AR15 Newbie - Questions on Zeroing, Rest, etc?

[rodralig]

Hi Guys

AR15 newbie here - got my AR15 (Spike's Tactical Crusader) just a few months back, and have only brought it to the range twice (first was for a beginner class, and second was at private range event). I think mine has gone to still less than 100 rounds (hahaha!!!). So, please allow me a few inquiries...

When I took the beginner class - it was mostly zeroing (at 50-yards). However, since I couldn't maintain any consistency due to a fat profile muff (preventing a good cheek weld), an unstable rest (was using my backpack) - I felt that the ZERO was bad.

That said, before my second range session (a couple of weeks back) - I got a laser and bore-sight to 25-yards (in my backyard) while prone and still using my ol' backpack. When I got to the range, I confirmed that this was sufficient for "combat" purposes, i.e., accurate to 100-yards out with steel. Albeit wasn't checking the actual precise hits on the target (I just hear the "cling" sound).

Going forward - am wanting to try for a more precise zero!

As I'm constrained location-wise, the most I can do is a 25-yard zero at an indoor range (most probably FT3):

• Please advise on what a good rest would be? Sandbags? Stand? Bipod? Product URLs would be appreciated.
• Now, since it will be an indoor range, zeroing would most probably be sitting down - any tips to accommodate this? For those that are familiar with FT3, will this work?
• I've read that zeroing would be good using match ammo. Any recommendations?
• I did clean and lubed the rifle the first time I got it (and before the first range session). It has been few months since then, I believe that this is still OK? (compared to my Glock and 1911, maintenance on an AR15 is not as straightforward... hahaha!)

That said, considering the laws here in Kaliforniastan - am thinking of separately packing the upper and lower. I've read that if the two pieces are individually packed and locked, they are not considered assault rifles. Thoughts?

Thanks in advanced for the tips!!!

Cheers,


_

[m850168]

I wouldn't worry about a precise zero for now, just get some practice in at the 25 yard range and focus on trying to reduce group sizes while standing and maybe kneeling.

It's tough to get a very precise zero at 25 yards - you really want to do it at 100 yards or even 200 yards. I use a 50 yard zero, but I think of it as "good enough" for irons.

When you do get a precise zero, remember that it's going to change a little bit depending on your position, etc. - the best thing you can do to minimize this is to be consistent. Having a consistent hold is key, but it's also worth considering how you are going to be shooting the rifle - I have a rifle that gets shot off a bipod most of the time, so I zero off the bipod. Rifles that I shoot prone most of the time get zeroed in prone (with a sling). And so on.

Generally, zero with what you are going to be shooting. Most of my rifles are zeroed with Wolf Gold. Exceptions are those that get loaded with defensive rounds at home and the more DMR-type builds; those get zeroed with defensive rounds and match ammo, respectively.

Lube your rifle before you go; or just bring some lube with you. It will probably work fine as is, but honestly 100 rounds isn't enough to get to know the gun yet. I run my AR's pretty dry but some of them prefer to be well-lubed.

[downdiver2]

http://www.usaac.army.mil/amu/assets/zeroing.pdf

Print the US Military m4 Carbine target, its free online.

[speedrrracer]

Keep in mind you haven't bought a precision rifle. It's just an AR, so rub some dirt on it, drop it a coupla times, and enjoy it.

Having said that, nothing wrong with what you're after. You can look here:

https://www.midwayusa.com/shooting-rests-and-bags/br?cid=15820

and perhaps a phone call to the range in question is better than asking for 2nd-hand advice. Tell them what you want, and ask their advice on how best to do it. Maybe they'll let you bring in your own seat, shooting table, who knows what. Maybe they'll tell you to get lost. Can't hurt to ask.

[rodralig]

Generally, zero with what you are going to be shooting. Most of my rifles are zeroed with Wolf Gold. Exceptions are those that get loaded with defensive rounds at home and the more DMR-type builds; those get zeroed with defensive rounds and match ammo, respectively.

Lube your rifle before you go; or just bring some lube with you. It will probably work fine as is, but honestly 100 rounds isn't enough to get to know the gun yet. I run my AR's pretty dry but some of them prefer to be well-lubed.

Thanks! These are very good tips! I'll note them down...

http://www.usaac.army.mil/amu/assets/zeroing.pdf

Print the US Military m4 Carbine target, its free online.

Nice! And I was actually planning on buying some targets. Was about to ask what are recommended targets for zeroing...

I wouldn't worry about a precise zero for now, just get some practice in at the 25 yard range and focus on trying to reduce group sizes while standing and maybe kneeling.

It's tough to get a very precise zero at 25 yards - you really want to do it at 100 yards or even 200 yards. I use a 50 yard zero, but I think of it as "good enough" for irons.

Keep in mind you haven't bought a precision rifle. It's just an AR, so rub some dirt on it, drop it a coupla times, and enjoy it.

No, am not trying to get it precise to DMR-level. Something like being more consistent with what I had my first time out, with 50-yards using MBUS (please exclude the outliers of a 3-shot group):

Having said that, nothing wrong with what you're after. You can look here:

https://www.midwayusa.com/shooting-rests-and-bags/br?cid=15820

and perhaps a phone call to the range in question is better than asking for 2nd-hand advice. Tell them what you want, and ask their advice on how best to do it. Maybe they'll let you bring in your own seat, shooting table, who knows what. Maybe they'll tell you to get lost. Can't hurt to ask.

Thank you!!! Much appreciated...


_

[WallySparx]

[*]Please advise on what a good rest would be? Sandbags? Stand? Bipod? Product URLs would be appreciated.[*]Now, since it will be an indoor range, zeroing would most probably be sitting down - any tips to accommodate this? For those that are familiar with FT3, will this work?

FT3 has chairs at a good height relative to their lane stands. I always bring my own, but I believe they have rifle rests you can borrow as well.

[someoneeasy]

You can shoot off of the table at FT3, but I've gone prone or sitting before. People tend to look at me funny because everyone else is either standing or using the table to shoot.

You can always shoot a smaller target that will simulate a farther distance like with one of these

http://www.bobdbob.com/~deneb/doc/targets/m16a2-25m-zero.pdf

http://www.bobdbob.com/~deneb/doc/targets/m4-carbine-zero.pdf

When are you planning to visit FT3?