When you’re out in the field, whether you’re hunting, competing in a shooting match, or engaged in a tactical mission, your equipment is everything. One of the most essential tools for precision shooting is a thermal scope, especially when conditions are dark or challenging.
Sighting in a thermal scope is a key step to making sure your shots hit their mark. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of sighting in your thermal scope, with a focus on how to get the most out of your equipment, like the Contractor 640 3-12×50 Thermal Weapon Sight, to improve your accuracy.
Understanding the Basics of Thermal Scopes
Before jumping into the process of sighting in a thermal scope, it’s helpful to understand what makes these scopes different from traditional optics. Thermal scopes detect heat signatures rather than visible light, allowing you to see targets clearly, even in total darkness or poor visibility conditions.
This feature is what gives you a significant advantage when shooting at night or in tough weather conditions like fog or smoke.
For precision marksmen, thermal imaging is especially useful. It lets you identify targets more clearly and in situations where regular scopes would fail. But, as with any piece of shooting gear, you need to sight it in to make sure it works as it should.
Why Sighting in a Thermal Scope Matters
Sighting in a thermal scope isn’t much different from sighting in a traditional scope. The goal is to adjust the scope so that your point of impact matches your point of aim. If your thermal scope is not properly sighted in, you may miss your target or miscalculate your shots.
When you’re sighting in a thermal scope, you’re also considering factors like distance, terrain, and environmental conditions. Thermal scopes like the Contractor 640 offer precise adjustments that allow you to adapt to various situations, ensuring your shots are accurate, no matter where you’re shooting from.
Step-by-Step Guide for Sighting in a Thermal Scope
Sighting in your thermal scope is a process that takes a little time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s how to do it:
- Mount the Thermal Scope Properly
Before anything else, make sure your thermal scope is securely mounted on your rifle. The Contractor 640 is designed for easy attachment, and getting this step right is essential. You’ll want to make sure that the scope is level and that it’s aligned with your rifle’s bore. A level mount ensures that your shots are as accurate as possible.
Once it’s mounted, check to make sure everything is tight. Any looseness could lead to inaccurate readings.
- Adjust the Parallax and Focus
Now that your scope is mounted, it’s time to adjust the parallax and focus. Most thermal scopes, including the Contractor 640, allow you to adjust the focus depending on the distance of your target. Set your scope for the distance you plan to shoot and adjust the focus until the image is clear.
Thermal scopes work differently from regular optics, so fine-tuning the focus is key to getting a crisp image of your target. Take your time with this adjustment—it’s not something you’ll want to rush.
- Set the Zero (Boresighting)
Once your scope is focused, it’s time to set the zero, or your point of aim. This step will set the scope so that your shots hit where you’re aiming. To do this, head to the range and use a bore sight tool to align your rifle’s barrel with your scope’s crosshairs.
Most thermal scopes have a boresighting feature, but if yours doesn’t, you can use a laser bore sight or just follow the typical process of firing a few rounds and adjusting your scope.
As you’re sighting in, you’ll need to adjust the windage and elevation settings. These adjustments will help you dial in your point of impact at different distances. The Contractor 640 comes with precise turret adjustments that make this process much easier.
- Adjust for Different Terrain and Conditions
Terrain and environmental conditions can affect how your thermal scope performs. Factors like wind, temperature, and even the type of surface you’re shooting over can alter your point of impact. That’s why you need to take these variables into account when sighting in a thermal scope.
For example, in colder environments, thermal scopes often provide a clearer picture of heat signatures, as there’s a larger contrast between the target and the surroundings. If you’re shooting in fog or light rain, however, you may need to adjust the brightness or contrast on your scope to get a better view.
The Contractor 640 has features like digital zoom and adjustable color palettes, which can help you compensate for different environmental factors. This adaptability is one of the reasons why the Contractor 640 is so well-suited for precision marksmen.
- Test and Fine-Tune
After you’ve made your initial adjustments, it’s time to test out your scope. Fire a few rounds at your target and see if you’re hitting the mark. If not, don’t worry—this is where fine-tuning comes into play. Make small adjustments to the windage and elevation settings, and test again until you’re satisfied with the accuracy.
It’s normal to go through a few rounds of testing, especially when sighting in a thermal scope. Remember, every shooting situation is unique, so don’t be discouraged if you need to make a few extra tweaks.
Conclusion
Properly sighting in a thermal scope is essential for making sure your shots are on target. By following the steps above, you can ensure that your thermal scope is accurately aligned with your rifle and that you’re ready for any conditions.
Whether you’re using the Contractor 640 or another high-end thermal scope, getting the most out of your equipment starts with proper sighting in.
In the end, the key is to take your time and fine-tuning your setup. With patience and the right adjustments, you’ll be able to maximize the performance of your thermal scope and take your precision shooting to the next level.
