How to Improve Your Bushnell Scope Success Rate
By Amis Thains Published 5 min read
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On this page (8 sections)
You are hitting left and high, or your zero has shifted after one trip to the range, leaving you guessing at your point of impact. This guide gives you a practical checklist to stabilize your Bushnell scope and get back to consistent hits.
In short: A low success rate usually stems from unstable mounts, unclean optics, or incorrect windage and elevation settings. By systematically checking your scope rings, verifying your zero, and cleaning your lenses, you can dramatically increase your accuracy. These steps ensure your scope performs exactly as the manufacturer intended.
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Rigid design prevents the loosening that causes your point of impact to shift after recoil.
Removes dust and fingerprints that blur your image and make aiming difficult.
What you need to check your setup
- Gun cleaning kit with bore snake and patches
- Quality ammunition (match-grade or high-velocity)
- Tightened scope rings or a torque wrench
- White paper for target work
- A stable rest (sandbags or bipod)
Your scope is only as good as the rifle it is mounted on. Before you blame the glass, ensure your physical setup is solid. If your rifle is loose or your zero is off, no amount of focus will save your shot. We go through weighing two bushnell line items step by step in its own article.
Safety first: Always check your zero and mounting before taking a shot at a target. A loose scope can drift and cause a dangerous miss. We cover banner vs leupold 3x9x40 in a guide of its own.
These heavy-duty rings ensure your scope does not shift on the rail, which is the primary cause of zero loss.
- With a rigid beefed-up design with strategically placed lightening cuts to reduce
- Mounts to any Picatinny or Weaver mounting platform with custom locking bolts that slot
Step 1: Clean your optics properly
- Use a blower or lens brush to remove loose dust and debris first. Never use a dry cloth on a dirty lens.
- Apply one drop of lens cleaner to the lens. Use the soft bristle brush to gently work the cleaner across the surface.
- Wipe with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward.
- Repeat on the internal lenses if your scope is a first-focal-plane model, as these are more susceptible to smudges.
Dirt and fingerprints scatter light inside the scope tube. This creates a haze that reduces contrast and makes it harder to see the reticle clearly. Clean optics give you a crisp image and a clear reference point for aiming.
This kit includes the correct tools to clean lenses without scratching the delicate anti-reflective coatings.
- This lightweight kit will soon top your "Don't leave home without it" list. Everything
- Use the soft bristles of the Ultra brush to safely remove particles off lens, bristles
Step 2: Verify and adjust your zero
- Mount your rifle on a stable rest in a safe, open area.
- Shoot a 3-5 shot group at your zero distance (typically 100 yards or 25 meters).
- Measure the distance between the hole centers and the point of aim on the target.
- Turn the windage and elevation turrets in quarter-turn increments to move the impact to center.
- Shoot another group to confirm the zero holds.
Most scope failures are simply a lost zero. Recoil and temperature changes can loosen mounting bolts over time. By using a reliable zeroing procedure, you ensure that where you aim is where you hit. This is the single most effective way to improve your success rate.
Step 3: Check your mount and ring torque
- Unbolt the scope from the receiver and check the rings for any play or wobble.
- Inspect the mounting bases for signs of stripping or bending.
- Re-tighten the ring screws in a star pattern. If you have a torque wrench, tighten to the manufacturer’s specified torque (usually 40-50 inch-pounds for aluminum rings).
- Re-zero the scope after any major mount work.
If your zero drifts even a few minutes after a cleaning cycle, your rings are likely too loose or your base is not seated flat. Using high-quality, rigid rings prevents this movement. A stable mount is the foundation of a consistent shot.
These 1-inch rings are a solid, affordable alternative for many common Bushnell models, providing a stable platform.
- Solid Medium Scope Ring: 1 inch diameter scope rings with 1.00 inch ring center height
Common mistakes that kill accuracy
- Mistake: Cleaning the lens with saliva or a shirt. Fix: Use a dedicated optical cleaning kit to avoid damaging the lens coating.
- Mistake: Fiddling with your turrets during a hunt. Fix: Adjust your zero only on the range with a stable rest. Do not make blind adjustments in the field.
- Mistake: Ignoring scope shake. Fix: Check that your scope is not shaking loosely on the rifle. A “rattle” when you tap the scope means your rings need tightening.
Pro tip: Mark your zero on the turrets with a fine-point marker. This makes it easy to return to your proven zero if you need to change it for a different range.
When to stop and re-evaluate your scope choice
If you have cleaned the glass, tightened the rings, and verified your zero, but you are still hitting wide, the issue may be the scope’s inherent limitations. Every scope has a maximum effective range and a specific magnification range. We go through binoculars with fog proof sealed construction and nitrogen fill step by step in its own article.
If you are trying to shoot at the very edge of your scope’s ability, you are competing with the physics of light and optics.
Some shooters use their scope far beyond its intended distance, or in lighting conditions it was not designed for.
If your scope is an older model with heavy internal fogging that you cannot clear, or if the glass is visibly scratched, it may be time to look at a newer model with better light transmission.
Do not chase a bad scope; fix the user error first, then consider the hardware.
The bottom line
Start by cleaning your optics and verifying your zero. If your scope rings are loose, replace them with a high-quality, rigid set like the Monstrum Deadlock to stop zero drift. This combination of clean glass and a stable mount will immediately improve your success rate and confidence.
- With a rigid beefed-up design with strategically placed lightening cuts to reduce
- Mounts to any Picatinny or Weaver mounting platform with custom locking bolts that slot
Frequently asked questions
What is a scope on a gun?
A scope is an optical magnifier used to aim at a target. It uses lenses to enlarge the view of the distant target, allowing you to see the point of impact and windage adjustments more clearly than a standard iron sight. The other half of this decision is choosing a mounting style.
Is Bushnell a good scope?
Yes, Bushnell offers a wide range of scopes suitable for most shooters. From budget-friendly options like the Banner to high-end models like the Forge, they provide reliable glass at various price points. For the average hunter or target shooter, a Bushnell scope is a strong, value-conscious choice.
How do I adjust my Bushnell scope?
Use the windage and elevation turrets on the side and top of the scope. Turn them to move the reticle. Use the formula of 1 MRAD or 1 MOA to determine how much to turn the turret for a given distance. Always zero your scope on a known distance first.
Are all scope types the same?
No. Scopes differ in magnification range, objective lens size, tube diameter, and mounting requirements. A 1-4x scope is different from a 4-12x scope in both use case and how it is mounted to the rifle. Choose the type that matches your shooting discipline.
Why does my scope shake?
Scope shake is usually caused by loose mounting rings or a bent rifle receiver. It can also occur if the scope is not seated correctly on the rings. Tightening the ring screws in a star pattern is the first step to fixing this.