Sighting in, also known as zeroing, is the process of aligning the sights on the weapon with the rifle so you can aim at your target from a set distance.You cannot change a bullet's flight path by changing the rifle itself, you have to adjust the sights until they are in line with the path of the projectile leaving the weapon.Depending on what type of shooting you intend to do, you can zero your rifle from different distances.If you want to improve accuracy at any distance, you can use the sights that are only accurate at the exact distance you zero it for.Zeroing your rifle establishes an accuracy baseline that you can make further adjustments to based on the firing situation and environment as you fire in the future.
Step 1: Choose the type of sights you want to use.
There are a number of different sights to choose from, and even more options within each type.You have to consider what type of shooting you want to do, at what distance, and what your preferences are when choosing a sight.Some people prefer traditional iron sights, while others prefer high magnification scope and everything in between.The rifle's iron sights include a rear sight and front sight tip.They are mostly used for short distance shooting, but can be accurate at nearly any range.A red dot is projected onto a lens.You can see where the target should impact by looking at the red dot.For short to medium range shooting, red dots are used.You can see a magnified view of the target.They are used for long distance shooting.
Step 2: Pick out the bullets.
The flight path of the round you fire from your rifle will be affected by a variety of different types of ammunition.A variable that could affect where the round hits the target is removed if you are consistent with your choices.Different types of ammunition use different amounts of propellants, which can make the round travel faster, limit the arcs of the rounds and affect its point of impact.You want to be consistent with the equipment and methods you use when zeroing a rifle.
Step 3: You can choose your distance.
The round travels in an arcs as it flies downrange.Think of the round as a ball.It goes upward before going back down.The distance you zero the rifle at will affect the trajectory of the round.Pick a rifle that approximates the distances you intend to be from your targets in the future, because you can only zero your rifle correctly for one distance.You will be able to sight in on targets at any distance, but you will need to adjust your aiming based on the distance your rifle is zeroed for.The round will be seen high for longer distances if it is zeroed at a shorter distance.This is the best option if you want to shoot at short range targets.You will be aimed low for closer targets if you zero at a longer distance.This is the best option if you want to shoot at long distance targets.You should choose your zero distance based on how you intend to shoot it.
Step 4: You can use a laser bore sighter.
To zero your rifle, you must first get your rounds on paper, so you can see where the rounds impact and make adjustments to your sights to bring those rounds closer to the bullseye.A laser bore sighter is a laser pointer that is shaped like a round.If you load the rifle with the bore sighter, the red dot will show where the barrel is pointed on the target.It should give you enough accuracy to get on paper.If you want to see the red dot in your sights, you have to adjust the sights.Remember that the bullet won't travel in a straight line, so this method will only get your sights close enough to begin the zeroing process.
Step 5: Consider using a shooting rest.
Competition shooting rests absorb recoil and keep the rifle in place.A moving rifle is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome.Your body will sway slightly when you hold a rifle up or support it with your bones.Accuracy can be greatly affected by these small movements.The shooting rests hold the rifle in place so you don't move it when shooting.Even though equipment like bore sighters and shooting rests are not required to zero a rifle, they can provide a big help to inexperienced shooters.You don't have to purchase a shooting rest at some rifle ranges.
Step 6: Put your firing position together.
Before firing your first round, make sure you set up a good firing position that will allow you to remove as many variables as possible.If you want to zero the weapon, you need to try your best to make everything the same each time, except for the adjustments you make to the sights.If you can, try to set up your firing position on a table with a shooting rest or something similar.You should mark the bag where you rest the weapon.Even if you move your rifle between rounds, you can rest the weapon in the same place.Wind can affect the flight path of your rifle, so try to find a location with limited wind resistance.
Step 7: Shoot your first few rounds after setting up your target.
Aim for the center of the target.If you want to make any adjustments, fire two or three more.Firing a few rounds will establish a shot group, which can help you determine if you are firing consistently and get a better sense of where the rounds are impacting.If all of the rounds impact the target in a tight group, that means that you can adjust your sights to hit it.You are not firing each round in a consistent manner if the rounds are impacting the target in different areas.If the first round hits the top left corner of the target and the second hit the bottom right, it means you are moving the weapon as you fire.Don't give up until you can establish a tight group.
Step 8: It's important to focus on consistency.
Everything you do before and during firing should be the same.The zeroing process requires you to interact with the weapon as much as possible.Zeroing is more about setting up the weapon effectively than it is about practicing how to use it.Each time you fire a round, use the same breathing, sight picture andtrigger control to make sure it doesn't affect where the round impacts the target, but the sights.Doing something differently could affect your target differently.The adjustments you make to your sights will be based on your actions.
Step 9: Move your shot group by adjusting your sight.
Once you are able to fire a tight shot group at your target, you can begin to adjust your sights to bring that group closer to the center of the target.It is best to know the instructions that came with your weapon or aftermarket sights to be sure you can adjust each properly.If your rounds hit the right side of the target, adjust your sights to the left.If they hit high, lower your aiming point.There are two knobs on scopes or magnified sights.One adjusts your windage from right to left and the other adjusts it up and down.If you want to move your rounds along the horizontal axis, you have to adjust the windage knob.Similar to a scope, red dot sights use small knobs to adjust the reticle on the lens from left to right and from up to down.There are two components to iron sights.The windage can be adjusted by turning the knob.Turn the front sight tip to raise or lower the weapon's elevation.
Step 10: After every adjustment, fire another group.
After you get used to your sights, fire another group at the target.If you want to know how your changes have affected where the rounds are impacting the target, make sure you fire another tight shot group.As you slowly move your shot groups into the center of the target, you may have to repeat this process a number of times.To make sure you don't affect the accuracy of the weapon by changing your methods, practice the basics every time you fire.
Step 11: Look for your natural point of aim.
It may take a fair amount of practice to hold a rifle well.If you want to fire accurately and consistently, instead of trying to point the rifle at the target, focus on finding your natural point of aim.To find your natural point of aim, you need to determine the most stable position that you can hold your rifle in.The weapon should be supported by the bone structure.Your natural point of aim should be a position you can remain in for a few minutes at a time.You will have a different natural point of aim for each shooting position, but you should use either the prone or seated position to support the weapon.If you find your natural point of aim, adjust the direction your entire body is pointed instead of just adjusting the weapon.Think of yourself as a toy soldier.The toy has to be turned to aim downrange.
Step 12: Breath control is something to practice.
If you shift the weapon slightly as you breathe, you can affect the flight path of the round.Pay attention to your breathing and then fire the weapon.At the end of an exhaled breath, there is a natural respiratory pause.Pause after you exhale.During that brief pause between inhaling and exhaling, fire your weapon.
Step 13: Trigger control can be used.
The accuracy of your weapon can be reduced by simply pulling atrigger.When you want to fire, slowly squeeze it.Hold the gun back for a split second when the weapon fires.You won't be able to jerk the weapon slightly when pulling thetrigger if you practice these habits.If you squeeze thetrigger the same way each time you fire, you'll be able to zero it more quickly and accurately.To avoid jerking the weapon, use a steady and consistent amount of pressure.After you fire each round, try to hold the gun back for a short time.
Step 14: Follow through after firing.
After the round leaves your weapon, follow through coincides with the final portion oftrigger control, where you maintain your firing movements for a short time.If you want to quickly adjust your positioning, do not pull thetrigger.Instead, slowly squeeze thetrigger, allow the weapon to fire and remain still with your head in place, looking through your sights and your finger still in the pull position.As you fire the round, follow through to make sure there is no movement in the rifle.Any movement can affect the flight path and accuracy of the round.After firing each round, take a break.
Step 15: Before firing, you need a good sight picture.
Accurately aiming is based on your ability to establish a good sight picture and front sight alignment.Sight picture is a description of how you see the target through your rifle sights.Make sure the front sight tip is in line with the rear component of your sights.The weapon isn't pointed straight at the target.You don't need to focus on achieving a good sight picture when using red dot or magnification sights.Aligning the sights is part of a proper sight picture.Instead of focusing on the target, look at the front sight tip of your lens, which will show the blurred target behind it in your vision.Good sight picture is the most important element in accurate shooting.