How to Use a Tactical Scope

Zeroing in Your Tactical Scope

• 1

  Adjust your scope so that the intersection of the reticles is aligned with your rifle's projected point-of-impact. Determine the point-of-impact by using a boresighting device or by firing a live bullet at a target and estimate the corrections needed to "move" the location of the bullet hole to the spot you were aiming. For example, if the bullet hole is 2 inches to the right and 1 inch below the spot you were aiming, then you need to adjust your reticles 2 inches to the left and 1 inch to the right.

• 2

  Adjust the vertical reticle by rotating the adjustment dial, which is located on the right-hand side of your scope, clockwise to move the reticle left or counterclockwise to move it right.

• 3

  Adjust the horizontal reticle by rotating the adjustment dial, located on the top of the scope, clockwise for down or counterclockwise for up.

Estimate Range

• 4

  Choose a target at the range you wish to determine with a known height in meters. A meter is approximately 3 feet, so if your target is 6 feet tall, then it is about 2 meters high.

• 5

  Line up the horizontal reticle with the bottom of your target and count the number of ranging marks to the top of your target. If the top of the target is between ranging marks, estimate the percentage of the interval used; for example, if halfway between ranging marks, count it as .5 meter.

• 6

  Divide your target height by the number of range marks and multiply your answer by 1,000. For example if you target is 2 meters high and your range mark count is 2.5, your equation will read: (2 ÷ 2.5) x 1,000 = 800. Your range to target is 800 meters. You may find it useful to use a metric conversion table and a calculator when estimating range.