"Where Should I Zero From?"

Published on February 24, 2026
Duration: 1:48

This guide details how to zero a pistol red dot sight, drawing on the expertise of the Honest Outlaw. It emphasizes establishing a practical zeroing distance, typically 10-25 yards, with a personal preference for 15 yards. The video demonstrates the effectiveness of this zero across various ranges, from close engagements to 85 yards, by successfully hitting steel targets. It also touches on the minimal bore offset for handguns compared to rifles and practical considerations like using steel targets in windy conditions.

Quick Summary

For zeroing a pistol red dot sight, a range of 10-25 yards is recommended, with 15 yards being a practical choice. This zero allows for effective engagement from approximately 7 yards to 150 yards. Steel targets are often preferred over paper in windy conditions for reliable confirmation of your zero.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Pistol Dot Zeroing Range
  2. 00:13Personal 15-Yard Zero
  3. 00:2925-30 Yard Zero Test
  4. 00:43Paper vs. Steel Zeroing
  5. 00:58Continued Steel Plate Hits
  6. 01:2785-Yard Long-Range Pistol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended zeroing distance for a pistol red dot sight?

For most handgun applications, a zeroing range of 10-25 yards is recommended. The speaker personally prefers a 15-yard zero, finding it effective from close range out to approximately 150 yards.

Should I use paper or steel targets when zeroing my pistol red dot?

While paper targets can offer a precise initial zero, steel targets are often more practical, especially in windy conditions. Steel targets are less affected by wind, ensuring more reliable confirmation of your zero.

How far can I effectively shoot with a pistol red dot zeroed at 15 yards?

A 15-yard zero on a 9mm handgun red dot sight can be effective for hits from around 7 yards out to approximately 150 yards, demonstrating significant versatility for various engagement distances.

Why is the bore offset less critical for handguns than rifles when zeroing optics?

The bore offset, the distance between the bore and the optic's line of sight, is minimal on handguns compared to rifles. This reduces the impact of trajectory differences at common engagement distances, simplifying zeroing.

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