How to Test the Total Adjustment Range of Your Rifle Scope
If you’ve ever wondered whether your rifle scope is delivering its full range of internal adjustment, you’re not alone. Whether you're dialling for long-range shots or simply checking your gear, verifying your scope’s total adjustment range can prevent frustration and ensure your equipment is performing as expected.
The good news. There’s a simple test you can do at the range with just a few basic items. This method works for scopes calibrated in either MOA or MRAD and takes advantage of the fact that both are angular measurements, meaning they scale proportionally at any distance.
What You’ll Need
- A large piece of cardboard or a paper target
- A marker or pen
- Your rifle with the scope properly mounted
- A safe place to shoot (preferably a controlled range)
Quick Refresher: Angular Measurements
Angular units like MOA and MRAD change with distance. Here's how they scale:
1 MOA at 100 yards = 1 inch
1 MOA at 25 yards = 0.25 inch
1 MRAD at 100 meters = 10 cm
1 MRAD at 25 meters = 2.5 cm
These conversions help predict what you'll see during the test.
Step-by-Step: How to Test Scope Adjustment Travel
Step 1: Check the Manufacturer’s Specs
Start by finding the scope’s total advertised adjustment range. For example, some scopes offer 100 MRAD or 100 MOA of total elevation or windage travel.
Step 2: Set Up Your Target
Place your cardboard or paper target at a distance that is easy for you to shoot at, for example, 25 meters (or 25 yards, depending on your scope's calibration).
Draw a small aiming point in the centre - this is where you’ll aim for all shots.
Whatever distance you pick you, you will need to figure out what your unit of measurement scales to at that distance. For example, at 25 metres 100 MRAD is 25cm. This means if we have a scope with 100 MARD at 25m, the reticle should move a total of 25cm, at 50m it would move 50cm, and at 100m it would move 100cm.
Step 3: Dial to One Extreme
- Pick either elevation or windage for this test (not both).
- Turn the corresponding turret all the way to one mechanical stop.
- Keeping your rifle aimed at the centre mark, fire one shot.
Step 4: Dial to the Opposite Extreme
Now turn the same turret all the way in the opposite direction to its stop.
Again, without changing your aim, fire a second shot at the same centre point.
Interpreting the Results
The distance between the two bullet holes shows your scope’s usable adjustment range for the axis you tested.
Examples:
100 MRAD scope at 25 meters → shots should be ~25 cm apart
100 MOA scope at 25 yards → shots should be ~25 inches apart
If the measured distance is significantly less than expected, it may indicate a problem with the scope.
Important Tips & Troubleshooting
Use a bipod or shooting rest to keep your rifle steady.
You do not need to zero the scope - this test measures total adjustment range, not point of impact.
If your results are off:
- Check if a zero stop is engaged (it may be limiting travel).
- Make sure all turret screws are secure.
- Look for any built-in MOA or cant in your mounting system (base or rings).
With this method, you can confidently verify your scope’s full range of adjustment—no guessing, no assumptions.