How to Use Adjustable Target Scopes

Adjustable target scopes are easy to operate, provided that you are familiar with the scopes basic operation. Adjustable target scopes are very effective for long range shooting and are often referred to as “varmint” scopes. Adjustable target scopes are equipped with variable power settings and usually can be adjusted for parallax error. To understand how to use the scope you must understand what the numbers mean; if described as a 4 x 16 variable power scope, the lowest magnification is four times and the highest is six-teen.

Things You'll Need

  • Rifle with Adjustable Target Scope
  • Borsighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Zero in your target scope by adjusting the scope's cross-hairs to center on the rifles point of impact. You can easily determine the point of impact by using a boresighter, a device which helps you determine the point of impact. Adjust the vertical cross-hair by rotating the adjustment dial (on the right side of the scope) counter-clockwise for right and clockwise for left. Adjust the horizontal crosshair by rotating the adjustment dial (on the top of the scope) counter-clockwise for up and clockwise for down. When the cross-hairs are centered on the point-of-impact, the scope is zeroed in.

    • 2

      Modify your adjustable target scope’s power by rotating the variable power ring (located near the eyepiece) so that the desired power setting is aligned with the dot located on top of the scope.

    • 3

      Adjust for parallax error by setting the scope’s parallax correction, located either on the objective bell at the end of the scope or on the left-hand side of the scope. Parallax error is an illusion of target movement created by the shooter shifting his line of sight through the scope. Adjust the parallax correction setting for the distance to your target. Parallax error is more pronounced in long-range shooting.