Introduction
The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of hitting a distant target, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can place a bullet exactly where you intend – these are all hallmarks of a skilled shooter. But even the most experienced marksman needs the right tools, and at the heart of any accurate shooting system lies the ability to properly sight in your optic. This is especially true when you’re using a high-quality scope like a Redfield. For generations, Redfield has been synonymous with reliable and durable rifle scopes, earning a reputation for clear optics and precise adjustments. Their commitment to providing shooters with the best tools has made them a favorite among hunters, target shooters, and anyone who demands excellence from their equipment.
But having a great scope like a Redfield is only half the battle. The other half lies in mastering the art of sight in. Sight in, also known as zeroing, is the crucial process of aligning your scope’s reticle with the trajectory of your rifle’s bullets. It’s the key to ensuring that when you aim, you hit your target. Without a properly sighted in scope, even the best rifle and ammunition are useless. You could have the most expensive scope in the world, but if it isn’t accurately sighted in, your shots will consistently miss. This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge and techniques to sight in your Redfield scope confidently and effectively, unlocking its full potential and transforming you into a more accurate shooter. Get ready to achieve precision with every shot!
Understanding Your Redfield Scope
Before you can begin the sight in process, you need to understand the various components of your Redfield scope and how they work together. Each part plays a critical role in achieving and maintaining accuracy.
Objective Lens
Start by examining the objective lens. This large lens at the front of the scope gathers light and determines the scope’s light-gathering ability. A larger objective lens will generally provide a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. This is a critical consideration for many shooting scenarios, particularly for hunting during dawn and dusk.
Eyepiece
Next is the eyepiece, which sits at the rear of the scope. This is where you place your eye to view the target. The eyepiece is adjustable to accommodate different eye prescriptions and focusing needs. Proper adjustment here is essential for achieving a clear and comfortable view of the reticle and the target.
Windage and Elevation Adjustment Turrets
Crucially, you will encounter the windage adjustment turret and the elevation adjustment turret. These are the control knobs that you will use to adjust the position of the reticle (the crosshairs or aiming point) to match the bullet’s trajectory. The windage turret adjusts the reticle left or right, correcting for wind drift or horizontal errors. The elevation turret adjusts the reticle up or down, compensating for bullet drop over distance.
Parallax Adjustment (If Applicable)
Some Redfield scopes also include a parallax adjustment. Parallax is the apparent movement of the reticle relative to the target when you move your eye. It’s caused by the distance between the reticle and the target. Parallax adjustment allows you to focus the reticle on the same plane as the target, eliminating this potential source of error. This feature, found more commonly on scopes with higher magnification, is vital for precise long-range shooting.
Reticle Types
The reticle is the aiming point within the scope. Redfield offers scopes with various reticle designs, each with its own advantages. Common options include simple crosshairs, duplex reticles (thick outer lines tapering to fine crosshairs), and more complex designs like MOA (Minute of Angle) or Mil-Dot reticles. The choice of reticle depends on your shooting style and intended use. Understanding how your specific reticle works is essential for making accurate adjustments. MOA reticles, for example, use units of angular measurement where one MOA equates to approximately one inch at 100 yards. Mil-Dot reticles use Milliradians, another unit of angular measurement. Knowing the meaning and use of the reticle you have will greatly help you.
Scope Specifications
Finally, know the specifications of your scope. This includes the magnification range (e.g., 3-9x, 4-12x), the objective lens diameter, and the eye relief (the distance your eye needs to be from the eyepiece for a full field of view). Knowing these details will help you choose the right scope for your rifle and your shooting needs.
Gathering Necessary Materials and Preparing Your Rifle
Before you even think about touching the adjustment turrets, you need to gather all the necessary materials and properly prepare your rifle. This step is critical to ensure a safe and efficient sight in process.
Essential Materials
First and foremost, you need your rifle and Redfield scope. Make sure the scope is properly mounted to the rifle using high-quality scope rings. Ensure the scope rings are properly tightened to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Loose rings can lead to inaccurate results and, in extreme cases, can even damage the scope.
Next, you will need ammunition of the correct caliber and type for your rifle. The ammunition you use for sight in should be the same type you intend to use for hunting or target shooting. Different bullet weights and types can have significantly different trajectories. Consistency in ammunition is key to a reliable zero.
A stable shooting rest is essential. Using a bench rest with sandbags, a dedicated shooting table, or other stable support will allow you to hold the rifle steady while taking your shots. This will minimize human error and provide the most accurate results.
A target with clear aiming points is also needed. A bullseye target is a standard choice, but a grid target can be helpful for visualizing bullet groupings and making precise adjustments. Choose a target designed for your intended range.
Spotting scope or binoculars can greatly enhance your experience. These allow you to clearly see your bullet impacts on the target without having to walk downrange after every shot. This saves time and allows for faster adjustments.
Finally, have the necessary tools for any adjustments. This might include a screwdriver for tightening scope mount screws or any other tools specific to your scope model. Keep these tools at hand in case of need.
Rifle Preparation
Once you have gathered all the materials, it’s time to prepare your rifle. First, confirm that the scope rings are properly tightened and that the scope is securely mounted. Then, give the barrel a good cleaning to remove any debris that might affect bullet trajectory.
Also, select an appropriate range distance for sighting in. A common starting point is 100 yards or meters for centerfire rifles. However, you can use 50 yards or meters for rimfire rifles or if your shooting range has shorter distances. The key is to choose a distance that works for your rifle and the intended use.
The Sight In Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
With all the materials gathered and the rifle prepared, it’s time to sight in that Redfield scope.
Initial Setup and Bore Sighting
Begin by using bore sighting. This involves looking through the barrel of the rifle to get a rough alignment with the target. You can do this by removing the bolt (if possible) and looking through the bore at the target. Bore sighting won’t give you a perfect zero, but it will get you on paper, meaning the bullet impacts will land somewhere on your target. This will save you time and ammunition. Alternatively, you can use a bore sighting tool, which is specifically designed to align the bore with the target.
Target Placement
Once bore sighted, set up your target at the predetermined distance. Ensure it is securely placed and clearly visible.
Taking the First Shots
Now, the fun begins – taking the first shots! Take a three-shot group, aiming carefully at the center of the target. It’s critical to use a consistent shooting technique for each shot. This will give you a good indication of where your bullets are impacting relative to your point of aim.
Identifying Bullet Impacts
Using a spotting scope or binoculars (or walking down range if you are without them), carefully locate your bullet impacts. Determine the distance between the center of your group and your point of aim. This will inform the adjustments you need to make.
Adjusting Windage and Elevation
Now, adjust the windage and elevation turrets of your Redfield scope. If your impacts are to the right of your point of aim, you will need to adjust the windage turret to the left (marked with an “L” or a left-pointing arrow). If your impacts are low, you’ll adjust the elevation turret upward (marked with a “U” or an up-pointing arrow).
Understanding Turret Markings
Read the markings on your scope turrets. If your scope has MOA adjustments, one click typically moves the bullet impact 1/4 inch at 100 yards. If your scope has MIL (milliradian) adjustments, one click might move the impact by .1 MIL, which translates to approximately 0.36 inches at 100 yards. Check your scope’s manual to confirm the click value.
Making Adjustments
Make the necessary adjustments based on the distance between your bullet group and your point of aim. For example, if your shots are 2 inches low and 1 inch to the right, and your scope uses 1/4 MOA clicks, you would adjust the elevation turret up 8 clicks (2 inches / 0.25 inches) and the windage turret left 4 clicks (1 inch / 0.25 inches).
Repeating the Process
After making your adjustments, take another three-shot group. Repeat the process of checking your impacts, making adjustments to the turrets, and shooting another group. Continue this process, gradually bringing your bullet group closer to your desired point of impact, which will be the center of the bullseye.
Remember to take your time and be patient. Sighting in can take several iterations of shots and adjustments to get it just right.
Final Adjustments
Once you have achieved a tight group centered on your point of aim, you have successfully sighted in your Redfield scope!
Remember to use the parallax adjustment if your scope has one. Adjust it to match the shooting distance. This will ensure that your reticle is properly focused on the same plane as your target.
Advanced Techniques and Considerations
While the steps above provide the foundation, here are some advanced techniques to get the most from your Redfield scope.
Zeroing for Different Distances
Once you have your basic zero established, you can zero for different distances. Understand your bullet’s trajectory at varying distances, and adjust your scope accordingly. Many shooters establish zeros at multiple ranges and record the turret adjustments required.
Understanding Ballistics
Understand bullet drop and wind drift. These are external ballistic factors that affect your bullet’s trajectory. Bullet drop is the effect of gravity pulling your bullet down over distance. Wind drift is the effect of wind pushing your bullet sideways. Learning these things can vastly improve your accuracy.
Scope Maintenance
Proper scope maintenance is also important. Regularly clean the lenses of your scope to remove any dust, dirt, or fingerprints that might obscure your view. Use a soft cloth and a lens cleaning solution specifically designed for optics. Properly store your scope when not in use, protecting it from extreme temperatures and impacts.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Also, address common problems. Loose scope mounts, loose rings, or a poorly functioning reticle can cause problems. Ensure all components are properly mounted.
Importance of Practice
Finally, practice regularly. The more you shoot with your rifle and Redfield scope, the more comfortable you will become, honing your skills and improving your accuracy. Consistent shooting technique is just as important as a well-sighted-in scope.
Conclusion
Sighting in your Redfield scope is a process that demands patience and attention to detail, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By understanding the components of your scope, following the steps outlined in this guide, and utilizing advanced techniques, you can unlock the full potential of your Redfield scope and transform your shooting accuracy. Remember that accurate shooting is a combination of quality equipment, proper technique, and a commitment to practice.
Accuracy is not simply the result of a good scope but a relationship between the shooter and the rifle, and mastering the Redfield precision sight in process is the first step toward becoming a more accurate and confident marksman. Take the time, be patient, and enjoy the process. Your skills will improve with every shot. Get out there, practice, and enjoy the thrill of hitting your mark!
