How to Zero Your Air Rifle Scope (Without Going Round in Circles)

You've got your air rifle, mounted your scope, and are ready to shoot. But unless it's properly zeroed, your shots won't consistently hit where you're aiming—no matter how good your aim is. Zeroing your air rifle scope is a vital skill every shooter must master. It aligns your point of aim with your point of impact at a specific distance.

This post breaks the zeroing process down step-by-step, helps you avoid common pitfalls, and gives you confidence to get it right the first time—without wasting pellets or patience.

Not got a scope yet? Choose or upgrade your air rifle scope in our day scopes section HERE. When there you can play with filters to choose by many factors. If budget is low to medium start with Brands: WULF, Hawke, Vector. If you have a big budget keep those brands but change the price minimum and maxium and add brands Arken, Delta, Element. MTC, Vortex

What Does "Zeroing" Actually Mean?

Zeroing means adjusting your scope so that the crosshairs align with where your pellet is actually striking at a chosen distance. For sub-12 ft-lb air rifles, this is typically 20 to 30 yards depending on what you're shooting and your pellet's trajectory.

Once zeroed, your aim point at that distance becomes precise. With a bit of understanding of pellet drop, you can then use the same crosshair or reticle markings to estimate impacts at other ranges too.

What You’ll Need

  • Air rifle and scope (mounted correctly with level mounts)
  • Pellets (use the same type and batch you intend to shoot with) See how to choose pellets here
  • A solid shooting rest or bench (minimises wobble and human error)
  • Paper targets with a visible bullseye. Not got any, get some free air rifle targets here
  • Allen keys/screwdriver for turret adjustments
  • Distance measuring tool (laser rangefinder or tape measure)
  • Calm conditions (avoid strong wind)

Step-by-Step: How to Zero Your Air Rifle Scope

1. Set Up at a Known Distance

Start at 10 or 15 yards if you're indoors or unsure where the scope is currently pointing. Otherwise, 20 to 25 yards is a good default range. Set up your paper target on a safe, flat backstop.

2. Stabilise Your Rifle

Use a bench, bipod, sandbag, or cushion—anything to keep your rifle steady. The goal is to remove as much shooter movement as possible so you can assess the true impact of each shot.

3. Fire a 3-Shot Group

Aim at the exact centre of your target and shoot three times, aiming at the same point each time. Don’t adjust between shots yet. This group will show you where the rifle is hitting in relation to the crosshairs.

4. Assess the Group

Ignore outliers from flinching or heavy breathing. Look at where the main group is forming in relation to your aim point. Measure the vertical and horizontal distance from the centre of your group to the centre of the bullseye.

5. Adjust Your Turrets

Your scope has two turrets:

  • Elevation (Up/Down): Usually the top turret.
  • Windage (Left/Right): Usually on the right side.

Each 'click' on a turret usually moves your point of impact by 1/4 MOA (Minute of Angle), which is around 1/4 inch at 100 yards—or about 1/16 inch at 25 yards.

If your group is hitting low and left, dial UP and RIGHT. Go slowly—better to make several smaller adjustments than one big one.

6. Fire Another 3-Shot Group

After adjusting, shoot another group at the same aim point. You should see the impact move closer to the centre. If it’s still off, make small corrections and shoot again. Repeat until your group consistently lands on the bullseye.

Tips to Get a Faster, Cleaner Zero

  • Use the same pellets you plan to shoot long-term—zeroing with one type and switching later will throw things off.
  • Don’t chase every shot—use consistent 3- or 5-shot groups to assess, not individual impacts.
  • Take your time between shots to stay consistent and avoid heat or fatigue affecting the results.
  • Don't zero in strong wind—gusts can push lightweight pellets off target.
  • Lock your turrets if your scope has caps or locks to prevent drift over time.

Should You Zero at 25 or 30 Yards?

This depends on your typical shooting distance. For general garden plinking or short-range pest control, 20–25 yards is ideal. If you're pushing 30–35 yards regularly, consider zeroing slightly further, but always stay consistent and learn your pellet's trajectory to adjust at other ranges.

Advanced: Learn Your Holdovers

Once you’ve zeroed at one range, your pellet will shoot above or below the crosshairs at different distances. You can use holdover (aiming higher or lower using reticle marks) to compensate. Spend time learning where your pellets hit at 10, 15, 30, and 35 yards. Keep a chart or notes if needed!

Final Word

Zeroing doesn’t have to be confusing. Follow this process slowly and methodically, and you’ll dial in your air rifle so that it hits exactly where you're aiming. Confidence starts here—and with a reliable zero, your accuracy and enjoyment will improve dramatically.

Next up in Part 9, we’ll focus on safe shooting practices and how to set up a range that’s effective, safe, and fun to use.

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