Can I Sight-In At 50 Yards? (Not 25 Meters)

[ceedubG]

Fellow Calgunners,

My local range has ranges distances for 20, 50, 75, and 100 yards (not meters). It has nothing equivalent to 25 meters.

I have a new AR I am attempting to sight in using the iron sights.

Everything on the Internet seems to suggest you should sight-in at 25 METERS. There are a plethora of youtube videos describing step by step how to sight-in at 25 meters. Discussing the special 25-meter paper target and how much you would need to click each sight to correctly zero.

I have also seen some discussion about being able to sight-in at 50 yards, however I am unclear if there is a special paper target for that, or how to adjust elevation and windage at that distance.

I would love some experienced feed back on the best way to sight-in (with iron sights)at 20 yards or 50 yards, and if there a special target that I should purchase to get my rifle sighted-in properly, since I know there is 25 meter sight-in target.

Thanks in advance for your time and responses.

-C

(Originally posted in the optics section, however I think this forum will generate more exposure and response)

[joelogic]

Most people would say to use the 50/200 yard zero. The 25/300 meter zero is not for everyone.

No special targets required, a 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper with a 1" circle will work just fine.

[socal-shooter]

i suggest the 50/200 yard zero myself

point of aim and point of impact the same @ 50 yards and 200 yards seems more practical

but im no expert

[roushstage2]

I've been doing some reading about the AR zero, and am going to re-zero mine from 25m to 50 yards. It'll be a better zero for me.

[gemini1]

Short answer, yes you can and its kinda like the best distance to zero your AR.

Once you get the hang of using your irons, here's a better way to use your irons; http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_18/328143_.html

[nitroxdiver]

Short answer, yes you can and its kinda like the best distance to zero your AR.

Once you get the hang of using your irons, here's a better way to use your irons; http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_18/328143_.html

I agree 100%. I have RIBZ on my carry handle sight and LMT cutdown carry handle sight. Works great.

[javalos]

The 50/200 zero or what's called the Revised Improved Battlefield Zero (RIBZ) is a more practical zero for short to medium ranges which is almost where all firefights take place. Almost all my AR's are zero'd for that. The military's meter 300 zero is old school and not the best.

[Mail Clerk]

I usually sight in my rifles AR's/AK's at 50 yards and then when possible re-shoot them at 100 yards and make my final adjustments. If memory serves me right sighting in at 25 yards will take you out to 300 yards if your looking at a military perspective.

Mail Clerk

[ZombieTactics]

a 50-yard zero is nearly ideal for self-defense or LEO use. You get a true zero at 50 and about 220 yards, no more than 2.6" low from 0 to 50, and no more than 2.x" high from 50 to 200. The holdover at 300 is very doable without much drama.

[Gray Ops 1*]

Having an understanding of bullet trajectory will assist you in choosing your zeroing distance. The examples given of a 50 yard zero is an outstanding basic zero that allows an average shooter to use a POA/POI from 0-200 yards of -2.2" @ Zero to +1.3" @ 200.

In cases where you have limited range distances you can use a "Limiting Range Zero" which is a method of establishing a zero for a distance greater then your firing range will allow you to fire. For example you only have access to a 25 yard range to zero your rifle, but you want to establish a zero for a longer distance (example 75 yards).

In order to use alternative zeroing distances you must determine the trajectory for the bullet you are using in relationship to a 75 yard zeroing distance. This will allow you to compute the actual POI at 25 yards for the rifle when it is zeroed at 75 yards.

Consulting the correct ballistic table will tell you what your projectile trajectory in relation to the Line of Sight will be at any range increment. A good free online ballistic calculator can be found on JBM Ballistics.

In my Fundamental Tactical Carbine Course trajectory is a subject of discussion and a sample chart is provided. We also have everyone run thru a 50 yard zero. I personally would never have a carbine zero'd at anything less than 50 yards.

Our next carbine course is in Febuary 4-5 http://www.gofast1.com/carbinecourses.php
You can also view Zombie Tactics video review of the course @ http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=a2wsL5dj7Io

Good luck. Remember when zeroing find your natural point of aim, focus on the front sight centering in the rear sight (use the small dioper), press the trigger, and follow through.

[Droppin Deuces]

Here's another question. If I zero a Matech 600m sight at 50 yards using the 200 mark, will it still jive with the rest of the adjustment marks if I'm using m855?

[captbilly]

You need to give more info.

In order to decide at what range you want to zero the elevation on your rifle you need to make some decisions that you have not yet made (or at least you haven't told us what they are. You need to decide what ammo you are going to use since this will determine the trajectory the bullet will follow. You won't get the same trajectory from a 55 grain flat base bullet as you get from a 69 or 77 grain Sierra Match King, so this will effect how your zero distance will translate into 100, 200. and 300 yard points of impact.

Second, you need to decide how you intend to use the rifle. If the intended use is varmint hunting or target shooting then you will probably want to readjust the sights based on the actual distance you are shooting, once you determine what distance that is. If you have some range of shooting distances over which you are willing tto accept a certain amount of elevation error, then you need to look at a chart of the trajectory of your cartridge of choice, in the rifle you are using (a 14.5" barrel with flash suppressor will not have the same muzzle velocity as a 26" target crowned barrel, and so the trajectories will be different) and figure out what zero distance will give you an acceptable elevation error over the range of distance you plan on shooting.

I can't see any realistic way that someone who does not know the specifics of you rifle and ammo, or what you intend to do with the rifle, could tell you the appropriate zero elevation distance.

[Gray Ops 1*]

Here's another question. If I zero a Matech 600m sight at 50 yards using the 200 mark, will it still jive with the rest of the adjustment marks if I'm using m855?

Yes it will. You'll basically preform a 200m zero at 50 yards (46.2m) Just keep in mind not to mix up yards and meters. Build a trajectory chart for your rifle and the 855 round. All you need is to see where the bullet impacts at the 50 yard mark for the 200m (216.6 yards), draw a line on the target above or below your point of aim (center of target) that coincides with your chart. Aim for the center of the target and zero the group to your line...

There are several factors that a trajectory chart is built with, Ballistic Coefficient, height of sight above bore, bbl length, bbl twist, type/weight of projectile, and the projectile's Muzzle Velocity. You can have two like rifles of different manufacturers that won't have the same trajectory...

[Droppin Deuces]

Yes it will. You'll basically preform a 200m zero at 50 yards (46.2m) Just keep in mind not to mix up yards and meters. Build a trajectory chart for your rifle and the 855 round. All you need is to see where the bullet impacts at the 50 yard mark for the 200m (216.6 yards), draw a line on the target above or below your point of aim (center of target) that coincides with your chart. Aim for the center of the target and zero the group to your line...

There are several factors that a trajectory chart is built with, Ballistic Coefficient, height of sight above bore, bbl length, bbl twist, type/weight of projectile, and the projectile's Muzzle Velocity. You can have two like rifles of different manufacturers that won't have the same trajectory...

I will do that. Thank you. That's my Monday range project, then

BTW, it's coming out of a 14.5" 1:7 M4.

[RUSSIAN]

for more info then your brain can probably handle

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=37069

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=65679