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?

 

[wapakfred]

With rifles I start with a collimator and get the scope centered. Then I start firing at 25 yards to hit the target, then move to 100 yards. With handgunds i simply start shooting at 10 yards, sometimes have to get closer but not typically. Then I'll try them at 25 yards. If the handgun is scoped (I only have 2 with scopes) I'll move to 50 yards.

 

[Alan]

Starting with a collimator saves time and ammo and I like how you scale distance based on the platform

 

[woodbutcher]

I use a Wheeler scope kit. Zero the rings, then scope with a bore sighter at 25 feet. Then to my range and usually zeroed with 5 to 7 rounds, depending on the desired target distance
Edit: don't forget to torque and lock title the screws

 

[nksmfamjp]

To get crosshairs leveled, I have been using the orange bubble level kit. (I’m thinking about leveling the rifle and projecting the reticle to a plumb bob.)

Get it torqued with fit to shooter right….correct eye relief.

Then get to the range. I get the focus set to see the reticle clear against the sky on max power and max parallax.

Then I look down the barrel and get it on a 50 yd target. Adjust the scope to be in alignment. Shoot 2 shots. Adjust to zero.

At 100, I shoot 2 shots. If they are within 5” of bullseye, I shoot 10-20 to find group center. Adjust scope to zero. Then shoot 5-10 to confirm.

 

[Alan]

I use a Wheeler scope kit. Zero the rings, then scope with a bore sighter at 25 feet. Then to my range and usually zeroed with 5 to 7 rounds, depending on the desired target distance
Edit: don't forget to torque and lock title the screws

Nice, that’s a clean and efficient setup

 

[Alan]

To get crosshairs leveled, I have been using the orange bubble level kit. (I’m thinking about leveling the rifle and projecting the reticle to a plumb bob.)

Get it torqued with fit to shooter right….correct eye relief.

Then get to the range. I get the focus set to see the reticle clear against the sky on max power and max parallax.

Then I look down the barrel and get it on a 50 yd target. Adjust the scope to be in alignment. Shoot 2 shots. Adjust to zero.

At 100, I shoot 2 shots. If they are within 5” of bullseye, I shoot 10-20 to find group center. Adjust scope to zero. Then shoot 5-10 to confirm.

Great, I like the attention to leveling and eye relief before even firing

 

[Tony]

I don't have a hunting rifle, but I have a couple of ARs, an HK91 clone and an AK. I was wondering what the best method for be. I am using rifle-type red dot scopes on them and have been relying on dropping a laser cartridge in the bore and lining my dot up at around 50 yards. I typically point the laser at a neighbor's house some distance away and guestimate. Science! I am not anticipating having to take long shots with them, as I am a recreational shooter and too lazy to hunt.

Seeing how others adjust their glass is interesting, though. I had thought about adding a bolt-action rifle to my hobby, but I don't think there are many areas to shoot around Cincinnati that would offer anything beyond 25 yards. There probably are, I just haven't really researched that.