Gun & Game

Siting in a rifle involves just a few easy steps if done in a methodical manner and with the right tools. This procedure will usually require 6-9 rounds of ammunition. Let’s get started.

Make Certain the Scope is Firmly Mounted

The rifle scope should be firmly mounted using whatever method is appropriate for your application. I usually apply locktite to the mounting screws.

Bore Site the Rifle

I typically bore site at 100 yards. Here are the steps involved:

1. You will need a “target” at the range you for which you are bore siting. This can be anything that can easily be seen as you will begin by siting down the rifle’s barrel.
2. Here is the first place you will need any special tools, but these can be fashioned from things you likely already have around. The basic idea is that you will site down the bore of the rifle to your target and then adjust your scope to be on that same target. Therefore, the rifle cannot move between these two procedures. This can be done with sandbags, a rest made with v-cuts made in wood, or any other of a number of ways. Anyway, either buy a rest or make one that will serve this purpose. It will not be necessary to have something that will remain steady from a rifle recoil as at this stage you will not be firing your rifle.
3. Do whatever needs to be done to gain access to view down the inside of the barrel of your rifle. Usually, this simply involves removing the bolt. Of course, there are some actions that do not lend themselves to the possibility of bore siting.
4. Adjust whatever contraption you have your rifle resting in until as you site down the bore you are looking at the target you chose.
5. Adjust the windage (left and right adjustments) and elevation (up and down adjustments) of the scope until you are on the target with your crosshairs.
6. Double check through the bore to make certain no movement occurred.

Make a 25 Yard Initial Adjustment

The targets I use for the 25 yard and 100 yard adjustments are 14″x14″ in total size and have a large red bulls eye area. They are around $3 for 25 and can be found online searching for “rifle targets for siting in a rifle.” Here are the simple steps you will use.

1. Using sandbags and a rest, place your hand under the forearm of the rifle which is resting on the sandbags.
2. Load one round in the rifle and prepare to fire.
3. Take a medium breath as you place the crosshairs on the middle of the bullseye.
4. Slowly exhale and when comfortable gently squeeze of a shot.
5. Make a call (in your mind) on your shot. Was it a reliable shot, or do you feel you flinched or moved. If so, mark that shot off the target (I use black electric tape) and do not consider it. If it was true, proceed to the next step.
6. Measure your windage and elevation in inches with a ruler. This will guide your 25 yard adjustment.
7. Return to your rifle and adjust using the directions with your scope. Typically, each click on the scope represents 1/4″ at 100 yards. Yours may be different. At 25 yards multiply the number of clicks you would use at 100 yards by 4.
8. After making your adjustments, repeat the procedure of firing one shot to check your adjustments. If you are close to within 1″ of your crosshaired target, proceed to your final siting in at 100 yards.

100 Yard Final Adjustments

Before starting this phase, if you required a significant number of rounds at 25 yards, allow your barrel to cool to the surrounding air temperature.

1. Place your target at the range at 100 yards.
2. Set up your sandbags rest and prepare to fire a 3 round group.
3. Using the same procedure outlined at 25 yards, fire 3 rounds aiming at the bullseye of your target.
4. Your group should be at or around 3″ in diameter. This is irrespective of how well the rifle is sited in. Try to accurately estimate the center of the group. Mark this center and measure to the center point of the bullseye at which you held your aim. This measurement will dictate your adjustments on the scope.
5. Make your scope adjustments for windage and elevation. Some target shooters insist that windage and elevation should be adjusted for independently. For competition shooting this may be necessary. For siting in a rifle for big game hunting it is not in my opinion. In fact, it is a waste of ammunition. Keep in mind that this time if 1 click represents 1/4″, you will use 4 clicks for each end of adjustment.
6. Repeat the process of firing a 3 round group. If your group is satisfactory, you are finished. If not, repeat the adjustment procedure.

Things to Keep in Mind

• First of all, safety is the most important thing. Adhere to all firearm safety rules and firing range rules.
• Use the same ammunition with which you will hunt. Different cartridges will site in differently.
• Study the trajectories for your cartridge. It should be known what adjustments to make for shots at different ranges.