Sighting in a Rifle: Do it Right,
So You Can Depend On It

Sighting in a rifle properly requires exacting attention to details. Shooting at a stump and “getting close” will set you up for failure when taking a hard-earned shot at an elk or other big game. A less than precise approach might result in a wounded, unrecoverable, wasted animal that you expected to take home as a trophy. At least a little perfectionism is in order when sighting in.

Two people don't see exactly the same way through the scope. If you are shooting someone else's rifle, be aware of that fact. Sighting in a rifle is a personal thing.

Sighting in a rifle or rifle practice is frustrating if the rifle scope is not one with the rifle. Simply put, the scope should very accurately predict where your rifle will send a bullet at any reasonable distance. Wind, temperature, humidity and other conditions may affect the results in reality, so take as many variables out of the picture that you can control as possible when sighting in. Do it on a calm day.

Zero at 200 Yards?

If you “zero” your rifle at 200 yards, that is, set it so your point of impact is the same as your point of aim at 200, you will be good to go all the way out to 250 or farther, depending on your caliber and ammo. Check the ballistics from the manufacturer of your ammo to determine how high it will be at 100 and how low it will be at 300, when zeroed at 200.

On a large animal, a few inches of variation will easily allow you to hold on the same spot and still keep you safely in the large lung area, especially on an elk. All you have to know is how far out you can hold on the same spot, before the bullet drops too far. At that distance you know you have to begin to hold higher, or not take the shot. Determine that critical distance when sighting in a rifle.

Secure a Quality Scope with Quality Mounts

Buy the best rifle scope and mounts you can afford. A good quality used scope (if it’s still a good scope) may be better than a new scope of cheaper quality. A scope of dependable quality can easily cost as much as, or more than, the rifle it will be mounted on.

Bore Sight Next

1. Take the bolt out and stabilize your rifle so it can’t move.

2. Point the rifle at a close object that you can see through your barrel.

3. Center the object (door knob, top of fence post, target, etc.) as you look through the barrel.

4. With the gun very stable, change the windage and elevation adjustments until the crosshairs (reticle) of the scope are on the center of the same object.

Start at 35 Yards

Ammunition Quality

Regardless, all ammo will fly differently. Even the same kind of ammo can fly differently when made from a different “lot”. The difference probably won’t be huge, but a new box should be checked for flight pattern.

Free Paper Targets

Stabilize and Cushion Your Rifle

Without a rest on each end you would have to grip securely with your hands in two places, which causes minute movements. You may notice that even your own heart beat will move the gun. (Yeah, that’s scary. Isn’t it?)

An adjustable (padded) fore-end rest will allow you to make fine adjustments mechanically that will stay where you put them while sighting in a rifle. The butt rest will allow you to shoot relaxed with little movement. Use your non-trigger hand to lightly squeeze the butt-end sand bag to make slight movements to center exactly on your hold spot.

You can pay a lot of money for a rifle rest. We use an inexpensive one by Case-Gard called the Shoulder Gard Rifle Rest™. It works great for us. The butt rest is not adjustable, but the front is. Both rests are padded. It has a compartment to put in weights and store gear.

Weather Affects Bullet Flight

Relax, Don't be a "Jerk"

Relaxing effectively improves shooting, but requires practice. If you’re having trouble relaxing while shooting, consider doing some “progressive relaxation” (Google it) while telling yourself something like, “just relax, cool and calm”. Practice this relaxation technique often and eventually you will only need the words and you can take this ability to relax “on demand” to the range, in the field, and in stressful situations of life.

Check out our further discussion of focused shooting on the rifle practice page.

Establish a Pattern and Adjust

Keep adjusting until the shot patterns are centered where you want them to be, usually 1½ inches high at 100. Once you are set at 100, try it out at 200. Your patterns should be right on (zeroed) at 200. Ideally, move out to 300 to see what your rifle and ammo does at that distance.

Avoid Pain to Avoid Bad Shooting Habits

Remember that when you shoot at an animal you will be shooting through a cold barrel. Your barrel will heat up if several shots are taken fairly quickly. If it gets hot, let it cool with the action open before shooting again. After you’re through sighting in a rifle, it is best to recheck your final results when the barrel is cold.

Sighting in a Rifle is Not a Once a Year Thing

Keep your gun barrel clean. A clean barrel shoots more consistently than a dirty one. Use solvent, even copper solvent, inside the barrel with a brush at least yearly followed by clean cotton patches and a very light oiling. (Follow your gun cleaning kit directions.)

Properly sighting in a rifle means you know you can depend on your "best elk hunting rifle" and rifle scope to be “on”. Doing it right and keeping it right takes one big variable out of the picture, when you suddenly have that hard earned opportunity to pull the trigger on an elk!

Now go to the next level: gun practice. Consider rifle practice a separate issue from sighting in a rifle.

Click here for the Gun Practice page.

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