Survival Lessons Tips for the survivalist, fisherman and hunter
Basically, air rifles are sold without an optical sight, which significantly increases the accuracy of shooting, but some manufacturers produce their models in this configuration. Regardless of whether it was originally an optical sight or it was purchased separately, the rifle must be zeroed in. Let's figure out how to do it correctly and what should be taken into account.
Some difficulty in zeroing an air rifle with a telescopic sight lies in the fact that there are several types of optics for rifles. The main difference is in the execution of the crosshairs. It can be lines or small dots, a T-shaped landmark. There is also such a nuance - in some sights the magnification is multiple, in others it is smooth.
Therefore, the author considered it appropriate to outline the main points of zeroing in pneumatics, which are almost the same for all models of optics. Moreover, the manufacturer necessarily attaches detailed instructions to the device, which in this case is the fundamental document.
Content
Procedure for firing an air rifle
Sight installation
Just attaching it to a rifle does not mean ensuring high accuracy in hitting a target. Certain rules must be followed:
- When installing the optics, pay attention to the correct position of the mounting (mounting) rings. They are not recommended to be placed with a shift to the center of the sight or to its edges. Otherwise, deformation of the case during the use of the rifle is not excluded. The fact is that even partial (visually imperceptible) damage negatively affects the work of the correction mechanism. Consequently, the meaning of equipping a weapon with an optical sight is completely lost, since increased shooting accuracy will not be provided, on the contrary, it will decrease.
- After making the necessary adjustments (the procedure is indicated in the instructions for the sight), the position of the crosshair is checked. The upper and lower risks of the optics (linear or dotted, depending on the modification of the sight) must be located strictly vertically.
- Since each of us has his own peculiarities of vision, you should adjust the distance “for yourself”. That is why experts do not advise trusting the sighting of a rifle with optics to someone else, even if they are much more experienced in this matter.
- The final mount of the optical sight. After choosing the optimal position of all available adjustments, they must be fixed.
Target selection
Since on the hunt, in the field, everything happens in dynamics and the situation is constantly changing, it is better to zero the rifle “on the cross”. In order not to spend money on the purchase of finished products, the target can be assembled from improvised materials, taking plywood or boards as a basis. And to apply the appropriate markings - a cross - a matter of several minutes (with a felt-tip pen, gluing strips of PVC tape, adhesive tape with colored paper, and so on). Fantasy itself will tell you what you need.
It should be noted that one target will not be enough. Firstly, two or three, installed at different distances from the location of the rifle, will significantly reduce the zeroing time. Although this is at the discretion of the shooter. Secondly, if the weather is windy, the target itself is quite light, and there will be a lot of shots, then one will definitely not be enough. Do not interrupt the sighting just to make a new one.
Selecting a shooting position
For an air rifle, given its maximum firing range, targets are placed at a distance of 30 to 100 m. Based on this, a site is selected. It is not worth reminding that it should be located away from residential buildings, roads, and so on - this is implied.
What else do you need to shoot
- Lining. It not only provides convenience, but also protects the surface of the rifle from scratches. Such products can be purchased, although it will not be difficult to make it yourself.
- Machine. Also available for sale, under various types of weapons. But given the cost of such devices, most hunters use bags filled with earth, sand, and the like to give the rifle a stable position. The extent to which this is appropriate will become clear a little later. As an option - a bipod, although a simple machine is enough for a beginner shooter.
- Stock of bullets. For high-quality zeroing of an optical sight, they will need at least 80 - 100 pieces (depending on the skill and experience of the hunter).
- Adjustment tools. These are screwdrivers that are selected based on the size of the fixing screws and the configuration of the slots on the heads.
Air rifle shooting
The technique itself is quite simple to understand. Shooting is carried out from several distances, and the results of each series of shots are recorded. To simplify the work, it is desirable to arrange it in the form of a table, then the whole picture will become more understandable, and it will be much easier to decide on adjusting the settings of the optical sight.
First you need to check the coincidence of the axes of the bore and the sight. The fact is that the installation of optics according to all the rules does not yet guarantee that this is exactly the case. Various tolerances, manufacturing errors, parameter deviations are inevitable. But the main task of zeroing is to ensure that the bullets hit the target as accurately as possible.
Therefore, first the rifle "through the barrel" is aimed at the center of the target. After that, the shooter looks into the optical sight and, if necessary, corrects its position. This is an additional argument in favor of the fact that a machine is still better for zeroing. With bags, it is unlikely that you will be able to avoid some movement of the rifle after the shot.
An interesting question is from what distance (in m) to start zeroing in an optical sight? All recommendations are completely different, although detailed. Some authors consider - from 25, others - from 30. For others, the optimal distance is 50. What to do? Carefully study the instructions for the existing device. Sights are produced by different manufacturers, with their specifications, characteristics, quality of optics, in various modifications. Only instructions - and there will be no discrepancies on this issue!
What to consider when shooting
- You don't have to run and inspect the target every time. This is done after 4 - 5 shots. So you can more accurately determine the adjustment of shooting for the spread of several bullets.
- At each distance, the optics must be adjusted. It is necessary to achieve the utmost clarity of the target image.
Everything else is quite simple. Shoot the ammo - study the spread and accuracy - make adjustments - shoot again. And so - "in a circle" until the bullets begin to lie down as accurately as possible.
It remains to be added that sighting a rifle with a telescopic sight is not a one-time event. It should be practiced regularly, and the more intensively pneumatics is used, the more often. Unless, of course, you worry about the accuracy of the hit.
Helpful Hints
To zero in the optics of an air rifle, as well as any other, the type of bullets (cartridges) with which it is mainly planned to hunt is taken.
When buying a sight, you need to pay attention to additional / accessories. To avoid problems in the future, you should not purchase a device whose fixing rings are from another manufacturer. This also happens, and quite often, especially when it means not some expensive optics models for several thousand, but relatively cheap copies in the range of 500 - 900 rubles.
Few people will spend money on equipping a rifle with a scope just to shoot at a shooting range (in their yard and so on). There is a lot of controversy regarding the legality of using pneumatics for hunting. According to the "Rules ..." dated 1988, it is prohibited. But the law on weapons classifies a rifle of this class as a hunting rifle, but only if its muzzle energy does not exceed 25 J. From the author's point of view, such knowledge is clearly not enough. It is also necessary to clarify all the nuances in the appropriate authority of your region.
Literally - as the local legislator interprets federal documents. After all, he has been given the right to make certain adjustments to the laws of the Russian Federation that do not go into direct conflict with them. Such foresight will allow us to avoid any conflicts with supervisory authorities in the future.
One of the problems that owners of rifles with optics face is sight drift, especially if the recoil is high. Sometimes it just flies off the attachment point. To insure against such cases, it is advisable to treat the fixing screws with sealant even before zeroing. In a specialized store, they will tell you what composition is available for these purposes.
Hello, I am Alexander, the mastermind behind the blog.
In terms of career and free time, I connected my life with the forest. How else, when you live in Karelia! In this blog, I am responsible for the hunting, hiking and equipment sections. Welcome to my world!
