How to Zero Your Scope with Two Shots

by
posted on July 23, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
short_range_zero_f.jpg

The best distance to put the target is 100 yards. Make sure that the scope is bore sighted so it will at least hit the paper. If in doubt, it helps to have a big backstop like a 4X8 sheet of plywood. Cover this with newspaper or other material.

Always use a shooting bench and sand bags or other appropriate rest.

Set your scope on its highest power. Aim for the center of the target. Carefully fire a shot.

The bullet hole should be on the paper. If not, move the target closer or add more paper to increase the surface area.

Use a ruler to measure straight across from the center of the bullet hole to a vertical line that will intersect the center of the target. Mark this number down. Now measure up or down to the horizontal line that intersects the center of the target and record that number.

Adjust your scope to move the point of impact the distance you measured. If you have quarter-minute adjustments on your scope, you will need to make 4 clicks for each inch of movement at 100 yards.

Fire another shot. It should impact exactly in the center of the target.

If not, repeat the process.

Latest

Mule Deer In A Field
Mule Deer In A Field

A 9-Year-Old Girl’s Effort to Make Hunting the Official Sport of Idaho

While reading her history textbook, Betty Grandy, a 9-year-old fourth-grade student from Twin Falls, Idaho, noticed that Idaho lacked an official state sport. So, she did what any 9-year-old fourth-grade student would do: She ran a poll in a neighborhood newspaper.

Tips to Improve Small Game Shooting & Big Game Accuracy

Sometimes switching from large game—like elk or deer—to hitting a moving squirrel with a .22 or .17 rimfire will tell on you in a hurry. Here are some tips to get your skills back up to snuff.

First Look: Muddy Expands DV8 Apparel and Accessory Line

Muddy Outdoors has expanded its men's hunting apparel and accessory line, DV8, to include several key items scheduled for release later in 2026.

Coyote Tactics: Stay Flexible

The successful hunters I know do not get hung up on one tactic. They constantly float between strategies in an ever-changing hunting environment. Quite simply, they’re flexible. I take that improvising nature to heart even for coyotes, particularly when they shun my calls for whatever reason. When that occurs, I continue the hunt, but modify my strategy to fit the scenario.  

Remington Announces 3 New Subsonic Rifle Loads

Remington Ammunition is launching three new rifle cartridges loaded to subsonic muzzle velocities in 2026. The new Boat-tail Hollow Point (BHP) loads include a 250-grain 360 Buckhammer, 190-grain .308 Winchester and 300-grain 45-70 Government.

Report Identifies 80,000 Acres for Sitka Black-Tailed Deer Habitat Restoration

The Blacktail Deer Foundation (BDF) has released a new report titled A Restoration Mapping Framework: To Improve Sitka Black-tailed Deer Habitat in Southeast Alaska.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.