How to “Zero” your scope

 

A scope out of “zero” is nothing more than a gun-mounted telescope. Follow these simple steps to zero your scope in. Afterwards, the only excuse you’ll have for missing your shot will be operator error.

 

1)      Secure your marker on a flat surface. Try to use an area that is approx. waist high. It is very important that the gun does not move during zeroing process. A gun vice is ideal if you have one. If not, sandbags will work just as well.

2)      Set up your target. Use a large piece of cardboard stapled between to 2x4’s. Use a magic marker to draw a dime sized dot on the center of the cardboard. Place the target at the desired distance from your marker that you want your scope sighted to. Make sure that there is nothing behind the target that can be damaged, as the balls will penetrate the cardboard without breaking. Drive the target into the ground so that it is as stable as possible.

3)      PUT ON YOUR MASK.

4)      Without picking up your gun, center the crosshairs over the dot and fire 3 shots at the target.

5)      You should be able to tell where the rounds hit by the punched holes in the cardboard.

6)      Adjust the balls point of impact according to the group by using the windage (side adjustment knob) and elevation (top adjustment knob). Most of the increments on the adjustment knobs are in Minute Of Angles or MOA. Four “clicks” usually equal one MOA.  One MOA will move the bullets point of impact 1 inch at 100 yards. So if the balls were hitting 3 inches up and 2 inches to the left on a target that is 100 yards away (yeah right!!) then you would adjust the windage 2 MOA right and 3 MOA down. Since we are working with ranges much closer, you may need more clicks. If you are shooting at a long-range target, you may need to shim the back mount of the scope so that it is slightly elevated. The shim will compensate for the arch of the ball. This is a common problem when riflescopes are mounted to paintball markers

7)       Make small adjustments and fire another 3 shot group to check your progress. You should be pretty close to center.

Remember we are using paintballs, so there will be a variation between groups. Try to use an average area as your guide. Have Fun and Play Safe!! - Squeegie