What distance to zero at

Published on April 16, 2025
Duration: 2:25

Ben Stoeger advocates for zeroing pistol red dot sights at 25 yards for practical shooting. This distance aims to minimize the need for holdovers at common engagement ranges up to 50 yards. He emphasizes that while mechanical offset is a factor at close range, a 25-yard zero provides a predictable point of impact for most scenarios without requiring complex aiming adjustments.

Quick Summary

For practical shooting with a pistol red dot sight, Ben Stoeger recommends a 25-yard zero. This distance is chosen to ensure the firearm hits accurately at common engagement ranges up to 50 yards, minimizing the need for holdovers and providing predictable performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Zeroing Question
  2. 00:18The 10, 15, or 25 Yard Zero Debate
  3. 00:32Why 10 Yards is Too Close
  4. 00:38Zeroing at 25 Yards
  5. 00:44Checking Zero at 50 Yards
  6. 00:52Avoiding Holdovers with Red Dots
  7. 01:11Understanding Mechanical Offset
  8. 01:24The 25-Yard Zero Rationale
  9. 01:36Shooting Beyond 50 Yards
  10. 01:54Predictable Performance
  11. 02:22Conclusion and Call for Comments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended distance to zero a pistol red dot sight for practical shooting?

For practical shooting, Ben Stoeger recommends zeroing a pistol red dot sight at 25 yards. This distance is chosen to ensure the firearm hits accurately at common engagement ranges up to 50 yards without requiring significant holdovers.

Why is zeroing at 10 yards not ideal for pistol red dots?

Zeroing at 10 yards is considered too close for practical shooting applications with a pistol red dot. While it might be accurate at that specific short distance, it doesn't translate well to longer ranges like 25 or 50 yards, often necessitating holdovers.

How does mechanical offset affect red dot zeroing?

Mechanical offset, the difference between the line of sight and the bore axis, is a factor at close range. Even with a proper zero, you must be mindful of this offset when engaging very small targets at short distances to ensure accuracy.

What is the benefit of a 25-yard zero for a pistol red dot?

A 25-yard zero provides a predictable point of impact for a handgun equipped with a red dot sight. It aims to have the bullet strike very close to the point of aim at 50 yards, reducing the need for the shooter to consciously adjust their aim for distance.

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