How to Sight in a Thermal Scope

A properly aimed thermal imaging scope aligns the point of aim (what you see in the scope) with the point of impact (where the bullet hits), minimizing errors and maximizing accuracy. Below is a detailed guide to help you effectively aim with a thermal imaging scope.

Sighting a Thermal Scope

This generally refers to the process of aligning a thermal scope with a rifle or firearm so that your aiming point (the center of the crosshairs) is accurately aligned with the point of impact (where the bullet hits the target) at a given distance.

The goal is to ensure that when you aim at a target through a thermal scope, the bullet hits the target at the desired point of impact. In addition to adjusting for bullet drop, this may include adjusting parallax, focus, and even crosshair brightness.

Understand Your Thermal Scope

Before you start, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how your thermal scope works. Unlike traditional scopes, thermal scopes detect heat signatures and translate them into a visible image. The reticle (crosshair) overlays the thermal image to help you aim.

Thermal scopes often include features such as:

• Reticle adjustment controls for windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical).
• Calibration settings to ensure the image is clear.
• Multiple zoom levels and color palettes for different environments.

Prepare Your Equipment

To ensure an efficient sighting process, gather the following:

• Firearm and Scope: Ensure your thermal scope is securely mounted to your firearm using a proper rail system. Tighten the screws to prevent movement.
• Target with a Heat Signature: Use a thermal target or create one (e.g., heat a metal plate, use hand warmers, or apply tape warmed by a hairdryer).
• Stable Shooting Rest: A bench rest or bipod will help stabilize your firearm for accurate adjustments.
• A Safe Shooting Location: Choose a location with a clear backdrop to observe your shots safely.

Set Up Your Scope

• Power On and Calibrate: Turn on your thermal scope and allow it to calibrate. Many scopes have a "NUC" (Non-Uniformity Correction) function to refresh the image for clarity.
• Adjust the Diopter: Focus the eyepiece on your vision to ensure a sharp reticle and image.
• Choose a Target Distance: Begin at a short distance, such as 50 yards, which is standard for initial zeroing.

Shoot and Observe

• Place your target at the desired distance and set your firearm on a stable rest.
• Aim at the center of the target using the thermal scope’s reticle and fire a three-shot group.
• Observe the point of impact through the scope. If the shots are grouped consistently but away from the aim point, adjustments are needed.

Make Adjustments

Thermal scopes typically feature adjustment turrets for windage and elevation. Here's how to use them:

• Elevation Adjustment: Corrects vertical errors (if the shots are high or low).
• Windage Adjustment: Corrects horizontal errors (if the shots are left or right).

Each click of the turret corresponds to a specific distance (e.g., 1/4 MOA equals 1/4 inch at 100 yards). For example:

If your shots hit 2 inches low at 50 yards, adjust the elevation turret up by 8 clicks (assuming 1 click = 1/4 MOA).

After making the adjustments, fire another three-shot group to confirm accuracy. Repeat as necessary until the reticle aligns perfectly with the point of impact.

Fine-tune at Longer Distances

Once you’ve zeroed at 50 yards, move your target to a longer range (e.g., 100 yards) and repeat the process. This step ensures that your thermal scope remains accurate across different distances. Keep in mind:

• Environmental factors like wind, humidity, and temperature can affect thermal imaging and bullet trajectory.
• If possible, test at various ranges to determine how your scope performs in real-world conditions.

Maintain Your Scope

Thermal scopes are sensitive devices that require regular care:

• Re-check Zero: After transporting your firearm or if the scope experiences impact, confirm the zero to ensure accuracy.
• Battery Management: Ensure your scope’s battery is fully charged before use. Thermal scopes consume more power than traditional optics.
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth and avoid exposing the scope to extreme temperatures or moisture.

Key Tips for Success

• Use High-Contrast Targets: Thermal scopes work best with targets that have distinct heat signatures. If using DIY targets, ensure they remain warm throughout the sighting process.
• Take Your Time: Sighting in requires patience and precision. Rushing the process can lead to inconsistent results.
• Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with your thermal scope in different lighting and environmental conditions to build confidence and skill.

Zeroing a Thermal Scope

Zeroing specifically refers to adjusting the thermal scope's crosshairs to correspond with the rifle's point of impact at a set distance, such as 100 yards or 100 meters.

The goal is to ensure that your shots always hit targets at a known distance while accounting for any bullet drop, wind, and other ballistic factors at that particular range.

How to Zero a Thermal Scope

Before heading to the range, ensure your thermal scope is securely mounted, all screws are tightened, and the batteries are fully charged. Prepare essential tools like a tripod or shooting rest, ammunition, and a thermal target. If you don’t have a pre-made target, create one using materials like aluminum tape or hand warmers, which provide distinct heat signatures.

Set your target at the desired zeroing distance—50 yards is standard for general use or hog hunting—and input the correct rifle profile and zero distance in your scope’s settings. This ensures your scope is properly configured for accurate alignment before you begin shooting.

The Traditional Zeroing Process

Once everything is set, it’s time to zero your thermal scope. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Take Your First Shot

Aim at the center of your thermal target and fire a shot. Observe where the bullet impacts. If the impact is far from your point of aim, consider moving closer to the target to simplify adjustments.

Mark the Impact

Heat signatures from bullets can fade quickly, making it hard to track where the shot landed. Mark the impact spot with aluminum tape or similar reflective material to ensure it remains visible through the scope.

Adjust Your Reticle

While keeping the rifle steady and the reticle on the original point of aim, use the scope’s controls to move the reticle to the bullet’s point of impact. This aligns your scope to where the bullet actually hit. Many thermal scopes have reference markers in their menu to help you track adjustments more precisely.

Confirm the Zero

Take another shot to verify that the reticle now aligns with the bullet’s impact point. Repeat the adjustment process as necessary, making small changes each time until your shots consistently hit the target’s center.

For larger adjustments, use the scope’s native magnification for quicker alignment. Once close, you can switch to digital zoom for finer tuning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing through the process or skipping key steps can lead to poor results. One common mistake is underestimating the time required. Zeroing a thermal scope, especially for the first time, can take up to 1-2 hours. Allocate enough time to complete the task without pressure.

Another frequent issue is unfamiliarity with the scope’s settings. Thermal scopes often have intricate menus and adjustment options. Review the manual beforehand and practice navigating the controls to avoid confusion in the field.

Finally, always bring extra ammunition. Even if everything goes smoothly, having additional rounds ensures you won’t have to interrupt the process if adjustments take longer than expected.

Read more: 

Night Vision vs Thermal Scope

Difference Between Thermal and Infrared

Wrap-Up

By following the right steps, you will be able to improve your precision, whether you are hunting, observing wildlife, or performing tactical operations.

If you are looking for a high-quality thermal imaging riflescope, our laser rangefinder modules are designed to provide the highest accuracy and reliability. With cutting-edge technology and easy integration into your setup, these tools can help you aim quickly and accurately with your thermal imaging riflescope, ensuring you always have your sights on the target.