signting in a side mount rifle scope

[BizDoc]

I have a Winchester model 94 top eject rifle. Had a small front mounted scope on it (pistol scope) but now have a side mount and a regular 3x9 scope. Question is that since I have to rotate the scope to the left this changes the cross hair directions, up and down is now left and right, and left and right are now up and down, which is which. I am thinking that up would now be left, and left would now be down. Is that correct?

when I ask the gun shop they gave me a paper that explained the scope is now twisted left and this would have to be taken into account, but did not answer the most basic question, which way is up and which way is left.

 

[tommu56]

BizDoc

Wouldn't the windage still be on the side and the elevation be on top?

tom

 

[RobertN]

Why do you have to rotate the scope? Seems if you rotate it, one adjustment is still side to side, and would be on the side of the scope. But the other, would be up and down, located at the of the scope?

Wouldn't that interfere with the top eject still?

Do you have pictures of the mounted scope?

I went with a Savage 99 in .300 Savage; I have a more powerful cartridge, and can use a standard scope mount.

 

[EddieWalker]

I think the problem is the adjustments for the scope are too close to the rifle when mounted on the side, so you have to rotate the scope 90 degrees. This in turn, changes the what the labels on the adjustment screws represent.

I've never dealt with this, but I would think that the same rules would apply when making the adjustments. The top one will be for elevation and the side one will be for windage. As for what direction to turn them, I'm not 100 percent sure if they changed or remained the same? I guess you'll just have to shoot it and see what happens when you make the adjustments.

Good luck,
Eddie

 

[RobertN]

Did a Google search. This guy's answer was great!

Apologies to the OP for what is most likely an unwanted answer, but...

PLEASE don't scope your Winnie. That's the kind of rifle that simply wasn't meant to have a scope put on it. It's kinda like teats on a bull, you know?

Again, sorry for the unsolicited advice, but I just couldn't help myself.

There were some links from this same site that may answer your question. One I found interesting, is that the Winchester-94 stock layout makes for uncomfortable use of a scope; you can't get your cheek on the stock like usual.

Not very much info on the actual "up vs left" adjustment once a scope is mounted...

Scope Mount on my Winchester 94 - THR

 

[RonMar]

I have a Winchester model 94 top eject rifle. Had a small front mounted scope on it (pistol scope) but now have a side mount and a regular 3x9 scope. Question is that since I have to rotate the scope to the left this changes the cross hair directions, up and down is now left and right, and left and right are now up and down, which is which. I am thinking that up would now be left, and left would now be down. Is that correct?

when I ask the gun shop they gave me a paper that explained the scope is now twisted left and this would have to be taken into account, but did not answer the most basic question, which way is up and which way is left.

Yes, you are correct, if rotating the scope 90 degrees, the windage adjustment is now elevation, and the adjustment labeled elevation is now your windage adjustment. IE, whichever turret is on the top or bottom controls elevation, and whichever turret is on the side controls windage adjustment. The MOA change per click should be the same for both turrets. At least I have never seen one that had different MOA per click between the two turrets. As long as it has a symetrical reticle, you shouldn't be able to tell the difference when looking thru the scope.

 

[czechsonofagun]

The British had scopes mounted on the side of their sniping rifles in WWI.

As for zeroing yours in, I would take it to the range and eventually labeled knobs to make sure I dont have to remember it.

 

[Egon]

With that rifle why do you want a scope?

 

[BizDoc]

With that rifle why do you want a scope?

Getting too old for open sights, and at 100 yards the scope is preferable to my eyes.

Thank you to everyone who offered advice. I was trying to avoid taking two boxes of shells to the range. I like to get in and out for under 1/2 a box. After that the barrell heats up too much and creates other issues for accuracy.

 

[RobertN]

Getting too old for open sights, and at 100 yards the scope is preferable to my eyes.

Thank you to everyone who offered advice. I was trying to avoid taking two boxes of shells to the range. I like to get in and out for under 1/2 a box. After that the barrell heats up too much and creates other issues for accuracy.

Ya, I watched some guys try to sight in a scope on a 94 Winchester in 35 Winchester cartridge. They just did not know how to sight a scope. Right out of the box, they were going for 100 yards. They almost hit my target!(I was the next target/bench over).

During a break in shooting I was talking with them. told them, "That's $25/box ammo; you should try sighting at 25 yards first, then move it out". They listened... And then, asked me to heep . They liked me a lot after that. Three rounds had a perfect bullseye at 25 yards. First round at 100 yards was on the bullseye.

Have you thought about a laser bore sight? Maybe check with the local gun shop or range to see if they have a loaner or rental? Most gun shops will bore/laser sight a scope for a minimal charge.

I know ammo is expensive. But, half a box thru a rifle aint much practice before going out in the field.

FWIW, I have a scope on my Savage 99, even though I only intend for 0-100 yard shooting with it. I have thought of pulling the scope and putting a peep sight on it though. I mostly have a scope, because it was on ther when I got it, and the rear sight had been removed by the previous owner.