What Are Externally Adjustable Scope Turrets?

As you’ve read in most of our course descriptions (except Long-range Hunting), one of the essential pieces of equipment for learning long-range shooting is a quality rifle scope with externally adjustable turrets. We frequently get asked about the difference between external and internal turret adjustments, so we thought we’d explain in more depth here.

Internally Adjusted Scope Turrets
These turrets have screw-on caps covering the adjustment knob and are commonly found in hunting-style rifle scopes. The adjustment mechanism is usually adjusted with a coin placed in a slot. This works fine for its intended application. Most hunters zero their rifle at a known range, such as 100 yards, and know they need to aim “a little high” when they shoot past that distance. For example, the hunter is using a Federal Premium® Fusion®, 180-grain 30-06 Springfield, and they’ve zeroed their rifle at 100 yards. They know they can shoot up to 250 yards and still penetrate the vital zone of the animal, or they know they need to aim about a foot high when shooting out to their comfortable range of 300 yards. They do not plan to shoot past that distance, and they don’t plan to adjust their scope in the field.

While this type of scope is acceptable for our Long-range Hunting class (you’ll learn how to use it effectively), it’s unworkable for true precision shooting.

Externally Adjusted Scope Turrets

These turrets do not have a screw-on cap covering the adjustment mechanism. The turret itself can be adjusted freely by hand at any time. The turret cap has MOA or Mil numbers printed on the outside to be referenced at any time, and there are usually revolution indicator markings under the bottom of the turret so you know how much elevation or windage is “dialed” on your scope at any time.

Externally adjustable scope turrets are essential for precise, long-range shooting.

In our classes, you’ll learn to confidently adjust your scope to the precise setting for the target range, atmospheric conditions, and spin drift of the bullet, all based on the turret markings and by feel. No more guessing, no more holding “a little high;” you’ll be dialing the exact the correction you need for your load, rifle, and conditions.  For example, you’ll learn that a target at 916 yards requires exactly 8.4 Mils of elevation and .3 Mils of spin-drift correction, and you’ll quickly adjust your turrets on-the-fly to make a precise hit. This simply can’t be achieved if you have to unscrew a turret cap, find a coin, lift your head off the rifle, slowly count the right number of clicks, and get back into position to make the shot.

No Scope? No Problem.
If you don’t yet own a scope with externally adjustable turrets, don’t worry! We have a few scopes and rings that we can rent to you for the class (for a small fee). We’ll help you mount, level, and tune the scope to achieve the correct eye relief on day-1 so you can learn the essential skills of adjusting your scope in the field and excel in the class. Scope rentals are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to call or e-mail us in advance if you need to rent a scope.

Still have questions?
We’re happy to answer any additional questions you have. Contact us