Q&A for How to Zero Your Rifle Scope

Magnification and cost of scope vary greatly. So, depending on whether you're shooting 50, 100, or 1000 yards, you may need a different type of scope, but once you're sighted in and that scope is sited in for the correct distance, using a scope is fairly easy and intuitive. Most have a simple crosshair. Some have more advanced radicals where they have what we call bullet drop compensators, different hash marks on the scope reticle for different distances that allow you transition between close and far distances relatively easily.

Move the scope closer to your eye. This will increase your field of vision and eliminate the black ring you see inside the scope eyepiece.

Refer to your user manual for the specifics of any particular scope. If the knobs click, they probably adjust the reticule. If not, they could adjust magnification. Or, it could be a rheostat if your scope is illuminated.

Shim the scope. In other words, in the front scope ring place scope tape on the bottom part of the ring where the scope rests to lift it in relation to the back scope ring.

Depends on the gunsmith.

First, if you have not already, I would make sure that I started with a mechanical center. Basically, remembering your starting point, turn dial in one direction and count the number of clicks/moa until it stops. Note that number. Return to your starting point and then go all the way in the other direction and make note of the amount of adjustment. Use the two numbers, find the actual mechanical zero (mechanical center) to maximize the amount of adjustment you can get. Sometimes, scopes ship with the knobs not being in the mechanical center. If this does not help, I suggest getting adjustable rings like Burris signature rings that can give you up to 40 moa adjustment using just your rings.

If you wear prescription lenses, I would strongly advise you to keep them on. Or, try contacts.

Re-adjust your scope mount, so that your scope is at a more parallel angle compared to your rifle's barrel.

You should be able to adjust your rifle scope using the knobs on the scope, one for horizontal adjustment and another for vertical adjustment.

Firing uphill and downhill subject the projectile to less alteration of path, and more alteration of velocity. So in short, yes. If you're sighted for level firing, you will find shots uphill and downhill will hit high.

No. Most of the older iron sights are not adjustable, though some are. Check your manual to see if your gun's iron sights are adjustable first; if not, then follow this method: fire a shot at a target. Note how far off and in what direction the bullet was from the bulls eye. Then, use that information on your next shot. For example, if I take a shot with my 30/30 rifle and notice the bullet hit the target slightly to the upper left, then on my next shot, I will move the gun barrel slightly lower to the right. This method is simple, but it will help if you have no other option.

Twist the knob on the left side of your scope, this moves it left and right.

Think of your scope and rifle barrel as opposing one on the other. If you move the cross hairs up, the barrel will go in the opposite direction down, so move the cross hairs to the bullet impact (off the zero mark) of your first shot. The next shot will put the barrel downward, correcting to zero.

No, your scope will almost always need to be adjusted, because you will have moved the mounts, and once you loosen and tighten the screws you have relocated them to a different setting.

Some scopes have a minor adjustment to compensate for focus. Do you wear glasses? Are you wearing them with the scope? Have someone else see if the scope image is sharp for them. It might not be the scope, but your eye. Finally, have your scope checked out by a specialist. The scope might be defective.

Depending on the scope, the eye piece is adjustable to focus the crosshairs. The scope may also have an adjustment at the front lens used to focus the object you're shooting at.

Yes, it is not a good idea to mount the scope on the carry handle. Remove the carry handle and mount the picture rail, then mount the rings and bases to the rail.