Question about zeroing red dot

[mike22ca]

This is my first scope ever (usually just use iron sites). I got a bushnell trophy MP red dot because it had some really good reviews. I have it on a Keltec SU16CA. So I took it out today and attempted to dial it in. When I change the windage and elevation, should I see noticeable movement in the recticle? Nothing seems to change? Or do I have to totally wrong concept here? I was never able to get it dialed in, and now from playing with it so much the windage and elevation or probably in lala land now.

[maxicon]

It can be hard to see the reticle movement unless you've got the rifle securely rested and have something you can line up the dot with that's a good ways out.

Most scopes can be re-centered by adjusting all the way to one limit, counting the clicks as you go back to the other limit, and moving it back half the total clicks. Some scopes can be damaged by adjusting them too hard at the limits, so when the resistance increases, call that the limit.

For a rifle you can't look through the barrel on and with optics that don't co-witness with the iron sights, the best bet is to start close - shoot a round at 25 yards adn adjust the scope until it's close to centered, then move out to 50 yards. A .223 that's zeroed at 50 yards will be within a few inches from 25 to 200 yards. A boresighter would work, too, but it's another piece of gear to buy.

If your SU16 is already zeroed on the iron sights, you could prop it up firmly on something so it doesn't move easily, line up the iron sights on an obvious target, then put the scope on and adjust it so the dot's on the same target. When it looks close, take it off, check the iron sights are still lined up, put it on again and double-check, and keep going until it's lined up. If your rifle shifts as you install and remove the scope, this won't work well.

This should get you on the paper, where you can then tweak it in at the range.

[11Z50]

Maxicon, good job on that post. There are several different techniques out there, but using what you described a shooter should be able to get a good zero in 3 to 6 shots. All I would add is to make bold adjustments, don't correct by a couple of clicks. Give it 5 or 10, and then 'bracket' as if you were calling in artillery.

[CSACANNONEER]

Since it is on an SU16, you will have to include a couple additional steps. These steps have to do with tightening and retightening the rings! I can not recall the exact details off the top of my head. But, I do remember reading an article that delt with the problem. It was in Blue Press a couple years ago. I would suggest trying to find it!

[mike22ca]

Thanks a bunch guys.

CSACANNONEER - There are no rings in use, the red dot has a integrated weaver rail on the bottom of the scope that claps right in and secure to the top rail on the gun.

[CSACANNONEER]

Thanks a bunch guys.

CSACANNONEER - There are no rings in use, the red dot has a integrated weaver rail on the bottom of the scope that claps right in and secure to the top rail on the gun.

OK, so you will need to retighten the clamps every 5 rounds for a while. If you can find the Bluepress article, you will understand better. If I had a copy, I'd get it to you. Unfortunately, I tossed it.