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How to Adjust Scopes

Using a scope on your rifle greatly improves your accuracy for both long- and short-range targets. Scopes utilize optical lenses to magnify your target while giving you an aiming reference in the form of reticles or crosshairs. Using a scope provides you with an advantage over conventional open sights, particularly at longer ranges, by giving you a clearer view of your target and a more distinctive aiming point. Long-range scopes are usually adjustable for parallax error. Parallax error is an optical illusion of false target movement caused by slight shifts in the shooter's line of sight.

Instructions

Zeroing Your Scope
- 1
  Set up a target at a distance of approximately 100 yards.
- 2
  Take careful aim at the center of your target from a stable shooting position, such as a small table or gun vice. Make three, controlled shots.
- 3
  Observe where the bullets strike the target; record the center of your shot group. Determine the adjustments necessary to align the center of your shot group with the center of your target. For example, if your shot group is 1 inch below and 1 1/2 inches left of where you aimed, move your reticles 1 inch up and ½ inch to the right.
- 4
  Adjust the elevation and windage dials, centrally located on the top and right hand side of your scope body. Typically, a single click of the dial will move the reticles 1/4 inch along a target at 100 yards. Exact measurements may vary; check your scope for your precise click value.
- 5
  Fire three more shots at your target; observe the center of the shot group. Make further corrections as necessary.
Magnification and Parallax Compensation
- 6
  Set the parallax adjustment on your scope to the known range of your target. Depending on your style of scope, the adjustment is either a dial on the left-hand side of the scope or on the objective lens-bell at the far end of the scope. Not all scopes are adjustable for parallax error. Parallax adjustment is a feature commonly found on long-range scopes.
- 7
  Rotate the magnification power-ring. It is located in front of the ocular lens, and identifiable by the numbers on the ring. Set your scope to the desired power. Lock the magnification setting in place by tightening the locking ring located just behind the power ring.
- 8
  Adjust the focus of your scope by turning the focal-adjustment ring located at the very end of the ocular lens.

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