HOW TO MAKE ELEVATION ADJUSTMENTS ON A RIFLESCOPE
An “elevation adjustment” is necessary to adjust the impact of the bullet relative to your aim with the scope. Elevation adjustments may be needed when your scope is not attached to your rifle or you shoot at different distances.
Zeroing a scope means that the point-of-impact (POA) at which the bullet strikes the target at a baseline range is the same as its point of view (POA). The scope must be “zeroed” when it is mounted to a rifle. When the scope is pointed at different distances than your POA, your bullet’s impact (POI), will differ from your point of aim.
This is because bullets are effected as soon they leave the barrel of the rifle. Because the barrel is slightly angled upward to compensate, the bullet travels in an arc towards the target. To move your bullet’s impact up, simply turn the elevation turbine in the direction you want on your scope.
Most scopes require that the turret be turned counter-clockwise. Most scopes require that you turn the elevation turbine clockwise to reduce the bullet’s impact. PLEASE CONFIRM ON YOUR SPECIFIC SCOPE. Each click on the turret corresponds angular measurements. Hunting scopes can adjust by 1/4 MOA (1/4″ per 100 yds).
Pro Tip: When your scope exposes turrets you should be capable of making elevation adjustments while your eyes are still focused through the scope. You can use this trick to remember which direction you are looking at. Think of the turret like a screw. To raise the screw, turn it counterclockwise. You would turn the screw clockwise to lower it. Don’t forget to remove caps from capped turrets when you’re finished!
Do not panic if your scope is moving downwards as you adjust the elevations turret. Your scope isn’t broken. To get the reticle back on target, turn your scope “up” by turning the turret upside down. This is how the bullet hits higher. You can see me demonstrate this concept in this video: