{"id":12727,"date":"2026-05-04T10:56:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T10:56:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope-based-on-how-you-hunt\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:34:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:34:36","slug":"setting-up-a-rifle-scope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting Up a Rifle Scope Based on How You Hunt"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope_Based_on_How_You_Hunt\" >Setting Up a Rifle Scope Based on How You Hunt<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#A_step%E2%80%91by%E2%80%91step_guide_by_James_Eagleman\" >A step\u2011by\u2011step guide by James Eagleman<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#1_Start_With_Proper_Ring_Positioning_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >1. Start With Proper Ring Positioning - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#2_Set_Eye_Relief_Based_on_How_You_Actually_Hunt_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >2. Set Eye Relief Based on How You Actually Hunt - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#If_you_hunt_from_a_bench\" >If you hunt from a bench<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#If_you_hunt_prone_or_off_a_tripod\" >If you hunt prone or off a tripod<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#3_Level_the_Scope_Using_a_Wedge_Not_the_Turret_Cap_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >3. Level the Scope Using a Wedge (Not the Turret Cap) - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#4_Align_Your_Bubble_Levels_to_the_Crosshairs_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >4. Align Your Bubble Levels to the Crosshairs - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#5_Measure_Scope_Height_Accurately_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >5. Measure Scope Height Accurately - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#6_Zero_at_100_Yards_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >6. Zero at 100 Yards - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#7_Build_and_True_Your_Ballistic_Profile_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >7. Build and True Your Ballistic Profile - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#8_Final_Validation_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >8. Final Validation - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#Ready_to_upgrade_your_optics_setup\" >Ready to upgrade your\u00a0optics\u00a0setup?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#FAQs_-_Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope\" >FAQ's - Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#1_How_tight_should_my_scope_rings_be\" >1. How tight should my scope rings be?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#2_Should_I_push_my_rings_forward_against_the_recoil_lug\" >2. Should I push my rings forward against the recoil lug?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#3_How_do_I_set_eye_relief_correctly\" >3. How do I set eye relief correctly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#4_Should_I_level_my_scope_using_the_turret_cap\" >4. Should I level my scope using the turret cap?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#5_Do_I_level_the_rifle_or_the_scope\" >5. Do I level the rifle or the scope?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#6_How_do_I_measure_scope_height_correctly\" >6. How do I measure scope height correctly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#7_Do_I_need_to_foul_the_barrel_before_zeroing\" >7. Do I need to foul the barrel before zeroing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#8_Why_do_I_need_to_true_my_ballistic_coefficient_BC\" >8. Why do I need to true my ballistic coefficient (BC)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#9_Should_I_zero_at_100_yards\" >9. Should I zero at 100 yards?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#10_Do_I_need_a_chronograph_to_mount_a_scope\" >10. Do I need a chronograph to mount a scope?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#11_Why_does_my_scope_picture_change_when_I_adjust_magnification\" >11. Why does my scope picture change when I adjust magnification?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#12_How_do_I_know_if_my_scope_is_canted\" >12. How do I know if my scope is canted?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/setting-up-a-rifle-scope\/#13_Do_I_need_to_perform_a_tall_target_test\" >13. Do I need to perform a tall target test?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting_Up_a_Rifle_Scope_Based_on_How_You_Hunt\"><\/span><strong>Setting Up a Rifle Scope Based on <em>How You Hunt<\/em><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_step%E2%80%91by%E2%80%91step_guide_by_James_Eagleman\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #f25c10\"><em>A step\u2011by\u2011step guide by James Eagleman<\/em><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Setting up a rifle scope isn\u2019t just about getting hardware mounted to a rifle \u2014 it\u2019s about tuning your entire system to the way <em>you<\/em> shoot. Whether you hunt from a bench, prone, or off a tripod, your setup should match your real\u2011world shooting posture. In this walkthrough, James Eagleman of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/10x42-ballistics-lrf-binoculars\/\">Eagle Ballistics<\/a> demonstrates how to mount, level, and true a scope the right way, using the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/toric-uhd-4-25x50-34mm-ffp-moa-eagleman-long-range-hunting-rifle-scope\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 4\u201125&#215;50 MOA Eagleman<\/a><\/strong> as the example optic.<\/p><p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gFJJUcC4EZc?si=_A9X1T8KJgPVguGe\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p><p>This guide distills the full process into a clean, repeatable workflow you can use on any rifle.<\/p><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">1.<\/span> Start With Proper Ring Positioning &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/h2><p>Before anything else, ensure your rings are loose enough to move freely on the rail.<\/p><ul><li>Slide each ring <strong>forward<\/strong> on the Picatinny rail until the ring\u2019s recoil lug contacts the rail\u2019s recoil slot.<\/li><li>Snug the ring bases down. Not torqued \u2014 just snug.<\/li><li>Center the scope tube in the rings so the scope body sits naturally without stress.<\/li><\/ul><p>This forward tension ensures that under recoil, the scope is always pushed <em>into<\/em> the lug rather than shifting backward.<\/p><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">2.<\/span> Set Eye Relief Based on How You Actually Hunt &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/h2><p>This is where most <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-solution-for-precision-shooters\/\">shooters<\/a> go wrong. <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/set-your-scope-for-success\/\">Eye relief<\/a> must be set in the position you\u2019ll use in the field.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_hunt_from_a_bench\"><\/span><strong>If you hunt from a bench<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Lean into the rifle exactly as you would behind a rest. Raise or lower your seat if needed.<br \/>Set the <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/toric-34mm-elr-rifle-scopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 4\u201125&#215;50<\/a> to <strong>maximum magnification<\/strong> \u2014 this gives you the smallest eye box and the most unforgiving eye relief. If it\u2019s perfect at max power, it will be perfect everywhere else.<\/p><p>Move the scope forward or backward until:<\/p><ul><li>The full sight picture is visible<\/li><li>No shadowing appears around the edges<\/li><li>You can maintain the position comfortably<\/li><\/ul><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_hunt_prone_or_off_a_tripod\"><\/span><strong>If you hunt prone or off a tripod<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Your head sits closer to the optic in these positions.<br \/>Stand or lie in your real shooting posture and repeat the same process.<\/p><p><strong>Your eye relief should match your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/tract-canadian-sport-show\/\">hunting<\/a> style \u2014 not someone else\u2019s.<\/strong><\/p><figure id=\"attachment_8518\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8518\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/toric-uhd-4-25x50-34mm-ffp-moa-eagleman-long-range-hunting-rifle-scope\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8518\" title=\"Setting Up a Rifle Scope Based on How You Hunt\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/TRACT_Eagleman-Project_300x250.jpg\" alt=\"Setting Up a Rifle Scope Based on How You Hunt\" width=\"400\" height=\"333\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8518\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Setting up a rifle scope based on how you hunt<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">3.<\/span> Level the Scope Using a Wedge (Not the Turret Cap) &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/h2><p>James prefers a leveling wedge over turret\u2011top bubble levels \u2014 and for good reason. <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/capped-vs-exposed-rifle-scope-turrets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Turret caps<\/a> aren\u2019t always machined perfectly level.<\/p><p>Using a wedge:<\/p><ol><li>Slide the wedge between the rail and the bottom of the scope tube.<\/li><li>Push the wedge in until the two surfaces create a perfectly square interface.<\/li><li>Lightly snug the ring caps in a <strong>cross\u2011pattern<\/strong> to avoid twisting the tube.<\/li><li>Remove the wedge.<\/li><\/ol><p>This method levels the <strong>scope body itself<\/strong>, which is what matters for internal alignment.<\/p><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">4.<\/span> Align Your Bubble Levels to the Crosshairs &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/h2><p>With the TORIC 4\u201125&#215;50 MOA Eagleman mounted and leveled, it\u2019s time to sync your bubble levels.<\/p><ul><li>Aim at a known vertical or horizontal reference \u2014 James uses a 900\u2011yard steel plate holder that\u2019s been verified with a carpenter\u2019s level.<\/li><li>Adjust your parallax for a crisp image.<\/li><li>Rotate your bubble level(s) until the bubble matches the crosshairs, <em>not<\/em> the rifle.<\/li><\/ul><p>This ensures that when your bubble is level in the field, your <strong>reticle<\/strong> is level \u2014 which is what keeps your wind holds and elevation corrections true.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_10229\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10229\" style=\"width: 295px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/accessories\/scope-bubble-level\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10229\" title=\"Setting Up a Rifle Scope Based on How You Hunt\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/34-ELP-600x600-2.png\" alt=\"Setting Up a rifle scope based on how you hunt\" width=\"295\" height=\"262\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10229\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Setting up a rifle scope based on how you hunt<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">5.<\/span> Measure Scope Height Accurately &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/h2><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/10x42-ballistics-lrf-binoculars\/\">Eagle Ballistics App<\/a> requires precise scope height for accurate ballistic solutions.<\/p><p>James measures from:<\/p><p><strong>Center of the scope \u2192 center of the firing pin hole<\/strong><br \/>This gives the truest representation of bore\u2011to\u2011optic height.<\/p><p>Using the app\u2019s built\u2011in ruler tool, he measured the TORIC setup at <strong>2.0 inches<\/strong>.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_10228\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10228\" style=\"width: 609px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/videosview\/how-to-measure-scope-height\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10228\" title=\"Setting Up a Rifle Scope Based on How You Hunt\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ruler-Picture-EB-2-1024x600.png\" alt=\"Setting up a rifle scope based on how you hunt\" width=\"609\" height=\"357\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10228\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Setting up a rifle scope based on how you hunt &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/videosview\/how-to-measure-scope-height\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Measuring scope height with Eagle Ballsitics App<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">6.<\/span> Zero at 100 Yards &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/h2><p>With the scope mounted and leveled:<\/p><ul><li>Fire a three\u2011shot group at 100 yards.<\/li><li>Confirm the rifle is fouled (James ran six rounds through his clean barrel first).<\/li><li>Adjust windage and elevation as needed.<\/li><li>Record your initial velocity using a chronograph.<\/li><\/ul><p>In the transcript, the rifle produced an average of <strong>2697.8 fps<\/strong> with factory SIG 140gr ammunition.<\/p><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">7.<\/span> Build and True Your Ballistic Profile &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/h2><p>Inside the <a href=\"https:\/\/eagleballistics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eagle Ballistics App:<\/a><\/p><ol><li>Select your bullet (Sierra 140gr MatchKing in this case).<\/li><li>Enter your measured velocity.<\/li><li>Lock your zero angle.<\/li><li>Run the rifle to distance \u2014 James used <strong>1,000 yards<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Adjust the BC until your real\u2011world impacts match the solver\u2019s predicted elevation.<\/li><\/ol><p>His final trued BC was <strong>0.2747<\/strong>, with a 1,000\u2011yard correction of <strong>33.5 MOA<\/strong>.<\/p><p>Once trued, check mid\u2011range distances (like 600 yards) to confirm the curve is accurate.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_10150\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10150\" style=\"width: 303px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eagleballistics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-10150\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Eagle-Ballistics-Logo-with-Name.jpg\" alt=\"Setting up a rifle scope based on how you hunt\" width=\"303\" height=\"303\" title=\"\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10150\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Setting up a rifle scope based on how you hunt &#8211; Discover the power of the <a href=\"https:\/\/eagleballistics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">Eagle Ballistics App<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">8.<\/span> Final Validation &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/h2><p>James finishes by shooting small targets \u2014 in this case, golf balls at 1,000 yards \u2014 to confirm the system is dialed.<\/p><p>When your:<\/p><ul><li>Eye relief<\/li><li>Leveling<\/li><li>Scope height<\/li><li>Zero<\/li><li>Velocity<\/li><li>Trued BC<\/li><\/ul><p>\u2026are all correct, your rifle becomes a predictable, repeatable tool.<\/p><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p>Setting up a scope isn\u2019t complicated \u2014 but it <em>is<\/em> precise. The <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/toric-34mm-elr-rifle-scopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC 4\u201125&#215;50\u00a0<\/a> makes the process easier thanks to its forgiving eye box, crisp reticle, and rock\u2011solid tracking, but the fundamentals remain the same:<\/p><p><strong>Set it up the way you hunt.<br \/>Level it to the rifle.<br \/>True it to your real\u2011world data.<\/strong><\/p><p>Do that, and your rifle becomes a system you can trust anywhere from 100 to 1,000 yards and beyond.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_10073\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10073\" style=\"width: 728px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/rangefinders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10073\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rangefinder-Digital_TEASER-2_728x90.gif\" alt=\"Setting up a rifle scope based on how you hunt\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" title=\"\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10073\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Setting up a rifle scope based on how you hunt<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2><span style=\"color: #f25c10\"><strong>Ready to upgrade your\u00a0<a style=\"color: #f25c10\" title=\"FFP vs. SFP Rifle Scopes: What You Need to Know Before You Buy\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/videosview\/ffp-vs-sfp-rifle-scopes-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-buy\/\" data-ilj-link-preview=\"true\" data-featured-image=\"https:\/\/bunny-wp-pullzone-a5k5zuxa92.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/IMG_4323-300x200.jpg\" data-excerpt=\"FFP vs. SFP Rifle Scopes: What You Need to Know Before You Buy. 1950If you\u2019re stepping into the world of rifle optics\u2014whether for precision rimfire, long-range shooting, or hunting\u2014you\u2019ve likely encountered the terms first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP). And if you\u2019ve felt overwhelmed by the jargon, you\u2019re not alone.\" aria-expanded=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">optics<\/a>\u00a0<a style=\"color: #f25c10\" title=\"TRACT TORIC 30mm 1-8x24 LPVO Throw Lever installation\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/tract-toric-30mm-1-8x24-lpvo-throw-lever-installation\/\" data-ilj-link-preview=\"true\" data-featured-image=\"\" data-excerpt=\"Whether you&amp;apos;re preparing for your first precision rifle competition or upgrading your hunting setup, installing a throw lever on your TRACT TORIC 30mm 1-8x24 LPVO can dramatically improve your speed and accuracy in the field.\" aria-expanded=\"false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">setup<\/a>?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2><p>Phone:\u00a0<strong>631-662-7354<\/strong>\u00a0| Email:\u00a0<strong><a href=\"mailto:support@tractoptics.com\">support@tractoptics.com<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Live Chat<\/strong>\u00a0Available<\/a><\/p><p><em>See what shooters are saying on Trustpilot:<\/em><\/p><p style=\"text-align: center\"><a style=\"text-align: center;text-decoration: none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trustpilot.com\/review\/tractoptics.com?utm_medium=Trustbox&#038;utm_source=EmailNewsletter3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/emailsignature.trustpilot.com\/newsletter\/en-US\/3\/5fc7afaa58a6e200016f0dfc\/520\/170\/light@2x.png?stars=5,4,3,2,1&#038;fontSize=default\" alt=\"\" width=\"520\" height=\"170\" border=\"0\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p><h2><\/h2><h2><span style=\"color: #f25c10\"><strong>FAQ&#8217;s &#8211; Setting Up a Rifle Scope<\/strong><\/span><\/h2><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_How_tight_should_my_scope_rings_be\"><\/span><strong>1. How tight should my scope rings be?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Your rings should be tightened evenly in a cross\u2011pattern and torqued to the manufacturer\u2019s recommended inch\u2011pounds. TRACT recommends <span style=\"color: #f25c10\"><strong>18inch lbs. of torque<\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0 Over\u2011tightening can crush the scope tube; under\u2011tightening can allow the scope to shift under recoil. Even with a rugged optic like the TORIC 4\u201125&#215;50 MOA Eagleman, proper torque is essential for long\u2011term reliability.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Should_I_push_my_rings_forward_against_the_recoil_lug\"><\/span><strong>2. Should I push my rings forward against the recoil lug?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">Yes.<\/span><\/strong> Always slide the rings forward until the recoil lug contacts the rail slot before tightening. This ensures that recoil forces push the scope <em>into<\/em> the lug rather than allowing it to creep backward over time.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_How_do_I_set_eye_relief_correctly\"><\/span><strong>3. How do I set eye relief correctly?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Set your eye relief <strong>in the <span style=\"color: #f25c10\">exact position you hunt<\/span> from<\/strong> \u2014 bench, prone, tripod, or standing.<br \/>Use <strong>maximum magnification<\/strong> when setting eye relief because it gives you the smallest eye box. If the sight picture is perfect at max power, it will be perfect at all magnifications.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Should_I_level_my_scope_using_the_turret_cap\"><\/span><strong>4. Should I level my scope using the turret cap?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">No.<\/span> <\/strong>Turret caps aren\u2019t always machined perfectly level.<br \/>Leveling from the <strong>bottom of the scope tube<\/strong> using a wedge (as James demonstrates) gives a more accurate alignment. This ensures your reticle is truly vertical and horizontal relative to the rifle.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Do_I_level_the_rifle_or_the_scope\"><\/span><strong>5. Do I level the rifle or the scope?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>You level the <span style=\"color: #f25c10\"><strong>reticle<\/strong><\/span>, not the rifle.<br \/>Use a known vertical or horizontal reference downrange, align your crosshairs to it, and then adjust your bubble level to match the reticle. This ensures your level reflects the reticle\u2019s orientation, not the stock or action.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_How_do_I_measure_scope_height_correctly\"><\/span><strong>6. How do I measure scope height correctly?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Measure from the <span style=\"color: #f25c10\"><strong>center of the scope tube<\/strong> <span style=\"color: #000000\">to the<\/span> <strong>center of the bore<\/strong><\/span> (often the firing pin hole).<br \/>This measurement is critical for ballistic solvers like <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/videosview\/how-to-measure-scope-height\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eagle Ballistics<\/a>. Even a small error in scope height can cause misses at long range.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Do_I_need_to_foul_the_barrel_before_zeroing\"><\/span><strong>7. Do I need to foul the barrel before zeroing?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">Yes<\/span><\/strong>. A clean barrel often prints differently than a fouled one.<br \/>James typically fires 5\u20136 rounds before confirming zero. Once fouled, the rifle will settle into its true point of impact.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Why_do_I_need_to_true_my_ballistic_coefficient_BC\"><\/span><strong>8. Why do I need to true my ballistic coefficient (BC)?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p><strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">Factory BCs are estimates<\/span><\/strong>.<br \/>Your rifle, your ammo, your velocity, and your environment all influence real\u2011world drag. Truing your BC at distance (like 800\u20131,000 yards) ensures your ballistic solver matches your actual impacts. This is essential for long\u2011range precision.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Should_I_zero_at_100_yards\"><\/span><strong>9. Should I zero at 100 yards?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>For most hunting and long\u2011range setups, <strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">yes<\/span><\/strong>.<br \/>A 100\u2011yard zero provides a clean baseline for ballistic solvers and minimizes environmental variables. It\u2019s the standard for precision shooters and the method James uses when setting up the TORIC 4\u201125&#215;50 MOA Eagleman.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Do_I_need_a_chronograph_to_mount_a_scope\"><\/span><strong>10. Do I need a chronograph to mount a scope?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>You can mount a scope without one \u2014 but if you want accurate long\u2011range data, a <strong><span style=\"color: #f25c10\">chronograph is invaluable.<\/span><\/strong><br \/>Velocity is one of the biggest variables in ballistic prediction. James uses a Garmin chronograph to capture real\u2011time velocities while zeroing.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Why_does_my_scope_picture_change_when_I_adjust_magnification\"><\/span><strong>11. Why does my scope picture change when I adjust magnification?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>Because magnification slightly shifts the eye box.<br \/>This is why eye relief must be set at <strong>maximum magnification<\/strong>. If it\u2019s correct at max power, it will be forgiving at lower powers.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_How_do_I_know_if_my_scope_is_canted\"><\/span><strong>12. How do I know if my scope is canted?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>If your wind holds or elevation corrections seem inconsistent, your scope may be slightly rotated.<br \/>Using a wedge and aligning your reticle to a verified vertical reference eliminates cant and ensures your bubble level reflects true reticle orientation.<\/p><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Do_I_need_to_perform_a_tall_target_test\"><\/span><strong>13. Do I need to perform a tall target test?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>A tall target test verifies that your scope tracks perfectly through its elevation range.<br \/>While not mandatory for hunting distances, it\u2019s recommended for long\u2011range shooters who rely on precise dialing. The TORIC 4\u201125&#215;50 MOA Eagleman is known for excellent tracking, but verifying your system is always smart.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Setting Up a Rifle Scope Based on How You Hunt. A step\u2011by\u2011step guide by James Eagleman. Setting up a rifle scope isn\u2019t just about getting hardware mounted to a rifle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12779,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3616,2256,2259,2266,2272,2274],"tags":[4596,4597,2763,4598,4257,4105,4599,4600,4601,4259],"class_list":["post-12727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eagleman","category-how-to","category-hunting-rifle-scope","category-riflescopes","category-toric-34mm","category-video","tag-bubble-level-setup","tag-eye-relief-setup","tag-how-to-mount-a-rifle-scope","tag-leveling-a-rifle-scope","tag-picatinny-rail-mounting","tag-rifle-scope-mounting","tag-scope-cant-correction","tag-scope-height-measurement","tag-scope-leveling-tips","tag-scope-ring-torque"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12727"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12727\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12780,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12727\/revisions\/12780"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12727"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}