How To Sight-In A Ruger 10/22 Rifle - Gone Outdoors

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By Jeremiah Blanchard

Introduced in 1964, the Ruger 10/22 auto-loading rifle is used primarily for target shooting, plinking and hunting small game. Some are also used in competition shooting. As with all rifles, in order to acquire your target the rifle must be properly sighted-in by the shooter. This task involves target practice and sight adjustments. The Ruger 10/22 comes equipped with factory iron sights that include a front sight post and rear sight-leaf slide. Though telescopic sights can be added, sighting in the weapon begins with the iron sights.

Items you will need

• Target

• Brass punch

• Hammer

• Screwdrivers

Set up a target at 25 yards. Get into a comfortable shooting position.

Aim the muzzle at the bull's-eye. Take a few moments to get adjusted and relaxed. Breathe naturally.

Concentrate on the front sight post. Center the front sight within the rear sight's notch. The top of the front sight needs to be even with the top of the rear sight.

Keep your front and rear sights centered. As you look through the sights, center the top of the front sight under the bottom of the target bull's-eye. The bull's-eye and front sight -- when your sight picture is correct -- will look like a large circle on top of a smaller circle.

Squeeze the trigger slowly to fire a shot. Note the sight placement on the target.

Adjust the elevation if the shot is above or below the bull's-eye. Loosen the two screws on the rear sight leaf slightly with a screwdriver. Move the slide one notch in the direction the shot needs to move. Tighten the screws. Test fire again, then repeat adjustments until the shot lands on the bull's-eye.

Adjust the rifle for windage (left or right), if the shot lands to the left or right of the bull's-eye. Place a brass punch on the rear sight base. Tap the punch with a hammer to move the sight in the direction that the bullet needs to land. Test fire again and repeat as necessary until the bullet lands dead center on the bull's-eye.

Warnings

• Never leave a loaded weapon unattended.
• Never point the Ruger 10/22 at anything that you do not intend to shoot or kill.

Tips

• Clean your weapon after every use to ensure optimal performance while in the field.
• The Ruger 10/22 is often accurized by .22 enthusiasts for better performance and accuracy. A variety of accessories are available for this process.

References

• The Sight Ruger 10/22: Do's And Don'ts
• Ruger: 10/22 Manual
• Chuck Hawks: How to Sight-In a Hunting Rifle

Tips

• Clean your weapon after every use to ensure optimal performance while in the field.
• The Ruger 10/22 is often accurized by .22 enthusiasts for better performance and accuracy. A variety of accessories are available for this process.

Warnings

• Never leave a loaded weapon unattended.
• Never point the Ruger 10/22 at anything that you do not intend to shoot or kill.