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How to Sight a Rifle Scope — Easy Step‑by‑Step Guide for Hunters

Safety-first instruction for hunters and range users to zero a rifle scope. Keywords: hunt, gun, scope, rifle, ammunition.

Safety first

Important: Always treat every gun as loaded. Follow local laws and range rules. If unsure, seek a certified instructor.

  1. Treat every gun as loaded.
  2. Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
  3. Remove magazine and open action — visually check the chamber is empty.
  4. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
  5. Wear eye & ear protection on the range.

What you'll need

  • Your rifle with the new scope mounted and torqued to spec.
  • Stable rest (sandbags or bench rest) and target.
  • Correct ammunition (same lot if possible).
  • Tools: Allen/torque wrench, rag, optional bore-sighter.

Step-by-step sighting process

Person shouldering rifle to check eye relief with scope
Step 1 — Mount the scope correctly: Center the scope in the rings, level the scope, and set proper eye relief.

Step 1 — Mount the scope correctly

Ensure the scope rings are centered, the scope is level, and eye relief gives a full image without dark edges. Torque to manufacturer specs.

Looking down bore to align with paper target for bore-sighting
Step 2 — Bore-sight: Align the barrel with the target and adjust the reticle to match.

Step 2 — Bore-sight (quick alignment)

With the action open, look down the bore (or use a bore-sighter). Center the target in the bore, then adjust the scope turrets so the reticle sits on the same point.

Rifle on bench rest aiming at target while shooter prepares to fire
Step 3 — Stable rest & initial grouping: Use sandbags or a bench rest, target at 25–50 m. Fire a 3‑shot group.

Step 3 — Set up a stable rest and fire a 3-shot group

Use consistent cheek weld and trigger press. Fire three rounds at the center to form a group; this shows how much adjustment is needed.

Close-up of scope turret showing windage and elevation adjustments
Step 4 — Adjust turrets: Move the reticle toward the group using turret clicks (e.g., 1/4 MOA per click).

Step 4 — Adjust turrets to move the reticle to your group

Measure the offset from point-of-impact to point-of-aim. Convert to clicks using your scope's click value; make small adjustments and re‑group.

Step 5 — Confirm at final distance

Shift to your final hunting/competition distance (often 100 m/yd). Fire a confirmation group and make small final adjustments. Record zero settings, ammo lot, and conditions.

Troubleshooting

  • Group shifts after firing: re‑check mount torque.
  • Large groups: check ammo, barrel fouling, and stability.
  • Parallax: set for distance if your scope allows.