Zeroing Your Air Rifle or Pistol
You’ve bought your air rifle or air pistol now what?
Assuming you bought an air rifle with a mounting facility you first need to buy a scope. This guide is not about buying a scope, so what next?
Zeroing your scope is vital if you are to get an accurate point of impact, hitting what you are aiming at is the name of the game!
We have found a video and written a short description on how to zero your scope.
Zeroing a rifle scope involves aligning the point of impact of your bullet with the point of aim through adjusting the scope’s windage (horizontal adjustment) and elevation (vertical adjustment) knobs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Prepare Your Shooting Range: Ensure you have a safe and appropriate area to shoot. This could be a shooting range or a private property where you can shoot safely.
Mount Your Rifle Securely: Ensure your rifle is securely mounted, either on a stable bench rest or with a bipod. A solid shooting platform is crucial for accurate adjustments.
Set Up Targets: Place your targets at a reasonable distance. Typically, 30 yards is a standard distance for zeroing most air rifles, but this can vary depending on your intended use.
Align Your Scope: Before you start zeroing, make sure your scope is properly aligned with your rifle. Use a bore sighter or visually check to ensure the scope’s reticle is aligned with your rifle’s bore.
Fire Three-Shot Groups: Fire a three-shot group at your target. Aim at the center of the target each time and take your time to ensure consistent shots.
Assess Grouping: Examine where your shots have landed in relation to your point of aim. Ideally, they should form a tight group, but it’s normal for them to be spread out initially.
Adjust Windage and Elevation: Use the windage and elevation knobs on your scope to move the point of impact closer to your point of aim. Each click of the knob typically corresponds to a certain distance, such as 1/4 inch at 100 yards. Refer to your scope’s manual for specifics.
Follow a Pattern: Make adjustments systematically. For example, if your shots are hitting consistently to the right of your point of aim, adjust the windage knob to the left. Similarly, adjust elevation if shots are consistently too high or low.
Re-Fire and Repeat: Fire another three-shot group after making adjustments. Repeat this process until your shots consistently hit where you aim.
Confirm Zero: Once you’re satisfied with your adjustments, fire a final confirmation group to ensure your rifle is properly zeroed.
Record Your Settings: It’s a good practice to record the final settings of your scope (number of clicks for windage and elevation) for future reference.
Remember, zeroing a rifle scope can take time and patience, but it’s essential for accurate shooting. Always prioritize safety and follow proper firearm handling procedures. If you’re unsure about any step, consider seeking guidance from a knowledgeable shooter or firearms instructor.