How to Sight in a Rifle Scope Presented by Larry Potterfield | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

Published on November 1, 2013
Duration: 3:31

This guide details the process of sighting in a rifle scope, presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA. It covers manual bore sighting at 25 yards, adjusting turrets to match the bore's point of aim, and then refining the zero at 100 yards for optimal effective range. For semi-automatic rifles like the Ruger 10/22, a laser bore sighter is demonstrated as an alternative. The instruction emphasizes stability using a shooting rest and careful adjustments for accuracy.

Quick Summary

Sighting in a rifle scope begins with bore sighting at 25 yards by aligning the scope's crosshairs with the bore's view of the bullseye. After firing a shot, adjust the turrets to the bullet hole. Then, move to 100 yards to set the effective range and confirm accuracy, using a laser bore sighter for rifles where bore viewing is difficult.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Scope Mounting
  2. 00:22Bore Sighting at 25 Yards
  3. 00:57Initial Shot and Adjustment
  4. 01:34Sighting in at 100 Yards
  5. 02:27Laser Bore Sighting for Semi-Autos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in sighting in a rifle scope?

The initial step involves bore sighting at 25 yards. With the bolt removed, look through the bore to center the bullseye, then adjust the scope's crosshairs to match this point without moving the rifle.

How do you adjust a rifle scope after the first shot?

After firing one shot at 25 yards with the crosshairs on the bullseye, keep the rifle still. Then, turn the scope's turrets to move the crosshairs directly onto the actual bullet hole to correct the aim.

What is the purpose of sighting in at 100 yards?

At 100 yards, you adjust the elevation to set the desired effective range (e.g., two inches high for a 300-yard zero on a .22 LR) and windage to center the impact, confirming accuracy with test groups.

When should a laser bore sighter be used?

A laser bore sighter, like the Site Lite SL-500, is recommended for rifles such as the Ruger 10/22 where you cannot easily look through the bore to perform manual bore sighting.

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