Rifle Scopes How do scopes without zero stops work

zero is marked, it just means it doesn't stop there automatically as you are turning back down (if you wanted to start over).
this helps if you don't want to be looking up at the turrets instead of through the scope.
if you only want 8 clicks, and forgot where you were, back to lock and count them out again, for example.
there are limits to how many rotations in either direction.

for long range scopes, you'd have the majority of travel is only in one direction anyway if possible.
for example, my leupold mark 5hd has 29.1 mils (~98 moa) of total travel. but i only have about .6 mils down.
 
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Most scopes have lines/markings on the turrets that signifies the turret’s rotation value. Some have lines with numbers others just have lines. What I like to do, if I’m using a scope that doesn’t have a ZS, is to take a red map pen an color the line closest to my 100yd zero. Then I use that mark as a 100yd Zero reference point on my turrets. A good backup to this is a fine white tip paint pen to mark the turret at the bottom of the turret cap and then count the number of adjustments until you reach the last solid/tactile “click” below your zero. Note that number in your data book for reference.
 
There are ways of tracking your zero point, however having the zero stop takes the probability of making a mistake when dialing down. High speed turrets make adjusting that much easier. Shooting a 6.5CM, even shooting to 1000yds I have yet to need a full turn of elevation.
 
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