Sighting-In

Adjusting firearm sights or a scope so that the bullet hits the intended point of aim at a chosen distance.

Related Terms

Scope Parallax

An optical effect in riflescopes where the reticle appears to move if the shooter’s eye shifts of...

View Term: Scope Parallax

Marksmanship

The skill of accurate shooting, encompassing proper stance, breathing, trigger control, and follo...

View Term: Marksmanship

Minute of Angle (MOA)

An angular unit of measurement (1 MOA ≈ 1 inch at 100 yards) used in optics to describe accuracy ...

View Term: Minute of Angle (MOA)

Rifle Scope

An optic with magnification mounted on a rifle, offering a clearer view of distant targets for ac...

View Term: Rifle Scope

Peep Sight

A small aperture in the rear sight of a bow or rifle that provides a precise aiming point.

View Term: Peep Sight

Impact Point

The actual spot where a bullet or arrow strikes the target; differs from point of aim if the sigh...

View Term: Impact Point

Range Finder

A device (often laser-based) calculating exact distance to a target, improving accuracy for rifle...

View Term: Range Finder

Zeroing a Rifle

Aligning a rifle’s sights or scope so bullets land at the point of aim at a specific distance, cr...

View Term: Zeroing a Rifle

Open Sight

Iron sights without an aperture, often featuring a front post and rear notch; commonly seen on ba...

View Term: Open Sight

Bullet Drop

The downward arc of a projectile due to gravity over distance; important for long-range shooting.

View Term: Bullet Drop

Barrel

The metal tube through which a projectile travels when a firearm is fired; length and rifling aff...

View Term: Barrel

Prone Position

A shooting stance where the hunter lies flat on the stomach for maximum stability, often used in ...

View Term: Prone Position

Reticle

The aiming pattern (e.g., crosshairs, mil-dot) visible in a scope or optic to help shooters align...

View Term: Reticle

Crosshairs

The reticle lines inside a scope used for aiming, available in various patterns (duplex, mil-dot,...

View Term: Crosshairs

Point of Aim

The precise spot on a target where a shooter aligns sights or a scope reticle before firing.

View Term: Point of Aim

Point of Impact

The actual location where the bullet or arrow strikes the target or animal.

View Term: Point of Impact

Windage

Horizontal scope or sight adjustments made to compensate for wind drift or slight misalignment in...

View Term: Windage

Hunter Safety Guides Hunter Education

David Harrison · February 27, 2025