If you want to shoot long range with accuracy the rifle scope is must. Technical understanding is essential to installing and learning the rifles’ scope.
But if you follow these basic steps, even a beginner can learn to use it very well. It is very crucial to prepare equipment for hunting and to sight at your rifle correctly. Whether you are hunting or going to the range, the zeroed rifle scope will help you hit your target perfectly.
Make sure your scope is well installed
Most modern types of rifles have mounting system for a scope. Whether you have pre-drilled and tapped holes for the scope of your rifle, or the Weaver and Picatinny rail system, you need to make sure that your scope mount and rings are fit the style of rifle. These elements need to be matched. This is because some types of scope rings only match to certain types of scope bases.
Setting up your Scope
After mounting your scope with the rifle, you check to make sure the scope is secure in the rings and the scope rings are tightly mounted with the base. Next you need to focus on the reticle in your scope. Focus on the crosshairs when you see through the scope.
Now let your focus be on the object. See the reticle is focused on the object or blurry. If the reticle appears blurry, turn the diopter adjustment on the scope. Continue to make adjustments to the reticle clear and focused.
Setting you Minute of angle
Setting your zero is a multi-step process. It is easy to do in the outdoor shooting range. This is because, you will need targets set over many distances. You also need a mount to keep your rifle stable.
Most rifle scopes will allow crosshairs to make 1/4 MOA increments. Most hunters use 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch MOA click value. To move the bullet impact an inch or an MOA at 100 yards, turn the elevation, or the windage knob, at four clicks. The click value moves up 1/4 inch for every 100 yards.
Fire three-shot groups
Consider what is the target of these groups. Depending on your application, you can choose for yourself. For instance, you can sight at a height of 100 yards or shoot dead center on at 200 yards. Knowing your MOA allows you to adjust the targets at different distances.
Try different distances
After installing your scope properly, you can try out different distances. First, repeat the very closest group shots until you hit them. After that, you can work on hitting targets that are further away. Keep in mind that you must factor not only the rifle’s scope and distance to the target but also environmental variables such as wind.
Final words
While it is always a good idea to check your zero before the hunting season, a good scope will keep the zero for as long as you don’t drop or damage it. Installing and sighting a rifle scope is one of the most important skills for a shooter.