How to Properly Adjust an Airsoft Rifle Scope

Posted by Manish Verma on 02/26/25

A well-calibrated scope can give you a serious edge in airsoft battles, especially when precision is the difference between a hit and a miss. Whether you are using an airsoft rifle for tactical engagements or relying on a sniper rifle for long-range takedowns, knowing how to adjust your scope is essential. With a wide selection of scopes and optics available, finding the right scope to match your needs and budget is easier than ever. It is all about fine-tuning it for peak performance.

Many people assume that slapping a scope onto a rifle automatically guarantees pinpoint accuracy, but there’s more to it than that. To get the most out of your scope, you need to understand how it works and how to fine-tune it for precision. Mastering scope adjustments takes practice, but once you’re comfortable with the process, you’ll notice a huge improvement in your accuracy. In this guide, we’ll break down how scopes function and walk you through the steps to adjust yours for the best possible performance. If you’re new to scope adjustments, be sure to check out our How to Zero a Scope in 5 Easy Steps to get started.

Understanding the Basics of a Scope

Before diving into scope adjustments, it’s essential to understand what a scope is and how it works. At its core, a scope is a magnification tool designed to sharpen your sight picture and improve accuracy at long distances. But there’s more to it than just zooming in on a target—every component plays a role in precision shooting.

Key parts of a scope include:

Eyepiece & Ocular Lens – The lens closest to your eye, providing a clear image.
Objective Lens – The larger front lens responsible for magnification and light transmission.
Crosshairs (Reticle) – The aiming point that helps with target acquisition.
Power Ring – Adjusts magnification levels for different shooting distances.
Parallax Adjustment Ring – Fine-tune focus for a sharper sight picture at various ranges.
Windage Knob – Allows left and right adjustments to compensate for wind or drift.
Elevation Knob – Moves the reticle up or down to adjust for bullet drop and shooting range.

To get the most out of your rifle scope, it’s essential to understand each component and how it functions. A magnified sight picture might make your target look closer, but that doesn’t mean landing the shot will be effortless. Just because anairsoft gun’s scope makes a distant opponent appear a few feet away doesn’t eliminate the challenges of long-range shooting.

First, factors like windage and projectile drop come into play, requiring precise adjustments. Second, at high magnifications, even the slightest movement can cause your crosshairs to shift dramatically, making it harder to keep your aim steady. Despite these challenges, a well-calibrated scope gives a significant advantage over iron sights, making long-range shots far more achievable. Mastering your scope’s adjustments is the key to turning magnification into accuracy.

Sighting, Zeroing, and Adjusting – What’s the Difference?

Sighting, zeroing, and adjusting a scope are often used interchangeably, but they each serve a different purpose. Understanding these distinctions is key to getting the best performance out of your rifle scope. While this guide focuses on adjusting a scope, knowing how to zero it is just as important.

Zeroing a scope means aligning the crosshairs with the rifle’s actual point of impact before taking it into the field. When you first mount a scope on your rifle, the point of aim (POA)—where your crosshairs are centered—is rarely aligned with the point of impact (POI)—where the shot actually lands. Without proper zeroing, even the most precise adjustments won’t help you hit your target accurately.

Before a rifle scope is ready for action, it needs to be sighted in. This process involves firing a few shots to see where they actually land on the target compared to where the crosshairs indicate they should. Using the windage and elevation knobs, adjustments are made until the point of aim (POA) and point of impact (POI) are perfectly aligned.

Adjusting a scope, on the other hand, happens in the heat of battle when conditions change and precision is key. Keep in mind that when you zero a scope, you’re setting it for a specific distance and wind conditions. For example, if you sight in your rifle at 50 yards on a calm day, but the next day you’re taking a 100-yard shot in windy conditions, your BBs won’t land where you expect. The extra distance increases bullet drop, while wind can push shots off course. To compensate, real-time adjustments must be made—this is where proper scope adjustment comes into play, and it's exactly what we’ll cover in the next section.

The Four Key Scope Adjustments

Scopes offer four main types of adjustments: magnification, windage, elevation, and parallax. However, not every scope includes all four. Almost all airsoft optics come with windage and elevation controls, but magnification and parallax adjustments aren’t always standard.

Some scopes have fixed magnification, meaning you can’t zoom in or out. Parallax adjustment is typically a premium feature found on high-end optics, helping to fine-tune focus for long-range precision. Understanding how to adjust each of these settings is essential for maximizing your scope’s performance. Let’s break down how each one works.

Magnification

Adjusting a scope’s magnification is simple—just rotate the power ring near the eyepiece until you reach the desired zoom level. However, higher magnification isn’t always better. While it helps with long-range precision, keeping your scope at maximum zoom can make it harder to track and acquire targets quickly at closer ranges. Finding the right balance ensures you’re prepared for both long-distance shots and fast-moving engagements.

Windage

The windage adjustment knob lets you fine-tune your aim left or right to counteract the wind’s effect on your BB’s flight path. If you notice your shots drifting left due to wind, turning the windage knob in the same direction helps correct the deviation. Mastering this adjustment ensures your shots stay on target, even in unpredictable conditions.

Elevation

The elevation adjustment knob, located on top of the scope, allows for up and down adjustments to compensate for varying distances. If your scope is zeroed at 50 yards but you need to hit a 100-yard target, you’ll have to lower the crosshairs to counteract pellet drop at longer ranges. Proper elevation control ensures accuracy across different shooting distances.

Parallax

Parallax adjustment is more intricate than other scope settings. If the crosshairs appear to shift on the target when you move your eye while the scope stays still, the parallax is not properly set for that distance. Just as the human eye adjusts focus, a scope needs to be manually tuned for different ranges. Parallax issues mainly occur at high magnification and long distances, so many lower-magnification optics do not include a parallax ring. For scopes that do, rotating the parallax adjustment ring to match the shooting distance ensures a sharp and stable sight picture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Your Scope

To get the most out of your airsoft rifle and scope, proper adjustment is crucial for accuracy, whether you're in close-quarter battles or engaging targets from a distance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure that your scope is set up for precision, providing you with that competitive edge on the field.

1. Mounting the Scope Properly: Ensuring Stability and Alignment

Before making any adjustments, the first step is mounting the scope properly. A solid, secure mount is critical because any instability can affect your scope’s performance.

Choose the Right Mount: Make sure that the mount you choose is compatible with both your airsoft rifle and scope. There are various options available, such as one-piece or two-piece mounts, but the key is ensuring a tight fit to avoid any unwanted movement during gameplay.
Align the Scope: Position the scope so that it sits comfortably on the rifle, ensuring that your eye relief (the distance between your eye and the scope) is correct. Too close or too far will result in blurry sight pictures and uncomfortable shooting positions.
Tighten Everything Properly: Once the scope is aligned, tighten the screws of the mount firmly but not excessively. Over-tightening can damage the scope’s tube, while under-tightening could lead to scope shifting during play.

Proper mounting ensures that your scope holds its position even when you're in the heat of battle, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy with every shot.

2. Setting an Initial Zero: Choosing a Base Distance for Accuracy

Once your scope is mounted securely, it’s time to zero it. Zeroing the scope means aligning the crosshairs with the actual point of impact (POI) of your BBs. Without this step, your scope’s reticle won’t match where your shots land, leaving you with inaccurate shots.

Choosing Your Zeroing Distance: Typically, the optimal zeroing distance for most airsoft guns is between 30 to 50 meters, depending on your gun’s power and intended use. If you’re using a sniper rifle, you might opt for a longer range, while for close-quarters combat, a shorter range might be more practical.
Adjusting for Accuracy: To begin zeroing, find a target that’s about the distance you’ve chosen to zero at (e.g., 50 meters). Set up a stable shooting position and fire a few rounds at the center of the target. If the BBs miss the bullseye, use the windage and elevation knobs to adjust the reticle until the crosshairs align with the point of impact. This ensures that your shots are on target when you need them to be.

This process is essential for building a reliable base, making it easier to make minor adjustments later on.

3. Making Fine Adjustments: Tweaking Windage and Elevation Based on Test Shots

Once you’ve zeroed your scope, it’s time for fine-tuning. Depending on the conditions and your specific needs, you may need to make small tweaks to your windage and elevation settings.

Windage Adjustments: The windage knob adjusts the crosshairs left or right to account for wind drift or minor misalignments. Fire a few shots and observe if your BBs are drifting left or right of the target. If they are, use the windage knob to adjust accordingly. Generally, one click equals a small adjustment, so make incremental changes to avoid over-correcting.
Elevation Adjustments: The elevation knob helps you adjust the crosshairs up or down to compensate for bullet drop over long distances. For example, if you’re shooting at a target that’s further away than your zeroed distance, you’ll need to adjust the elevation downward to bring your shots closer to the bullseye. If you’re shooting closer, raise the crosshairs to prevent your shots from landing too high.
Test and Adjust Again: After making windage and elevation adjustments, fire more rounds and observe the results. Fine-tuning your scope may take some time, but it’s essential for achieving precise shooting performance.

4. Testing Under Real Conditions: Checking Adjustments in Different Environments

Now that you’ve made the necessary adjustments, it’s crucial to test the scope under real-world conditions. Airsoft battles rarely take place under perfect conditions, so checking how your scope performs in different environments is essential.

Weather and Environmental Factors: Wind, temperature, and even humidity can all affect your shots. For example, strong winds might push BBs off course, and hot or cold weather might alter the BB’s trajectory. Testing your scope in varying conditions can help you fine-tune your adjustments for better accuracy in real game scenarios.
Movement and Stability: In an actual game, you’ll likely be moving around, which can affect your scope’s performance. Test how your scope holds its zero when you’re running, crawling, or shifting positions. Make sure your scope doesn’t lose its alignment under these dynamic conditions.
Engaging Targets at Different Ranges: Move around the field and test your scope's accuracy at different ranges. Engage targets at varying distances to see how your adjustments perform. This will help you identify if further fine-tuning is necessary for optimal performance across various ranges.
Adjust for Game Situations: Sometimes, you’ll need to adjust your scope on the fly. Whether it's due to a longer or shorter target distance or changing environmental conditions, knowing how to quickly make real-time adjustments will ensure that you’re always prepared.

Maintenance Tips for Your Scope

Use a clean flannel cloth to wipe the lens, keeping it free from dust and moisture. Avoid touching or cleaning lenses with fingers or nails.
Always use a clean flannel cloth for lens maintenance to prevent scratches or damage.
Keep protective lens covers on when the scope is not in use to shield it from dust and debris.
Store the scope in a cool, dry place to maintain its longevity and performance.
Avoid exposure to acid, alkaline, or corrosive chemicals that could damage the scope’s components.
Do not apply lubrication to any part of the scope. Once zeroed, handle it carefully to prevent misalignment.
Never attempt to disassemble the scope or remove screws and parts. Doing so will void the warranty.

Final Words

Properly adjusting an airsoft rifle scope is essential for improving accuracy and overall performance on the field. By following the steps of mounting the scope correctly, zeroing in at the appropriate distance, adjusting for windage and elevation, and fine-tuning with parallax and hop-up settings, players can enhance their shooting precision. Regular maintenance and practice will ensure that the scope remains reliable in different gameplay scenarios.

For a wide selection of high-quality airsoft scopes and accessories, visit Airsoft Station to upgrade your gear and stay ahead in the game.

FAQ’s

How many clicks does it take to adjust a rifle scope?
A rifle scope typically adjusts in MOA (Minutes of Angle). At 200 yards, a 1 MOA adjustment equals 2 inches. If you need to adjust 10 inches, that requires 5 MOA. Since most scopes adjust 1 MOA per 4 clicks, you will need 20 clicks to reach the desired adjustment.

What is the ideal distance to zero an airsoft gun?
For most airsoft guns, the optimal zeroing distance is around 50 meters. This range provides the best balance for accuracy and trajectory while minimizing the effects of wind.

At what distance should I zero my air rifle?
The best zeroing distance depends on the type of air rifle and pellets used. For indoor shooting, sighting at 20 to 25 yards works well. For medium-range, 30 yards is a good choice. For long-range shooting, zeroing between 40 and 50 yards is recommended.

Why do snipers adjust their scopes?
Snipers adjust their scopes to compensate for range, wind, and elevation. Instead of relying on manual adjustments while aiming—known as "holding over" or "Kentucky windage"—they fine-tune the scope to align the point of aim with the point of impact, a process called "dialing in" for precise, long-range shots.