How to Mount & Adjust an Air Rifle Scope

Using a scope on an air rifle can be an effective way to improve accuracy, but only if it's mounted correctly. Simply attaching the scope to the rifle isn't enough to ensure a dead-on shot. It requires several tests and adjustments before the cross hairs become reliable. Air rifles, scopes and mounts come in many sizes and shapes. Most scopes have a 1-inch tube, but 3/4 of an inch and 30 millimeters aren't uncommon. The most common mount on an air rifle is an 11-millimeter dovetail mount, which is slightly larger than a 3/8-inch mount. The dimensions can change, but the procedure is similar for any size.

Things You'll Need

  • Air rifle
  • Scope
  • Rings
  • Mount
  • Paper or cardboard
  • Pellets
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the tops of the rings from the scope mount. Place the mount on the gun and fasten it down. Do not to fasten too tight as adjustments may be needed later.

    • 2

      Place the scope on the bottoms of the rings and refasten the tops enough to hold the scope in place, but keep them loose enough to allow for movement.

    • 3

      Position the scope on the mount so the distance of the rear end of the scope is the preferred distance from the eyes when aiming (eye relief).

    • 4

      Rotate the scope so the cross hairs are straight. The vertical line should divide the rifle vertically.

    • 5

      Tighten the rings in an alternating pattern after eye relief and cross hairs are adjusted to preferred settings. When rings are tight, fasten mount to gun.

    • 6

      Place the paper or cardboard about 10 yards away to be used as a target. Fire a few shots at the center just to have a few points of reference.

    • 7

      Horizontally center a point of impact on the target, using the horizontal adjustment knob on the scope. Use the vertical adjustment knob to put the point of impact about 1 inch below the point of aim.

    • 8

      Move about 30 yards away from the target. Fire a few shots. The scope accuracy should be right on target; if not, make slight adjustments until it hits the spot.