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CartRifle Scope Box Test with Curt Vaughn of Vaughn Precision
In this guide, Curt Vaughn from Vaughn Precision demonstrates how to conduct a box test to evaluate your rifle scope’s tracking accuracy, specifically using the TORIC 4-20×50 30mm MRAD/MRAD scope. A box test helps shooters confirm that their scope’s adjustments accurately shift the point of impact. Vaughn’s method involves creating a target with precise markers, setting up the scope correctly, and following a structured shooting sequence.
Setting Up Your Rifle Scope Tracking Target
You can create your own rifle scope tracking target with a few simple materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide for setting up the test:
- Target Dimensions: Use a large, stable target surface like a heavy-weight paper or cardboard. Ideally, the target should be 40 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
- Bullseye Placement:
- Place an adhesive bullseye in the lower center of the target. This will be your primary aiming point.
- Depending on whether you have an MRAD or MOA scope, measure and mark additional bullseyes with precise spacing.
Distance Measurements for MRAD and MOA Scopes
- For MRAD Scopes:
- Measure 2.5 MRAD (9 inches) to the left and right from the center bullseye and mark each point with an adhesive bullseye.
- Draw straight lines from the center bullseye to ensure accurate alignment. Place additional bullseyes at 5 MRAD (18 inches) and 10 MRAD (36 inches) above the lower center bullseye as well as on each side.
- For MOA Scopes:
- Measure 10 MOA (10.47 inches) left and right from the center bullseye and mark these points.
- Continue measuring 15 MOA (10.74 inches) and 30 MOA (31.41 inches) above the lower center bullseye, aligning with the two lateral bullseyes for a precise layout.
Step 1 – Preparation: Ensuring Accuracy Before the Test Rifle scope
- Scope Mounting and Leveling: Before starting, ensure your scope is correctly mounted and aligned with your rifle.
- Curt advises checking your reticle by aligning it with a plumb line to verify the vertical reticle crosshair’s alignment.
- Level the Target: Ensure the target is level. Use a plumb line to confirm the target’s vertical and horizontal lines are perfectly aligned.
Proper leveling ensures accuracy, preventing tracking errors and ensuring reliable results. Many shooters overlook this critical step, resulting in inaccurate results that appear as scope issues.
Step 2 – Maintain a Consistent Aiming Point Rifle scope
Throughout the test, keep the same aiming point to minimize variable factors and ensure your results reflect the scope’s performance. Having a stable and accurate zero will make the box test reliable.
Step 3 – Adjust and Shoot: The 11-Step Box Test Sequence Rifle scope
Now, you’re ready to start shooting. Here’s the shot sequence Vaughn follows to test the tracking:
- Shot 1: Fire at the initial aiming point.
- Shot 2: Dial up 5 mils (18 inches) and take another shot.
- Shot 3: Dial up another 5 mils (for a total of 10 mils) and fire.
- Shot 4: Adjust left by 2.5 mils and shoot.
- Shot 5: Dial down 20 mils and right 2.5 mils, then take a shot.
- Shot 6: Dial left 5 mils and fire.
- Shot 7: Dial up 20 mils and right 5 mils, then shoot.
- Shot 8: Dial down 10 mils and left 5 mils and take a shot.
- Shot 9: Dial right 5 mils and shoot.
- Shot 10: Dial down 5 mils and left 2.5 mils and fire.
- Shot 11: Repeat Shot 10 to confirm the return to your original point.
Following this sequence, you should see a “box” pattern, with each shot hitting precisely where the scope adjustments indicate. This test verifies that your scope tracks accurately and returns to zero, confirming reliable performance.
Conclusion: Fine-Tuning for Precision Rifle scope
Curt emphasizes that performing a box test with a highly accurate rifle and precise target setup is essential for consistent tracking validation. Proper leveling, maintaining a steady aiming point, and methodically following each adjustment will give you confidence in your scope’s performance.
