When it comes to shooting with a rifle, proper technique is essential for accuracy and safety. One aspect of rifle shooting that is often overlooked is how to properly shoulder a rifle with a large objective scope.

A large objective scope can be heavy and awkward, making it difficult to maintain proper form and stability while shooting. In this article, we will discuss the proper technique for shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope to help you improve your accuracy and make shooting more comfortable.

The first step in shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope is to ensure that the scope is properly mounted and adjusted.

The scope should be mounted securely to the rifle and should be adjusted so that the reticle is level with the rifle and the proper eye relief is established. This will help ensure that you have a clear view of your target and that the scope is properly aligned with your rifle.

Once the scope is properly mounted and adjusted, it’s time to focus on your technique for shouldering the rifle. The key is to maintain a stable and comfortable shooting position while ensuring that the rifle is properly aligned with your shoulder and cheek.

This will help you maintain accuracy and control while shooting and will help prevent fatigue and discomfort.

Understanding the Basics

When it comes to properly shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope, there are a few basics that need to be understood. First and foremost, it’s important to understand the anatomy of a rifle scope.

A rifle scope consists of an objective lens, eyepiece, and a body that contains the reticle, magnification adjustment, and elevation and windage turrets.

One of the most important factors to consider when shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope is eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between the ocular lens and the shooter’s eye when the rifle is shouldered. It’s important to have the correct eye relief to avoid injury and to ensure that the shooter can get a clear sight picture.

Another important factor to consider is the mounting system. The mounting system consists of the rings or bases that attach the scope to the rifle. It’s important to use the correct mounting system to ensure that the scope is securely attached to the rifle and that it maintains its zero.

When shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope, it’s important to keep the rifle level. This can be achieved by using a scope level or by visually aligning the crosshairs with a horizontal reference point.

It’s also important to ensure that the rifle is properly zeroed to the shooter’s preferred distance and that the windage and elevation turrets are adjusted accordingly.

It’s important to understand the reticle and how to use it. The reticle is the crosshairs or other aiming point in the scope that shows the shooter where the bullet will impact. The shooter must align the reticle with the target and adjust for bullet drop and windage to ensure accuracy.

Understanding the basics of a rifle scope and how to properly shoulder a rifle with a large objective scope is crucial for accuracy and precision shooting. It’s recommended to seek advice from a professional gunsmith or retailer when selecting and mounting a scope to ensure that it’s done correctly and safely.

Choosing the Right Equipment

When it comes to properly shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope, choosing the right equipment is crucial. The rifle and scope must work together in harmony to ensure accurate and comfortable shooting. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your equipment:

Rifle

The rifle is the foundation of your shooting setup. It should be comfortable to hold and shoot, and the weight should be balanced. A bolt-action rifle is a popular choice for shooting with a large objective scope due to its stability and accuracy.

Scope

The scope is the most important piece of equipment for accurate shooting. A large objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, providing a brighter image. The eyepiece should be comfortable to look through and have a clear lens. A reticle that is easy to see and zero can help with accuracy.

Mounting

Proper mounting of the scope is essential for accurate shooting. The scope must be level with the rifle and positioned at the correct height above the bore. The mounting rings should be tightened correctly to prevent movement of the scope during shooting.

Bipod

A bipod can provide stability when shooting with a large objective scope. It allows the shooter to rest the rifle on a stable surface and reduces fatigue during long shooting sessions. The bipod should be adjustable to provide a comfortable shooting position.

Selecting the right equipment is crucial for properly shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope. The rifle should be comfortable and balanced, the scope should have a clear lens and easy-to-see reticle, and the mounting should be done correctly. A bipod can also provide stability and reduce fatigue during long shooting sessions.

Mounting the Scope

Mounting a rifle scope is a crucial step in ensuring accuracy and precision when shooting. When mounting a scope with a large objective lens, it is important to consider the height of the scope and the placement of the mounting rings.

Before mounting the scope, ensure that the rifle is unloaded and that the mounting surface is clean. The scope should be mounted in a way that allows the shooter to maintain a comfortable and natural shooting position.

The first step in mounting the scope is to attach the base to the rifle. The base should be attached securely to the rifle using screws and mounting holes. The type of base used will depend on the rifle, but common options include Picatinny and Weaver-style bases.

Next, the mounting rings should be attached to the base. It is important to use high-quality mounting rings that are appropriate for the size of the scope body. The rings should be tightened securely to the base, but not so tight that they damage the scope or the base.

Once the rings are attached, the scope should be carefully placed into the rings. The scope should be positioned so that the eye relief is correct and the scope body is level. A small level can be used to ensure that the scope is level.

Finally, the screws on the mounting rings should be tightened to secure the scope in place. It is important to use a torque wrench to ensure that the screws are tightened to the appropriate level.

By following these steps, a shooter can properly mount a rifle scope with a large objective lens. This will help to ensure accuracy and precision when shooting.

Adjusting the Scope

When shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope, it is essential to adjust the scope properly to ensure accurate and precise shots. Here are some tips for adjusting the scope:

Zeroing the Scope

Before adjusting the scope, it is important to zero it properly. Zeroing the scope means aligning the reticle with the point of impact. This process involves adjusting the windage and elevation turrets until the reticle is in line with the bullet’s impact. Once the scope is zeroed, it will be easier to make further adjustments.

Focusing the Scope

Focusing on the scope is crucial for a clear and sharp image. Most rifle scopes have an adjustable objective (AO) or side focus that allows the shooter to adjust the parallax and focus on the target. The parallax adjustment will help to eliminate any errors caused by the shooter’s eye position.

Windage and Elevation Adjustments

The windage and elevation turrets are used to adjust the point of impact of the bullet. The windage turret adjusts the horizontal point of impact, while the elevation turret adjusts the vertical point of impact. To make adjustments, the shooter needs to turn the turrets in the direction needed to move the bullet’s point of impact. It is important to keep track of the adjustments made to avoid over-adjusting.

Diopter Adjustment

The diopter adjustment is used to adjust the focus of the reticle to match the shooter’s visual acuity. This adjustment is usually located on the eyepiece of the scope and is adjusted by rotating the eyepiece. The shooter should adjust the diopter until the reticle is in sharp focus.

Magnification Adjustment

Most rifle scopes have a magnification adjustment that allows the shooter to adjust the magnification level. The magnification level can be adjusted by turning the elevation knob or using a turret system. The shooter should adjust the magnification level based on the distance of the target.

By following these tips, the shooter can adjust the scope properly and achieve accurate and precise shots.

Shouldering the Rifle

Properly shouldering a rifle is crucial for accurate and comfortable shooting, especially when using a large objective scope. The shooter should first ensure that their body position is correct, with their feet shoulder-width apart and their weight evenly distributed.

The shooter should then bring the rifle up to their shoulder while keeping their head straight and their cheek pressed firmly against the stock of the rifle.

When using a large objective scope, it is important to adjust the position of the rifle in the shoulder pocket to prevent slipping and recoil. The shooter should ensure that the rifle is high in the shoulder pocket so that it sits like a shelf, rather than lower in the pocket where it may slip down under recoil. This will help to maintain a consistent sight picture and target acquisition.

Once the rifle is properly positioned, the shooter should focus on acquiring their sight picture through the scope. This involves aligning the crosshairs with the target and ensuring that the eye relief of the scope is correct. The shooter should also ensure that their body is properly aligned with the target and that their non-shooting hand is supporting the rifle and providing additional stability.

Properly shouldering a rifle with a large objective scope requires a combination of proper body position, rifle positioning, and sight picture acquisition. With practice and attention to detail, shooters can achieve consistent and accurate shots while maintaining comfort and stability.

Aiming and Shooting

When it comes to aiming and shooting with a rifle equipped with a large objective scope, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure accuracy and precision.

Firstly, it is important to zero the rifle and scope combination at the desired distance. This involves adjusting the windage and elevation turrets to align the reticle with the point of impact on the target. It’s also important to consider bullet drop and the minute of angle (MOA) of the scope when zeroing.

Once the rifle is zeroed, the shooter should ensure that the eye relief is set correctly. This is the distance between the shooter’s eye and the ocular lens of the scope. Proper eye relief helps the shooter maintain a consistent sight picture and avoid injury from recoil.

When acquiring a target, the shooter should focus on the reticle and align it with the intended point of impact on the target. It’s important to keep the crosshairs steady and avoid any unnecessary movement.

When taking the shot, the shooter should focus on a smooth trigger pull and maintain a steady hold on the rifle. Follow-through is also important, meaning that the shooter should continue to hold the rifle steady after the shot is taken to ensure accuracy.

For precision shooting and competition, it may be necessary to adjust the windage and elevation turrets to compensate for wind and other environmental factors. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of the scope and its capabilities to make these adjustments accurately.

Proper aiming and shooting with a rifle equipped with a large objective scope requires practice, patience, and attention to detail. With these skills, the shooter can achieve accuracy and precision in their shooting.

Maintaining Your Equipment

To ensure that your rifle and scope are in proper working condition, it is important to perform regular maintenance. This can help prevent malfunctions and ensure that your equipment lasts longer.

Cleaning

One of the most important aspects of rifle and scope maintenance is cleaning. This should be done after every use to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating and potentially damaging the equipment. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris from the rifle and scope body, screws, and mounting rings.

For the lenses, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to gently remove any smudges or fingerprints. Be sure to clean both the objective lens (the front lens) and the ocular lens (the lens closest to your eye).

Mounting

Proper mounting of your scope is crucial for accuracy and safety. Make sure to use the correct mounting system that is compatible with your rifle and scope. This may include scope rings, bases, or a one-piece mount. Ensure that the mounting system is sturdy and properly sized for your scope and rifle.

The reticle needs to be level with the rifle, and the scope must be positioned at the correct height above the bore. The proper eye relief also needs to be established. And the fasteners in the rings and bases need to be tightened the right way.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your rifle and scope can help prevent malfunctions and ensure that your equipment lasts longer. This includes checking and tightening screws and mounting rings, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting the lenses for any damage or scratches.

If you notice any issues with your equipment, it is important to address them immediately before they become more serious.

Iron Sights

If you are using iron sights instead of scope, it is still important to perform regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the rifle and checking for any damage or wear to the iron sights. It is also important to practice proper shooting techniques to ensure accuracy with iron sights.

Bolt-Action Rifle

If you are using a bolt-action rifle, it is important to perform regular maintenance on the bolt. This includes cleaning and lubricating the bolt and inspecting it for any damage or wear. It is also important to practice proper shooting techniques to ensure accuracy with a bolt-action rifle.

Remember, proper maintenance of your rifle and scope is crucial for accuracy, safety, and longevity. By following these tips, you can ensure that your equipment is in top condition and ready for your next shooting session.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I properly mount a large objective scope on my rifle?

Mounting a large objective scope on a rifle requires proper alignment and positioning. It is important to select a mounting system that is compatible with both the rifle and scope. This may include scope rings, bases, or a one-piece mount. Ensure the mounting system is sturdy and properly sized for your scope and rifle.

What is the best position to mount a scope for proper shoulder placement?

The best position to mount a scope for proper shoulder placement is to align the scope with the shooter’s natural line of sight. The scope should be mounted high enough to allow for a comfortable cheek weld on the stock while maintaining a clear view of the reticle.

How do I properly shoulder a rifle with a large objective scope?

To properly shoulder a rifle with a large objective scope, the shooter should position the rifle butt firmly against the shoulder. The cheek should be placed comfortably on the stock to ensure proper eye alignment with the scope. The shooter should then adjust their body position to maintain a comfortable and stable shooting stance.

What is the proper technique for sighting in a rifle scope with a large objective?

To sight in a rifle scope with a large objective, the shooter should start by boresighting the rifle. This involves removing the bolt and looking down the barrel to ensure the bull’s eye is perfectly centered. The shooter should then adjust the scope’s windage and elevation to align the crosshairs with the target. The shooter should continue to make adjustments until the reticle is centered on the target.

How do I adjust my shooting stance to accommodate a large objective scope?

To adjust your shooting stance to accommodate a large objective scope, the shooter should maintain a comfortable and stable shooting position. The shooter should ensure that their feet are shoulder-width apart and their weight is evenly distributed.

The shooter should then adjust their body position to ensure proper eye alignment with the scope while maintaining a comfortable and stable shooting stance.

Can a scope be mounted too far back on a rifle?

Yes, a scope can be mounted too far back on a rifle. This can cause the shooter to have to crane their neck forward to achieve proper eye alignment with the scope.

This can result in discomfort and a loss of accuracy. It is important to mount the scope in a position that allows for a comfortable cheek weld on the stock while maintaining a clear view of the reticle.