Mount the scope level with correct eye relief, bore sight to get close, then fire three-shot groups at 25 yards to get on paper. Move to 100 yards (or your chosen zero distance), measure from the center of the group to the target, and convert that distance into clicks. Confirm with another group before you lock the turrets.
- Adjust from the center of a group, never from a single shot.
- At 25 yards, each click moves the impact one quarter as far as it does at 100 yards.
- A 1/4 MOA click moves the impact about 1/4 inch at 100 yards; a 0.1 MIL click moves it about 0.36 inch.
- Lock or reset your turrets after the final group so a bump cannot move your zero.
Mount the scope correctly first
- Set the rings or mount. Use the ring height that gives the objective bell clearance over the barrel.
- Set eye relief. With the scope on its highest magnification, slide it forward or back until you see a full, clear picture from your normal shooting position.
- Level the reticle. Level the rifle first, then rotate the scope until the vertical crosshair is plumb.
- Torque to spec. Tighten ring and base screws evenly to the torque values the manufacturer lists.
Field tipFocus the reticle before you start: look at a bright, plain background and turn the eyepiece until the crosshair is sharp at a glance.
Bore sight to get close
Bore sighting saves ammunition. With a bolt action, remove the bolt, rest the rifle steady, and look through the bore at a target about 25 yards away, then adjust the scope until the crosshair sits on the same spot. On rifles where you cannot look down the bore, a laser bore sighter does the same job.
Bore sighting only gets you on paper. It never replaces live fire.
Get on paper at 25 yards
From a steady rest such as a bipod, sandbags, or a shooting rest, fire a three-shot group at 25 yards. Find the center of the group and measure how far it is from your aiming point, both up or down and left or right.
Turn the turrets in the direction marked for the impact to move. Arrows on the caps read "UP" or "R" for the direction the bullet impact will move.
The click math, made simple
Scopes adjust in angular units, so the distance one click moves the impact grows with range.
| Click value | At 25 yards | At 100 yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 MOA | about 0.065 in | about 0.26 in |
| 1/2 MOA | about 0.13 in | about 0.52 in |
| 0.1 MIL | about 0.09 in | about 0.36 in |
Formula: clicks needed = distance off target ÷ (inches per click at that range). Example: your group is 1 inch low at 100 yards and the scope has 1/4 MOA clicks. 1 ÷ 0.26 is about 4 clicks up.
At 25 yards the same 1 inch would need about 15 clicks, because each click moves the impact only a quarter as far.
Confirm your zero at distance
Move to your zero distance, commonly 100 yards for centerfire rifles and 50 yards for rimfire, and fire another three-shot group. Make your final adjustment from the group center, let the barrel cool, and fire a confirmation group.
Once you are happy, lock the turrets or slip the caps to zero if your scope allows it, and write the zero distance and ammunition on a piece of tape on the stock.
Safety firstFollow every range rule, keep the muzzle pointed safely downrange, and wear eye and ear protection.
Why your zero can shift
- Changing ammunition. Different bullet weights and loads often hit in different places.
- Loose screws. Check ring and base screws if groups suddenly open up.
- Parallax. On scopes with an adjustable objective, set it to the target distance before you shoot.
- Travel. Confirm your zero after a long drive or flight before you hunt.
A few good questions.
How many clicks is 1 inch at 100 yards?
About 4 clicks on a 1/4 MOA scope, about 2 on a 1/2 MOA scope, and about 3 on a 0.1 MIL scope.
Should I sight in at 25 or 100 yards?
Use 25 yards to get on paper safely and cheaply, then confirm and fine-tune at your intended zero distance, commonly 100 yards for centerfire and 50 yards for rimfire.
How many shots does it take to sight in a scope?
Usually 10 to 20 rounds if you bore sight first and adjust from three-shot groups rather than single shots.
Which way do I turn the turret?
Turn it in the direction marked on the cap for where you want the impact to move. "UP" moves impacts up and "R" moves them right.
What does MOA mean on a scope?
MOA, or minute of angle, is 1/60 of a degree. It covers about 1.047 inches at 100 yards, so a 1/4 MOA click moves the impact about a quarter inch at that range.
Gear that helps.
CVLIFE BearMight 256x192 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope
Best forHunters who want a compact thermal optic with photo and video capture and phone sharing
A compact 256x192 thermal optic with 2.4x base magnification, electronic zoom, a 50Hz OLED display, Wi-Fi and 16GB of photo and video storage.
Save about $75.52 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 20, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
Gunnr Thor ED 2-12x44 FFP Rifle Scope
Best forShooters who want a 2-12x first focal plane scope and already plan around 34mm rings
A 2-12x44 first focal plane scope with a 34mm tube, GRX-3C reticle options, 1/4 MOA adjustments, and a listed weight of 27 ounces.
Save about $37.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 25, 2026 · Gunnr store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
Gunnr Odin ED 1-8×24 FFP LPVO Rifle Scope
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A 1-8×24 first focal plane LPVO with a red GRX-2B MOA reticle, zero stop, locking turrets, and a 30mm tube.
Save about $28.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 20, 2026 · GUNNR US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
Gunnr Heimdall HD 6-24x50 FFP Rifle Scope
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A 6-24x50 first focal plane scope with a GRX-2D MOA reticle, 30mm tube, 7075 aluminum body, and IP67 protection.
Save about $10.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 20, 2026 · GUNNR US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE 2-10x32 AO MPVO
Best forRimfire and AR shooters who want illumination, parallax adjustment, and locking turrets on a budget
A 2-10x32 second focal plane scope with adjustable objective, a red/green illuminated BDC reticle, exposed locking turrets, and an included 30mm offset cantilever mount.
Save about $13.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE FoxSpook 3-9x40 R4 Riflescope (Black)
Best forHunters and range users who want a basic 3-9x variable scope with a Duplex crosshair and a 20mm Picatinny mounting option
We recommend the black CVLIFE FoxSpook 3-9x40 for buyers who want a simple variable-power optic with a standard crosshair and a clearly stated 20mm Picatinny ring type. Confirm rail fit and package contents before ordering.
Save about $4.32 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 16, 2026 · CVLIFE US/USD store · VAT/tax excluded; shipping is determined by destination. The 10% code estimate assumes it applies to this variant.
CVLIFE M-Rail Carbon Bipod
Best forHunters and range shooters with an M-LOK handguard who want a light, adjustable prone and bench rest
An 8 to 11 inch bipod in a carbon fiber and polymer build that mounts directly to M-LOK rails, with a swivel-and-tilt head, seven height settings, and five leg angles.
Save about $9.03 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE 2-7x32 Crossbow Scope
Best forCrossbow hunters who want an illuminated, speed-matched scope that arrives with its rings and batteries
A 2-7x32 scope with a 30mm tube, a speed ring for 275 to 450 FPS bolts, a red and green illuminated ballistic reticle pre-zeroed at 50 yards, and 21mm Picatinny rings in the box.
Save about $11.88 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE MOA Circle Red Dot Sight
Best forShooters who want an affordable 1x red dot for a carbine or shotgun with a choice of dot or circle reticles
A 1x red dot with a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, and a dot-and-circle option, 12 brightness levels, Motion Awake standby, a listed 20,000-hour CR2032 battery life, and two mounting heights.
Save about $6.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE Shooting Tripod
Best forHunters who want a lightweight standing or kneeling rest for open-country and hillside shots
An aluminum shooting tripod that weighs 2.65 lb, adjusts from 33.4 to 63.8 inches with lever locks, and carries a rubber-padded 360 degree V-yoke for steadier shots from sitting, kneeling, or standing.
Save about $5.70 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE BearMight HD 3-9x40
Best forHunters who want a 3-9x scope with parallax adjustment, an illuminated BDC reticle, and rings in the box
A 3-9x40 scope with a 30mm tube, purple multi-coated lenses, an adjustable objective for parallax, capped reset turrets with 1/4 MOA clicks, a 5-level red and green illuminated etched glass BDC reticle, and 21mm rings included.
Save about $13.70 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE JackalHowl 3X Magnifier
Best forShooters who want to add 3x magnification to a red dot on a carbine or AR-style rifle
A 3x red dot magnifier with a quick-detach, flip-to-side mount, 3.07 inches of eye relief, BAK4 prisms, fully multi-coated optics, a 36.8 foot field of view at 100 yards, 2000G shock and IPX7 ratings, at $124.79.
Save about $12.48 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE Magnetic Bore Sight Laser
Best forHunters and shooters who want a quick, no-adapter way to rough in a scope before the range
A rechargeable Class IIIa red or green bore sight laser with a magnetic base that attaches to a flat steel muzzle, a 1.5 hour USB-C charge, a large on/off button, a concentric ring design, and a carrying case, from $48.79.
Save about $4.88 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price for the red laser; the green laser was $54.39. Tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE EagleFeather Z03 6-24x50
Best forVarmint, rimfire, and target shooters who want high magnification and parallax adjustment at a low price
A 6-24x50 scope with a 1 inch tube, an adjustable objective for parallax from 15 yards to infinity, a red and green illuminated Mil-Dot reticle, 1/4 MOA resettable turrets, and rings, caps, and batteries in the box.
Save about $11.25 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE EagleFeather S04 Combo
Best forCarbine and AR-style shooters who want a red dot and a 3x magnifier that are already matched
A 2 MOA red dot with Motion Awake and 10 brightness settings plus a 3x flip-to-side magnifier with 2.36 inches of eye relief, sold together with an absolute co-witness mount and a low Picatinny mount, at $186.99.
Save about $18.70 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE Carbon Fiber Bipod 7.8-10.6
Best forHunters and range shooters who want a light M-Rail bipod that folds, swivels, and tilts
A bipod with 30% carbon fiber legs that lock into six heights from 7.8 to 10.6 inches, fold forward and back, swivel 360 degrees, tilt, and mount to an M-Rail with a hex wrench, listed at 0.88 lb.
Save about $7.15 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 17, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE EagleBlaze 5-25x56 FFP
Best forLong-range hunters and target shooters who want a first focal plane scope with ED glass and a zero stop
A 34mm tube, 5-25x56 first focal plane scope with ED glass, a Christmas-tree MOA reticle with red illumination, a zero stop, locking 1/4 MOA turrets, side parallax from 30 yards, and a full kit with rings and a sunshade.
Save about $36.00 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 18, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE WildHawk 5X Magnifier
Best forShooters who want 5x on a red dot with both absolute and lower 1/3 co-witness heights
A 5x red dot magnifier with a 90 degree flip-to-side Picatinny/STANAG mount, 2.6 inches of eye relief, a 4.4 degree field of view, external windage and elevation knobs, a plus or minus 2.5 diopter, 1500G, IPX7, and a 10.1 ounce weight with the mount.
Save about $19.50 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 18, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE Crossbow Tripod Stick
Best forCrossbow and rifle hunters who want a stable, hands-free rest for blinds, turkey hunting, and long shots
An aluminum tripod rest with a dual frame that holds the front and rear of a crossbow or rifle, a 360 degree rotating frame, a tilt knob, lever-lock legs from 24 to 42.5 inches, an 18 kg load rating, and a fold-flat carry.
Save about $11.88 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 18, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store price; tax and shipping shown at checkout.
CVLIFE 32-Piece Laser Bore Sighter Kit Fits .17-12GA
Best forRifle, pistol, and shotgun owners who want a laser bore-sighting kit across multiple calibers
A green or red laser bore sighter with caliber adapters for .17 caliber through 12 gauge, two CR2 batteries, and a fitted storage case.
Save about $4.09 with SEBASTIANBASSOL. Price checked October 20, 2026 · CVLIFE US store · Store listing price for the green variant; tax and shipping shown at checkout. Red is a separate variant.
Our approach
Written by Outdoor Gear Verdict Editorial. Grounded in standard riflescope adjustment math and range practice. Always follow local regulations and the manufacturer instructions for your equipment. Read our editorial standards.