How to Zero a Riflescope in 3 Shots or Less

Founder · Oct 11, 2024

Can you guys zero in with 3 shots or less? I'm not so sure I could do it.

JimNv · Oct 11, 2024

I boresight it at 25 yards first. I can get it close at 100 yards with 3 or 4. If you're zeroing for 200, it may take a couple of more. Depends on loads as well. Quality ammo and/reloads are important.

tominboise · Oct 11, 2024

It can be done in two shots, given a good rest. Center the bull, squeeze off a shot. Center the bull again and then adjust the crosshairs to center the bullet hole from the first shot. Center the bull and shoot again. It should be centered up.
Note, I don't do it this way, but I might try it just to see how it works. I usually just shoot 3 shot groups and adjust between them.

RELH · Oct 13, 2024

It helps to have two persons involved in centering the shots. While one holds the rifle dead center on the bull, after the first shot, the 2nd person turns the adjustment until the cross hairs is centered on the bullet hole of the first shot.
Very important to keep the rifle steady and focused on the center bull. It can be done with one person, but much harder unless you can sandbag the rifle to stay in place while making the adjustments.
RELH

Homer · Oct 13, 2024

easy peasy.....as long as your zero is 10" diameter.....

Mallardsx2 · Oct 13, 2024

I lock my gun down and move my crosshairs to the bullet hole. Been doing this for 30 years.

marley · Oct 14, 2024

Shoot once then use the MOA measurements on your reticle to measure your elevation and windage and turn your turrets accordingly. Shouldn’t ever take more than 2-3 shots to rezero.

Weiserbucks · Oct 16, 2024

marley said:
MOA

Heathen

marley · Oct 16, 2024

Weiserbucks said:
Heathen

Haha mils on my comp rifle. Sorry

JPickett · Oct 16, 2024

Depends on how accurate the rifle is and what your calling “zero”but yes I can usually get them on in 3-4 shots. From there it’s fine tuning with a couple more to get what consider a zero’d rifle

HikeHunt61 · Oct 16, 2024

marley said:
Shouldn’t ever take more than 2-3 shots to rezero.

Gotta agree- unless your bore siting is way off and misses paper at the first distance, 3 shots should do it. First shot 6-12 inches off, adjust scope to within an inch or two for second shot, fine tune final placement with third shot. I get lazy sometimes and don't really measure the first one, just rough it- so then it can be four.

I switch ammo with same guns often- it's two shots for that if I want the gun zeroed for new load.