *up*. If the group is right, you will adjust the windage dial *left*. The amount of adjustment depends on the distance to your target and the click values of your scope. For example, if your bullets are hitting two inches low and one inch to the right at 100 yards and your scope has ¼ MOA adjustments, you will need to adjust the elevation dial up eight clicks (2 inches / 0.25 inch/click) and the windage dial left four clicks (1 inch / 0.25 inch/click). Be sure to know which adjustment is which for your scope.
After making the initial adjustments, fire another group of shots. Again, observe the point of impact and make any necessary adjustments. Continue this process, firing groups and adjusting the scope until your point of impact is close to your point of aim. Once you’re close, start making finer adjustments to fine-tune the zero. Fire a few more groups to confirm your zero.
Troubleshooting Common Hurdles
Scope Issues
Even with the best preparation, things don’t always go as planned. Here are solutions for common zeroing issues.
If your scope adjustments don’t seem to be working, it is important to double-check that all of the adjustments are made correctly. Ensure the scope rings are not loose. The scope rings must be securely attached to the rifle. Check the adjustment knobs. Ensure you are turning the correct knobs. Ensure you are using the correct click values for your scope.
Grouping Problems
Sometimes you will get good groupings, but they are off-center. This issue often arises from canting, or tilting, your rifle. Even a slight tilt can affect the point of impact. Ensure your rifle is level when aiming. The use of a bubble level attached to the scope or rifle can help to prevent canting.
If your groupings are consistently dispersed or erratic, it is possible that there is an issue with your ammunition. Different batches of ammunition can perform differently. It is always a good idea to test out the performance of the ammunition to ensure consistency. You may need to experiment with different types or brands of ammunition.
Shooter Errors
It is important to make sure that the fundamentals of shooting are being followed. Consistent shooting form is critical. Pay close attention to your grip, cheek weld, and trigger pull. If the shooting form is inconsistent, the bullets may not be hitting where you are aiming.
Testing and Refinement
Testing at Different Ranges
Once you believe you’ve established a good zero, the process doesn’t end there. Your zero should always be verified.
Test your zero by shooting at different distances. After you have established your initial zero, take a few shots at different ranges. This will help you to identify bullet drop and trajectory. Many ballistic calculators will give you information about bullet drop. You can use them to estimate how much your bullet will drop at different distances.
Keeping a Log
Take notes! Keep a logbook that includes the details of your zeroing process, including the ammunition, distance, scope adjustments, wind conditions, and any other relevant factors. This log will serve as a valuable reference for future shooting sessions.
Regular Checking
Your zero is not a set-it-and-forget-it proposition. You will need to periodically check your zero. Over time, the scope may shift or the rifle may be subject to changes. You can do this by shooting a small group of shots on a regular basis.
Closing Thoughts and Beyond
Zeroing your scope is a blend of science, patience, and practice. This guide is intended to give you a framework for achieving a proper zero. It is an essential skill for any rifle shooter. A properly zeroed scope translates to confidence, and that confidence will translate to greater accuracy. It is the foundation for all precision shooting.
Remember to practice and enjoy the process. Become familiar with your rifle and scope. As you practice more, you will become more comfortable with your rifle and scope. Mastering the art of zeroing is a journey, not a destination.
Happy shooting!
