Are you here because you want to know how to sight in a pellet gun scope? Then we assure you that you have finally arrived at the right place.
There is no doubt that sighting in a pellet rifle scope is challenging compared to other types of rifles. However, we want to offer a solution and not confuse you.
What you need to do is follow the following few, simple, and easy-to-understand steps.
Step one: Gather What Is Required
There are a few things that you will be using while sighting your scope. So you need to first make sure that these things are within your reach. Although some of the tools we are going to suggest here may or may not be omitted, most will be needed for a conducive and perfect control environment. These tools allow you to set that rifle to shoot as accurately as you want after a proper sighting.
These are the tools you will need:
Eye protection
You need protective glasses when shooting. Eye protection is fundamental as you never know what may happen when you test your rifle after sighting it. Regardless of your shooting ranges, level of competition, or level of professionalism, make sure you have protected your eyes.
Safe working area
You need to find a safe area to work from. It is recommended that the area be free from wind and other disturbances. Wind usually affects accuracy. To sight your riflescope as accurately as possible, choose a safe indoor space.
Paper target
You need to set a target at a certain distance. There are several ways that you can set your target. However, for the sake of simplicity, we recommend using paper. But, you can either use the retail bulls-eye target, download one from the internet, or just customize one of your own. What matters is having a target at a set distance.
Adjusting your distance should not be a challenge. Just use a tape measure for shorter distances and a range finder for longer distances.
Backstop
A backstop is required behind your target to prevent the pellet from ricocheting. Backstop is more recommended if you want to shoot from a greater distance.so, If you can get either sandbag, pellet trap, plywood, or hay bales, place these behind the target.
Handy dandy marker
It is used to mark your shots and it makes it easy for you to know where you hit.
Gun rest
You will need a gun rest for better control. This will ensure that your weapon is as stable as possible. You can design your gun rest, but if you have a sandbag, rolled-up towels or a lead sled, or something that can hold your gun in place, then you’re good to go.
Extra Pellets
Remember, you will need more pellets that you will use to test the accuracy of your rifle. So make sure you have enough within your reach before you start sifting.
Step two: set up your rifle
After you’ve gathered yourself and made sure that what we recommended above is within your reach, it’s time to set up your rifle for the sighting process.
Setting up your rifle is neither a difficult nor a challenging step. Simply place it on a flat surface, then prop it up with your chosen gun rest. One thing to remember is to make sure that the weapon allows zero to minimal movement. So, back it up properly.
Step three: set the target
Now that you’ve backed it up properly, now is the time to set the target. To launch, place your target about 10 to 15 feet from your rifle and place a suitable backstop behind it.
In my case, I will prefer to put a mark about two inches below the porthole because it is such a short distance and will aim at it.
Step four: Aim your gun
While aiming your weapon, it is recommended that you set the magnification to the highest setting for the greatest possible view of your target. After aiming at your target, shoot your first pellet. Hopefully you have hit your target. Don’t worry if you missed it.
Step five: customize your weapon
If you missed it or hit the target not in the way you wanted it, this is the next step. You need to adjust the weapon to the required accuracy. Simply keep your rifle aimed at where the crosshair was on the porthole or your target. Then adjust the air resistance with the horizontal knob. Make sure the crosshair is left or right to match your actual first shot.
Then adjust your height with a vertical knob. This should be done accordingly so that the crosshair is right on the first shot.
Step six: fire your weapon again
There is no doubt that by this point you have zeroed your scope and it will be your first actual shot. So, aim your gun at your target again and place your crosshair on it. Then fire the gun.
If things were done correctly and followed the steps, the second shot should be about 2 inches below the target. Repeat the shot just to be sure
Step seven: experiment with a greater distance
Simply move your target back about 30 feet and repeat the above steps. This step shouldn’t take much time because you have mastered the other steps. Regardless of the distance back or forth, you should be able to hit the target, not below or above it. If so, then you sighted your scope correctly.
FAQ:
How far should you sight-in a pellet gun?
There is no single answer to this question. The answer mainly depends on the type of pellet gun you are using. It also depends on the purpose for which you are using your rifle.
Depending on this, you will find that some good pellet guns will fire a long distance with great force. However, many rifles, including what you have, have no more than 30 meters of power. Without further details, it can be difficult to give a straight answer.
But for the shortest answer, I’ll just sight the rifle for the range to be shot.
However, if it is generally a pellet gun that shoots around 800 f.p.s, it is recommended that it be aimed at 20 yards so that the shorter range and the second range to be 30 yards.
How accurate are pellet guns?
The accuracy of pellet guns relies on two aspects, their weight, and shape. These two are strong factors that determine how accurate a pellet gun will be. In general, the heavier the pellet, the higher power of the gun. Though not always. A pellet gun is about hundredths of an inch accurate when used within the 10m range.
How much does a .177 pellet drop at 100 yards?
It is estimated that 177 pellet can drop beyond 100 yards and can go about 400 yards.
Conclusion
Hopefully, by now you know how to sight in a pellet gun scope. It should be if you followed the simple and straightforward steps above that didn’t take any time at all. Enjoy shooting exactly where you target.