Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Priority
Before handling any firearm, it’s essential to understand and strictly adhere to all safety protocols. Every time you pick up your .308 rifle, treat it as if it were loaded. This fundamental principle underscores every action you take. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, where an accidental discharge would cause minimal or no harm. Your finger must remain off the trigger until you’re ready to fire. This simple habit prevents unintentional discharges. Be acutely aware of your target and what lies beyond it. A missed shot can travel a considerable distance, so always ensure your backstop is capable of stopping a .308 bullet. Finally, protect your hearing and eyes. Always wear appropriate hearing protection and eye protection while shooting. Neglecting these precautions can result in permanent hearing damage or serious eye injuries. These safety measures are not optional; they are integral to responsible firearm ownership and safe shooting practices.
Gathering Essential Gear: The Foundation of Success
To sight in your .308 rifle effectively, you’ll need the right equipment. This list is not exhaustive, but it covers all the critical elements you’ll need:
- The .308 Rifle
- Scope and Scope Rings (If Applicable)
- Ammunition
- Targets
- Target Stand or Backstop
- Shooting Rest
- Tools
- Spotting Scope or Binoculars (Optional, but Highly Recommended)
- Cleaning Kit (Optional, but Recommended)
Having everything prepared will make the sighting-in process much more efficient and enjoyable.
Preparing Your Rifle and Its Sighting System
The preparation of your rifle and its sighting system is critical to achieving optimal accuracy. Let’s consider two common scenarios: rifles equipped with scopes, and those with iron sights.
Mounting the Scope (If applicable)
If your .308 rifle utilizes a scope, the proper mounting of the scope is an essential task. Begin by selecting the correct rings and base for your particular rifle model and scope. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the base. Then, carefully align the scope within the rings, ensuring proper eye relief. Properly align the scope. Next, gently tighten the screws on the rings, paying close attention to the recommended torque specifications. Over-tightening can damage the scope, while under-tightening can allow the scope to shift during recoil.
Bore Sighting (Optional but Recommended)
Bore sighting is a valuable preliminary step that will significantly speed up the sighting-in process. Start by removing the bolt from your rifle. Then, place the rifle on a stable surface. Look through the bore (the barrel) at your target. Try to center the bore on a distinctive point of the target, such as the center of the bullseye. Then, without moving the rifle, look through your scope and adjust the crosshairs to align with the same point on the target. Bore sighting will get you very close to your final zero before firing any live rounds.
These pre-shooting steps set you up for success, saving both time and ammunition.
Setting Up Your Shooting Range
A well-organized shooting range environment is important. Here’s how to set up your range for successful sighting in:
Choosing the Right Range
Select a range that offers a safe and appropriate environment for sighting in your .308 rifle. Choose a range with ample space and a clear backstop that can safely contain your rounds. It is best to choose a range with a covered shooting position and the opportunity to adjust your position to compensate for wind.
Setting Up Your Target
The target should be positioned at a distance that corresponds to your intended use. The traditional distance for sighting in a rifle is typically one hundred yards. Ensure your target is securely mounted on a target stand at a convenient height, ideally at eye level.
Position Yourself and the Rifle
Adopt a stable and comfortable shooting position. If using a scope, ensure you have a consistent cheek weld against the stock. This will ensure that you’re looking through the scope consistently. Ensure that your trigger finger is placed correctly on the trigger and that you can operate the bolt action (if applicable) without shifting your body position.
The Core Process of Sighting In
First Shots and Initial Adjustments
Chambering the First Round: Following all safety precautions, load a single round into the chamber of your rifle.
Taking Aim and Firing: Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and squeeze the trigger smoothly. Maintain your aim and avoid any jerking or flinching.
Observing the Shot Placement: If you are using a spotting scope, observe where your bullet impacted on the target. If not, carefully walk downrange and inspect the target. Determine whether your shot hit high, low, left, or right of the target’s center.
Making the Initial Scope Adjustments: Most scopes feature windage and elevation adjustment knobs. Each “click” on these knobs will move the point of impact a certain distance, expressed in Minutes of Angle (MOA). One MOA at 100 yards is approximately one inch. Understand which direction corresponds to which adjustment. (Up on the elevation knob will move the point of impact up, and right on the windage knob will move the point of impact right, and vice versa). To illustrate, if your shot is low and to the right, you would typically adjust the elevation knob up and the windage knob left. Make small, incremental adjustments at a time, as this helps prevent over-correction. Remember, the goal is to get your shots hitting the center of your target.
Fine-Tuning Your Zero
Firing Groups of Shots: After making your initial adjustments, fire a group of shots (3-5 rounds). Observe the impact of the group and find the center.
Adjusting for Group Center: Based on the center of your group, make further adjustments to your scope, moving the crosshairs closer to where the center of your group hit. Continue firing groups and making adjustments until the center of the group is in the desired location.
Verifying Your Zero
Fire another group of shots. If the center of this group is within the desired tolerance of your target, then your zero is confirmed. If not, go back to the fine-tuning step and make additional adjustments.
Expanding Your Knowledge: Beyond the Basics
Sighting in your rifle is only the first step in becoming a proficient shooter. The following factors will continue to make you a more competent and accurate shooter.
Understanding Ballistics
Ballistics is the study of projectiles in motion. Bullet drop, the effect of gravity on a bullet’s trajectory, becomes increasingly significant at longer ranges. Wind drift, the lateral movement of a bullet due to wind, also plays a more significant role at longer distances. Ballistic calculators, available as apps or online tools, can help you predict bullet drop and wind drift for your specific ammunition and shooting conditions. These tools will become an indispensable part of long-range shooting with your .308.
Cleaning Your Rifle
Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining your rifle’s accuracy and performance. After a shooting session, clean the bore, bolt, and other key components. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, use appropriate cleaning solvents and lubricants. A clean rifle is a more accurate rifle.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The key to becoming a good shot is regular practice. Practice shooting at different distances, in varying weather conditions, and with a variety of shooting positions. By dedicating the time to practice, you will quickly improve your skills.
Final Thoughts
Sighting in your .308 rifle is a straightforward process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a firm commitment to safety. Start by ensuring your rifle is safe and properly prepared. Select quality ammunition and take careful aim. Make small adjustments to your scope or sights, and gradually work towards your desired zero. Remember, practice is key, and by consistently following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving impressive accuracy with your .308 rifle. Now get out there and enjoy the precision shooting experience with your properly sighted rifle!
