Zero Hour: How to Sight-In Your Rifle

Ensuring that your optic is perfectly dialed in with your rifle is critical to shooting success. Here are Melissa Bachman's step-by-step instructions.

posted on December 28, 2021
** 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. **

One of the most surprising aspects of how rifles work for many new gun owners is the fact that, even if a rifle comes out of the box with a scope already mounted, it probably won't hit exactly where you're aiming until you sight-in the gun and optic. You may have also heard it referred to as "zeroing" or "zeroing in," and it's a critical part of your ability to be accurate with your rifle. 

In this terrific video starring Winchester pro staffer (and NRA Women contributor) Melissa Bachman, you'll learn the procedure for sighting-in your rifle and riflescope. It's actually quite easy to do; all you'll need is your usual range gear, your new rifle/optic combination, a few cartridges and under half an hour on the range. This procedure will help ensure that your bullets impact your target even at long ranges, which is important on the firing line—and absolutely critical while hunting.

Latest

Horman ASB Beretta Lede
Horman ASB Beretta Lede

AIM Surplus Beretta 85BB Pistol Review

This classic single-stack is an affordable collectible for fans of Beretta semi-automatics or the .380 ACP cartridge.

NRA Launches New Official App

The app marks a significant milestone in enhancing member engagement and delivering convenient access to essential NRA resources on the go.

Firearm Terminology: Handgun Sizes

Understanding handgun terminologies and sizes will help you choose the right gun for you.

Revolutionary Women Patriots: Anna Maria Lane

Lane was the only documented woman veteran of the Revolutionary War to reside in Virginia.

 

Setting Goals and Staying Vigilant

We should look at firearm ownership not as a box we check, but rather, a facet of our lifestyle choices that holds an ongoing commitment to bettering our security and the security of those around us.

Three Hand Strength Exercises to Improve Pistol Control

You don’t need “man hands” to control a pistol well, but you do have to put in some work to build grip strength. Do these three exercises to make most manipulations (and shooting) of a pistol easier.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.