Sighting-in a rifle is necessary to hit a target.Since sudden movements or shocks during transport or storage can knock the rifle out of alignment, rifles need to be seen-in every time they're used.A rifle that does not shoot accurately can be dangerous.The article describes how to sight-in a rifle to make sure a successful day in the field or shooting range.
Step 1: The gun needs to be unloaded.
Before starting to clean the rifle, make sure the gun is not loaded.Good firearm safety and handling measures should always be practiced.
Step 2: Including the barrel
Rifles that have been sitting in storage for a long time or rifles that are frequently used for hunting can become covered with dust.A clean rifle shoots better than a dirty one.There is no set time when your gun should be cleaned, but the general consensus is to clean it after you are done firing for the day, and before you put the gun in storage.
Step 3: The sights and scope mounts should be tightened.
Like dirty rifles, loose screws can cause a rifle to fire inaccurately.
Step 4: Decide if you want a rest or a defensive measure.
It's up to your budget and what you're comfortable with.If you want to create a firm rest, you can use sandbags or purchase a professionally made rest.It is important that the rifle does not move.If there is no movement, whichever rest method you use is fine.Depending on the rest you use, you may need to prop the front and rear of the rifle.
Step 5: Where do you want the rest to be located?
Depending on the location, you may have different options.Since you won't be firing much from this position, comfort is not necessary.You may be able to use a bench at the facility if you are using a firing range.If you are shooting in the wild, you can either assemble the rest on the hood of a car or set up a bench.If there is enough clearance to shoot, you can rest on the ground if you are prepared to lie down.
Step 6: Place the rifle in the other place.
If you are using a gun vise as a rest, make sure it is fastened securely.Rest the stock on another and wedge the butt securely.Make sure the rifle is stable.The only movement should be when you squeeze it.
Step 7: Set up a target with a bull's-eye.
This technique alone will not accurately sight-in a rifle, but it may help get your rifle shooting closer to the intended target than before.Most rifle sights are done at 25 yards and 100 yards.You will be able to see more accurately over long distances.If you want to know how many paces it takes to travel 30 feet, you can use a tape measure.The results should be averaged a couple times.You can measure out 25 yards if you know the number of paces.
Step 8: The bolt has to be removed from the rifle.
Most bolt-action hunting rifles should be able to do this relatively easily.Make sure to place the bolt in a clean spot.
Step 9: The bull's-eye is visible through the barrel.
The middle of the bull's-eye is lined up with the barrel.If you aren't using a bolt-action rifle, you can use a collimator at the end of the barrel.Before firing your rifle, make sure to remove the collimator.
Step 10: The scope must be adjusted.
If the crosshairs are lined up with the bull's-eye, check the scope.If they are not, adjust the settings on the scope in the opposite direction you want it to move, until the crosshairs go through the bull's-eye.If you want the crosshairs to move up, you will have to turn the scope adjustment knob downward.
Step 11: Attach the bolt.
Return the bolt to its original position once you have finished bore-sighting the rifle.
Step 12: Find the target in the scope.
Your target should be 25 yards out.The bull's-eye has crosshairs on it.It doesn't need much adjustment from the bore-sighting section.
Step 13: Again, check your rest.
Double-check your gun rest to make sure it's secure and that the gun won't move when you fire it.If necessary, place more sand around the butt.
Step 14: The rifle should be loaded with the bullets you intend to shoot.
If you change bullets after sight in the rifle, it may shoot inaccurately.When you are shooting a rifle, it's basically for one type of bullet.You don't want to disrupt the positioning of the rifle if you put the cartridge in gently.
Step 15: Start with your first shots.
Taking care to stay in the same position for each shot, fire a group of 3 shots at the bull's-eye.Try to fire when there is no wind, so that your shot won't be affected.Follow strict safety guidelines when handling a live firearm.When someone is downrange, never point a loaded gun at another person.
Step 16: The group can be found in the center.
Measure how far away the center spot is from the bull's-eye.Use the scope adjustment knobs to adjust the crosshairs.The scope adjustment knob would be turned in the up direction if you needed to move up 3 inches.
Step 17: Don't shoot again.
Continue the process until you have centered the shots on the target.Between shooting groups of shots, allow your gun to cool down.You should be able to hold the barrel for 10 seconds without burning yourself.The barrel can warp if it gets too hot.
Step 18: The target should be placed at 100 yards.
Continue the process until you have centered the shots on the target.You have successfully seen the rifle once you've centered your shots.
Step 19: Make sure your rifle is set up.
You will need to make sure that your rifle is completely immobile.You have to be able to make adjustments to the sight without moving the rifle.The method will see your rifle about 3–4 inches above the target.This is the standard height for long-distance shooting.The bullet will hit the center of the target at 200 and 300 yards.This method will not result in pin-point accuracy, but will suffice for deer-sized targets.It is possible to bore-sight before performing this method.
Step 20: 25 yards away is where to place a target.
Place the target in the center of the crosshairs by loading a round into the rifle.Don't move the rifle, fire a single shot.Continue squeezing after the shot is fired to prevent the gun from jumping.Follow strict safety guidelines when handling a live firearm.When someone is downrange, never point a loaded gun at another person.
Step 21: The scope needs to be adjusted
The gun must not move during this process or the adjustments will be incorrect.The crosshairs should be over the bullet hole created by your first shot if you adjust the scope.The crosshair is moved in the opposite direction of the knob.To move the crosshair down, you would twist the knob.You can make it easier to see the bullet hole by putting a sticker over it.
Step 22: The crosshair should be lowered a tad.
When the crosshair is lined up directly on the bullet hole, lower it so that it points at a spot about half an inch below the hole.This will make your gun shoot above the target at 25 yards.Being above the target at 25 yards equates to 3–4 inches above at 100 yards (91.4 m), dead-on at 200 yards (182.9 m) and 8–12 inches (20.3–30.5 cm).This is generally the same regardless of the caliber.
Step 23: The target can be moved to 100 yards.
Take the shot if you can see the rifle in the dead center of the bull's-eye.The bullet hole should be between 3–4 inches above the bull's-eye.Avoid shooting during winds to keep your bullet from drifting left or right at this point.