Understanding how to adjust your scope's elevation is crucial for accurate shooting. Whether you're a seasoned marksman or a novice, knowing which way to turn the elevation turret to correct your shots is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of elevation adjustments, covering various scope types and offering practical tips for consistent accuracy.
Understanding Scope Elevation
The elevation turret on your scope is responsible for vertically adjusting your point of impact (POI). It allows you to raise or lower the bullet's trajectory to compensate for factors like distance, gravity, and environmental conditions. Most scopes use a system of clicks, with each click representing a specific adjustment in minutes of angle (MOA) or milliradians (mils). Understanding your scope's click value is vital for precise adjustments.
MOA vs. Mil Adjustments
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MOA (Minutes of Angle): One MOA equals approximately one inch at 100 yards. So, a 1 MOA adjustment will move your POI one inch higher or lower at 100 yards, two inches at 200 yards, and so on.
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Mil (Milliradian): One mil is approximately 3.6 inches at 100 yards. Mil-based scopes are becoming increasingly popular, particularly amongst long-range shooters, due to their easier calculations for long distances.
Important Note: Always consult your scope's manual to determine its specific click value (MOA or mil) and the direction of adjustment.
Which Way To Turn The Elevation Turret?
This is the most crucial aspect of elevation adjustment. The universal convention, adhered to by most scope manufacturers, is:
Up is Up: Turning the elevation turret up raises the point of impact, and turning it down lowers the point of impact.
This might seem intuitive, but it's essential to verify this with your specific scope. Look for markings on the turret itself – usually an upward-pointing arrow will indicate which way to turn the knob to raise the POI.
Visualizing the Adjustment
Imagine a target at 100 yards. Your shots are consistently landing low. To correct this, you need to raise your POI. Therefore, you would turn the elevation turret up. Conversely, if your shots are consistently high, you would turn the elevation turret down to lower your POI.
Factors Affecting Elevation Adjustment
Several factors beyond the scope itself influence your elevation adjustments. These include:
- Distance to target: The further the target, the greater the bullet drop due to gravity. More elevation adjustment is necessary at longer ranges.
- Ballistics: Different ammunition types have different ballistic coefficients, affecting their trajectory. You'll need to adjust your elevation accordingly based on your chosen ammunition.
- Environmental Conditions: Wind and temperature can significantly impact bullet trajectory. Headwinds will push the bullet downrange, requiring more elevation, while tailwinds push the bullet up, requiring less elevation. Temperature affects air density, thus influencing bullet speed and trajectory.
- Zeroing the Scope: Before making any adjustments for long-range shots, you must first zero your scope at a known distance (usually 25 or 100 yards). This establishes a baseline for all future adjustments.
Practical Tips for Accurate Elevation Adjustments
- Record your adjustments: Keep a detailed log of all elevation adjustments you make, including the distance to the target, environmental conditions, and ammunition used.
- Use a stable shooting position: Ensure a solid, consistent shooting position to minimize human error in your adjustments.
- Start with small adjustments: Make small adjustments (one or two clicks at a time) and observe the results before making further corrections. Avoid making large adjustments that might throw you off completely.
- Practice: Regular practice is essential for developing skill and consistency in making elevation adjustments.
Conclusion
Mastering elevation scope adjustment is a critical skill for any shooter. Remember the fundamental rule: Up is Up. By understanding the factors affecting bullet trajectory and practicing proper adjustment techniques, you'll dramatically improve your shooting accuracy. Always consult your scope's manual, record your adjustments, and practice consistently to develop proficiency.