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Best practices for sighting in a .22 rifle?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

For accurate sighting in a .22 rifle, use a consistent shooting position, a reliable sighting system, and a high-quality target at 25-50 yards. Start with a rough estimate of your rifle's zero and fine-tune the sight adjustments incrementally. This method ensures a precise and efficient sighting-in process.

Choosing the Right Target

When sighting in your .22 rifle, it’s essential to use a high-quality target that provides clear and accurate aiming points. A standard B-27 target is ideal, as it offers a 25-yard zeroing point and a 50-yard aiming point. Place the target at the designated range, ensuring it’s flat and stable, and take note of the wind direction and speed.

Setting Up for Sight-In

To start sight-in, place the target at 25 yards and set the rear sight to the maximum elevation mark. Take a shot, then adjust the rear sight down to the next mark below the bullet impact. Repeat this process, incrementally lowering the rear sight, until the bullet impacts the aiming point. Once at 25 yards, move the target to 50 yards and repeat the process, this time adjusting the rear sight for windage.

Fine-Tuning and Final Adjustments

After adjusting for elevation and windage, use a smaller target, such as a 1-inch square, to fine-tune your rifle’s zero. Shoot at the center of the target, taking aim at the aiming point, and adjust the rear sight accordingly. Continue this process until the bullet impacts the aiming point consistently. To ensure accuracy, make adjustments in small increments, no more than 1/4 MOA at a time, and verify the results before making further adjustments.

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