⭐ Key Highlights
- Turrets control elevation (up/down) and windage (left/right) adjustments
- Zeroing aligns your point of aim with point of impact
- Always confirm scope mounting and alignment before adjusting
- Use your first shot as a reference point for corrections
- Understand your scope’s system (MOA or Mil) for accurate adjustments
- Build a repeatable zero before moving to longer distances
- Practised regularly at clubs like Phoenix Rifle Club
🎯 Introduction: What Are Turret Adjustments?
For new shooters, one of the first challenges after getting a Firearm Certificate and setting up a rifle is learning how to zero a scope properly.
At the heart of this process are your turrets—the adjustment dials on your scope that allow you to move your point of impact.
Understanding how to use them correctly is essential for:
- Accurate shooting
- Efficient zeroing
- Consistent performance
This guide explains turret adjustments in a practical, easy-to-follow way.
A rifle scope typically has two main turrets:
Elevation Turret
- Located on top of the scope
- Adjusts the bullet impact up or down
Windage Turret
- Located on the side of the scope
- Adjusts the bullet impact left or right
👉 These adjustments move your reticle (crosshairs) so that it aligns with where your bullet is actually hitting.
Before touching your turrets, ensure:
- Scope mounts are secure and properly torqued
- Scope is level and aligned with the rifle
- Crosshairs are square to the rifle
If these are incorrect, no amount of turret adjustment will fix your accuracy.
1. Start with Bore Sighting
You can:
- Use a laser bore sight
- Or visually align the barrel by removing the bolt
This gets you close to the target before firing.
2. Take Your First Shot
Your first shot is critical—it tells you:
- Where your rifle is hitting
- How far off your aim is
👉 This is your reference point for adjustments.
3. Measure the Adjustment Needed
Compare:
- Point of aim (where you aimed)
- Point of impact (where the bullet hit)
Determine:
- How far up/down (elevation)
- How far left/right (windage)
4. Adjust Your Turrets
Turn the turrets according to your scope’s markings.
Most scopes indicate:
- Direction of adjustment (e.g., “UP”, “RIGHT”)
- Click value (e.g., 1 click = ¼ MOA or 0.1 Mil)
👉 Follow the markings carefully—this moves your reticle toward the bullet impact.
5. Fire Again and Refine
Take another shot to confirm your adjustment.
- If needed, repeat the process
- Gradually bring your shots onto the target centre
6. Confirm and Set Your Zero
Once your grouping is centred:
- Confirm with multiple shots
- Set your turret zero (if your scope allows it)
This gives you a reliable baseline for future adjustments.
If you want to see why the bullet path crosses your line of sight twice — once close to the muzzle and again at your chosen zero distance — Optics Intel’s zero-distance visualizer is a useful way to see it. It’s a simplified, gravity-only geometry model rather than a full ballistic solver, but it makes the two-crossing shape easy to picture before you start dialling turrets.
Your scope will use one of two systems:
MOA (Minute of Angle)
- Common in many scopes
- Typically 1 click = ¼ MOA
- At 100 yards ≈ 1 inch per MOA
Mil (Milliradian)
- Metric-based system
- Typically 1 click = 0.1 Mil
- At 100m ≈ 1 cm per click
👉 The key is consistency—use one system and understand it well.
Adjusting the Wrong Direction
Always follow turret markings—guessing leads to confusion.
Over-Adjusting
Make measured adjustments based on your shot, not random changes.
Not Using a Stable Shooting Position
Inconsistent shooting leads to incorrect adjustments.
Skipping Bore Sighting
This can waste time and ammunition.
Not Confirming Zero
A single good shot is not enough—always confirm with a group.
Zeroing a scope is a logical process, not guesswork.
If your first shot is off target, the correct response is to measure the deviation and apply a calculated adjustment. Random turret changes introduce more variables and slow progress.
Consistency in shooting position is essential. If your setup changes between shots, your adjustments will not reflect the true performance of the rifle.
When using MOA or Mil systems, understanding the value of each click allows you to make precise corrections rather than relying on trial and error.
Once a zero is established, it becomes your reference point. Any future changes—such as new ammunition or scope adjustments—should be tested against this baseline.
A properly zeroed rifle allows you to:
- Shoot accurately at your chosen distance
- Make predictable adjustments for longer ranges
- Build confidence in your equipment
Without a solid zero, every shot becomes uncertain.
Zeroing is a skill that improves with experience.
At Phoenix Rifle Club, shooters are encouraged to:
- Take their time during zeroing
- Ask for guidance if unsure
- Practise regularly to build consistency
Turret adjustments are one of the most important skills for any rifle shooter.
By understanding:
- How your turrets work
- How to measure and apply corrections
- How to confirm your zero
…you gain control over your shooting accuracy.
Take a structured approach, stay consistent, and your results will improve.
Once your zero is holding steady, the next things worth understanding are what can knock it off again, what parallax actually does, and how to pick a scope that won’t fight you. See our guide to scope parallax, ammo consistency, and choosing the right optic.
What do scope turrets do?
They adjust your point of impact up/down (elevation) and left/right (windage).
What is zeroing a scope?
Aligning your point of aim with where the bullet hits.
Should I bore sight before shooting?
Yes, it helps get you on target quickly.
What is MOA vs Mil?
They are two different measurement systems for scope adjustments.
How many shots does it take to zero?
Usually a few groups, depending on how close your initial setup is.
Can I zero at any distance?
Yes, but 100m is a common standard.
Do I need to re-zero my scope?
Yes, if you change ammunition, optics, or setup.
Related Article – scope Features when Shooting at Phoenix Rifle Club