Does your crossbow scope have a dial that needs to be set to match the speed of your arrow? If so, you have a variable-power crossbow scope. The method for sighting in this type of scope is different than a traditional riflescope and can be confusing if you have not sighted one in before. To make sure that you are shooting as accurately as possible with your crossbow, here are seven simple steps for sighting in your variable-power crossbow scope.
Items you will need: crossbow, cocking mechanism, arrow with field point, crossbow target, shooting rest, rangefinder and a chronograph (optional).
Step 1: Determine arrow speed.
Out of all of the steps for sighting in your scope, this is perhaps the most important one. Determining a close estimate of how fast the crossbow is shooting at the beginning will make the rest of the process much easier in the long run. You can figure out how fast your crossbow is shooting your chosen hunting arrow in two ways; consult the manufacturer or chronograph the crossbow. Most manufacturers will list crossbow speeds in their catalogs and looking up your crossbowxe2x80x99s specifications can be an easy and quick way to determine the speed. Alternatively, you can shoot the arrow through a chronograph, which will yield a very precise speed result.
Step 2: Set the dial on the scope to match your arrow speed.
Now that you know the approximate arrow speed, you should set the dial on the scope to closely match the speed. Do your best to set the dial as closely as possible, even if you must estimate the distance between the hash marks. Donxe2x80x99t worry about it being perfect, however, because you will have an opportunity later to fine-tune the speed dial setting.
Step 3: Set your target at 20 yards.
Using your rangefinder, set your target at exactly 20 yards to begin the shooting process.
Step 4: Shoot your crossbow at 20 yards and make windage and elevation adjustments as needed.
Shoot your crossbow from the rest at 20 yards using the 20-yard dot or reticle and view where your arrow hit the target. Make the appropriate windage (left or right) and elevation (up and down) adjustments to the scope, and take another shot with the same arrow. Repeat this process until you are consistently hitting the target in the same spot, then put the elevation cap back on the scope.
Step 5: Set your target at 40 yards.
With your rangefinder, set your target at exactly 40 yards.
Step 6: Shoot your crossbow at 40 yards and fine-tune the speed dial for any necessary adjustments.
After zeroing your scope at 20 yards with the windage and elevation adjustments, shoot your crossbow at 40 yards using the 40-yard dot or reticle and view where your arrow hit the target. You should not see much left or right variance, since you have already zeroed the windage at 20 yards. Pay close attention to the elevation of your arrow xe2x80x94 did it hit high or low? If your arrow hit high, adjust the speed dial to a higher speed. If the arrow hit low, adjust the speed dial to a lower speed. DO NOT make any elevation adjustments at this distance with the scopexe2x80x99s elevation knob, use the speed dial ONLY. If you need to make an adjustment, increase or decrease the speed in small increments. After each adjustment, shoot your crossbow to assess if further adjustments are needed. Remember: Your goal is to hit the target at the proper elevation using your 40 yard dot or reticle.
Step 7: Set your target at 20 yards and verify that you are hitting at the appropriate elevation.
To verify that your crossbow scope is sighted in correctly, move your target back to 20 yards and take a shot using the 20-yard dot or reticle. If you have sighted the scope in properly, your arrow should hit the target at the proper elevation, and should not hit high or low of the bull’s-eye.