Need tips on sighting in a shotgun

[Rayzorp]

My buddy lost his job several months ago,, to help him out I opted to buy his Remington 870 Shurshot off of him. He bought it with a red dot scope on it and never got the chance to site it in, so it's my next on the to do list, maybe get a chance to use it in the fall season. Anyway, besides just aiming at a target and wasting shells (which I'm sure we all agree are tough to get these days) anybody have any tips on what I need to do to get this baby ready?

As always, many thanks

Ray

[Stinger-Hunter]

U.S. Army Method - Go to a 25 yard range and put that baby on a shooting rest (any kind will do). Shoot 3 times and see where the group of shots end up. Move your scope dials appropriately. Shoot again, move as needed, shoot one more time (2 cycles may be enough).

Then put it on 100 yard range and do the same. If you know you're not going to shoot over 50 yards, then use 50 yards, but I would do 100 just in case. repeat the cycle above. 3 shot group, tweak the scope as needed, then another 3 shot group.

Once it is set - leave it and store it in a good case so your scope doesn't get bumped in the night.

Others may have easier method, but this is what I do.

Oh yeah - and practice after that if your shoulder can handle it. No rest practicing is always good practice.

[oneshot]

U.S. Army Method - Go to a 25 yard range and put that baby on a shooting rest (any kind will do). Shoot 3 times and see where the group of shots end up. Move your scope dials appropriately. Shoot again, move as needed, shoot one more time (2 cycles may be enough).

Then put it on 100 yard range and do the same. If you know you're not going to shoot over 50 yards, then use 50 yards, but I would do 100 just in case. repeat the cycle above. 3 shot group, tweak the scope as needed, then another 3 shot group.

Once it is set - leave it and store it in a good case so your scope doesn't get bumped in the night.

Others may have easier method, but this is what I do.

Oh yeah - and practice after that if your shoulder can handle it. No rest practicing is always good practice.

This is all good except leaving it in a gun case, guns can and will rust if left in the confines of a gun case do to temperature change and condensation. There is no where for moisture to escape and will collect on the metal.

[MichiganHunter]

well what are you shooting, shot or slugs. if your using slugs that reddot might just fail from the recoile. But regardless of shot or slugs start in the 15 to 25 yard range. If you want a good group with sulgs use GOOD SLUGS...lol...stupid advise i know but it makes a difference. Tell me what shell type you are thinking about using, SHOT or Slugs?

OH and storiale, if your trying to sight in a gun and got to pay for the rounds, no rest practice (when it hurts) is waisted practice, cause if you cant hold still you will push shot or slugs all over the place, STOP before it hurts and go when it's not hurting.

Edited September 14, 2009 by MichiganHunter

[Stinger-Hunter]

Yes, you are correct do not store it in a case. However, I do store mine in a case, but that is because I don't have a gun cabinet and don't want one - yet. I do have a dehumidifier near my gun case so that helps. I'm the exception here. I live in chicago and literally have to hide my guns in case someone breaks in - they are less likely to steal them if they can't find them and oh, yes I could buy a gun safe but oil costs $5 per year and gun safes cost more than that, blah blah blah. Also, if the cops (for what ever reason) were to see that I have a gun case with guns in it - they confiscate them immediately and post heavy fines.

I live in the people's republic of Illinois.

Edited September 15, 2009 by Stinger-Hunter