Air rifle noob..Zeroing?

[Tobyh]

Ok I know I'll probably get some stick for this but I need help please!

We have a rat problem in the garden so I bought myself an air rifle. Problem is I'm having trouble even hitting the targets given at around 25 feet using the scope. Having never done this before I could use some tips on how to zero from scratch please.

I understand the premise but I'm not sure if i'm overcompensating etc. The small leaflet I got with it says that one click of the adjusters at 50yds = 1/8" so at 1/2 that I guess it's 1/16" and less even at the distance I'm trying. I think I've been doing one or two clicks when I should be looking to do a hell of a lot more If i'm not even hiting the target.

Am I on the right track. Is there a standard way to start this process when i can hardly see where the pellet is going? I should really have waited till broad daylight...dusk wasn't helping my cause.

Thanks in advance

[tony a]

Maybe your just a rubbish shot.

Get yourself a large target like a wall, pick a mark on your chosen target and fire 5 pellets, aiming for the same place each time. You should be able to see were your pellets have hit and hopefuly they will all be in the same area.

If your pellets are together in a grouping, check were it is in relation to your aiming point (4 inches low and 12 inch right) for example and adjust the sights accordingly.

[Tobyh]

Thanks Tony, fast reply.

So basically I've been doing a click or so thinking its making a big diff when I probably need somewhere like 16 clicks per inch I need to adjust for?

[Kayleigh]

Remind me not to buy a house anywhere near you

[Tobyh]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Remind me not to bye a house any where near you

Hehe yeh that sounds bad doesn't it

The angle I'm shooting and the distance means pellets aren't flying all over, only into my grass / shed..i can live with that

[epops]

scrap the tele's and just use open sights

[mrs fish]

I agree scrap the telescope and use the sights and get some target practice in

I have an air rifle for the rats as I can't bear the cruel way the council kills them with warfarin.

The air rifle really works as I have not seen a rat in the garden since getting it lol

[Tobyh]

I did consider dumping the scope but having paid out for it in the price it seemed a waste. As it happens I have found someone that can help me with zeroing and it looks like the scope needs reseating with spacers etc. At 15 yards shooting from a stable position the pellets are still hitting about 1 1/2 inches low and I cannot adjust the scope with the dial any more - it physically is at the top end of where it will turn to.

Bit annoying but hopefully after reseating and using spacers it will behave.

[coasty]

At that range you shouldnt need a scope ... Can you get hold of a blunderbuss...

[eeyore]

a red dot sight which you use with botheyes open is more effective than either a scope or open sights for rats etc at short ranges- they are about 15 quid and should be available from your local shooting suplier / gun smith - or on the tinterweb.