Rifle Scopes

To zero a rifle scope, set up a target at 100 metres and use a stable shooting rest. Fire a 3-shot group, then adjust the elevation (up/down) and windage (left/right) turrets based on the group’s position. For example, if you're hitting 2 inches low and 1 inch right, adjust the elevation turret up and windage turret left according to the scope’s click value (usually ¼ MOA per click = 0.25" at 100m). Repeat until your point of impact matches your point of aim. Confirm with a final 3-shot group.

A rifle scope works by using a series of lenses to magnify the target and align the shooter’s eye with the rifle barrel for greater accuracy. Light enters through the objective lens, travels through internal lenses (including the erector system), and exits through the ocular lens to your eye. The reticle (crosshairs) helps you aim, while turrets allow for precise adjustments in windage and elevation. This system gives you a clearer, closer view of your target, making it easier to shoot accurately at longer distances.

To adjust rifle scope parallax, locate the parallax adjustment knob (often on the side or objective bell of the scope). While aiming at your target, slowly turn the knob until the reticle appears perfectly sharp and remains stationary when you slightly move your head side to side. This ensures the reticle and target are on the same focal plane, eliminating parallax error. Proper parallax adjustment improves accuracy, especially at longer distances. Always match the setting to your shooting range for best results.

Rifle scope numbers (e.g. 4-12x50) indicate magnification and objective lens size. The first part (4-12x) means the scope has variable magnification from 4x to 12x—allowing you to zoom in and out. The second number (50) is the diameter of the objective lens in millimetres, which affects how much light the scope gathers (larger lenses are brighter, especially in low light). Fixed scopes will show one number (e.g. 6x40), meaning 6x magnification with a 40mm lens.

To level a rifle scope, first secure your rifle in a stable gun vise or rest. Place a bubble level on the rifle's action or rail to ensure the gun is perfectly level. Then, place another bubble level on the top turret of the scope. Rotate the scope in the rings until the scope’s level matches the rifle’s level. Once aligned, evenly tighten the scope rings while checking that the scope stays level. Proper leveling ensures accurate windage adjustments and consistent shot placement at longer ranges.

Rifle scope eye relief is the distance between your eye and the rear (ocular) lens of the scope at which you can see a full, clear image without any dark rings (vignetting). It’s typically between 3 to 4 inches for most rifle scopes. Adequate eye relief is crucial for comfort and safety—especially on high-recoil rifles—to prevent the scope from hitting your face when the gun recoils. Always choose a scope with enough eye relief for your shooting style and firearm.

MOA, or Minute of Angle, is a unit of angular measurement used in rifle scopes to describe accuracy and adjustments. One MOA equals 1/60th of a degree, which translates to approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. So, if your rifle shoots 1 MOA, your groupings should be about 1 inch apart at 100 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, and so on. In scopes, MOA is used to adjust windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). For example, a scope that adjusts in ¼ MOA increments means each click moves the point of impact about 0.25 inches at 100 yards. Understanding MOA helps shooters make precise adjustments for distance, wind, or bullet drop.