Understanding Bushnell Scope Adjustments
Bushnell scopes, known for their reliability, require proper adjustment for optimal accuracy. Understanding windage, elevation, and parallax adjustments is crucial. These adjustments, typically made using knobs or turrets, move the reticle within the scope. This ensures that the point of aim matches the point of impact, improving your shooting precision.
Initial Setup and Mounting
Before making any adjustments, proper mounting of your Bushnell scope is paramount. Begin by ensuring your rifle is unloaded and safely secured. Select appropriate scope rings compatible with your rifle and scope tube diameter. Position the scope in the rings, ensuring it provides adequate eye relief, typically around 3.3 inches, for a clear field of view. Adjust the scope forward or backward to find the furthest point for maximum eye relief while maintaining a full view. Rotate the scope in the rings until the reticle is perpendicular to the bore, with the elevation adjustment on top. Tighten the mounting screws securely, but avoid over-tightening. It’s wise to check the center of the optical axis before fully tightening, using a V-block or similar method. This ensures the scope is aligned and ready for accurate zeroing and further adjustments. Verify that the reticle appears as a perfect cross when looking through the scope. A solid mount is essential for consistent performance and accuracy. Double-check all screws and the scope’s positioning;
Zeroing Your Bushnell Scope
Zeroing your Bushnell scope is a critical step for achieving accurate shots. Begin with an unloaded rifle and a stable shooting rest, such as sandbags. Set your scope to its lowest magnification. Start by shooting at a target, usually at 25 or 100 yards, depending on your preference and the scope’s intended use. Observe where your shots land relative to your target’s center. Adjust the windage and elevation turrets based on your shot placement. If your shots are low and to the left, adjust the elevation up and the windage to the right. These adjustments are typically in quarter-inch increments at 100 yards. Shoot a few more rounds to confirm the changes you’ve made. Continue adjusting the turrets until your shots consistently hit the center of the target. Remember, consistency is key. It’s best practice to zero your scope in the conditions you’ll be shooting in most often. Make sure that you are using the correct tools and materials for the adjustments. Verify zero with multiple shot groups.
Windage Adjustment
Windage adjustment on a Bushnell scope is used to correct for horizontal deviations in your shots, accounting for wind drift or any consistent left or right bias. The windage adjustment knob is typically located on the right side of the scope, easily accessible for adjustments. To adjust windage, remove the protective cap, if present, and use your fingers or a tool if needed to turn the knob. Turning the knob will move the reticle left or right, correcting your point of impact. Most Bushnell scopes feature audible clicks, each click representing a specific movement, often 1/4 MOA (minute of angle) at 100 yards. When making adjustments, be precise and patient. After making the adjustment, fire another shot to see if the impact point moved. Continue the adjustment process until your shots group horizontally, directly on the vertical line that passes through the target center. If you are using a new scope, it is important to set the windage adjustment to the midpoint before making any fine adjustments.
Elevation Adjustment
Elevation adjustment on a Bushnell scope is crucial for correcting vertical deviations in your shots, ensuring the bullet impacts at the desired point of aim. The elevation adjustment knob is generally situated on the top of the scope, making it easily identifiable and accessible. To adjust elevation, you first need to remove the protective cap, if there is one. Then, rotate the knob with your fingers, or a suitable tool, as needed. Turning the knob moves the reticle up or down, changing the vertical point of impact of your shots. Most Bushnell scopes feature audible clicks, with each click commonly corresponding to 1/4 MOA at 100 yards. When adjusting, make small, precise changes. After each adjustment, fire a test shot and observe the impact point. Continue this process until your shots group vertically, aligned with the horizontal line that passes through the center of the target. It is wise to set the elevation adjustment to its midpoint, before zeroing in. This allows for the best adjustment range.
Using Adjustment Knobs
Bushnell scopes typically use adjustment knobs, often called turrets, for making precise changes to windage and elevation. These knobs are designed for user-friendly adjustments, allowing for both quick and fine-tuning of your scope. Before making any adjustments, ensure your rifle is unloaded and in a safe location. The knobs may have protective caps that need to be removed before use. Most Bushnell scopes feature finger-adjustable knobs that produce audible clicks as you rotate them. Each click usually represents a specific unit of measurement, such as 1/4 MOA at 100 yards, enabling very precise adjustments. When making adjustments, move the reticle in the direction you want the bullet impact to shift. For example, to move your shot up, turn the elevation knob in the “UP” direction, and to move it to the right, adjust the windage knob in the “R” direction. It is best to make small adjustments, fire a test shot, and observe the impact point. This process should be repeated until your reticle is precisely aligned with your target.
Parallax Adjustment
Parallax adjustment is a crucial feature on many Bushnell scopes, especially those designed for longer ranges. Parallax occurs when the reticle and target image are not on the same focal plane, resulting in perceived movement of the reticle against the target when the shooter’s eye moves. A parallax adjustment knob or ring allows you to correct this. Typically located on the side of the scope or near the objective lens, the adjustment mechanism often has marked distances. By setting the parallax adjustment to the appropriate distance, the target and reticle will both be in sharp focus and remain steady when you move your eye. To adjust for parallax, look through the scope, move your eye slightly, and ensure the reticle remains centered on the target. If there is any apparent shift, turn the adjustment ring until the reticle no longer moves. Correct parallax adjustment is critical for precision shooting, and it ensures that the scope is accurate for the distance you are engaging the target.
Objective Adjustment Ring
The objective adjustment ring, often found on Bushnell scopes, is used primarily to adjust the focus of the target image. This ring is typically located at the front of the scope, near the objective lens. Unlike parallax adjustment, the objective adjustment ring focuses the image of the target, ensuring it is sharp and clear for the shooter. Some models have marked distances on the ring, allowing you to quickly adjust the focus for a specific range. To use the objective adjustment ring, look through the scope and turn the ring until the target image appears crisp and focused. This adjustment is particularly important when shooting at varying distances, ensuring that you have a clear view of the target. Some Bushnell scopes use this ring in conjunction with or instead of a dedicated parallax adjustment. Proper use of the objective adjustment ring contributes significantly to accuracy by providing a clear and well-defined target image. This ensures you have the best possible view before taking your shot.
Focusing the Reticle
Focusing the reticle in your Bushnell scope is a crucial step for achieving a clear sight picture. This adjustment ensures that the reticle itself is sharp and distinct against the background, allowing for precise aiming. To focus the reticle, locate the eyepiece adjustment ring, usually at the rear of the scope. Begin by loosening the locking ring, if present, and then slowly rotate the eyepiece until the reticle appears crisp. Look through the scope at a neutral background, such as the sky, when making this adjustment. The goal is to achieve a sharp focus on the reticle, not the target itself. Once you have the reticle focused, tighten the locking ring to secure the setting. This ensures that the focus remains consistent during use. A properly focused reticle is essential for achieving accurate shots, as it provides a clear and precise aiming point. This adjustment is often overlooked but is a critical step in setting up your Bushnell scope.
Checking Optical Axis
Before fully mounting and zeroing your Bushnell scope, it’s wise to check the optical axis. This step ensures the scope’s internal components are properly aligned, which is critical for consistent performance. To check the optical axis, place the scope in a solid V-block or a similar setup that allows it to be held securely and level. Then, while looking through the scope in a normal viewing position, observe if the reticle remains centered as you slowly rotate the scope within the V-block. If the reticle moves in a circle larger than 1 inch from the center at 25 yards, this indicates a potential issue with the optical axis that may require adjustment. Begin by resetting the windage and elevation adjustments to their midpoints. If the target still rotates, use these adjustments to correct the centering. If you are unable to correct the rotation, it may be necessary to return the scope to the manufacturer. This process confirms the internal mechanics are in alignment and will help achieve accurate shots.
Specific Bushnell Model Adjustments
Bushnell offers a diverse range of scopes, each with its own specific adjustment features. For example, the Bushnell Banner series often features finger-adjustable turrets for windage and elevation, while some higher-end models like the XRS II may include more refined adjustment mechanisms and parallax control. The Bushnell Trophy scopes also have finger-adjustable, audible-click turrets. When adjusting a Bushnell Banner scope, use the windage and elevation turrets, rotating them to move the reticle. Always consult the manual for your specific model as adjustment values (like MOA per click) and the location of turrets and parallax settings can vary. Some models, like those in the AR Optics line, may have side parallax adjustment and different reticle types. The Bushnell Match Pro ED has also been reviewed to have adjustments. Understanding the specific adjustment features of your Bushnell scope ensures you are making the correct fine-tuning to achieve optimal performance. The Bushnell Forge 4.5-2750 is also known for its adjustments.
Maintenance of Bushnell Scopes
Maintaining your Bushnell scope is crucial for its longevity and continued accuracy. Though designed to be tough, these are precision instruments that require careful handling. Start by always ensuring your scope is securely mounted; loose mounts can affect adjustments. Keep the lenses clean using a lens cloth and appropriate cleaning solution; avoid harsh chemicals. When storing, use lens covers to protect against dust and scratches. Periodically check the mounting screws to ensure they’re still tight but not over-tightened. If you use your scope frequently, especially in inclement weather, check the turret adjustments, and the objective ring for free movement. The Bushnell scope has a rain guard HD coating to help in various weather conditions, and are usually one piece tubes. If the reticle appears blurry, check for proper focusing by adjusting the eyepiece. Routine care will ensure your Bushnell scope remains a reliable piece of equipment. Check the scope’s optical axis regularly.