How To Zero Your Scope

Precision shooting requires a great deal of control and attention to detail. A critical part of achieving consistent accuracy is knowing how to zero your scope.
Zeroing (also know as calibrating or sighting) involves aligning your scope’s reticle with the line of impact of your pellet at a specific distance, to ensure consistent and reliable shooting.
In this article we lay out 4 easy-to-follow steps that will allow you to master the art of zeroing, and in some cases using only 2 pellets!

Step 1
Take a card target or draw a cross in the centre of a piece of paper/card. Attach it to an appropriate backstop (sandbag or pellet trap) and place at your chosen shooting distance.

Step 2
Place your rifle on a stand/rest ensuring it is stable and wont move. Aiming down the scope, shoot at the centre of the target and observe where the pellet lands.

Step 3
Without moving the gun, use the scopes dials to adjust the reticle until it aligns with where the first pellet landed.

Step 4
Now move the gun so that you are aiming back at the centre of the target as you look down the scope. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until your pellet hits the centre.
About Bristol Airguns

A Pastime
Bristol Airguns officially started in 2015, but the story goes back much further. David, the owner, grew up shooting his dad’s old BSA airgun in the 1970s, and also spent time deer-stalking and shooting .22 rimfire for target work.
Why The Shop Started
While running a pawnbroking business, David noticed something interesting. A lot of airguns were passing through, and there was real enthusiasm behind them. People were genuinely passionate. That’s when he realised the opportunity to step away from pawnbroking and into something far more rewarding.
What Makes Us Different
We don’t just sell airguns. We care about the person buying them. For us, selling an airgun isn’t the finish line, it’s the first step in someone’s journey as a shooter.
Instead of pushing the first gun on the shelf, we take time to understand what you want and why you want it. We know how important that feeling is when you walk out with a new bit of kit, ready to shoot.
Flexible Buying Options
We also know wallet pressure is real. That’s why we offer finance options, including 3, 6, 12, and 24 month plans.
To make the 12 and 24 month options possible, David personally became FCA registered, something not many RFDs do.
We’ve also added a deposit system, so you can secure your airgun now and pay the balance later, whether that’s in full or through finance.
Who We See Everyday
Our customers are a real mix, from complete beginners to long-time airgunners with a specific idea of what they want. And we love that variety.
Compared to the days of pawnbroking, the airgun community is a breath of fresh air. Airgunners are generally welcoming, friendly, and a pleasure to deal with. It makes our job genuinely enjoyable.
How We Help You Choose
When someone asks for advice, we start with them, not the product list.
We talk about:
- Your budget
- Your experience
- What you want the gun for
- How it feels when you pick it up
One of the most common mistakes we see is people buying something just because it’s popular. If you’ve handled a gun and you love it, great. But don’t buy what everyone else has just because social media says so.
Community Matters
We wouldn’t be here without shooters talking to each other and sharing knowledge. That’s why we:
- Run bi-annual open days at our range
- Chat with people online
- Engage with forums and social channels
It’s all part of helping more people enjoy the sport.
What We Enjoy Most
Above everything else, what keeps us going are the people we meet. Shooters come from all walks of life, but they’re almost always welcoming and passionate, and that’s one of the best things about this hobby.
Want To Talk Airguns?
If you’ve never dealt with Bristol Airguns before, expect a relaxed, honest conversation with no pressure and no hard sell.
If you want a chat about what might be right for your next purchase, we’re always happy to help:
📞 0333 335 0096
📧 [email protected]
🏠 22 Regent St, Bristol, BS15 8JS
Or follow us:
We’re always up for talking airguns.