How to properly zero a rifle scope in Australia

A correctly zeroed optic allows the rifle’s point of aim to match its point of impact at a chosen distance. This improves consistency for target shooting, pest management and lawful hunting, while also helping you recognise when equipment or ammunition is performing poorly.

In Australia, zeroing should be carried out at an approved shooting range or on private property where discharging a firearm is lawful. Requirements differ between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, so check your licence conditions and local rules before setting up.

The process is straightforward when approached methodically. Safe firearm handling, a stable rifle rest, suitable ammunition and a clear understanding of the scope’s adjustment system matter more than rushing through a few shots.

Start with safety and equipment

Unload the rifle before mounting or checking the optic. Confirm the chamber and magazine are empty, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and use eye and hearing protection. At a range near Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, follow the range officer’s commands and cease-fire procedures. On rural land, make certain you have a safe backstop and permission to shoot.

Use the same rifle, ammunition and shooting position you expect to use later. Check that the scope rings are correctly fitted and tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. A loose mount, damaged crown, inconsistent ammunition or a poorly supported rifle can create wandering groups that look like an adjustment problem.

Mount and align the scope

Set the scope so the eye relief is comfortable in your normal shooting position. When the rifle is shouldered, you should see a full, circular sight picture without moving your head excessively. Level the reticle with the rifle, then tighten the ring screws evenly in small increments.

A basic bore-sight can save ammunition, but it is only a preliminary alignment. With the firearm unloaded, look through the bore where appropriate for the rifle’s design, or use a commercially available bore-sighting device. Never treat a bore-sighted rifle as ready to fire without checking it at the range.

Choose a sensible zero distance

A 100-metre zero is common for many centrefire rifles because it provides a useful reference for adjusting elevation and recording ballistic data. A 50-metre zero may be practical when range space is limited, or for some rimfire setups. The right distance depends on the cartridge, projectile, rifle, optic and intended use.

Begin at a shorter distance if you are unsure of the initial alignment. This reduces the chance of shots missing the target entirely. Once the group is safely on paper, move to the chosen zero range and confirm the result. Australian conditions such as strong coastal wind, heat haze around inland ranges and changing light can affect observation and shot placement.

Adjust the point of impact

Fire a controlled group from a stable rest rather than correcting after every shot. Three to five shots can reveal a useful centre, although a larger group may be necessary when testing ammunition or a new rifle. Allow the barrel to cool as recommended by the manufacturer, particularly with lightweight hunting rifles.

Measure the group’s centre from the desired point of aim. Turn the elevation turret to move the group up or down, and the windage turret to move it right or left. Confirm whether the turret markings are in minutes of angle or milliradians, and calculate the adjustment for the distance being used. Make small changes, then fire another group to verify them.

Confirm and record the result

Once the group is centred, shoot a final confirmation group using the position and ammunition you intend to use. Check that the reticle remains level and that the mounting screws have not shifted. If the group is large or irregular, investigate your technique, ammunition, barrel condition, action screws and optic mounts before making further turret adjustments.

Record the rifle, load, zero distance, weather and observed point of impact. A simple range notebook is useful when travelling between a club range in Adelaide, a property near Toowoomba or a hunting area in regional Tasmania. Transport, storage and access to ammunition must still comply with the relevant state or territory legislation and licence conditions.

A practical zeroing checklist

• Confirm your firearms licence, range rules and permission to shoot at the chosen location.
• Inspect the rifle, scope mounts, bore, ammunition and target backstop before loading.
• Establish a preliminary alignment at short range, then move to the selected zero distance.
• Fire deliberate groups and adjust elevation or windage based on the group centre.
• Record the final settings and store the unloaded firearm and ammunition lawfully.

A reliable zero is part of responsible firearm ownership, not a one-time adjustment. Recheck it after removing the optic, travelling, changing ammunition, experiencing a knock or noticing a change in grouping. Follow the National Firearms Agreement framework as applied by your state or territory, and rely on range officers or a qualified firearms instructor when technique or equipment is uncertain.

Take the rifle to an approved Australian range, verify every safety step and document the confirmed zero before using the firearm for lawful target shooting or hunting.