How to Reset a Scope to Factory Zero – Full Guide with FAQs, Tips, & More

There are a lot of questions related to scopes and one of them is,

How to reset a scope to factory zero?

We are here to answer that.

So, let’s get into it.

How To Reset A Scope To Factory Zero?

You should always check your scope before shooting. If you’re going to shoot, make sure your scope is centered properly.

Items Needed To Reset Your Scope

1). Scope – You need to know what kind of scope you have before you begin. A rifle scope is different than a pistol scope.

2). Screwdriver or Allen wrench – Depending on the type of scope you have, you may use either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to adjust the focus.

3). Resetting a scope to factory zero – To reset a scope to factory zeroes, you must first determine if the scope is set to windage or elevation. Then you count down from 10 to 0 until you reach zero.

4). Divide by 2 – When you divide by 2, you get the same result as when you multiply by 2.

5). More precision – Using the counting method allows you to be more

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Put your scope flush with the mirror

You should be able to see the crosshair if your scope is optically centered. If it isn’t, you’ll see a shadow of the crosshair in the reflection.

Line up the shadow of the reticle with the reticle itself

To reset to factory zero, align the shadow of the reticles with the reticles themselves. Adjust the elevation and windage turrets until the shadow and the reticles are aligned.

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Method – Counting Method

Turn the top turret as far as you can until it stops spinning.

Elevation turrets should be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on how much force is applied to them.

You shouldn’t bottom out your turret when turning it up as this could cause damage to the scope. Stop when you feel resistance in the barrel. Your turret may also rotate counter-clockwise.

Follow the arrow on the turret to make sure you’re going in the correct direction.

Turn the elevation knob up by 24 clicks.

Windage turrets must be turned clockwise or counterclockwise by clicking them until resistance is felt. The number of clicks required to stop the turret is divided into halves. Then the windage turret is turned to that number.

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Commonly Asked Questions

When will I need to reset the scope to factory zero?

Resetting the scope to factory zero is necessary when swapping scopes between firearms, buying a used scope, and speeding up the process of zeroing a rifle at the range.

You shouldn’t need any special tool to set your scope to zero. A screwdriver or an Allen key will do the trick. To get back to zero, you’ll need to loosen the screws holding the turret caps down.

Optic alignment takes about 2-3 seconds. Using the mirror method, it should only take a few seconds. However, using the counting method, it may take up to several minutes.

How To Adjust A Rifle Scope Up And Down

A laser bore sighter is used to sight-in scopes. It is used by gunsmiths to make sure that a rifle or shotgun is properly zeroed before firing.

The Mirror Method

This method works well if there is a permanent light source. But, if the light source is removed, then the mirror method won’t work.

So what you need to do to set up your scope is:

1. Set your scope right next to the mirror
2. Align your shadow with the actual reticle (the dot)

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The Counting Method

This takes up more time because you have to spin the turrets one after the other, but you can do it anywhere.

You turn the elevation or windage turret until it stops clicking. Then you count clicks in the opposite direction and make it half. You repeat this process twice more.

Finally, you turn the turret back to zero.

Scopes are built differently from one another. You shouldn’t worry about this because you’ll only use wrenches or screwdrivers to reset the factory zero. It should be easy to do.

Don’t forget to slip the scales!

You should use a screwdriver or wrench to reset the counter back to 0. It takes less than 2 minutes.

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Conclusion

Resetting the scope to factory zero isn’t hard and we hope that you know how to do it too.