How to Zero in a BB Gun Scope
Shooting a BB gun can be a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. In our fast-paced world, it is rare to sit down, practice slow breathing and enjoy the outdoors. Scopes make BB guns much more accurate, but require proper sighting to be effective. While BB guns are not nearly as accurate as regular rifles at ranges greater than 50 yards due to the round shape of the projectile, sharpshooters can still hone their craft with a zeroed-in BB gun.Instructions
String the twine between two objects approximately three inches above the ground. Hang a paper target from the string. Ensure that there are no people or structures behind the target. If possible, position the target in front of an earthen berm or hillside.
Measure the vertical distance from the center of the BB gun muzzle to the center of the scope. Draw a dot on the paper target directly below the bulls-eye at the measured distance. You will be shooting at the target from close range at the beginning of this procedure, meaning the BB will not have much time to drop during flight. Aiming at and hitting the slightly lower dot ensures that the scope is aimed at the bulls-eye.
Place the chair or tree stump on the ground ten feet from the target. Put on your safety glasses and rest your BB gun on the chair or stump. Fire one BB at the dot you drew below the bulls-eye. At only 10 feet, even the most inaccurate scope should place a BB on the target.
Adjust the windage knob on the side of of your scope to adjust your horizontal BB placement. The knob should be labeled which direction to turn.
Adjust the elevation knob on the top of the scope to adjust your vertical BB placement. Two or three clicks should be enough to see a difference.
Fire another shot. Adjust your elevation and windage knobs as necessary. Repeat this step until you are firing the BB through the drawn dot every time.
Move your chair or stump 30 feet away from the target. Now you can start aiming at the bulls-eye. Repeat Steps 4-6 to zero in your rifle at this new distance. You may need to replace the paper target with a fresh one to avoid any confusion.
Tips & Warnings
After every five shots, circle the BB holes on the target with a pen or pencil to distinguish old shots from new shots.
You will need to zero in your rifle any time you move farther from or closer to the target because the BB will drop during travel.
Always wear eye protection and exercise appropriate precautions when using a BB gun. Neglecting to do so can cause temporary or permanent blindness or other injury due to ricocheting BBs.
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