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

W H2026 07 250Hunting Gettyimages 576824014
W H2026 07 250Hunting Gettyimages 576824014

250 Years of American Hunting

A celebration of a proud tradition. Follow us through the history of 250 years of American hunting.

Savage Arms Helps Raise $1 Million for Youth Shooting Sports Through Support of MidwayUSA Foundation

Savage Arms has helped raise more than $1 million for youth shooting teams and organizations through its support of MidwayUSA Foundation.

Range Review: Tippmann Arms M4-22 RCR-26 .22 LR Rifle

This lightweight, competition-grade semi-automatic from Tippmann is an ideal all-around sporting rimfire.

New for 2026: Woox Elegante Stocks

The Elegante is Woox's first purpose-built bolt-action platform for both sport shooters and hunters who build or upgrade their rifle to keep and pass on for generations. While most manufacturers put chassis systems inside synthetic or mass-produced wood stocks, Woox utilizes a single hand-selected piece of hand-oiled Claro American Walnut on the outside with an aerospace-grade aluminum mini-chassis on the inside.

Recall: Stop Use Order for CVA Paramount Series Muzzleloaders

CVA is issuing a safety recall for all Paramount, Paramount HTR, Paramount Pro, and Paramount Pro V2 muzzleloading rifles. This recall pertains.

An Ode to the Double Rifle

There are few who appreciate double rifles more deeply than our regular contributor, Phil Massaro. From the guns' storied history, to their heft and utility, the double rifle has fascinated Phil for a lifetime, and he has carried them in pursuit of game at home and abroad. Read on for his tribute to the classic design.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.