How to Set Up & Zero Your Scope – Airgun & Rifle Guide

Getting your scope set up and properly zeroed is one of the most important steps you can take to get consistent, accurate shots — whether you’re using a rifle for hunting or an air rifle for target work and pest control. This guide from The Hunting Edge Country Sports walks you through the safest, simplest, and most reliable way to mount, sight in, and zero your optic.

Safety First

  • Always treat firearms and airguns as loaded until you have personally checked otherwise.
  • Work in a safe range environment with a proper backstop and clear downrange area.
  • Wear eye and ear protection where appropriate.

What You’ll Need

  • Quality scope and appropriate mounts/rings (ensure correct tube diameter).
  • Screwdriver/torque driver for mount screws (follow manufacturer torque settings).
  • Stable rest or bipod / shooting bags for consistent positioning.
  • Targets, at least one precision bullseye target and a grid target.
  • Optional: laser bore-sighter or scope alignment tool to get on paper faster.

Step 1 — Mount the Scope Correctly

  1. Ensure the rifle/air rifle is unloaded and the action is open.
  2. Fit the scope rings to the rail or base — lightly tighten the ring caps so the scope can still move for final positioning.
  3. Set eye relief: hold the rifle at your normal shooting position and slide the scope forward/back until you have a full, clear field of view without stretching your neck.
  4. Level the reticle: use a small bubble level or the rifle’s level surface to ensure the reticle cross is vertical/horizontal when the rifle is level. Avoid canting the rifle.
  5. Finally, torque ring screws to the manufacturer’s recommended settings in a criss-cross sequence to avoid squeezing the tube unevenly.

Step 2 — Bore-Sighting (Optional But Time-Saving)

Bore-sighting (with a laser or by removing the bolt on centrefire rifles) helps get your point of aim close to the point of impact so you don’t waste time and ammo. It’s very useful for initial setup, especially at longer zeroing distances.

Step 3 — Choose a Zero Distance

  • Air Rifles: common practical zero distances are 25 yards / ~23 metres for general-purpose shooting and pest control (shorter zeroes like 12–15 yards can be used for close-range work). Check the rifle’s ballistics and pellet behaviour for best results.
  • Rifles (centrefire): typical zeroes are 100 metres / 100 yards for many hunting setups; 50 metres can be used for initial sighting on ranges with limited space.

Step 4 — Live-Fire Grouping and Adjustment

  1. From a stable rest, fire a three-shot group at your chosen target distance.
  2. Measure the group centre relative to your aiming point (use the target grid or measure in inches/cm).
  3. Use the scope’s turrets to adjust windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). Most scopes are calibrated in MOA or Mil — check the turret markings and your scope manual. Typical turret click values are ¼ MOA (≈7mm @ 100m) or 0.1 Mil (≈10mm @ 100m).
  4. Make small adjustments, then fire another 3-shot group to verify. Repeat until the group centre aligns with the point of aim.

Step 5 — Confirm Zero at Multiple Distances (If Needed)

For hunting or long-range shooting you may need to confirm how your rifle holds between common distances (e.g., 25m → 50m → 100m). Make note of holdover or click values for those distances so you can apply them in the field.

Special Notes for Air Rifles

  • Consistency: Air rifles can be sensitive to pellet type, seating, and temperature. Use the pellet you intend to shoot regularly when zeroing.
  • Springers: spring-powered rifles can have a different point of impact depending on cocking tension and shot-to-shot vibration — confirm the zero with multiple groups.
  • PCP: PCP rifles are generally very consistent; maintain a consistent fill pressure for most repeatable results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Vertical stringing: Check mounting torque and ring alignment.
  • Large point-of-impact shifts: Re-check mounts, ring seating, and that the scope is rated for your recoil type (airgun-rated scopes for springers).
  • Canting problems: Re-level rifle and scope reticle; ensure the rifle isn’t tilted when shooting.

Record Your Settings

Keep a small notebook or phone note with your final zero distance, pellet or cartridge used, scope settings, and turret click conversions. This is invaluable for quick field reference.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you cannot achieve a consistent zero after checking mounts and following these steps, ask your local gunsmith, RFD, or a qualified range technician to verify mount alignment and scope fit. Our team at The Hunting Edge Country Sports can also advise and recommend optics or mounts suited to your rifle.

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