How to Adjust a Crossbow Scope [Explained Simply]

Let’s face it. Even with the most expensive equipment, if you don’t know how to adjust a crossbow scope, there is very little chance of you hitting your target. 

The good news is that it’s not hard to learn, and with some practice, you can be ready in no time. Keep reading to learn how to do this right.

If you’re looking for similar reading see our guide to the best crossbow scopes money can buy.

Key Takeaways

• Adjusting your crossbow scope is important to ensure you make accurate shots.
• 1 click = 1/4″ at 100 yards distance meaning 100 yards = 1 inch MOA.
• Adjusting and mounting your crossbow scope are two different activities, but both will determine if you make accurate shots.

How to Adjust Your Crossbow Scope

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to adjust your crossbow scope:

Step 1: Set Up the Target 

The first thing to do is to set up the target at a good distance. Twenty yards is a reasonable distance to work with.

Step 2: Take Your First Shots

Next, load your weapon and take a shot. You have to take at least three shots to understand how much adjustment you must make. Approach the target and note how far the shots have landed from the bullseye. Measure the distance in inches.

If the targets have landed to the left of the bullseye, you have to adjust the scope to the right and vice versa.

Step 3: Adjust the Windage and Elevation

The windage adjustment is at the side of the scope and makes left and right adjustments. Let’s assume you missed and the group has landed to the left; you need to adjust the scope’s point of impact to the right.

Step 4: Take Other Shots

Now you can take your shots. If you make the right adjustments, you should be able to hit the bullseye. If you don’t, keep making adjustments until you get it right.

Check out this video for a visual guide on how to adjust a crossbow scope:

MOA Adjustments on Crossbow Scopes

You’ll hear a click sound when you turn the windage and elevation knobs. One click represents the particular unit of adjustment you’re making, and it’s measured in Minutes Of Angle or MOA. For most scopes, 1 click = 1/4″ at 100 yards distance meaning 100 yards = 1 inch MOA.

Now, if you were standing 20 yards away from your target, that means each click you make moves the point of impact by 1/20 inch. 

Let’s say that when you took the measurement after the second step, you found that your shot was off by an inch to the left. It means you have to adjust the windage turret by 20 clicks anticlockwise.

Crossbow Scope Adjustment Chart

As you have seen, 1 MOA equals 1 inch (1.047, to be precise) at 100 yards. However, one MOA changes at various distances. Here’s a simple chart you can use to make scope adjustments based on the distance you’re shooting from.

Distance in Yard	MOA Size in inches
100	1.047
200	2.094
300	3.141
400	4.188
500	5.235
1000	10.470

Adjusting vs Mounting a Crossbow Scope

Adjusting and mounting a crossbow scope are two different things. Adjusting is what we just covered, which involves adjusting the elevation and windage knobs. 

Mounting involves placing the scope on top of the weapon. Most scopes come with rings for you to mount your scope and secure it. 

Make sure your scope is level with the crossbow and securely tightened down. That way, you’ll eliminate possible errors from happening and it’ll get you shooting accurately sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my crossbow not consistent?

Your crossbow isn’t consistent because the left and right limbs aren’t aligned, leading to inconsistent shots.

Are crossbow scopes magnified?

Crossbow scopes are magnified but most often up to a magnification power of 4x because we use crossbows at short distances.

How accurate should my crossbow be?

A crossbow should be accurate enough to shoot 1-inch arrow groups from 40 yards (36.5 meters).

What are the yardage lines on a crossbow scope?

Yardage lines on a crossbow scope are the horizontal lines on a scope, also called reticles.