How to Align a Drooping Scope on an Air Rifle

When setting up any rifle scope, air rifle or otherwise, two components are crucial: the mount and the adjustments. If you are experiencing droops in the shots, meaning they are hitting below your desired target shot, check the mount and then use the windage and elevation dials to get the scope zeroed and ready for accurate shooting. Any firearm must be handled as though loaded at all times.

Things You'll Need

  • Targets and safe shooting area
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Instructions

  1. Checking the Mounts

    • 1

      Push the air rifle's safety to On and point the rifle in a safe direction.

    • 2

      Turn the mounting screws or dials -- depending on the model -- clockwise to tighten the scope on the top of the rifle. Ensure that both mount screws or dials are firm and the scope is set on them with no wobble.

    • 3

      Push the scope side to side to check for wobble or play. If wobble is present after adjusting the screws, turn the screws all the way counterclockwise and take the scope off the rifle. Check the threads on the screws and clean the thread holes of debris. Remount the scope and tighten to secure the scope to the rifle.

    Adjusting the Windage and Elevation

    • 4

      Set up a target in a safe shooting location and fire a test shot from 15 yards away. Retrieve and inspect to see if the shot went high, low or too far left or right.

    • 5

      Turn the windage dial -- found on the side of the scope -- clockwise if the shot went too far left. Use 1/4-turn increments and the cross hairs in the center of the scope lens if your scope is so equipped. Align the cross hairs to the target and take another shot. Turn the windage dial until the left-right adjustment is to your desired setting.

    • 6

      Turn the elevation adjustment dial, found on the top of the scope, to adjust for too-high or too-low shots. Turn in 1/4-turn increments clockwise to raise the elevation of the shot or counterclockwise to lower the shot. Adjust using 1/4-turn increments until you reach your desired setting.