Precise elevation adjustment is crucial for accurate long-range shooting. Whether you're a seasoned marksman or a novice hunter, understanding how to properly adjust your scope's elevation is paramount for hitting your target. This guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from understanding your scope's adjustments to troubleshooting common issues.
Understanding Scope Elevation Adjustments
Most rifle scopes utilize a system of clicks to adjust elevation. Each click corresponds to a specific amount of movement at a given distance, usually expressed in Minutes of Angle (MOA) or Milliradians (MRAD).
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MOA (Minute of Angle): One MOA equals approximately one inch at 100 yards. Therefore, four clicks of 1/4 MOA adjustment will move your point of impact one inch at 100 yards.
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MRAD (Milliradian): One MRAD equals approximately 10 mm at 100 meters or roughly 3.6 inches at 100 yards. The system is metric-based, offering a more intuitive calculation for longer distances.
Understanding your scope's adjustment values is crucial before making any changes. This information is typically found in your scope's manual or printed on the scope itself.
Identifying Your Scope's Adjustment Type
Before adjusting your scope's elevation, identify the type of adjustment system it uses. These typically include:
- 1/4 MOA per click: This is a common increment for many scopes.
- 1/2 MOA per click: Offers coarser adjustments, suitable for some hunting applications.
- 1 MOA per click: Provides larger adjustments for rapid changes.
- 0.1 MRAD per click: A metric equivalent to 1/4 MOA.
- 0.2 MRAD per click: Offers coarser adjustments compared to 0.1 MRAD.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Scope Elevation
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Zero your rifle: Before making any elevation adjustments, ensure your rifle is properly zeroed at a known distance (often 25 or 100 yards). This establishes a baseline for future adjustments.
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Identify your point of impact: Fire a few shots at your target and observe where your bullet strikes. This will tell you how much elevation adjustment is needed.
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Adjust your scope: Use the elevation turret (usually the top turret) to make the necessary corrections. Remember the click value of your scope (e.g., 1/4 MOA per click) and the distance to your target to calculate the required number of clicks.
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Re-zero: After making the adjustments, fire a few more shots to confirm the point of impact. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your rifle is zeroed at the desired distance.
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Record your settings: Once you've achieved your desired zero, record the settings on your elevation turret. This will prove invaluable if you ever need to reset your scope.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Scope is not holding zero: This could be due to loose scope rings, improper mounting, or a faulty scope. Ensure your scope is securely mounted and check for any damage.
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Inconsistent adjustments: If your adjustments aren't consistent, it might indicate a problem with your scope's mechanics. Consult a professional gunsmith for assistance.
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Difficulty dialing in adjustments: This could be due to damaged or dirty turrets. Clean the turrets and check for any obstructions.
Advanced Techniques
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Understanding windage: While this guide focuses on elevation, remember that windage adjustment (left-right) is equally important for accurate shooting.
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Long-range shooting: For longer ranges, precise calculations and environmental factors (temperature, barometric pressure, wind) must be considered. Ballistic calculators and software can greatly assist in this.
Mastering scope elevation adjustment requires practice and patience. By following this guide and understanding your specific scope, you can significantly improve your shooting accuracy. Remember to always prioritize safety and practice responsible firearm handling.
