Adjusting a Bushnell scope for kids ensures that young shooters can use the scope comfortably and accurately. Proper adjustment helps accommodate smaller eyes, shorter arm reach, and less steady hands, making it easier and safer for children to aim and enjoy shooting activities. Before starting, it’s important to have the scope mounted correctly on the firearm and be in a safe, open area suitable for sighting in.
What You’ll Need
- Firearm with Bushnell scope securely mounted
- A stable shooting rest or bench
- Targets placed at a known distance (usually 25 to 50 yards for kids)
- Tools for scope adjustment (usually just your fingers; some models may require a small screwdriver)
- Eye protection for the child
- Optional: A spotting scope or binoculars to check the target hits
Step-by-Step
- Ensure safety first. Confirm the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Always wear eye protection.
- Set up the shooting area. Place a target at a manageable distance, typically 25 yards for beginners or younger kids. Use a stable rest so the child can focus on aiming without struggling to hold the firearm steady.
- Adjust the eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between the child’s eye and the scope’s eyepiece. Have the child hold the firearm in their natural shooting position and move the scope forward or backward until the full field of view is clear without any dark rings or shadows around the edges.
- Focus the ocular lens. Most Bushnell scopes have an adjustable eyepiece to focus the reticle. Have the child look through the scope at a blank sky or wall, then rotate the eyepiece until the reticle appears sharp and clear. This makes aiming easier and reduces eye strain.
- Adjust windage and elevation turrets. These are the dials on the scope that move the reticle left/right (windage) and up/down (elevation). Using the target hits as feedback, turn the dials to move the point of impact toward the center of the target. Typically, turning the dial clockwise moves the point of impact in the direction indicated on the turret.
- Confirm zero at the chosen distance. After adjustments, fire 3 to 5 shots to verify that the point of impact aligns with the point of aim. Make fine adjustments as needed. Keep the child involved, encouraging them to observe how their adjustments change the shot placement.
- Set the scope’s magnification. If the Bushnell scope has variable zoom, set it at a low to medium magnification for kids (e.g., 3x to 6x). Higher magnification can be harder to hold steady and may cause frustration.
- Teach proper cheek weld and posture. A consistent cheek position on the stock helps maintain the correct eye relief and sight picture. Guide the child to place their cheek firmly and comfortably against the stock each time they aim.
- Practice regularly. Encourage the child to practice aiming and shooting with the adjusted scope to build confidence and skill.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring eye relief: Not adjusting the scope for proper eye relief can cause a blurry or tunnel vision effect, making it hard for kids to see through the scope correctly.
- Overcomplicating adjustments: Trying to adjust too many settings at once can confuse kids. Focus first on simple windage and elevation adjustments.
- Setting magnification too high: High zoom levels can make the target image shaky and difficult for kids to track.
- Failing to stabilize the firearm: Kids often have less steady hands, so not using a rest or support can lead to poor shot placement and frustration.
- Rushing the zeroing process: Not taking time to confirm and fine-tune the scope zero can result in inaccurate shots and a poor shooting experience.
- Forgetting to teach proper cheek weld: Without consistent cheek placement, eye relief and sight picture will vary, causing aiming problems.
Tips
- Use bright targets: Bright, colorful targets help kids see where their shots land more easily.
- Mark adjustments: If your scope has tactile or audible clicks, count them during adjustments to keep track of changes.
- Adjust in small increments: Move the windage and elevation turrets in small steps (e.g., half or quarter clicks) to avoid overcorrecting.
- Be patient and positive: Encouragement helps kids stay engaged and learn faster.
- Practice dry firing: Without live ammo, kids can practice aiming and trigger control safely to build good habits.
- Check scope mounting: Before adjustments, verify the scope is firmly mounted to prevent shifting zero after adjustment.
- Use eye cups or sunshades: Some Bushnell scopes have rubber eye cups or optional sunshades to improve comfort and reduce glare for kids.
Troubleshooting
If adjustments don’t seem to work or the scope won’t zero correctly, try the following:
- Check the mounting: Loose rings or bases can cause the scope to shift after adjustment. Tighten all screws securely but avoid over-tightening.
- Verify ammunition consistency: Using inconsistent ammo can cause varying shot placement, making zeroing difficult. Use the same ammo type and brand for sighting in.
- Confirm target distance: Make sure the target is at the distance you intend to zero for. Adjusting for the wrong distance will cause inaccurate point of impact.
- Inspect the scope for damage: Physical damage to the scope or turrets can impair adjustments. Look for cracks, loose parts, or sticky turrets.
- Re-focus the ocular lens: A blurry reticle can cause aiming errors. Rotate the eyepiece to sharpen the crosshairs.
- Check for parallax error: Some Bushnell scopes have parallax adjustments; if available, set it to the target distance to avoid aiming discrepancies.
- Ensure consistent shooting position: Variations in how the child holds or mounts the rifle can cause inconsistent shot placement. Reinforce proper posture and cheek weld.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if the scope is adjusted correctly for my child?
- If the child sees a clear, full field of view without black rings, the reticle is sharp, and shots consistently hit near the point of aim at the chosen distance, the scope is properly adjusted.
- Can kids use the same scope settings as adults?
- Not usually. Kids often need shorter eye relief, lower magnification, and more stable support due to their size and steadiness differences.
- How often should I check the scope adjustments?
- Check before every shooting session, especially if the firearm or scope has been handled or transported, to ensure nothing has shifted.
- What if my child complains the scope is blurry or uncomfortable?
- Revisit the eye relief and ocular focus steps. Adjust the scope position and rotate the eyepiece until the image and reticle are clear and comfortable.
- Is it okay for kids to adjust the scope themselves?
- With supervision, teaching kids to make basic adjustments helps them learn and take ownership. However, initial setup should be adult-led to prevent damage or confusion.
- Can I use a Bushnell scope on any kids’ rifle?
- Most Bushnell scopes fit standard rifle mounts, but confirm compatibility with your specific firearm and ensure the scope’s size and weight are suitable for the child’s rifle.
By following these steps and tips, you can help kids get the most out of their Bushnell scopes, improving their shooting accuracy and enjoyment in a safe, educational way. Remember to prioritize safety, patience, and clear communication throughout the process.
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How to Adjust a Bushnell Scope for Kids: Easy Step-by-Step Guide