How to Zero a Scope Without Firing – Step by Step Guide

As a passionate hunter and shooting enthusiast, I know firsthand the importance of having a properly zeroed scope. A well-calibrated scope is essential for making accurate shots, whether you’re at the range or out in the field. But let’s face it, sighting in a new scope can be a time-consuming and ammo-depleting process, especially if you’re new to the game.

That’s why I’m excited to share with you a step-by-step guide on how to zero your scope without firing a single shot. Yes, you read that right! With a few simple techniques and a bit of patience, you can get your scope dialed in without burning through your precious ammunition. This is a skill every shooter should have in their toolbox, as it can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the zeroing process, let’s first discuss some essential factors to keep in mind.

Ensuring Proper Scope Mounting

The foundation of any accurate shooting setup is a properly mounted scope. Even the slightest misalignment can throw off your zero and make the entire process an exercise in futility. If you’re not confident in your ability to mount a scope correctly, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional. Trust me, it’s worth the investment to ensure your scope is secured and aligned perfectly with your rifle’s bore.

When mounting your scope, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s torque specifications for the rings and base. Over-tightening can damage the scope or cause it to lose zero under recoil, while under-tightening can allow the scope to shift or wobble. A good rule of thumb is to start with the lower end of the recommended torque range and gradually increase until you achieve a firm, even hold.

Choosing the Right Target Distance

Another crucial factor to consider when zeroing your scope is the target distance. Most shooters prefer to sight in their rifles at 100 yards, as this is considered the standard distance for many hunting and target shooting applications. However, if you’re working with limited space, such as an indoor range, you may need to start at a closer distance like 25 or 50 yards.

When choosing your initial zeroing distance, keep in mind that you’ll need to make additional adjustments when moving out to longer ranges. For example, if you’re sighting in at 25 yards, your bullet will likely impact higher at 100 yards due to the trajectory arc. To compensate for this, you’ll need to make elevation adjustments according to your scope’s specific MOA (minute of angle) or MRAD (milliradian) measurements.

Maintaining a Stable Shooting Position

A stable shooting position is the key to making precise scope adjustments. Any slight movement or inconsistency in your hold can throw off your zero and lead to frustration. When sighting in, I recommend using a sturdy benchrest or shooting bag to provide a solid foundation for your rifle. If you’re in the field, a bipod or even a backpack can serve as a makeshift rest.

Regardless of your chosen support, ensure your rifle is level and your reticle is straight. Canting the rifle to one side or the other can cause your shots to drift in that direction, making it difficult to achieve a true zero. If your scope has built-in bubble levels, use them to confirm a level hold. If not, you can purchase aftermarket level attachments or use a small torpedo level on the top of your scope tube.

Now that we’ve covered the essential groundwork let’s move on to the actual zeroing process.

Step 1: Bore Sighting – The Old-School Way

Bore sighting is a tried-and-true method for getting your scope “in the ballpark” before fine-tuning. This technique involves aligning your scope’s reticle with your rifle’s bore, allowing you to get on target without firing a shot. Here’s how it’s done:

Ensure your rifle is unloaded and remove the bolt (if applicable). This will allow you to see directly through the bore.
Secure your rifle in a stable position, either on a benchrest or using a bipod/support.
Look through the bore from the breech end and center your target in the middle of the barrel. If you’re using a bolt-action rifle, you can use a bore sighting tool or even a small flashlight to help you see the target more clearly.
Without moving the rifle, adjust your scope’s windage and elevation turrets until the reticle is also centered on the target.
Double-check your alignment by looking through the bore again to ensure the target is still centered.

Bore sighting is most effective with bolt-action rifles where you can easily remove the bolt and see through the bore. For semi-automatic rifles like AR-15s, you may need to use a laser bore sighter or a special adapter that allows you to see through the bore with the bolt in place.

Step 2: Fine-Tuning Your Zero

With your scope roughly aligned using bore sighting, it’s time to refine your zero. This process involves making precise adjustments to your scope’s windage and elevation turrets to dial in your point of impact. Here’s how to do it:

Set up your target at the desired distance (25, 50, or 100 yards) and ensure it’s properly secured.
With your rifle unloaded and in a stable position, look through the scope and aim the reticle at the center of the target.
Adjust the windage and elevation turrets as needed to center the reticle on the bullseye. Most scopes will have markings indicating which direction to turn the turrets to move the point of impact.

Pay attention to your scope’s specific adjustment increments. Most modern scopes will adjust in either 1/4 MOA, 1/2 MOA, or 0.1 MRAD clicks. These measurements correspond to a specific distance at 100 yards. For example, 1/4 MOA equals roughly 1/4 inch at 100 yards, while 0.1 MRAD equals approximately 0.36 inches at 100 yards.
When making adjustments, it’s essential to keep track of how many clicks you’ve made in each direction. This will help you determine how far you’ve moved your point of impact and make it easier to return to your original zero if needed.

If you’re sighting in at a distance other than 100 yards, you’ll need to adjust your clicks accordingly. For instance, if you’re zeroing at 25 yards and your scope adjusts in 1/4 MOA clicks, each click will move the point of impact approximately 1/16 inch at that distance.

Once you’ve made your adjustments, take a moment to double-check your work. Look through the scope again to ensure the reticle is still centered on the bullseye, and make any final tweaks as necessary.

Step 3: Confirming Your Zero

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “I thought this guide was about zeroing without firing!” And you’re right, but hear me out. To truly confirm your zero and ensure your rifle is hitting where you’re aiming, you’ll need to send a few rounds downrange. Don’t worry; we’ll keep it to a minimum!

Here’s the process for confirming your zero:

Load your rifle with your preferred ammunition and take aim at the center of your target.
Fire a 3-shot group, focusing on maintaining a consistent sight picture and trigger pull for each shot.
After firing, safely unload your rifle and check your target. If your shots are clustered around the bullseye, congratulations! You’ve successfully zeroed your scope.
If your shots are hitting off-center, measure the distance and direction of the group’s center from the bullseye. Make the necessary adjustments to your scope’s windage and elevation turrets based on these measurements and your scope’s specific click values.
Fire another 3-shot group to verify your adjustments. Repeat this process until you’re consistently hitting the center of the target.

Remember, shooting in groups is more reliable than single shots when it comes to determining your true point of impact. It helps to account for slight variations in your shooting form and ammunition performance.

If you find that your groups are scattered or inconsistent, don’t be discouraged. This could indicate an issue with your shooting fundamentals, such as sight alignment, trigger control, or follow-through. Take a step back and focus on these basics before making further adjustments to your scope.

Using a Laser Bore Sighter

While the manual bore sighting method is effective, some shooters prefer to use a laser bore sighter for added convenience and precision. A laser bore sighter is a small device that inserts into the muzzle or chamber of your unloaded rifle and projects a laser dot onto your target, simulating your bullet’s point of impact.

To use a laser bore sighter:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inserting the bore sighter into your rifle’s muzzle or chamber.
Ensure your rifle is unloaded and secure it in a stable position, aimed at your target.
Activate the laser bore sighter and adjust your scope’s windage and elevation turrets until the reticle is centered on the laser dot.
Remove the bore sighter and proceed to Step 2 (fine-tuning) and Step 3 (confirming) as outlined above.

Laser bore sighters can be particularly helpful for rifles where removing the bolt is difficult or impossible, such as semi-automatic rifles. They can also save time and effort when sighting in multiple rifles or when frequently changing optics.

However, it’s important to note that laser bore sighters are not a substitute for traditional zeroing methods. They are designed to get you close to your desired point of impact but may not account for factors such as bullet drop, wind drift, or parallax. Always follow up with live fire confirmation to ensure your zero is accurate.

Benefits of a Properly Zeroed Scope

Now that you know how to zero your scope without wasting ammunition let’s discuss why it’s such an important skill to master. A properly zeroed scope offers numerous benefits, including:

Improved accuracy: When your scope is zeroed, your point of aim and point of impact are the same, allowing you to place shots precisely where you intend. This is especially important for hunters, as it ensures clean, ethical kills and reduces the risk of wounding or losing animals.

Increased confidence: Knowing that your rifle is dialed in and hitting where you’re aiming can do wonders for your confidence as a shooter. This translates to better performance in the field and a more enjoyable overall shooting experience.

Ammunition conservation: Zeroing your scope without firing saves you money on ammunition, which can add up quickly, especially if you’re sighting in multiple rifles or experimenting with different loads.

Time savings: By bore sighting and making initial adjustments without firing, you can significantly reduce the time spent at the range. This means more time for practicing your shooting skills or enjoying other activities.

Versatility: The ability to zero your scope without firing is a valuable skill that applies to various shooting situations. Whether you’re setting up a new rifle, switching optics, or making adjustments in the field, knowing how to bore sight and fine-tune your zero will serve you well.

Wrapping Up

Zeroing your scope may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, it’s a skill that every shooter can master. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to dial in your scope without burning through boxes of ammo or spending hours at the range.

Remember, the key to success is taking your time and focusing on the fundamentals. Ensure your scope is properly mounted, choose an appropriate zeroing distance, and maintain a stable shooting position throughout the process. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed, and always confirm your zero with live fire before heading out into the field.

As a final note, I encourage you to experiment with different zeroing methods and find what works best for you. Whether you prefer the traditional bore sighting approach or the convenience of a laser bore sighter, the goal is to achieve a reliable, accurate zero that you can depend on when it matters most.

I hope this guide has been helpful and informative, and I wish you the best of luck in your shooting endeavors. Remember, a well-zeroed scope is the foundation of accurate shooting, so take the time to do it right, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Happy shooting!