NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Zeroing AR Irons

Published on January 8, 2017
Duration: 6:51

This guide details how to zero AR-15 iron sights at 25 yards, a crucial but often overlooked maintenance task. Instructor Joe Curtenbach emphasizes shooting groups to establish impact points, using tools like laser bore sighters and proper front sight adjustment tools. He provides specific offset aiming points at 25 yards for achieving 100 or 200-yard zeros, highlighting the need to account for the reduced distance when making adjustments.

Quick Summary

Zeroing AR-15 iron sights at 25 yards is crucial for reliability. Aim for impacts 1.5 inches low for a 100-yard zero and 1.3 inches low for a 200-yard zero. Remember that adjustments at 25 yards require more clicks than at 100 yards for the same point of impact change.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Importance of Zeroing Iron Sights
  2. 00:36Choosing the Right Zeroing Distance (25 Yards)
  3. 01:41The Importance of Shooting Groups
  4. 02:11Getting On Paper and Initial Adjustments
  5. 02:52Using a Laser Bore Sighter
  6. 03:13Making Sight Adjustments (Elevation & Windage)
  7. 03:33Understanding MOA Adjustments at 25 Yards
  8. 04:16Recommended Tools for Front Sight Adjustment
  9. 04:41Methods for Finalizing Your Zero
  10. 05:18Preferred Method: Ballistic Data for Zeroing
  11. 05:36Example: Zeroing with Aguila 5.56 Ammo
  12. 06:11Double-Checking Your Zero
  13. 06:31Conclusion and Further Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended distance for zeroing AR-15 iron sights?

The recommended distance for zeroing AR-15 iron sights is 25 yards. This distance is often available on most ranges, including indoor facilities, and allows for clear target visibility without magnification, making it practical for initial sight alignment.

How do you adjust AR-15 iron sights for elevation and windage?

Typically, the front sight post on an AR-15 is adjusted for elevation by turning a screw to raise or lower it. The rear sight is usually adjustable for windage, allowing you to move the point of impact left or right.

Why are adjustments at 25 yards different than at 100 yards for AR iron sights?

Adjustments at 25 yards are less noticeable than at 100 yards. For instance, a quarter MOA adjustment at 100 yards moves impact by about 0.25 inches, but at 25 yards, it takes 16 clicks to achieve the same 1-inch shift that would take 4 clicks at 100 yards.

What are the target impact points at 25 yards for a 100 or 200-yard zero?

To achieve a 100-yard zero, you should aim for your impacts to be 1.5 inches low at 25 yards. For a 200-yard zero, aim for impacts 1.3 inches low at the 25-yard distance.

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