first rifle, first build, first sighting in...

blacktusk

blacktusk

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So I built my first ever rifle and finally brought it to a range tonight. I did everything myself and everything was a first for me. First rifle, first build etc.

its based on the rem 700 in 30-06. Now tonight I only had maybe 30 minutes til dusk so it was more or less a trip just to shoot it, see how it felt and just enjoy the fact I can shoot it now.

I had the target set at roughly 85 yards (the first burm) and my first shot ever was high and to the left. From point id say 8" left and 8 or 9" high. after figuring that out and not there to zero in, i just aimed the opposite and while I was aiming at nothing essentially, just where i thought I had to be, I was getting 1 to 2.5 inch groups.A couple shots punched the paper in the same spot almost exactly.

Anyway I figured since I was guess-aiming this is a good sign once dialed in my build should be accurate. Also, i was using the cheapest ammo I could find since i dont want to waste my match grade for my first ever shoot.

Now my question. Is my scope installation poor? at 85 yards, having never sighted in is 8 left and 9 high too much? Would a better mounting job bring this in? I am brand new to shooting, literally this year I decided it was time to take interest in guns and get my license etc. Is being off by that much at 85 or so yards acceptable to start sighting in? my groups were tight considering I didnt have an actual point to aim for in terms of repeatable compensation.

Should I redo my mounting? Should I just start dialing her in?
 
First, congrats. I know the feeling and it's frikin awesome.

I've never had a scope drop on and be zeroed, it doesn't happen. When time comes to zero, use the good stuff. Roughing in with cheap ammo is ok, get it to within 1 or 2 moa and shoot groups. Don't worry too much about the bullseye, just try for tight groups.

It is a good idea to go over all your mounting hardware after the first shoot. Make sure all is still tight.

Where's your pics?

Merry Christmas

Just to add; try adjusting 7 minutes right and 7 minutes down to rough in 100.
 
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Ok cool. I'll add some pics after I put the little one to bed. I know it would never be zeroed from the get go but wondered if being off that much initially indicated a poor scope install. Like I said, never done this :) also worried that if I zero it from that far off that it might affect the range of later adjustment in a bad way.
 
You'll be fine for windage and you're gaining up. It'll be good.
Double checking your mounts is always good too.

What distance does your range offer?
 
I am a member at mission (300 yards) but I just went down to abby fish and game this afternoon with a friend who is a member there.
 
By your first build, do you mean you put the rings and mounts on yourself? The distances you describe are a fair amount, but manageable. Its pretty easy to tell if your scope is sitting "square" in the rings.
 
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