🎯 Zeroing PCPs 101: A Practical Guide for Airgun Shooters

So you’ve got your scope mounted, a fresh tin of pellets, and a PCP air rifle ready to rock. Now what?

Unlike zeroing a firearm, air rifles—especially PCPs—have a looping trajectory due to lower velocity and scope-over-bore offset. That means where you zero really matters, and choosing the wrong distance can make it feel like your rifle’s cursed. This guide will walk you through the best practices for getting dialed in.

🔧 Step 1: Understand the Basics

• Scope-over-bore offset: Most air rifles have a scope mounted 1.5–2 inches above the bore. At very close ranges (under 10 yards), your pellet will hit low until it rises to cross your line of sight.
• PCPs often shoot subsonic: That makes pellet trajectory more like a rainbow than a laser.
• You’ll likely have two zeros: One where the pellet first crosses the scope’s line of sight (near zero), and one where it crosses again (far zero).

📏 Step 2: Pick a Smart Zero Distance

Here are typical choices based on caliber and use:

📝 A 25-yard zero gives you a flat-enough trajectory for pest control out to ~40 yards with minimal holdover.

🎯 Step 3: Set Up Your Zeroing Range

1. Start at 10 yards, just to get on paper.
2. Use a solid rest—a bipod, bags, or a table—no freehand shooting here.
3. Fire a 3–5 shot group and adjust elevation/windage until you’re close to center.
4. Move out to your chosen zero distance (20–25 yards) and repeat the process.

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🛠 Step 4: Fine-Tune Your Zero

• Fire 3–5 shot groups and adjust slowly.
• Let the rifle cool if you’re rapid-firing; heat can affect consistency.
• Use the exact pellets you plan to shoot—different brands/weights will fly differently.

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📚 Step 5: Learn Your Trajectory

Once you’re zeroed:

• Test close range (10–15 yards)—you’ll probably hit 1–2″ low due to scope height.
• Test mid-range and long range (30–45 yards) to find your second zero and max usable range.
• Record holdovers for quick reference in the field.

Want to nerd out? Try apps like ChairGun or Strelok Pro to map your ballistic curve based on pellet weight, velocity, and scope height.

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🧰 Bonus: Scope Mounting Tips

• Use quality rings and torque them evenly.
• Consider adjustable or droop-compensating mounts if you’re running out of elevation.
• Shims (like 35mm film or soda can strips) can help raise the rear ring if needed—but don’t go overboard.

⚠️ More than 2 shims may risk bending the scope tube. If you’re stacking shims like pancakes, it’s time for better rings.

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💡 Real-World Tip

“I initially tried to zero at 10 yards and thought the rifle was broken. Turns out it was just physics being physics. Once I moved back and adjusted properly, it became a tack driver.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many first-time PCP owners fall into the close-range trap. But now, you’re armed with knowledge—and likely a much better zero.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Zeroing a PCP isn’t hard, but it is different. Take your time, pick the right distance, and don’t panic if you’re a couple inches low up close. Once you’ve got a solid zero, you’ll be amazed at the accuracy these airguns deliver.