Sighting Scope - Minimum or Maximum Magnification

I put a new scope on my rifle and it made me think; do you want to use the minimum or maximum magnification when zeroing it in?
(I put this in another thread - Optics versus scopes - not sure if that was the right place)

I was using targets set at 11 yards so the mag needed was minimum.
The other variable I have is I shoot both BBs and .177 pellets - so while I may dial pellets in, the BBs are then off and vice versa.

How would you suggest I zero the scope in the middle - so to speak. So that BBs and pellets are somewhat centered.
And where on the rail would you position it? All the way forward? In the middle?

It's a Winchester 9x32 scope. About $30 and very nice optics, actually.
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/airgundepot_2268_94148229

I put a new scope on my rifle and it made me think; do you want to use the minimum or maximum magnification when zeroing it in?
(I put this in another thread - Optics versus scopes - not sure if that was the right place)

I was using targets set at 11 yards so the mag needed was minimum.
The other variable I have is I shoot both BBs and .177 pellets - so while I may dial pellets in, the BBs are then off and vice versa.

How would you suggest I zero the scope in the middle - so to speak. So that BBs and pellets are somewhat centered.
And where on the rail would you position it? All the way forward? In the middle?

It's a Winchester 9x32 scope. About $30 and very nice optics, actually.
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/airgundepot_2268_94148229


Well AH,

When I purchase a scope, I sight it in at maximum magnification, and then set the scope to minimum magnification to see if it will still hit the center of the target. Only the best scopes are in alignment, and a few of the cheaper scopes. So expect there to be different points of impact at different settings.

After that I will sight in my scope to the magnification I believe that I will need for the range that I am shooting. And if I wish to lower or increase the magnification for any reason, I will check and adjust it before I need it ! :nod:

I hope this helps answer your question. :thumb:


Bill :thumb:

and position the scope for the best eye relief. RC

Excellent, and thank you both.

AngryHatter,

At close range like 10 or 11 yards I would likely sight in at a lower power like 4 or 5 power. Bill touched on this and it is very true. Many scopes change point of impact when the power is changed. It shouldn't happen but it especially happens with many less expensive scopes. I always recheck POI at several power settings. Also it is critical you position your eye in the same location shot to shot. Here is a definition of parallax written much better than I can explain it. http://www.6mmbr.com/parallax.html