How To, Riflescopes, Video

Resetting Your Scope to Zero

Posted by Jon Allen on

Whether you’re zeroing a new rifle scope or making precise field adjustments for long-range shots, understanding how to reset your turrets to zero is absolutely essential. That’s because once you’ve established your zero distance, you need a reliable way to return to that exact setting after making elevation or windage adjustments.

Here’s the truth: TRACT’s reset-to-zero feature isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game-changer for precision shooters who need to make quick adjustments in the field and return to their base zero without counting clicks or guessing.

What Is Reset-to-Zero and Why It Matters

Reset-to-zero allows you to establish your rifle’s zero distance (typically 100 or 200 yards), then make turret adjustments for longer shots while maintaining the ability to quickly return to your original zero setting. This feature eliminates the guesswork and click-counting that can lead to errors in critical shooting situations.

When you’re hunting and need to take a 300-yard shot after zeroing at 100 yards, you can dial up the required elevation, take your shot, then immediately return to your zero setting without losing your reference point. That’s precision shooting made simple.

TRACT’s Three Reset-to-Zero Systems Explained

TEKOA Series – Spring-Loaded Capped Turrets: The TEKOA features a spring-loaded reset system with protective caps. After zeroing your rifle, simply lift the turret cap and rotate it to align with your zero mark. The spring-loaded mechanism ensures consistent, repeatable settings while the caps protect against accidental adjustments during transport.

RESPONSE Series – Exposed Spring-Loaded Turrets: The RESPONSE takes speed to the next level with exposed turrets featuring the same spring-loaded reset technology. These turrets allow for faster adjustments since there’s no cap to remove. The turret housing includes a clear indicator that makes aligning your zero mark foolproof, even in low-light conditions.

TORIC Series – Threaded Cap System: The premium TORIC line uses a different approach with a removable threaded top cap. Remove the cap, lift the entire turret, align it with your zero mark and vertical indicator, then thread the cap back on. This system provides the most secure lock-up for extreme precision applications.

PERFORMANCE-GRADE OPTICS
PERFORMANCE-GRADE OPTICS

Step-by-Step Reset Process for Each System

For TEKOA (Capped Spring-Loaded):

  1. Zero your rifle at your chosen distance
  2. Lift the turret cap straight up
  3. Rotate the turret to your desired setting (e.g., “3” for a 3-inch adjustment)
  4. Take your shot
  5. Lift the turret cap again and rotate back to zero
  6. Press the cap down to lock in place

For RESPONSE (Exposed Spring-Loaded):

  1. Establish your zero
  2. Lift the turret knob
  3. Rotate to your adjustment setting using the indicator marks
  4. Make your shot
  5. Lift and rotate back to the zero position

For TORIC (Threaded Cap):

  1. Zero your rifle
  2. Unscrew the top cap completely
  3. Lift the turret and align with zero mark and vertical indicator
  4. Hold turret in position and thread cap back on

PRO TIP: Always verify your zero before hunting season and practice the reset process at home. Muscle memory matters when you’re in the field and adrenaline is running high.

Real-World Applications and Scenarios

The reset-to-zero feature shines in multiple shooting disciplines. For hunters, it means confidently taking that 250-yard shot on a trophy buck, knowing you can immediately return to your 100-yard zero for follow-up opportunities. Competitive shooters use it to quickly adapt to changing target distances during matches without losing their primary zero reference.

Long-range precision shooters particularly benefit when engaging multiple targets at varying distances. Instead of memorizing complex click sequences or using external references, you simply dial to your known correction, engage the target, and return to zero.

Notice something? This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reducing human error. When you eliminate the need to count clicks backward from an adjusted position, you eliminate a common source of mistakes that can cost you the shot that matters most.

Comparing Reset-to-Zero Systems

Spring-loaded systems (TEKOA and RESPONSE) offer the fastest operation, making them ideal for dynamic shooting situations where speed matters. The exposed turrets on the RESPONSE provide the ultimate in quick adjustments, while the TEKOA’s capped design protects against accidental changes during transport.

The TORIC’s threaded system takes slightly longer to reset but provides the most secure lock-up, making it perfect for precision long-range applications where absolute repeatability is non-negotiable. Each system reflects TRACT’s commitment to providing the right tool for your specific shooting discipline.

All three systems maintain TRACT’s direct-to-consumer value proposition—you’re getting features typically found on scopes costing significantly more, without the dealer markup.

Final Thought: Mastering your scope’s reset-to-zero feature transforms your shooting from guesswork to precision. Whether you choose the speed of the RESPONSE, the protection of the TEKOA, or the ultimate precision of the TORIC, you’re investing in a system designed to make every adjustment count and every return to zero absolute.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many clicks does it take to zero a rifle scope?

The number of clicks to zero depends on your scope’s click value and how far off your initial point of impact is. Most scopes use 1/4 MOA clicks, meaning 4 clicks equal 1 inch of adjustment at 100 yards. With TRACT’s reset-to-zero feature, you don’t need to count clicks—just dial to the numbered correction you need.

Can you reset any rifle scope to zero?

Not all rifle scopes have a reset-to-zero feature. TRACT rifle scopes across all lines (TEKOA, RESPONSE, and TORIC) include this feature as standard, allowing you to establish a zero reference point and make field adjustments with confidence you can return to your original setting.

Should I zero my scope at 100 or 200 yards?

Most hunters and precision shooters zero at 100 yards because it provides a solid baseline for calculating longer-range adjustments. However, your zero distance should match your most common shooting scenarios. TRACT’s reset-to-zero feature works regardless of your chosen zero distance.

What’s the difference between spring-loaded and threaded reset systems?

Spring-loaded systems (found on TRACT’s TEKOA and RESPONSE) allow quick adjustments by lifting and rotating the turret. Threaded systems (TORIC series) require removing a cap but provide more secure lock-up for extreme precision applications. Both return you to exact zero reliably.

Can I zero a scope without firing shots?

While bore sighting can get you close to zero without firing, you cannot achieve a true zero without live fire confirmation. Use bore sighting to get on paper quickly, then use TRACT’s reset-to-zero feature to establish and maintain your actual firing zero.

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