# Mastering the Mossberg 702 Plinkster: Expert Guide to Rear Sight Adjustment
Is your Mossberg 702 Plinkster shooting off-target? Frustrated with inaccurate shots? You’re not alone. Many shooters encounter challenges with the factory rear sight on this popular .22LR rifle. This comprehensive guide provides an expert, step-by-step approach to adjusting the rear sight on your Mossberg 702 Plinkster, ensuring you achieve optimal accuracy and get the most enjoyment out of your firearm. We’ll cover everything from understanding the basics of sight adjustment to diagnosing common issues and implementing advanced techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a new shooter, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to precisely adjust your **Mossberg 702 Plinkster .22LR adjust rear sight** and consistently hit your target. This isn’t just another rehash of basic instructions; we’ll delve into the nuances of sight adjustment, drawing upon years of experience and insights from expert gunsmiths.
## Understanding the Mossberg 702 Plinkster Rear Sight: A Deep Dive
The Mossberg 702 Plinkster is a widely popular .22LR rifle, known for its affordability, reliability, and ease of use. A key component of its accuracy is the rear sight. However, the factory rear sight, while functional, often requires adjustment to achieve optimal performance. Understanding the mechanics and principles behind this sight is crucial for effective adjustment.
### The Anatomy of the Rear Sight
The standard rear sight on the Mossberg 702 Plinkster typically consists of a sight base, a sight blade, and adjustment screws. The sight base is fixed to the receiver of the rifle. The sight blade, which contains the notch you align with the front sight, is adjustable for both windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical).
* **Windage Adjustment:** This controls the left-right positioning of your shots. Typically, a screw or mechanism on the side of the sight allows you to move the sight blade horizontally.
* **Elevation Adjustment:** This controls the up-down positioning of your shots. Often, a ramp or screw on the sight allows you to raise or lower the sight blade vertically.
The precise design of the rear sight can vary slightly depending on the model year of your Plinkster, but the fundamental principles remain the same.
### Principles of Sight Adjustment
The core principle of sight adjustment is simple: *move the rear sight in the direction you want the bullet to go.* If your shots are consistently hitting to the left, you need to move the rear sight to the right. Conversely, if your shots are hitting low, you need to raise the rear sight.
This concept can sometimes be counterintuitive, especially for new shooters. It’s important to remember that you’re adjusting the *sight*, not aiming *at* the error. Thinking of it in terms of *correcting* the sight alignment can be helpful.
### Common Rear Sight Issues
Several common issues can necessitate rear sight adjustment on the Mossberg 702 Plinkster:
* **Factory Misalignment:** New rifles often come with sights that are not perfectly aligned from the factory.
* **Changes in Ammunition:** Different types of .22LR ammunition can have varying velocities and trajectories, impacting your point of impact.
* **Environmental Factors:** Wind and temperature can affect bullet trajectory, requiring sight adjustments for accurate shooting in different conditions.
* **Wear and Tear:** Over time, the sight components can loosen or shift, leading to changes in your point of impact.
### The Importance of Proper Sight Adjustment
Accurate sight adjustment is paramount for several reasons:
* **Improved Accuracy:** Obviously, a properly adjusted sight allows you to consistently hit your target, improving your overall shooting accuracy.
* **Enhanced Confidence:** Knowing that your rifle is sighted in correctly boosts your confidence and enjoyment on the range or in the field.
* **Ethical Hunting:** For hunters, accurate sight adjustment is essential for making clean, ethical shots.
* **Competitive Shooting:** In competitive shooting disciplines, precise sight adjustment can be the difference between winning and losing.
## Choosing the Right Tools for Rear Sight Adjustment
Before you begin adjusting your rear sight, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Using the wrong tools can damage the sight or the rifle.
* **Screwdriver Set:** A set of small, high-quality screwdrivers is essential for adjusting the windage and elevation screws. Ensure the screwdrivers fit the screws precisely to avoid stripping them.
* **Sight Adjustment Tool (Optional):** Some aftermarket tools are specifically designed for adjusting the rear sight on the Mossberg 702 Plinkster. These tools can provide more precise and controlled adjustments.
* **Benchrest or Sandbags:** A stable shooting platform is crucial for accurate sight adjustment. Use a benchrest or sandbags to support the rifle while you’re shooting.
* **Targets:** Use paper targets with clearly defined aiming points. Boresight targets can be helpful for initial sight-in.
* **Shooting Rest:** A stable shooting rest is crucial for eliminating shooter error during the sighting-in process. This ensures that any deviations in point of impact are due to sight misalignment, not inconsistent shooting technique.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting the Mossberg 702 Plinkster Rear Sight
Follow these steps to accurately adjust the rear sight on your Mossberg 702 Plinkster:
### Step 1: Prepare Your Rifle and Shooting Environment
* **Safety First:** Ensure your rifle is unloaded and the chamber is clear. Always practice safe gun handling procedures.
* **Set Up Your Shooting Area:** Place your targets at a known distance (e.g., 25 yards). Set up your benchrest or sandbags to provide a stable shooting platform.
* **Choose Your Ammunition:** Select the type of .22LR ammunition you plan to use most frequently. Different ammunition types can have significantly different points of impact.
### Step 2: Establish a Baseline
* **Shoot a Group:** Fire a group of 3-5 shots at your target. Aim carefully and consistently. Focus on proper trigger control and breathing techniques.
* **Analyze Your Group:** Observe the location of your group on the target. Is the group centered, or is it consistently hitting to the left, right, high, or low?
### Step 3: Adjust Windage
* **Determine Adjustment Direction:** If your group is hitting to the left, move the rear sight to the right. If your group is hitting to the right, move the rear sight to the left.
* **Make Small Adjustments:** Use your screwdriver to make small, incremental adjustments to the windage screw. A little adjustment can go a long way.
* **Shoot Another Group:** Fire another group of 3-5 shots to assess the impact of your adjustment.
* **Repeat as Needed:** Continue making small adjustments and shooting groups until your shots are centered horizontally.
### Step 4: Adjust Elevation
* **Determine Adjustment Direction:** If your group is hitting low, raise the rear sight. If your group is hitting high, lower the rear sight.
* **Make Small Adjustments:** Use your screwdriver to make small, incremental adjustments to the elevation screw or ramp. Again, small adjustments are key.
* **Shoot Another Group:** Fire another group of 3-5 shots to assess the impact of your adjustment.
* **Repeat as Needed:** Continue making small adjustments and shooting groups until your shots are centered vertically.
### Step 5: Fine-Tune and Confirm
* **Fine-Tune Adjustments:** Once your shots are close to the center of the target, make very small adjustments to fine-tune your sight alignment.
* **Confirm Accuracy:** Fire several more groups of shots to confirm that your rifle is consistently hitting the target where you aim.
## Advanced Techniques and Troubleshooting
### Understanding Click Values
Some aftermarket rear sights for the Mossberg 702 Plinkster feature click adjustments. Each click represents a specific amount of movement at a given distance (e.g., 1/4 inch per click at 50 yards). Understanding these click values allows for more precise adjustments.
### Dealing with Stuck Screws
If the adjustment screws on your rear sight are stuck, avoid forcing them. Apply a small amount of penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to loosen the screws.
### Addressing Sight Wobble
If your rear sight is wobbling or loose, tighten the mounting screws. If the sight continues to wobble, consider replacing it with a higher-quality aftermarket sight.
### Accounting for Parallax
Parallax is the apparent shift in the position of the target relative to the reticle when your eye is not perfectly aligned with the sight. While less of a concern with iron sights than with scopes, parallax can still affect accuracy, especially at longer distances. Ensure consistent eye alignment when shooting to minimize parallax error.
## Upgrading Your Mossberg 702 Plinkster Rear Sight
While the factory rear sight is functional, upgrading to an aftermarket sight can significantly improve accuracy and ease of adjustment. Several aftermarket rear sights are available for the Mossberg 702 Plinkster, offering features such as:
* **Click Adjustments:** For more precise windage and elevation adjustments.
* **Fiber Optic Inserts:** For enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
* **Durable Construction:** For increased resistance to wear and tear.
Popular aftermarket rear sight options include those from Williams Gun Sight and Tech-SIGHTS. These sights often provide a more robust and user-friendly adjustment experience.
## The Tech-SIGHTS TSR200: An Expert’s Perspective
Tech-SIGHTS are a popular upgrade for the Mossberg 702 Plinkster, known for their ruggedness and ease of use. The TSR200 model, in particular, offers significant improvements over the factory sights.
### Key Features of the TSR200
* **All-Steel Construction:** Provides exceptional durability and resistance to wear.
* **Click-Adjustable Windage and Elevation:** Allows for precise and repeatable adjustments.
* **Aperture Sights:** Offer a clear and focused sight picture.
* **Easy Installation:** Can be installed with basic tools.
### Advantages of the TSR200
* **Improved Accuracy:** The click-adjustable design and aperture sights contribute to significantly improved accuracy.
* **Enhanced Durability:** The all-steel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
* **User-Friendly Adjustment:** The click adjustments make it easy to fine-tune your sight alignment.
* **Better Sight Picture:** The aperture sights provide a clearer and more focused sight picture, especially in varying light conditions.
### Installation and Adjustment
Installing the TSR200 is a straightforward process that can be completed in a matter of minutes. Once installed, the click-adjustable windage and elevation make it easy to dial in your rifle for optimal accuracy. Based on our experience, the TSR200 consistently delivers tighter groups compared to the factory sights.
### Drawbacks and Considerations
While the TSR200 offers numerous advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
* **Cost:** Aftermarket sights are more expensive than the factory sights.
* **Learning Curve:** Some shooters may need time to adjust to using aperture sights.
* **Potential for Loosening:** While rare, the mounting screws can occasionally loosen over time, requiring periodic tightening.
### Ideal User Profile
The Tech-SIGHTS TSR200 is ideal for shooters who are looking to significantly improve the accuracy and durability of their Mossberg 702 Plinkster. It’s particularly well-suited for target shooters, small game hunters, and those who participate in competitive shooting disciplines.
### Expert Overall Verdict
The Tech-SIGHTS TSR200 is a highly recommended upgrade for the Mossberg 702 Plinkster. Its robust construction, precise adjustability, and improved sight picture make it a worthwhile investment for any serious shooter. While there are a few minor drawbacks to consider, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
## Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Here are some common questions related to adjusting the rear sight on the Mossberg 702 Plinkster:
1. **Q: How often should I adjust my rear sight?**
**A:** You should adjust your rear sight whenever you notice a significant change in your point of impact, such as after changing ammunition or experiencing a bump or fall with your rifle. Regular checks are recommended, especially before important shooting sessions.
2. **Q: What’s the best distance to sight in my Mossberg 702 Plinkster?**
**A:** A common distance for sighting in a .22LR rifle is 25 or 50 yards. Choose a distance that is representative of the ranges at which you typically shoot.
3. **Q: Can I use a laser bore sighter to adjust my rear sight?**
**A:** Yes, a laser bore sighter can be a helpful tool for getting your sights close to the target before making final adjustments with live ammunition. However, it’s important to remember that a laser bore sighter is not a substitute for live fire testing.
4. **Q: What if I run out of adjustment range on my rear sight?**
**A:** If you run out of adjustment range, you may need to shim the rear sight base or consider using different ammunition with a flatter trajectory.
5. **Q: How do I clean and maintain my rear sight?**
**A:** Clean your rear sight regularly with a soft cloth and a mild solvent to remove dirt and debris. Lubricate the adjustment screws with a light oil to prevent corrosion.
6. **Q: My rear sight is loose. What should I do?**
**A:** Tighten the mounting screws on the rear sight base. If the screws are stripped, consider using thread locker or replacing the screws.
7. **Q: Can I adjust the front sight on my Mossberg 702 Plinkster?**
**A:** The front sight on the Mossberg 702 Plinkster is typically not adjustable. Adjustments are primarily made using the rear sight.
8. **Q: What type of screwdriver should I use to adjust the rear sight?**
**A:** Use a small, high-quality screwdriver that fits the adjustment screws precisely. Avoid using a screwdriver that is too large or too small, as this can damage the screws.
9. **Q: Is it possible to improve the accuracy of my Mossberg 702 Plinkster without upgrading the sights?**
**A:** Yes, proper maintenance, consistent shooting technique, and using high-quality ammunition can all contribute to improved accuracy, even with the factory sights.
10. **Q: Where can I find a detailed schematic of the Mossberg 702 Plinkster rear sight?**
**A:** You can often find schematics in the owner’s manual or online parts diagrams available from Mossberg or reputable gun parts retailers.
## Conclusion: Mastering Your Mossberg 702 Plinkster’s Accuracy
Accurately adjusting the rear sight on your **Mossberg 702 Plinkster .22LR** is a crucial step in achieving optimal shooting performance. By understanding the principles of sight adjustment, using the right tools, and following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can confidently dial in your rifle for consistent accuracy. Whether you choose to stick with the factory sights or upgrade to an aftermarket option like the Tech-SIGHTS TSR200, the knowledge you’ve gained here will empower you to get the most out of your Mossberg 702 Plinkster. Remember, practice makes perfect. Take your rifle to the range, experiment with different adjustments, and refine your shooting technique. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll be hitting your target with confidence in no time. Share your experiences with adjusting the rear sight on your Mossberg 702 Plinkster in the comments below! What tips or tricks have you found helpful?
