When properly installed and used, a rifle scope can greatly increase your accuracy when shooting at long distance targets. Apart from magnifying the image of your target, this device provides a reticle that precisely indicates the exact point you are aiming at. For experienced users, using a scope can quickly become second nature. However, for beginners, using this kind of device can be intimidating. To make things easier for you, this tutorial will provide step by step instructions on how to use a rifle scope.
What You Will Need to Correctly Follow This Tutorial
In order to follow this step by step tutorial, you will need to use these items:
• Mounting hardware.
• A target.
• Several rounds.
• A parallax.
• Bipod.
• Firing table.
Step by Step Instructions For Using a Rifle Scope
By following these instructions, you will be able to effectively use a rifle scope:
1. Get the Appropriate Mounting Equipment
Mounting gear will securely and safely hold the scope in its place on your weapon. Before making a purchase, however, make sure that the mounting equipment matches the design of your scope. If you have a scope that requires mounting rings, be sure to buy ones with the right diameter. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from the retailer if you are unsure of the compatibility between your scope and the mounting equipment.
2. Align the Reticle
To align the reticle of your rifle scope, first, loosen the mounting rings. Then, rotate the scope until the reticle is correctly positioned. When that happens, the reticle’s horizontal and verticle lines should make a cross by intersecting right at the center.
3. Adjust the Eye Relief
After aligning the reticle, adjust the distance of the lens of the scope to prevent being hit in the eye when the rifle recoils. To be extra safe, set it at about an inch further than you think it would be safe. After you become more familiar with the scope, you can re-adjust it to be closer to your eye.
4. Check the Different Parts of the Scope
Before you use it for the first time, it’s important to become familiar with the different parts of your rifle scope. No matter its model or brand, your scope has four basic parts: The body, the eyepiece, the objective lens and the shoulder. In addition, it has three control knobs: Windage, elevation and parallax.
5. Determine the Scope’s Power Type
Your rifle scope has either a single power lens or a variable power lens. The difference between these two types of lens is a very basic one. While the single power lens provides one level of magnification, the variable power lens lets you choose between various levels of magnification.
6. Check the Level of Magnification on Your Scope
If you are wondering what the magnification level of your scope, you can check out its model number. This number is comprised of two main elements: The diameter of the objective lens and its level of magnification.
7. Establish the Sight Picture
To get a precise shot, you need to establish a good sight picture. To do this, first, center the reticle in your field of view. Then, position the reticle right over your target. If it’s correctly established, the sight picture should form a perfect circle at the end of the scope. If it is not, however, it will have more black on one side than the other. If this is the case, adjust the weapon until it is perfectly centered.
8. Make Adjustments
At this point, you are ready to take a few shots at a target. The process is not over, though, since it is likely that you will still have to make a few adjustments based on the impact of the bullets. If, for example, your rounds are impacting a few centimeters to the left of your intended target, move the windage knob to the right. If the elevation is off, adjust the elevation knob accordingly.
9. Adjust the Parallax
In addition to windage and elevation knobs, most rifle scopes have a third adjustment knob: The Parallax. This useful adjustment knob allows you to adjust small inconsistencies between the image in the reticle and your field of vision. By correcting these inconsistencies, the parallax adjustment knob will make your shots even more precise, particularly when you use high levels of magnification. To adjust it, first, look at the target through your scope and make sure it is perfectly aligned with the reticle. Then, move your head to look at the target directly. If you see any inconsistencies, adjust the knob until the problem is solved.
10. Zero the Rifle
After some practice with your rifle scope, you can try zeroing the rifle. This is a process that allows you to hit a target at a certain distance without moving the rifle. This can be done by aligning the sights properly. To zero your rifle, you need to eliminate any and all variables. For example, you need to control your heart beats, breath and muscle twitches to prevent the weapon from being unintentionally moved. What is more, you will need to learn how to pull the trigger of the weapon in a slow and steady motion. A tripod or a firing table can be of great help when trying to zero a rifle. After setting your rifle, fire a shot and adjust the scope to make the reticle and impact points fit. Repeat this process until the rifle is zeroed.
Conclusion
Did you enjoy this tutorial? If used correctly, a scope can greatly improve your performance firing your favorite rifle. With the information we provided and a little bit of practice, you will soon master the use of this device. If you have any remarks or questions, leave them in the comment section below. Please, consider sharing this tutorial with friends and family members!
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