Adjusting the windage and elevation on your Bushnell scope is essential for precise targeting and improved shooting accuracy. These adjustments allow you to compensate for bullet drop (elevation) and horizontal drift caused by wind or other factors (windage). Properly setting these controls ensures your point of impact aligns exactly with your point of aim, making your shooting experience more reliable and rewarding.
What You’ll Need
- Your Bushnell rifle scope
- A stable shooting platform (bench rest or sandbags recommended)
- A rifle mounted with the Bushnell scope securely installed
- A target placed at a known distance (typically 100 yards/meters for zeroing)
- A tool for removing turret caps if applicable (usually a coin or flat screwdriver)
- Optional: A wind meter for precise environmental conditions
Step-by-Step
- Set up your shooting environment: Place your target at a known, consistent distance—commonly 100 yards or meters. Use a stable shooting rest to minimize movement and ensure repeatable shots.
- Prepare your Bushnell scope: Remove the turret caps covering the windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) adjustment knobs if present. These caps protect the knobs from accidental movement.
- Understand the turret markings: The elevation turret is usually located on top of the scope, while the windage turret is on the right side. Each click typically corresponds to 1/4 MOA (minute of angle), which translates to approximately 1/4 inch adjustment at 100 yards. Confirm your scope’s click value in the manual.
- Fire a group of shots: Aim at the center of the target and fire 3-5 shots to establish your current point of impact. This group will help determine how much adjustment is needed.
- Measure the group’s deviation: Observe where the group landed relative to the target center. Note how far off it is horizontally (left or right) and vertically (high or low).
- Calculate the necessary adjustments: Convert the distance your shots are off into turret clicks. For example, if your group is 2 inches low at 100 yards and your turret adjusts 1/4 MOA per click, you’ll need 8 clicks up (because 1 MOA ≈ 1 inch at 100 yards, so 2 inches = 2 MOA, 2 MOA / 0.25 MOA per click = 8 clicks).
- Adjust elevation: Turn the elevation turret in the direction marked “UP” to raise your point of impact or “DOWN” to lower it. Make the calculated number of clicks.
- Adjust windage: Turn the windage turret toward “R” (right) or “L” (left) based on whether your shots are hitting left or right of the target. Again, use the calculated number of clicks.
- Fire another group: Shoot 3-5 more rounds aiming at the same point to verify the adjustment. Ideally, your group should now be centered on the target.
- Fine-tune as needed: Repeat the measuring and adjusting process until your shots consistently hit the desired point of impact.
- Replace turret caps: Once satisfied with your zero, replace the turret caps to protect your settings during use.
- Record your zero settings: Note down the number of clicks or turret dial positions for future reference or when changing ammunition or shooting conditions.
Common Mistakes
- Not using a stable rest: Shooting freehand or from an unstable position leads to inconsistent groups, making adjustment difficult.
- Ignoring turret click values: Different Bushnell models may have different click values; assuming 1/4 MOA without checking can cause incorrect adjustments.
- Adjusting turrets in the wrong direction: Misreading the turret markings and turning the knobs opposite to what’s needed can worsen accuracy.
- Failing to fire groups: Making adjustments after a single shot can be misleading due to natural shot variation.
- Over-adjusting: Making large adjustments without incremental verification can move the point of impact too far off target.
- Not accounting for environmental factors: Wind, temperature, and altitude affect bullet trajectory and should be considered when zeroing.
- Skipping record keeping: Not noting your zero settings means you may have to start over after scope removal or ammunition changes.
Tips
- Use a consistent shooting position and technique to reduce variables affecting your shot placement.
- Zero your scope at a distance that matches your typical shooting range for best practical results.
- If your Bushnell scope has resettable turrets, use the zero-stop feature or reset the dials after zeroing for easier reference.
- Make small adjustments and verify with groups rather than large corrections at once.
- Consider using a spotting scope or binoculars to observe your shots’ impact without walking downrange frequently.
- Practice adjusting the turrets dry (unloaded) to familiarize yourself with their feel and direction before live fire.
- Keep turret caps clean and free from debris to prevent damage and accidental movement.
- When possible, use the same ammunition type during zeroing to maintain consistency in bullet performance.
Troubleshooting
If your adjustments do not bring your shots closer to the point of aim, try the following:
- Check scope mounting: Ensure the scope is securely mounted and properly aligned. Loose rings or improper cant can cause inconsistent impacts.
- Verify turret function: Confirm the turrets are actually moving the internal reticle. Sometimes turrets can become stuck or misaligned internally.
- Confirm click values: Re-examine your scope manual or manufacturer website to verify the exact click value per adjustment.
- Inspect for parallax error: If your scope has parallax adjustment, make sure it’s set correctly for your target distance to avoid aiming errors.
- Reassess shooting technique: Inconsistent shooting form or trigger pull can cause shot dispersion unrelated to scope adjustment.
- Evaluate environmental conditions: Strong wind or mirage can cause bullet drift or aiming errors; try to zero in minimal wind conditions.
- Check ammunition consistency: Different lots or types of ammo can shoot differently; use consistent ammo for zeroing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many clicks equal one inch at 100 yards on a Bushnell scope?
- Most Bushnell scopes have 1/4 MOA clicks, meaning 4 clicks move the point of impact about 1 inch at 100 yards.
- Can I adjust windage and elevation without firing shots?
- It’s possible to adjust turrets without shooting, but without live-fire confirmation, you won’t know if the changes improved accuracy.
- What if my scope turrets don’t have markings?
- Consult your scope’s manual or Bushnell’s website. Most scopes have tactile or visual indicators; if missing, contact Bushnell support.
- How often should I re-zero my Bushnell scope?
- Re-zero whenever you change ammunition, adjust mounts, or after significant impacts or environmental changes.
- Is it necessary to remove turret caps for adjustments?
- Not always, but removing caps gives easier access and prevents accidental damage. Many shooters adjust with caps on carefully.
- What’s the difference between elevation and windage adjustments?
- Elevation changes the vertical point of impact (up/down), while windage adjusts horizontal impact (left/right).
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively adjust your Bushnell scope’s windage and elevation to achieve precise and consistent shooting results. Proper zeroing takes patience and practice but is key to making the most of your optics and rifle.
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How to Adjust Bushnell Scope Windage and Elevation Accurately