If you have ever sighted in a traditional thermal scope before then you might think that you can easily skip this section but this is a very important part. Thermal scopes do not work like traditional scopes so you should take your time to set prepare yourself for success.
Understand your thermal scope
Whilst traditional scopes come with elevation turrets that can be adjusted, thermal imaging scopes do not have them. Instead, you will have to learn how to make your digital adjustments. If you aren’t sure how to adjust your thermal imaging scope, check your manual before you go out. The last thing you would want to happen is trying to figure it out while in the field.
What you will need
Before going out to right in your thermal imaging scope, it is important to ensure you have what you need for a successful outing. If you are a starter, you should use the exact rounds of caliber that you will be using while you use your weapon.
You should know that bullet drop will affect different calibre rounds differently. This means that if you swap it out, you are going to miss your target. Make sure that you have the targets for your thermal scope. You will not be able to see a regular paper target with your thermal scope so you need to invest in a target board to help you see in your night vision equipment. These targets will glow under thermal lighting so they are very easy to see with your scope.
But if you are on a budget, you will need to generate heat around the target. You can set up hand warmers around the target although this will not work as a dedicated target.
Sighting your scope
After having everything you need, you are ready to go out to the range. Make sure you carry everything you will need to shoot your weapon. If you are a beginner, you might find that you are struggling to sight your thermal scope because of poor technique and skills on your part.
Always set up your target
Keep in mind that the distance you set up your target will depend on what you are shooting. However, since you set up your thermal scopes on your rifles most of the time, it is important to set your target up a hundred yards out.
Setting up the target at the right distance is crucial. It is what you will be making your adjustments based on. So if you think you have sighed your scope in at a hundred yards but signed it in at ninety yards, your shots will be about ten yards off after making your final adjustment.
Make adjustments
After taking your shots, it is time to see what you hit with your thermal scope. Go out to your target and have a look. Your shots should be clustered together. If they are not, you should adjust your technique before making adjustments to your thermal imaging scope.
