How & At What Range Do I Zero In My LPVO?

LPVOs are great scopes that make shooting easier, particularly at short to mid-range distances.

But what use is an LPVO if you can’t zero it correctly? 

In this article, I’ll go over how to zero in your LPVO and at what distance will be best for your shooting applications. Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

• Zeroing in an LPVO scope includes setting up the target at your preferred distance, firing 3 to 5 shots to observe the impact, and making adjustments to align the point of aim with the point of impact.
• When adjusting an LPVO, keep in mind that 1 MOA is equal to different measurements at various distances (1 inch at 100 yards, 1/2 inch at 50 yards, and 1/4 inch at 25 yards).
• When considering distance for zeroing in your LPVO, remember your specific scenario, as it will determine the distance you zero in your LPVO.

For more on mounting your LPVO scope, see our buying guide, where we recommend top LPVO mounts such as Scalarworks and more.

How Do You Zero In Your LPVO Scope?

Now, here are the steps to follow when zeroing in your LPVO:

Step 1: Prepare Your Target

The first thing to do is to prepare your target at your desired distance. This can be 25, 50, or 100 yards. It will depend on your intended use. 

For example, 25 yards is great for close-range shooting, while 100 yards is standard for most shooters. I’ll get into the details about the distance later. But ensure you pick a target with a clear aiming point.

Step 2: Prepare Your Setup

The next step is to prepare your setup. If you’re an avid shooter, you should be familiar with this step. You need a stable shooting platform like a rifle vise or a bench with a sandbag. The point of a stable shooting platform is to minimize human error.

Step 3: Fire 3 to 5 Shots at the Target

Once you’re all set, fire 3 to 5 rounds at your target and check where your shots land. 

Since we are trying to zero in our LPVO, our goal isn’t to hit the target dead on. We want to see how far off our shots will be from our point of aim. I like using paper targets with 1-inch grid lines as they make measuring easy – all I need to do is count the squares.

Step 4: Adjust Windage and Elevation

This is the step you need to be very careful. Here, we want to align our point of aim (where we want to hit) with our point of impact (where our bullet hit). 

Let’s assume our target is 100 yards away, and we hit it 2 inches high and 1 inch to the right away from the bullseye. It’s time to make adjustments to our LPVO.

Most LPVOs adjust in Minutes of Angle (MOA), and generally, 1 MOA at 100 yards is roughly 1 inch. So, if our LPVO adjusts in 1/4 MOA increments, then each click will move the point of impact 1/4 inch at 100 yards.

Since the shots landed 2 inches high, to bring down the shots, we need to adjust the elevation knob down by 2 inches, which is 8 clicks. Also, since our shots landed 1 inch to the right, to move our shots to the left, we need to adjust the windage knob by 1 inch, which is 4 clicks.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

With the adjustments made, return to your shooting position and shoot at your target again. With your LPVO zeroed in, you should now be able to hit your target dead on. If not, then keep adjusting.

Also, something to note is that you should make adjustments based on how far away you are from the target. So, while 1 MOA is 1 inch at 100 yards, at 50 yards, 1 MOA will be 1/2 an inch, and at 25 yards, 1 MOA will be 1/4 inch.

For a visual guide on these steps, take a look at this video:

What Distance Should I Zero My LPVO At?

There is no one right answer to this question. It will mostly depend on your situation. Let’s walk through various distances and scenarios to help you decide on the best range to zero in your LPVO.

Consider zeroing in your LPVO at 100 yards if you expect to engage a target at a longer distance. For example, if you plan to hunt varmints in an open area, then 100 yards is a great distance to zero in your LPVO. 

Even if some of your targets might be more than 100 yards away, say 200 yards, a 100-yard zero provides a trajectory that works well for that distance.

Zeroing LPVO at 50 Yards

This is a great distance for an LPVO, considering LPVOs are primarily used for close to mid-range distances. In fact, zeroing in your LPVO at 50 yards is an ideal distance for people participating in 3-gun competitions, as targets will be at various distances. This will allow you to engage targets at short and medium ranges without having to adjust your LPVO.

Zeroing LPVO at 25 Yards

Zero in your LPVO at 25 yards if you intend to use your weapon for close-quarter engagements such as home defense.

For similar reading, see our guide on how to mount an LPVO scope and whether you should use backup iron sights with LPVOs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should you zero an LPVO?

You should zero an LPVO based on your needs. However, the most recommended distance is 50 yards (45.7 meters), as LPVOs are mostly used for close to medium-range distances, and this distance provides a good balance between short-range and mid-range distances.

What is the best magnification range for LPVO?

The best magnification range for LPVO is 1-6x, as it allows for versatility. The 1x setting gives you a true 1x magnification, allowing you to keep both eyes open when using it at close quarters, while the 6x magnification allows you to engage targets at medium to slightly longer distances.