How to Use a Rimfire Scope

To set up your scope properly, figure out the average distance that you will be away from your target. If you are not sure, stand about one hundred yards away from the target. Since you will be firing the rifle during the test to set up the scope, make sure that your target is properly set or mounted and make absolutely sure that there is nothing beyond the target that can sustain an accidental hit. Always keep your trigger finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

The rimfire scope will have an eyepiece with an ocular lens, a power ring for zooming in or out, an elevation adjustment, a windage adjustment, and an objective bell with an objective lens. Most will have coated optics, which are lens coatings designed to reduce light loss and glare and to generate higher contrast with reduced eyestrain. Some will have multiple coatings for better light transmission. The exit pupil affects the size of the column of light that leaves the scope through the eyepiece, and the larger the exit pupil is, the brighter the image will be. The eye relief is the distance from the scope that your eye can be and still get the full field of view. This is a comfort factor when using the scope. Also look for scopes that offer a wide field of view in order to maximize your chances of seeing the animal, and look for scopes that offer illumination. This makes it easier to see the cross hairs against your prey. Also consider the power of magnification of the scope that works best for you. The scope should have easy to use windage and elevation adjustments to so that you can correct for weather conditions. Try to get a scope with its ocular lenses coated to protect it from fogging in the rain. The scope should offer high resolution for maximum clarity and should be well constructed.

Now you can remove the protective knobs from the windage and elevation adjustments. Lay your rifle so that it is resting and motionless. Look into the scope and make sure that you align the cross hairs in the scope with the center of your target. Adjust the scope to the proper magnification to give you the best alignment. Focus the scope so that the target image is sharp. Take a deep breath and then proceed to fire three shots at the target. Use binoculars to see where the rounds have struck the target. Now adjust your windage and elevation using a small screwdriver. Do one at a time until the target is centered on the cross hairs. Fire three rounds again and they should be accurate.