The turrets on your rifle scope are important in precision and accuracy. The turrets allow you to adjust your scope according to the elements to hit your target each time accurately.
Many things can impact the accuracy of your shot, including distance, wind speed, ammunition type, and the elements. Besides your skill, the key to overcoming these impacts lies in your turrets.
When you understand how turrets work, you have a better chance of achieving high precision at the range or in the field.
What Are Rifle Scope Turrets?
Rifle scope turrets are adjustable knobs found on your scope. These knobs are used to make adjustments to align your scope to the intended point of impact.
- Elevation Turret:
- Located on the top of the scope.
- It adjusts the vertical (up and down) reticle alignment.
- If your shot is too high or low, this is the turret you will adjust.
- It compensates for bullet drop that will naturally happen as it travels over long distances toward your target.
- Windage Turret:
- Located on the side of the scope.
- It is for the reticle’s horizontal adjustment (side to side) placement.
- If your shot is too far to the left or right, this is the turret you will adjust.
- It can compensate for wind speed and direction.
How Do Turrets Work?
Turrets adjust the internal components to change the point of aim and, therefore, the point of impact (POI).
As you turn the turret, you should hear clicks. Every click is a specific measurement, and the value of this measurement can differ by scope and manufacturer.
This measurement is expressed in minutes of angle (MOA) or milliradians (MILs).
To adjust your scope accurately, you must know how many MOAs or MILs a click equals. All Rapid Reticle scopes use MOA.
1 MOA equals 1″ per 100 yards and adjusts based on the distance. For example, 1 MOA at 400 yards is 4,” 6″ at 600 yards, and so on.
MOA Example
If you need to move the point of impact (POI) 12″ for your target at 600 yards, this equates to a 2 MOA adjustment. The mathematical calculation is as follows:
MOA = Point of Impact Adjustment in Inches / (POI Distance in Yards / 100)
OR 12 / (600 / 100) = 2
To complete the adjustment, you must know the MOA value per click of your scope’s turrets. If the turrets are in 1/2″ MOA increments, you will adjust four clicks in the example above.
The calculation is MOA / ‘value per click’ OR 2 / 0.5.
If it is set to 1/4″ per MOA click, you will need to adjust 8 clicks (2 / 0.25).
Tips When Making Adjustments
- Zero Your Scope: Ensure your scope is accurately zeroed at a shorter range (50 or 100 yards) before adjusting for longer targets.
- Know the Value of a Click: You must understand the measurement change for each click.
- Choose Ammo Wisely: The ammunition and weight can impact your precision. If you change your ammo, you will likely have to zero your rifle again and make further adjustments.
- Take It Slow: When you make adjustments, turn the turret slowly so you can accurately count the clicks.
- Always Reset: Once you have accurately acquired your target, lock or reset your turrets to zero. This will make any additional adjustments easier.
Turret Features To Look For When Buying a Scope
There are a few elements you should look for when you are purchasing a new rifle scope.
The scopes turrets should:
- Move Smoothly
- Have an Audible Click
- Be Easy to Grip (bare-handed and with gloves)
- Able to Reset to Zero
- Lockable
Understanding your scope’s turrets and how to use them can greatly impact your precision when you are shooting. Knowing when and how to adjust your turrets for the perfect shot can make your time shooting much more entertaining.
