{"id":389,"date":"2023-12-22T17:14:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T17:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tma65.com\/blog\/?p=389"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:35:59","slug":"how-to-box-test-your-riflescope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-box-test-your-riflescope\/","title":{"rendered":"Rifle scope How to Box Test"},"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-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-box-test-your-riflescope\/#Rifle_Scope_Box_Test_with_Curt_Vaughn_of_Vaughn_Precision\" >Rifle Scope Box Test with Curt Vaughn of Vaughn Precision<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-box-test-your-riflescope\/#Setting_Up_Your_Rifle_Scope_Tracking_Target\" >Setting Up Your Rifle Scope Tracking Target<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-box-test-your-riflescope\/#Distance_Measurements_for_MRAD_and_MOA_Scopes\" >Distance Measurements for MRAD and MOA Scopes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-box-test-your-riflescope\/#Step_1_-_Preparation_Ensuring_Accuracy_Before_the_Test_Rifle_scope\" >Step 1 - Preparation: Ensuring Accuracy Before the Test Rifle scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-box-test-your-riflescope\/#Step_2_-_Maintain_a_Consistent_Aiming_Point_Rifle_scope\" >Step 2 - Maintain a Consistent Aiming Point Rifle scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-box-test-your-riflescope\/#Step_3_-_Adjust_and_Shoot_The_11-Step_Box_Test_Sequence_Rifle_scope\" >Step 3 - Adjust and Shoot: The 11-Step Box Test Sequence Rifle scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/how-to-box-test-your-riflescope\/#Conclusion_Fine-Tuning_for_Precision_Rifle_scope\" >Conclusion: Fine-Tuning for Precision Rifle scope<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rifle_Scope_Box_Test_with_Curt_Vaughn_of_Vaughn_Precision\"><\/span>Rifle Scope Box Test with Curt Vaughn of Vaughn Precision<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p>In this guide, Curt Vaughn from Vaughn Precision demonstrates how to conduct a box test to evaluate your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/toric-30mm-2-5-15x44-sfp-rifle-scope-turret-reset-to-zero\/\">rifle<\/a> scope\u2019s tracking accuracy, specifically using the TORIC 4-20&#215;50 30mm MRAD\/MRAD <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"scope\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1789\">scope<\/a>. A box test helps shooters confirm that their <a title=\"How to Properly Mount a Rifle Scope\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/how-to-properly-mount-a-rifle-scope\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1798\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope\u2019s adjustments accurately shift the point of impact<\/a>. Vaughn&#8217;s method involves creating a target with precise markers, setting up the scope correctly, and following a structured <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator\/\">shooting<\/a> sequence.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_7479\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7479\" style=\"width: 635px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7479\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/inner88.png\" alt=\" Rifle scope\" width=\"635\" height=\"375\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/inner88.png 635w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/inner88-300x177.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/inner88-508x300.png 508w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/12\/inner88-150x89.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7479\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-you-need-for-an-air-rifle-competition\/\">Rifle scope<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting_Up_Your_Rifle_Scope_Tracking_Target\"><\/span>Setting Up Your Rifle Scope Tracking Target<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>You can create your own <a title=\"Scope Sighting Made Simple\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/scope-sighting-made-simple\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1794\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle scope tracking target<\/a> with a few simple materials. Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide for setting up the test:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Target Dimensions<\/strong>: Use a large, stable target surface like a heavy-weight paper or cardboard. Ideally, the target should be 40 inches tall and 24 inches wide.<\/li><li><strong>Bullseye Placement<\/strong>:<ul><li>Place an adhesive bullseye in the lower center of the target. This will be your primary aiming point.<\/li><li>Depending on whether you have an <a title=\"5 Long Range Shooting Tips\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/5-long-range-shooting-tips\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1795\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MRAD or MOA scope<\/a>, measure and mark additional bullseyes with precise spacing.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Distance_Measurements_for_MRAD_and_MOA_Scopes\"><\/span>Distance Measurements for MRAD and MOA Scopes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><ul><li><strong>For MRAD <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/quality-scope-rings-make-a-difference\/\">Scopes<\/a><\/strong>:<ul><li>Measure 2.5 MRAD (9 inches) to the left and right from the center bullseye and mark each point with an adhesive bullseye.<\/li><li>Draw straight lines from the center bullseye to ensure accurate alignment. Place additional bullseyes at 5 MRAD (18 inches) and 10 MRAD (36 inches) above the lower center bullseye as well as on each side.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>For MOA Scopes<\/strong>:<ul><li>Measure 10 MOA (10.47 inches) left and right from the center bullseye and mark these points.<\/li><li>Continue measuring 15 MOA (10.74 inches) and 30 MOA (31.41 inches) above the lower center bullseye, aligning with the two lateral bullseyes for a precise layout.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><h4>Step 1 &#8211; Preparation: Ensuring Accuracy Before the Test Rifle scope<\/h4><ol><li><strong>Scope Mounting and Leveling<\/strong>: Before starting, ensure your <a title=\"Getting Your Riflescope to Hold Zero\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/getting-your-riflescope-to-hold-zero\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1799\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scope is correctly mounted and aligned with your rifle<\/a>.<ul><li>Curt advises <a title=\"5.56 Versus .223 The Rundown\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/5-56-vs-223\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1801\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">checking your reticle<\/a> by aligning it with a plumb line to verify the vertical reticle crosshair\u2019s alignment.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Level the Target<\/strong>: Ensure the target is level. Use a plumb line to confirm the target\u2019s vertical and horizontal lines are perfectly aligned.<\/li><\/ol><p>Proper leveling ensures accuracy, preventing tracking errors and ensuring reliable results. Many shooters overlook this critical step, resulting in inaccurate results that appear as scope issues.<\/p><h4>Step 2 &#8211; Maintain a Consistent Aiming Point Rifle scope<\/h4><p>Throughout the test, keep the same aiming point to minimize variable <a title=\"Why You Might Consider a Ballistic Calculator\u00a0\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/why-you-might-consider-a-ballistic-calculator\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1791\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">factors and ensure your results reflect the scope\u2019s performance<\/a>. Having a stable and accurate zero will make the box test reliable.<\/p><h4>Step 3 &#8211; Adjust and Shoot: The 11-Step Box Test Sequence Rifle scope<\/h4><p>Now, you\u2019re ready to start shooting. Here\u2019s the shot sequence Vaughn follows to <a title=\"TORIC 34mm 4.5-30X56 Tracking Test\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/videosview\/tracking-test-toric-34mm\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1792\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">test the tracking<\/a>:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Shot 1<\/strong>: Fire at the initial aiming point.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 2<\/strong>: Dial up 5 mils (18 inches) and take another shot.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 3<\/strong>: Dial up another 5 mils (for a total of 10 mils) and fire.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 4<\/strong>: <a title=\"NRA\u2019s Shooting Illustrated Tests the TORIC 30mm 4-20\u00d750 FFP Riflescope\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/nras-shooting-illustrated-tests-the-toric-30mm-4-20x50-ffp-riflescope\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1800\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adjust left by 2.5 mils and shoot<\/a>.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 5<\/strong>: Dial down 20 mils and right 2.5 mils, then take a shot.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 6<\/strong>: Dial left 5 mils and fire.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 7<\/strong>: Dial up 20 mils and right 5 mils, then shoot.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 8<\/strong>: Dial down 10 mils and left 5 mils and take a shot.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 9<\/strong>: Dial right 5 mils and shoot.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 10<\/strong>: Dial down 5 mils and left 2.5 mils and fire.<\/li><li><strong>Shot 11<\/strong>: Repeat Shot 10 to confirm the return to your original point.<\/li><\/ol><p>Following this sequence, you should see a \u201cbox\u201d pattern, with each <a title=\"Rifle Marksmanship : Shot Analysis\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/rifle-marksmanship-shot-analysis\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1797\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shot hitting precisely where the scope adjustments<\/a> indicate. This <a title=\"Scope Sighting Made Simple\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/scope-sighting-made-simple\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1793\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">test verifies that your scope tracks<\/a> accurately and returns to zero, confirming reliable performance.<\/p><h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Fine-Tuning_for_Precision_Rifle_scope\"><\/span>Conclusion: Fine-Tuning for Precision Rifle scope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4><p>Curt emphasizes that performing a box test with a highly accurate <a title=\"Building the Ultimate Hunting Rifle Part 1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/building-the-ultimate-hunting-rifle\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1790\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rifle<\/a> and precise target setup is essential for consistent tracking validation. Proper leveling, maintaining a steady aiming point, and methodically following each <a title=\"Rifle Marksmanship: Scope Fundamentals\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/improving-rifle-marksmanship-part-1\/\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1796\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adjustment will give you confidence in your scope\u2019s performance<\/a>.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_1372\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1372\" style=\"width: 970px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1372 size-full\" title=\"Rifles Scopes\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/TRACT-ELR_970x250.jpg\" alt=\"Rifle Scopes\" width=\"970\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1372\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/videosview\/toric-30mm-2-5-15x44-sfp-rifle-scope-turret-reset-to-zero\/\">Rifle Scopes<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><p><span style=\"color: #3366ff\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff\" title=\"Facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tractoptics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener sponsored\"><strong>FOLLOW US: FACEBOOK<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Box Test your Riflescope<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12035,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2257,2259],"tags":[2330,2331,2332,2333,2334,2335,2336,2337,2338,2339,2340,2343,2688,2690,2691,2692,2696,2697,2698,2699,2700,2701,2702,2704,2705,2706,2707],"class_list":["post-389","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-fix-adjust","category-hunting-rifle-scope","tag-adjusting-a-rifle-scope","tag-adjusting-a-rifle-scope-left-or-right","tag-adjusting-a-scope","tag-adjusting-a-scope-on-a-rifle","tag-adjusting-rifle-scope","tag-adjusting-rifle-scope-turrets","tag-adjusting-scope-on-rifle","tag-adjusting-scope-to-point-of-impact","tag-adjusting-scope-turrets","tag-adjusting-scope-windage","tag-adjusting-turrets-on-a-scope","tag-aftermarket-scope-turrets","tag-how-to","tag-how-to-adjust-a-rifle-scope","tag-how-to-adjust-a-scope","tag-how-to-adjust-a-scope-on-a-rifle","tag-how-to-adjust-rifle-scope","tag-how-to-adjust-rifle-scope-for-elevation-and-windage","tag-how-to-adjust-rifle-scope-turrets","tag-how-to-adjust-rifle-scopes","tag-how-to-adjust-scope","tag-how-to-adjust-scope-on-rifle","tag-how-to-adjust-scope-turrets","tag-how-to-adjust-turrets-on-scopes","tag-how-to-adjust-windage-and-elevation","tag-how-to-adjust-windage-on-a-scope","tag-how-to-adjust-windage-on-scope"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/389","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=389"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/389\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11319,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/389\/revisions\/11319"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12035"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=389"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=389"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=389"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}