#5: Unfriendly Scope Turrets | Top 5 Reasons You Miss

Published on October 27, 2023
Duration: 1:00

This guide explains the critical importance of using a scope's zero stop feature to prevent common long-range shooting errors. Instructor demonstrates how failing to reset to the zero stop after a long-range shot can lead to significant misses on intermediate targets due to being one full revolution off.

Quick Summary

Expert instructor highlights 'unfriendly' scope turrets as a key cause of shooting misses. Learn how to prevent errors by ensuring your elevation turret has a zero stop, setting it at your 100-yard zero, and actively using it to return after long-range adjustments. Capped or locking windage turrets are also recommended.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Unfriendly Scope Turrets
  2. 00:08Windage Turret Design Importance
  3. 00:14Elevation Turret Zero Stop Feature
  4. 00:23Actively Using Your Zero Stop
  5. 00:30Long Range Scenario Error Example
  6. 00:45Intermediate Range Follow-up Error

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one reason for misses related to scope turrets?

The number five reason for misses, as explained by an expert instructor, is 'unfriendly' scope turrets. This encompasses design features that can lead to simple errors, such as turrets that aren't capped or locking, and the critical failure to properly utilize a zero stop feature on the elevation turret.

How does a scope's zero stop prevent shooting errors?

A zero stop on an elevation turret is set at or just below your 100-yard zero. It acts as a physical limit, preventing the turret from rotating past this point. By actively using it, you ensure you can quickly return to your known zero after dialing for long-range shots, preventing errors on subsequent closer targets.

Why is it important for windage turrets to be capped or locking?

Windage turrets should ideally be capped or locking to prevent inadvertent turning and movement while in the field. Accidental adjustments to the windage turret can lead to misses that are not accounted for by your ballistic calculations, especially in dynamic hunting scenarios.

What is a common mistake made with long-range scope adjustments?

A common mistake is dialing for a long-range shot (e.g., 800-900 yards) which might place the elevation turret one full revolution above the 100-yard zero. If an intermediate shot (e.g., 300 yards) then appears, and the shooter dials '3' without first resetting to the zero stop, they will be one full revolution higher than the correct 300-yard setting, resulting in a significant miss.

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