Understanding how to adjust your rifle scope's turrets is crucial for accurate shooting. Whether you're a seasoned marksman or just starting out, knowing which way to turn the turrets to correct your aim is fundamental. This guide will clarify the often-confusing process, providing a simple, clear explanation backed by visuals and examples. This guide will cover various scope types and offer tips for consistent and reliable adjustments.
Understanding Scope Turret Function
Rifle scopes use turrets to make precise adjustments to your point of impact (POI). These adjustments are measured in Minutes of Angle (MOA) or Milliradians (mils), both representing small angular changes. One MOA equals approximately 1 inch at 100 yards, while one mil is roughly 10 mm (approximately 0.4 inches) at 100 meters. Understanding these units is essential for accurate adjustments.
The Two Main Turret Types:
- Elevation Turret: This turret adjusts the vertical point of impact, moving your bullet up or down.
- Windage Turret: This turret adjusts the horizontal point of impact, moving your bullet left or right.
Which Way to Turn Each Turret?
This is where the common confusion arises. There's no universal standard, but the vast majority of scopes follow a consistent system based on the "right to tighten" principle (though there are some exceptions, so always double check your specific scope’s manual).
Elevation Turret:
- To move your point of impact UP: Turn the elevation turret clockwise. (Righty-tighty)
- To move your point of impact DOWN: Turn the elevation turret counter-clockwise. (Lefty-loosey)
Imagine you're looking at your scope from the rear. Turning the turret clockwise raises the crosshairs in your view. This will move your bullet's impact point upwards at the target.
Windage Turret:
- To move your point of impact RIGHT: Turn the windage turret clockwise. (Righty-tighty)
- To move your point of impact LEFT: Turn the windage turret counter-clockwise. (Lefty-loosey)
Again, envisioning yourself looking at the scope from behind, a clockwise turn moves the crosshairs to the right in your field of vision. This shifts your point of impact to the right at the target.
Visualizing the Adjustments:
Imagine a target with your shots impacting below and to the left. To correct this:
- Elevation: You need to move your POI up, so turn the elevation turret clockwise.
- Windage: You need to move your POI right, so turn the windage turret clockwise.
It's helpful to visualize the movement of the crosshairs in your scope's viewfinder when making these adjustments. This provides an intuitive understanding of the direction of change.
Dealing with Exceptions:
While the "right to tighten" convention is common, some older or specialized scopes might deviate. Always refer to your scope's manual. The instruction manual will specifically show you how the turrets should function. Don't rely solely on this general rule.
Practicing Your Turret Adjustments:
The best way to master turret adjustments is through practice. Visit a shooting range, start with a known zero, and deliberately make small adjustments to see how they affect your point of impact. Keep meticulous records of your adjustments, noting the number of clicks for each correction. This helps build muscle memory and ensures consistent adjustments in the field.
Importance of Proper Zeroing:
Before you even begin making adjustments, it's crucial to have your scope properly zeroed. Zeroing is the process of aligning your scope's crosshairs with your rifle's point of impact at a specific distance. This is the foundation for accurate shooting and effective turret adjustments.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of adjusting your scope turrets is essential for precise shooting. By remembering the general rule of "right to tighten" and consistently practicing, you'll enhance your accuracy and confidence on the range and in the field. Always refer to your scope's manual for specific instructions and remember that practice makes perfect. Safe and responsible shooting practices are paramount.