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“Zero Your AR: Get On Target with Iron Sights and Red Dots”

Posted by Defiance Tactical Shooting



“If you’re not zeroed, you’re gambling. And in a gunfight, bad bets get people killed.”

— Defiance Tactical Motto


Whether you’re running irons or a red dot, if your rifle isn’t zeroed, you’re not combat effective. Here’s a no-BS guide to get you on target and confidently dialed in.




🔧

Step 1: Understand What Zeroing Means



Zeroing is aligning your point of aim (where your sights are) with your point of impact (where the bullet actually hits). It’s not a one-size-fits-all—different distances, optics, and ammo can shift your zero. But most people settle on a 50/200 yard zero for good combat effectiveness.




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Step 2: Zeroing with Iron Sights




🛠️ What You Need:



  • AR-15 with front & rear iron sights

  • 25m zero target (we’ll explain why)

  • Stable shooting platform (sandbags, bipod, bench)

  • 55gr or 62gr ammo (consistency matters)




🔄 Adjustments:



  • Front sight = Elevation (up/down)


    • Clockwise = Lower POI

    • Counter-clockwise = Raise POI


  • Rear sight = Windage (left/right)




🔫 The Method:



  • Set up your 25-meter zero target.

  • Fire a 3–5 round group from prone or supported.

  • Measure your group and adjust front sight for height, rear for windage.

  • Re-shoot until your group hits the small black box (center-mass).

  • Confirm later at 50 or 100 yards if you want, but the 25m zero = 300m battle zero approximation works.





🔴

Step 3: Zeroing a Red Dot Optic (RDS)




✅ What You Need:



  • Red dot sight (Aimpoint, Sig Romeo, Holosun, etc.)

  • Consistent ammo

  • Bore-sight if available (optional)

  • A target at 50 yards (recommended zero for CQB and midrange)




🔄 Adjustments:



  • Usually marked as 1 MOA per click (1” at 100 yards)

  • Check your optic manual for specifics




🔫 The Method:



  • Fire a tight 3-shot group from a supported position at 50 yards.

  • Do not chase individual bullet holes—adjust based on your group center.

  • Adjust elevation and windage accordingly using the turret dials.

  • Fire another group to confirm.

  • Optional: Confirm holdover/holdunder at 100, 25, and 10 yards.





👁️‍🗨️

Pro Tips



  • Iron + RDS? Co-witness your irons (1/3 or absolute), but zero your red dot independently.

  • Ammo matters. Zero with what you train or fight with.

  • Don’t mix stances during zeroing. Stay consistent: prone or benched.

  • Don’t overcorrect. Make small adjustments and re-confirm.





💣 Final Word:





An un-zeroed rifle is a false sense of security. Zeroing isn’t sexy, but it’s what separates trained shooters from posers. Put in the reps. Confirm often. And train like lives depend on it—because one day, they might.



📍Ready to train hands-on?

Our rifle courses include zeroing drills, combat marksmanship, and movement under fire.

 
 
 

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