hold zero

[Johnny Boy]

Can someone explain to this newb what it means for a scope to hold zero?

 

[KRP]

It means that point of aim stays the same, time after time, shot after shot. The reticle isn't moving around and moving point of impact all the time.

 

[britz]

I would just like to add that some cheaper scopes will be more easily knocked off of zero from a jar or fall.

The other key term that applies is to have repeatable adjustment. THat is: the scope will move the exact same amount with every click every time. If you have an accurate rifle, you should be able to shoot a bullet, move the scope up 20 clicks and back down 20 clicks to the right and back to the left, down then up.... time and again and have the same group that you would have had if you hadn't moved the scope at all.

A good scope will hold it's zero. A very good scope will hold it's zero and have repeatable adjustments .

 

[Johnny Boy]

KRP an britz, thanks guys. I sort of knew it, but still wanted to confirm it. Just wanted to make sure.