What is the preferred method for sighting-in a rifle?

The preferred method for sighting-in a rifle is to fire the rifle from a solid bench rest. This approach provides stability and minimizes movement, which is crucial for accurately determining where the shots are landing. By using a solid bench rest, the shooter can eliminate much of the human error that can occur when firing from an unsupported position. Bench rests provide a consistent and stable platform, allowing the shooter to focus on aiming and trigger control without worrying about balancing the rifle or managing recoil. This leads to more precise adjustments to the sights based on where the shots hit relative to the point of aim.

While other methods, such as examining the target and adjusting the sight after each shot, may provide some benefit, they do not offer the same level of stability and consistency as a solid bench rest. Similarly, while resting the barrel on a sandbag can provide some support, it may not be as reliable as a true bench rest setup, which ensures that the rifle is securely positioned throughout the sighting-in process. Using lighter ammunition than what will be used for hunting is also not advisable, as it could lead to differing trajectories and accuracy, making the sighting-in process ineffective for the actual hunting scenario. Consequently, employing a solid bench rest is recognized as the optimal approach