How do you zero your rifle? let’s discuss approaches

[Alan]

I’ve seen a wide range of zeroing methods across the community, and it’s always interesting how each shooter develops their own routine. To help newer members learn and compare techniques, I’d like to hear how each of you approaches zeroing?

 

[MisterEd]

If by'zeroing' you mean getting a 'round on paper' BEFORE actually shooting what I do (specifically with a scope) is I first 'zero' the scope by ensuring the 'dials' are both set at their 'halfway' points.

I then set the rifle on my shooting bench solidly supported and remove the bolt, open the action etc. to be able to 'see' through the barrel.

I look through the barrel and 'sight in' on a clear, small target at maybe 75 yards or so. Once the object is clearly seen through the barrel I simply adjust the crosshairs to zero on the 'target' - and then I typically set the crosshairs approximately an inch below the target.

At this point I am ready to shoot for actual target zeroing in however this has never failed me and ALWAYS results in shots very close to the bullseye on the paper target and one time I had my FIRST round fired hit exactly 1" below the bull at 100 yards!

Yes, I know there are devices available for this, bore lasers and other things but this is 'free' and works well!

Here is a recent 'zeroing' of my NEF Handi - Rifle with a new scope and rings. Oh, no ammo nearby and in my shop so the 'beverage' was acceptable!

 

[Alan]

If by'zeroing' you mean getting a 'round on paper' BEFORE actually shooting what I do (specifically with a scope) is I first 'zero' the scope by ensuring the 'dials' are both set at their 'halfway' points.

I then set the rifle on my shooting bench solidly supported and remove the bolt, open the action etc. to be able to 'see' through the barrel.

I look through the barrel and 'sight in' on a clear, small target at maybe 75 yards or so. Once the object is clearly seen through the barrel I simply adjust the crosshairs to zero on the 'target' - and then I typically set the crosshairs approximately an inch below the target.

At this point I am ready to shoot for actual target zeroing in however this has never failed me and ALWAYS results in shots very close to the bullseye on the paper target and one time I had my FIRST round fired hit exactly 1" below the bull at 100 yards!

Yes, I know there are devices available for this, bore lasers and other things but this is 'free' and works well!

Here is a recent 'zeroing' of my NEF Handi - Rifle with a new scope and rings. Oh, no ammo nearby and in my shop so the 'beverage' was acceptable!

That’s a great walk-through, and a solid example of true old-school bore-sighting!!! Thanks for sharing

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

Well, with my 20 inch Colt AR, I zero the iron sights at 25 yards for a 300 yard zero and raise the rear with the dial for longer distance out to 80o yards.

I just go an AR pistol with an 11.5 inch barrel. I am going to use the Marine Corps 36 yard method, as I likely won’t shoot it beyond that distance.

It’s for home defense. Likely never shot at greater than 50 ft distance. So once it’s zeroed I will see where it prints at 40 ft and 21 ft.

 

[Daven11]

 Starting things off close to home always ended up saving me a ton of time in the long run. I used to just rush right out there, burning through ammo trying to fix something I probably could have sorted out in about five minutes if I'd just stayed put.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

Well, I now have two Carbines to zero. I will use 25yds for a 300yd zero for both. One with a carry handle, the other with a mil contract Aimpoint and a flip up rear iron.

 

[SuperTrooper]

SIG Connect OHD (optical hit detection) target system has a 3-shot zero feature that is pretty slick - usually has me zeroed on the 2nd shot as long as I'm correct on my distance, and entered the correct optic.