Sighting in Your Rifle: Maintaining Accuracy Season After Season

Rifle Sighting & Zeroing in Australia – A properly sighted-in rifle is your best mate for ethical shots on game across Australia. Whether you’re lining up on sambar in Victoria, pigs in Queensland, or rabbits in WA, having a dialled-in scope means fewer missed shots and more humane kills. This guide walks through the why and how of zeroing your rifle – with tips tailored to our bush, our laws, and our conditions.

Why You Need to Zero Your Rifle

Riflescopes can shift for all sorts of reasons – recoil, travel, weather, or even time. That’s why checking your zero regularly is a non-negotiable.

• After Storage: If your rifle’s been sitting in the safe, temperature swings and bumps can shift alignment.
• After Travel: 4WDing to your hunting spot? That shake can loosen mounts or shift your point of impact.
• Ammo Change: Different bullet weights shoot differently. Always re-zero after switching loads.

Legal Bits Worth Knowing

Each Aussie state has rules around rifle maintenance and storage. Most require rifles to be kept unloaded and secured in a safe – and using them at a range often needs approval or licensing. Always double-check your state’s laws before hitting the range or bush.

Steps to Zero Your Rifle

1. Prep at Home

• Check mounts are tight using a torque wrench (around 15–20 in-lbs).
• Clean the scope lenses – no dust or fog.
• Use a bore sight laser to get close to your target without wasting ammo.

2. Range Setup

• Choose a solid bench and shooting rest.
• Set targets at your ideal hunting distance – 100m is the norm.
• Fire a 3-shot group and measure your impact. Adjust windage and elevation accordingly.

3. Fine-Tune the Zero

• Repeat 3-shot groups, adjusting between each until you’re hitting centre consistently.
• Cool your barrel between groups to avoid heat distortion.
• Try a cold-bore shot after your rifle cools – that’s what your first shot will be like in the field.

Tips for Consistent Accuracy

• Use the Same Ammo: Stick with the load you plan to hunt with – different brands or weights change impact.
• Record Your Zero: Note down scope settings and results – saves time next season.
• Practice in Positions: Don’t just shoot off the bench. Practice prone, kneeling, or off sticks like you would in the field.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Bore Sighting: Wastes time and ammo at the range.
• Over-Adjusting: Make small, controlled clicks – don’t chase your groups around the target.
• Neglecting Cold Bore Checks: Your rifle may shoot differently on the first shot. Always test that.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re targeting deer in the Vic Alps or pigs in QLD, a properly zeroed rifle gives you the edge. Sight in regularly, use good gear, and spend the time now so your first shot in the bush hits the mark. Check out our range of bore sights, rests, and maintenance tools online – and gear up for a bloody ripper of a hunt.