How to Recenter My Scopes Turrets?

How to Return a Scope to the Center of Its Adjustment Range

QUICK LINKS

When to Center	Counting Clicks
Revolutions	Mirror Method
Visual Centering	Factory Policy
Best Practice

Returning a riflescope to the center of its adjustment range—often called mechanical centering—helps ensure usable adjustment travel is available in all directions. This can be helpful when mounting a scope, troubleshooting zeroing issues, or after making large adjustments.

IMPORTANT
In many cases, Burris scopes do not require customer centering when new or recently serviced. See the Burris Factory & Repair Centering Policy section below.

When Should a Scope Be Centered?

• Before mounting a scope on a rifle
• Before initial zeroing
• After removing turrets or making extreme adjustments
• When adjustment travel has been exhausted in one direction
• When diagnosing mounting or tracking issues

Method 1: Counting Clicks (Most Accurate)

This method is the most accurate and works on all modern scopes with click-adjustable turrets.

1. Select one turret (Elevation or Windage).
2. Turn the turret all the way in one direction until it stops.
   Do not force it.
3. Slowly turn the turret to the opposite stop, counting each click.
4. Divide the total number of clicks by two.
5. Turn the turret back that number of clicks.
6. Repeat the same process for the remaining turret.

WARNING
If the turret reaches a stop, stop turning. Do not apply extra force against mechanical stops.

Method 2: Counting Revolutions

For scopes with clearly marked turret revolutions, a fast mechanical centering reference can be achieved by counting full revolutions instead of individual clicks.

1. Select one turret (Elevation or Windage).
2. Turn the turret all the way in one direction until it reaches a stop.
   Do not force it.
3. Rotate the turret to the opposite stop while counting the total number of full revolutions.
4. Divide the total number of revolutions by two.
5. Turn the turret back that number of revolutions.
6. Repeat the process for the remaining turret.

NOTE
Counting revolutions provides a quick mechanical centering reference, but is typically less precise than counting individual clicks. For the most accurate centering, use the Counting Clicks method.

Method 3: Mirror Method (Quick Visual Reference)

This method can be used when click values are unknown or as a quick reference.

1. Place a small mirror flat against the objective lens.
2. Look through the scope from the eyepiece.
3. The real reticle and a reflected reticle will be visible.
4. Adjust elevation and windage until both reticles perfectly overlap.

NOTE
The mirror method is typically less precise than counting clicks, but can be helpful for rough centering.

Method 4: Visual / Bore-Style Centering (Approximate)

With the scope removed from the rifle, this method provides a rough reference only.

1. Secure the scope so movement cannot occur.
2. Look through the scope at a neutral background.
3. Adjust elevation and windage until the reticle appears visually balanced.
4. Use only as a rough reference, not a precision method.

Use the bore sighting article for additional details.

Burris Factory & Repair Centering Policy

IMPORTANT
Burris riflescopes are mechanically centered when they leave the factory and when returned after evaluation or service by Burris Repair.

Scope Type	Factory / Repair Setting	What to Expect
Standard Burris scopes	Mechanically centered at the factory. Returned mechanically centered after repair unless otherwise requested or noted.	Customer centering is usually not required on new or recently serviced scopes.
20 MOA offset models (e.g., XTR series)	Set with an intentional 20 MOA elevation offset from the factory. Returned by repair to the same 20 MOA factory offset.	“Centered” means centered relative to the designed 20 MOA offset, not true optical zero. This is normal and intentional.

CUSTOMER GUIDANCE

• Additional centering is not required on new or recently serviced Burris scopes.
• Attempting to re-center a 20 MOA offset scope to true optical center may remove the intended elevation advantage.
• Final zeroing should always be completed after proper mounting.
• In most cases, centering may not be needed. Simply mounting and bore sighting skips the step of centering the turrets.

Best Practices & Final Notes

• Mechanical centering does not zero the scope.
• Always zero the scope after mounting.
• If excessive adjustment is required to zero or the scope is maxed out, verify:
  • Base alignment
  • Ring alignment
  • Correct base cant, such as a 20 MOA base for long-range setups
  • Use different ammunition. In some cases, point of impact can be off by multiple inches up to feet.
• Never force turrets against mechanical stops.

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