Proper battle rifle zero- From Navy Seal Kyle Defoor

This is how the pros do it. Enough said.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Battle
• rifle
• zero
• AR15
• AK47
• AK74
• 5.56x45
• 7.62x39
• 5.45x39

[leongaines]

A 100 yard zero only intersects at 100 yards then gravity takes over. Use a 50/200 yard zero. AR15 zero at 200 is perfect, the ballistics of a 5.56 round is that the trajectory will intersect your target at 50 (on the way up) AND 200-216 yds(on the way down gravity). therefore a 200yd zero will be a hit at 50 & 200 yds. Then when aiming at 100 yds your shot will be about 1.5" high and 300 yards, about 1.5" low. Beyond that use MOA . I am using an aimpoint comp m3 w 3x scope.

[jetfuel545]

@leongaines Thanks for the info. My friend Semiauto is a big fan of the 50/200 yard zero. I think it is best to zero at whatever range you are shooting at most, or per target you are shooting at. At a man size target the 50/200 is great, but if you are shooting paper or clay's for instance at 100 then a 100yd zero makes sense. I just believe its best to zero for the particular cartridge and intended use.

[saka1ish]

@leongaines Gravity is acting on the bullet the moment it leaves the barrel. The reason for the arc in the bullets trajectory is because the barrel is actually raised at the muzzle end when you look through the sights. Bullets are just metal flying through the air, they do not magically rise up. This is a common misconception. Also, the 200 yd zero is a technique that knowingly limits the capability of the weapon system. Stick with the 300 yd zero to get the most out of your rifle.

[jetfuel545]

@saka1ish Good info on the trajectory curve. Many guys, especially new to longer range shooting may not get the ballistic curve. For anyone not engaging in combat and just wanting to practice at the range the 300 zero put shots quite high and may be very confusing for new guys trying to shoot at ranges mid way where the bullets rise will be max some 7" high above point of aim. For these shooters a 100yd zero becomes easier to learn with. That is what I have seen.

[danthman114]

i dialed my optics in at 100 and my irons in at 200. what miller and kyle said is true. 100 will mess up the bdc but those are just ballpark anyway depending on environment when you get up to 500. i dont think i ever had an m16 that the 5 was ever matched with 500. it was always +- 2 clicks.

[jetfuel545]

@danthman114 Wise words, thanks for the comment.

[carcrazylt1]

@leongaines The marine corps use the 36/300m zero.

[AlfonsFromAtech]

@leongaines Well just use a 300 meter zero.

And when we talk about a combat zero we talk about meters not yards.

[ELITEHAMSTER123]

@jetfuel545 For those having trouble choosing a good zero, this is how my AK is set up, a 100 yard zero on the iron sights and a 200 zero on the optic. I am sure you could do the same on your AR.

[Armory52]

@puddynuts. Sir the grannysmith method would be the best for your application

[puddynuts]

I like to shoot apples off of my grandma's head at 50 yards. What zero shoot I use? I'm thinking a 300 yard zero so I'll have to aim well low of the apple. I think that would be the safest course of action.

[saka1ish]

@jetfuel545 Great point, Jetfuel. I agree that it's best to keep things simple and not overload a new shooter. At the end of the day, they are all just techniques.

[leongaines]

@akjunkie, yes, but when you start to reach out beyond 200 yards, lets say 300 yards with a 100 yard zero, your adjustment to make the shot will be greater than the adjustment needed when you already have a 50/200 yd zero, shooting at closer ranges works out equally as good.

[leongaines]

@jetfuel545 - Yes sir, I agree. All depends on the application. In competition, paper or clay shooting, yes, I would zero at the distance that I know I am shooting. If we're talking about battlefield type environment the distance is always a variable..