What’s “shooting the box”?

Mike Morton explains what “shooting the box” is and how to do it!

Shooting the box is usually carried out by long-range centrefire shooters, but dialling in is steadily becoming more popular in airgun shooting too

Q. I’ve heard people talk about shooting the box. What’s that all about?

A. Shooting the box is a way of checking you are holding your rifle – and hence scope – level when shooting. You can also verify your scope is tracking correctly and evenly when adjusting the turrets for elevation and windage. The procedure is usually carried out by long-range centrefire shooters, but dialling in is steadily becoming more popular in airgun shooting too.

Set out a target at your chosen zero and shoot a pellet to verify point of aim and point of impact are dead on. Next, adjust elevation up by 20 clicks and right by 20 clicks. Aim at exactly the same point on the target and fire again. With your scope centred on the bull, this shot should have landed above and to the right. Return the scope to zero (20 clicks down and 20 clicks left), then adjust it another 20 clicks down and 20 clicks right. Shoot again – always aiming at the same spot.

Return to zero (20 clicks up and 20 clicks left), then adjust it 20 clicks down and 20 clicks left. Fire another pellet. Return to zero (20 clicks up and 20 clicks right) then adjust it again 20 clicks up and 20 clicks left. Shoot again. Return the scope to zero (20 clicks down and 20 clicks right) and take your final shot. Your target should now have six holes in it: two in the bull and one each at the four corners of your imaginary box.


This article originally appeared in the issue 99 of Airgun Shooter magazine. For more great content like this, subscribe today at our secure online store: www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk

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