How To Sight In A Scope

Do you have a riflescope and need to sight it in?  How to sight in a scope is a very important aspect of setting up your rifle for hunting.  It is a step-by-step procedure that is not difficult. In this article, we discuss the procedure to sight in a scope and get it ready to take down the prey this hunting season.

How To Sight In A Scope

1.  Mount The Base

Install the mounting base of your scope to the rifle. You can read about how to mount a scope on your rifle in this article.

2.  Attach The Rings

Then attach the rings to the base. Make sure that the rings are aligned with the mounting system. Then mount the scope onto the rings and tighten the screws. Don’t overtighten the screws as this can damage the scope.

3. Mount The Scope

Align the scope with the mounting base. You can get this done by looking through the scope and verifying that the crosshairs are lined up with the mounting base.  Once the scope is aligned, you attach it to the mounting base.

3.  Adjust The Eye Relief

Adjust the eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope. Adjust the eye relief by looking through the scope and moving it forward or backward until you get a clear view. Eye relief affects accuracy; hence, it is important that you get it correct.

4.  Sighting In The Rifle

Once the scope is mounted, the next step is to sight it in. There are many ways to sight in a rifle. You can sight it in by shooting at a target and carefully making adjustments to the scope until it is hitting the center of the target.

Types of Riflescopes

1. Fixed Scopes

Fixed scopes are one of the most basic types of riflescopes. The magnification level for a fixed scope is fixed; it is not variable. You can’t zoom in and zoom out to get a better view. As a result of this limitation, fixed scopes are not expensive.

2.  Variable Scopes

A variable scope features a variable magnification. Variable scopes feature a number followed by the letter “X” in their names.  An example is 3-9X20. The 3-9X is the magnification and the 20 represents the size of the objective lens.

3.  Night Vision Scope

Night vision scope is designed specifically for usage at night when you are in low-light situations. it features an infrared illuminator built-in that gives you the ability to see in low-light conditions. We did a review of the best night vision binoculars that you can read from this link.

4.  Tactical Scopes

Tactical scopes are purposely designed for a specific type of shooting. They are designed to extend the engagement range for infantry troops.

5. Long-Range Scopes

Long-range scopes are a broad category of scopes that includes competition scopes and sniper scopes. Most long-range scopes feature a variable magnification although you can find some that are fixed long-range scopes.

6.  Hunting Scopes

Hunting scopes are robust and usually weather-resistant. They usually have a 20x magnification or lower. It is designed to create a bright and clear image no matter what is the weather condition.

7.  Competition Scopes

Competition scopes feature a high magnification. They are big and not very durable. Competition scopes don’t feature much light transition. They have magnifications up to 40x.

8.  Red Dot Scopes

Red dot scopes usually have little or no magnification. It is often used in close-quarter shooting.  If you look through a red dot scope, you will just see a single red dot in the center of the optic. That single red dot is your aiming point. A review of the best red dot scopes on the market can help you find the right red dot scope if you are looking for one.

9. Sniper Scopes

Sniper scopes don’t feature a high magnification. These scopes feature the mil-dot reticle that provides the shooter with information such as distances, windages, etc. They feature fine adjustment turrets that allow for precise movements in little increments as accuracy is the most important feature for a sniper.

10. Scout Scopes

Scout scopes feature low magnification usually between 2x and 8x. They are simple to operate with limited adjustability. Scout scopes are similar to tactical scopes and are used by hunters and the military.

Tools To Sight In A Scope

1.  Torque wrench or Socket heads

2.  Leveling Kit

3.  Gun Stabilizer

4. Bore setter

The Bottom Line

How to sight in a scope is a methodical process that is not difficult. It is important to get it right as it affects the accuracy of your shooting. It ensures that your shot accuracy will not be impacted by distance.  Learning how to sight in a scope is a priceless skill that is easy and quick to learn.

You can also learn how to mount a scope on your rifle from this article. We reviewed the best hunting riflescopes that you can read if you are interested in riflescopes.