How to Sight a Rifle Scope?

Did you buy a rifle? Or are you trying to improve your accuracy? In both cases, you must see a riflescope properly and you should know how to use rifle scope. Otherwise, you will miss your target.

Wondering how to sight it? No worries; in the following section, you will learn how you can sight your favorite rifle and hit every target.

But First, What is a Rifle Scope?

When you are going on hunting with your rifle, you must know about your rifle scope beforehand. It is a shooting tool that allows you to shoot your target accurately, no matter how far it is. They are made of magnifying lenses and reticles.

The reticle helps you to focus on your target with the rifle. The scope and the reticle help you shoot your target accurately, even if it is very far from you.

Why Do You Have to Sight Your Scope?

It is very important to see your scope so you can get the perfect shot from it. A few of them are the followings:

Shoot from Long Distance

Your scope can zoom very well using the amazing magnifying lens. Using this, you can shoot your target at a very distant spot.

Shoot with More Accuracy

No matter how far your target is, you can shoot it perfectly. The distance won’t be a barrier between you and your target.

Feel Confident While Shooting

You will feel more confident about your skill when you can work with your rifle confidently and shoot your target constantly.

Get an Advantage Over the Competition

A scope will be your best companion if you consider getting into a competition. You will stay ahead of everyone when you master the skill with scope.

Be Safe

You will find some rifles with night vision that help you look a distance without extra light. So you can see your target and any danger coming to you.

How Can You Sight a Rifle Scope?

Your rifle must work perfectly regardless of the animal you want to hunt. Set your rifle well to target any fast-running, small-sized, or huge animal. Make sure everything here is working perfectly.

But for that, let’s first know how you can sight your rifle scope perfectly.

Set Up Your Rifle Scope First

Using your rifle scope while hunting can ensure a good focus and a good hit.

• Make sure your scope is well-mounted.
• Tighten the rings according to your requirements and the rifle.
• Get the eye relief properly, so your visuals don’t affect.

Boresight First

You need to take some time to sight your rifle. It will save quite a lot of time while you are hunting.

To Bore Sight your rifle:

• Unload your rifle and clear the barrel before you start.
• After that, remove the bolt or magazine.
• Mount your rifle in a safe and resting spot.
• Continue by cleaning your rifle.

Rest and Center the Bore and Scope

Place your rifle on a shooting rest when you are bore-sighting it. You will easily find these in stores that sell shooting or hunting equipment. And fortunately, you will find these in an affordable price range.

When you are done resting it:

• Stand behind the scope
• See through the bore or rifle barrel
• Center the target by moving the rifle and adjusting the lens
• Adjust the scope but don’t move the rifle anymore
• Center the reticle on the target that you viewed from the bore.

Learn More: How to Fix a Foggy Rifle Scope?

Get an Accurate View by Bore Sighting

You don’t have to correct bore sighting. The accuracy should be perfect, and it can cover 25 yards of distance. You can also use the laser bore sighting method. You can set it on your rifle chamber and find the perfect result.

Tighten them all when it sets well and your reticle and target line up perfectly. Make sure you aren’t moving the scope or the sight to get accuracy with your shot.

Focus the Reticle

Focus the reticle or crosshair on the scope when you’ve tightened them all.

After that:

• Concentrate on the crosshairs while looking through the scope.
• As a solid background, focus on the sky and then a cloud or tree at a distance.
• Finally, bring your eye back to the scope, ensuring it is well-focused.
• Adjust the diopter if the reticle is blurry. Adjust it before you look at the sight again.
• Also, ensure that the reticle is well-aligned and parallel when you look through the scope. It is a must before shooting at a distance.

You Can Start Shooting Now

You should use a similar type of bullet while testing the rifle. You will get the right ideas about its performance.

You can make this process easier if you:

• Manage sandbags or a shooting rest so the rifle stays stable.
• Target the middle point of it and shoot. Your rifle will recoil and shoot your target.
• With the action open, bring the rifle back to the middle point of your target.
• After that, hold it steadily and look through your scope.
• Adjust the crosshair to get a good result.
• Fire again and repeat if you don’t feel it is good enough.

When you can finally shoot at the center, you can start shooting at farther spots.

Adjust Your Rifle to Shoot a Long Way

You can now start shooting your farthest targets as you have accomplished your goal; shoot at every distance. But try to take some time before every shot. Because when you are shooting fast, the rifle becomes hot and can’t shoot the target well anymore. So, give it some time to cool down and hit your target again.

To Wrap Up

Sight your rifle every time you are carrying your rifle and hunt in the jungle. When you are sighting your rifle, you can hit all your targets without wasting any bullets.

Besides, it is going to make your target on point every time. Thus, you’ll be able to sharpen your skill and enjoy the deer you catch.

Read also: What Do Scope Numbers Mean?

FAQs

Which Way do I Turn My Rifle Scope?

In your rifle, the adjustment knobs are actually turrets. You can use it as a screw. Turn it in the counter clock direction; it will raise the scope. Again, turn it clockwise if you want to take it down.

How Does a Rifle Scope Adjustment Work?

The windage knob determines how far the bullet will go to the right or left. You will find it on the right side of the scope. The crosshairs and the rifle’s aiming point will match when using the windage and elevation knobs. They can modify the reticle.

Can You Bore Sight Without a Laser?

Yes, you can. When you are bore-sighting, you must set the rifle down on a sturdy resting spot. But when you are not using a laser, ensure you start at 25 yards to zero. It will be best if you can find a big target or move closer to your target.

Does a Bore-Sighted Rifle Hit Accurately?

Yes, it surely can. But you must remember that only bore sighting alone won’t make your shot perfect, but it will make the shot closest.

Does a Dirty bore Affect Accuracy?

If your bore is dirty, you won’t be able to shoot correctly. You must clean it beforehand to ensure the accuracy of your shot. Though every bore acts differently according to the rifle, cleanliness is the key to ensuring a perfect shot.​