How to Adjust Telescopic Sights

Scopes make aiming a rifle accurately much easier, especially at long distances. For the most accurate shooting, make sure it's adjusted properly and always shoot a few rounds right before hunting season to make sure that the scope is still on target. Scopes may come out of alignment if bumped or if a screw loosens. Adjusting your scope is a simple task that you can do on your own at a rifle range in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Scope
  • Rifle
  • Ammunition
  • Target
  • Penny
  • Shooting bench
  • Sandbags
  • Safety glasses
  • Earmuffs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fire three shots from your rifle at a 100-yard target. Shoot from sandbags on a solid bench at a shooting range for best accuracy.

    • 2

      Note the shot group location in relation to the bull's-eye.

    • 3

      Unscrew the turret caps on the top and the side of the scope.

    • 4

      Turn the turrets the correct number of clicks to move your group to the bull's-eye. For example, if each click moves the point of impact 1/4 inch at 100 yards and your shot group averages 1 inch high, turn the elevation turret down four clicks. Adjust the windage turret in the same manner as needed.

    • 5

      Fire three more shots. Your group should now be centered over the bull's-eye.

    • 6

      Replace the turret caps on the scope.