What is a Rifle Scope Ruler and how to sight a scope with a Rifle Scope Ruler?

Have you ever wanted to save yourself the extra cost of ammo when sighting in your rifle scope? Many shooters spend hundreds of dollars on ammo just to zero in on their new rifle scope,  but this high cost could actually be avoided if you know how to use a rifle scope ruler. Most shooters have different techniques for saving or minimizing the amount of ammo used when zeroing their rifle scope; however, the rifle scope ruler method is the easiest and most affordable. 

This measuring device comes at a low cost, so you can be sure of getting value for your money worth the first time you make use of the ruler. So what is a rifle scope ruler, and how can you sight in your scope with a rifle scope ruler? We’ll find out more in this article. Let’s start with what a rifle scope ruler is.

What is a Rifle Scope Ruler?

A rifle scope ruler is a measuring device that is designed to help shooters sight in their scope very quickly and easily. This measuring tool is designed like your regular measuring rulers, but it is calibrated or measured in clicks. 

Types Of Rifle Scope Rulers?

The adjustment turrets of most rifle scopes come in two major adjustment settings. The MRAD and MOA adjustment setting. Whether you are using a rifle scope ruler calibrated for MOA or MRAD, it usually has four yardages which are 25 yards, 50 yards, 75 yards, and 100 yards.

The MOA-calibrated ruler has different scales, including 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 MOA per click. While the MRAD ruler is calibrated only for 0.1 MIL per click

What should I do if I have a ¼ MOA ruler and my scope is ⅛ MOA?

The ¼ MOA calibrated ruler is the standard MOA measurement for most scopes. If you are using a ¼ MOA calibrated rifle scope ruler on a rifle scope that has ⅛ MOA adjustment knob, then you have to double the number of clicks that you got from the reading. For instance, if your scope has ⅛ MOA adjustment value on the turret and you are using a riflescope ruler that comes as ¼ MOA, then whatever reading you got would be doubled. So if after taking your first shot, you measured 14 click windage and 21 click elevation, then you have to double it. Meaning you would now have 28 click windage and 42 click elevation.

How To Sight Rifle Scope With Rifle Scope Ruler

Here, we are going to be looking at the step-by-step guide on how to zero a scope with a rifle scope ruler.

Safety First

To zero a scope on your rifle, you have to first ensure safety measures are taken. You don’t want accidental discharge or injury sustained while trying to sight your scope. So whether you’re a newbie or a professional shooter, ensure you put on all your safety gear. After that, you should also ensure that you unload your rifle while setting up the target and other things.

Mount The Scope

The next thing you want to do is mount the scope on your rifle. Follow this guide to learn more about how to mount a rifle scope. You can also check out some of the best scope mounts in the market.

Position Your target

Place your target at the distance you want to zero in your scope. Most shooters zero in their scope at 100 yards. But, depending on the distance you want to shoot, you can zero your scope at 25 yards, 50 yards, 75 yards, or 100 yards. The 25 yards zero is the easiest. When trying to set up your zero, ensure that you start with a closer range. A 25 yard zero will be a good place to start.

First Shot

After placing your target at 25 yards or any distance you want, the next thing is to aim from the scope and take your first shot. If you are zeroing your scope at 100 yards distance, then you can take a group shot (3 -4). If you are new to the shooting world, a single shot may not be enough. 

Use The Ruler

After taking the single shot or group shot, it’s time to measure the impact point with your rifle scope ruler. To measure the number of clicks, place the ruler on the target and measure from the bullseye to the point where the bullet hit the target. 

Note: You should not measure between the bullseye and target directly in a diagonal manner. 

To get this done correctly, you have to first measure the windage with your ruler by placing it horizontally between the impact point and the point where it aligns with the bullseye. Then repeat the same on the vertical axis to measure the elevation click. While measuring the number of clicks, ensure you use the side of the ruler that matches the shooting distance, for instance, 25 yards.

After getting the click number, record it and proceed to your turret adjustment if the ruler is scaled for the same MOA measurement (¼ MOA ruler to ¼ MOA turrets). If otherwise, follow the guide above on how to convert between ½, ¼, and ⅛ MOA scale.

Photo: Bucksnort Outfitters

Adjust The Turrets

You’re almost done with your zeroing. Now, you must turn the turrets according to the windage and elevation clicks you recorded from the ruler measurement or conversion. So let’s say your bullet hits a point on the target paper that measures 25 clicks from the bullseye to the top and 10 clicks from the bullseye to the left. What you would do in this case is to turn the turrets 25 clicks down and 10 clicks to the right. This should get your shot closer to the bullseye.

Take Another Shot

This would likely be your last shot at zeroing your scope. The ruler zeroing method has been tested, and it is trusted. Now that you’re done zeroing your scope, you can go to the range for practice shooting to improve your shooting accuracy. Or try to zero the scope at 100 yards.

What if I don’t have a rifle scope ruler?

If you don’t have a rifle scope ruler yet and want to zero your scope, the zeroing method is almost the same. The difference is that, in the regular scope zeroing method, you would have to measure the impact point in inches and then convert it to clicks. Read How to set a rifle scope at 25 yards for the normal scope zeroing without a rifle scope calibrated ruler.

Benefits of a rifle scope ruler

Save Ammo

One of the advantages of the rifle scope ruler is that it helps shooters to save ammunition that would have been wasted by taking many shots while trying to zero the scope.

No Calculation

This rifle scope ruler also helps a shooter to avoid calculations. Without a rifle scope ruler, you would have to measure the distance between the bullet impact and the bullseye in inches, after which you have to convert and calculate the number of clicks needed.

Very Handy

A rifle scope ruler is very handy, and it can be folded into two. This measuring tool can fit anywhere from your pocket, wallet, or range bag.

Affordable

The rifle scope ruler is very affordable. So you don’t have to break the bank to get it.

How can I know what the scope is measuring?

The rifle scope ruler is available for MOA or MRAD, so you can purchase the one that matches your scope.

Does it work with red dot sight?

Yes, you can use the rifle scope ruler for any type of rifle sight. Just check your red dot sight; if it displays ¼ MOA at 100 yards, then you can use an MOA-calibrated ruler.

What Firearm can I use this rifle scope ruler for?

The Rifle Scope Ruler can be used for zeroing different types of firearms and ammo. Whether you are shooting a modern rifle, muzzleloader, scoped pistol, scoped crossbow, or air rifle, you are sure to get a great result from the rifle scope ruler. This scope zeroing tool can also be used for different ammo ranging from .177 pellets to .50 BMG and others.