Zeroing a rifle the easy way

[firepower 68]

Over the years I have seen so many new shooters struggle to zero a rifle so here is one easy way.

 

 

 

Firstly if there is any wind, even a slight breeze, get your binoculars out and watch the wildlife, you are in the countryside after all so enjoy it. Once the air is still you can begin.

 

The target is unimportant other than it having a suitable and obviously visible point to aim at. A white background is rather handy too as it allows you to see where the bullet strikes.

 

The rest for the rifle is paramount, it must be rock solid.Wobbling around on the bonnet of your shooting bus will not suffice. Goodquality shooting bags are cheap and if your budget doesn't run to those thenthe good ladies cushions filled with suitable material will do.

 

The rest should hold the rifle without you touching it.

 

The first shot taken should be at a short but safe distance.Thirty yards into a nice soft bank of earth is ideal.

 

Making sure that the rifle is completely steady with the bolt removed line the bore up with the point of aim on the target. Adjust the scope so that it appears to be on the same spot. Lock the scope up load the rifle with one round and take the first shot. This should be on the paper.

 

The rifle will have moved at this point so re-position the sight to the original point of aim. Keeping the rifle completely still adjust the scope so the crosshairs move to the place where the bullet struck the paper.

 

Making sure that the barrel is cold, reload and take a second shot. This will be on the money providing the rifle did not move while adjusting the scope. Let the barrel cool and take a third shot.

 

Move out to 50 yards and once again making sure the riflerest is rock solid take three shots using a new target to stop any confusion with point of impact.Let the barrel cool fully between shots. If the point of impact has changed adjust the scope as above.

 

Move out to 100 yards and repeat the process.