In a past blog, we took a look at a range of brilliant scopes from Hawke Optics. In response to said blog, we had a lot of orders, along with a lot of questions in regard to how to zero their newly purchased scope. As always, we’re committed to providing our customers with the best information as we possibly can, so we decided to put together a step-by-step guide on how exactly to zero a scope!
First and foremost, you must remember you are zeroing your scope for yourself, so being able to do this yourself is important. While getting someone to do it for you may work, you may find that said individual shoots at a different range, with different pellets and may focus the lens to suit themselves, not you. Secondly, it is important to zero your scope in windless conditions.
SETUP
Before zeroing your scope, you’ll have to set some things up. First of all, place your target against a secure backstop. Make sure you have a steady and comfortable rest as well to eliminate as much human error as possible. When zeroing your scope, shoot three to five pellets, aiming for the centre of the target. This should establish a cluster pattern. If not, try again.
ADJUSTING THE SCOPE DIALS
There are two adjustments to make: windage (left/right), controlled by the dial on top of the scope, and elevation (up/down), controlled by the dial on the right flank of the scope. Work on one at a time.
Printed on the dials will be instructions. There might be, for example, an arrow indicating clockwise, with the word ‘left’, or an arrow indicating counter-clockwise, with the word ‘up’. There will also be a guide to the increments of adjustment – for example, ‘1 click ¼” 100 yards’. This means that at a distance of 100 yards, each click in a counter-clockwise direction will adjust your sight ¼” upward … or that at 100 yards, each click in a counter-clockwise direction will adjust your sight ¼” to the right.
A REAL-WORLD SCENARIO
To best zero your scope, a real-world example is probably the best way we can demonstrate this. So, let’s say you’re shooting at 25 yards, and your pellets have landed approximately two inches below the centre of your target. If one click of the elevation dials in a counter-clockwise direction will adjust your sight ¼” upwards over a distance of 100 yards, then at 25 yards, one click will make an adjustment of 1/16”. You’re two inches out, so you need to turn your dial 32 clicks in a counter-clockwise direction.
Once you’ve done this, take a few more shots. If your pellets are landing on a horizontal line with the target, you’re there on the elevation front. If you’re still shooting too low or too high, repeat the process.
Now, imagine that your shots are landing about ½” to the right of the target. At 100 yards, one click of the windage dial in a clockwise direction will steer your aim ¼” to the left. At 25 yards, one click will make an adjustment of 1/16”. You’re ½” to the right of the target, so you must turn your dial eight clicks clockwise.
Repeat this process until you are consistently hitting the target. Be sure to maintain consistent conditions when doing so, and do not introduce any new variables such as a different rifle rest or a different type/brand of pellets. And remember, always zero your scope by shooting groups of at least three pellets!
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