Hey! If you recently got into red dots and guns, Welcome to the fun shooting world. This article is exactly for you because one needs to know the basics before getting to the other complexities. We will cover a lot in this short article which will save time, but by the end, you will be able to tell what “Zeroing” a red dot means, why it is necessary and how it can be done at home. So, let us just dive right in!
What does “zeroing” a red dot mean?
When shooting, there are two terms that we need to know and
understand
Point of aim: it is the point where we want or desire our bullet to hit.
Point of impact: it is the point where the bullet actually hits regardless of where you aimed it.
At times our round does not hit the point where we want it to, which means that the point of aim is different from the point of impact. In a situation like this, the red dot being used might not be zeroed at the particular distance you are shooting, or it might not be zeroed at all. The distance we are also shooting matters when it comes to zeroing or sighting a red dot. This is due to that red dot’s MOA (minute of angle). Understanding MOA is also important because a shooter is required to convert the inches in MOA.
1 MOA equals one inch at 100 yards. As the distance decreases, so do the MOA.
Why is it important to zero your red dot?
The main purpose of zeroing a red dot is to ensure that the bullet hits where we want it to (to ensure that the point of aim is the same as the point of impact). When shooting accuracy is one of the main aims of the shooter, zeroing a red dot helps with the accuracy of the shots. Not only does it help with accuracy and adds speed because no time is wasted in trying to align things while using your red dot sight. It can be bothersome and annoying if one keeps missing the target repeatedly. In that case, it is just a waste of ammo. Hence it is necessary to zero your red dot for greater accuracy.
How to zero a red dot at home?
Before we get to the methods of zeroing red dots, it is necessary to first ensure that you have mounted your red dot properly on the gun or the weapon you are using. Otherwise, it will keep getting loose, and it will be nothing but a waste of time trying to reach a perfect “zero.” While performing any of the following methods, ensure that your guns are unloaded and remove all the bullets from the magazine.
You Would Require
- A paper to use as a target (preferably white)
- A bore sight
- Your gun and red dot
The following are the methods to zero your red dot at home:
Laser bore sighting
It is the easiest method and most accurate one. In this method, you need to have a laser bore sight that fits with your weapon. The next step is to mount that laser bore sight on your rifle. There are two ways to do that, either you can end mount the laser bore sight (in the barrel’s mouth), or you can muzzle mount (mounting the laser bore sight in the muzzle). After that, at a distance anywhere around 20 to 100 yards (choose the distance from which you will be shooting the gun later to zero it at that distance), place your rifle on a stable platform, like a shooting bag, gun rest, etc., and make sure to not shake the rifle too much during this process. Turn on your red dot, aim it at the target, and point the laser at your target. This works in a way that when you turn on the laser and point it at the target, it will fall in a straight line following the pathway that the bullet would form. Adjust your rifle in the same line. Adjust the rifle scope by windage and elevation. Remove the bore sight. By firing live rounds, you can confirm if your red dot has been successfully zeroed later.
This method is beginner friendly and can be easily done regardless of your expertise level.
Visual Bore Sighting
Mount the sight on your rifle. Detach the bolt from the rifle, and ensure that the center of the barrel and the sight are aligned. Keep making adjustments until the barrel is centered at the target. This method is time taking, but it does the job. Again confirm if you have successfully zeroed your red dot later by firing live rounds.
Optical Bore Sighting
Start by mounting the lens at the bottom of your rifle. Turn on your red dot. You must keep looking at the red dot and align the lens side by side. Adjust the dial until the cross-hair of the sight is at the grid’s center. Alignment is necessary for this process as it can risk the accuracy of the zero. However, this method is tough, time taking, and not that accurate.
Pros of Optical bore sighting
- The great thing about these methods is that it is not only for rifles but also for handguns, long guns, and shotguns.
- Saves ammo since you do not necessarily need to fire the gun during the process; however, you would need to fire a bullet or two to confirm accuracy.
- Some methods are beginner friendly.
FAQs
Is bore sighting an accurate method for zeroing a red dot?
Laser bore sights are one of the quickest and easiest methods and can give you close to accurate “zero,” while the other two methods, visual bore sighting and optical bore sighting, can be a bit doubtful, but all doubts can be eradicated by firing live rounds after zeroing your red dot by any of the methods mentioned above.
