sighting in a s&w 15-22

[mad1]

Hi folks

I recently got my first gun, a smith & Wesson m&p 15-22. I followed sight in procedures, at 15 yards instead of 25.

Now, when I shoot offhand, I have a decent distribution of points of impact - not really biased high, low, left, or right of the bullseye.

However, when I shoot with my elbows on the bench, my groups tighten up considerably, but the center of the group is about 1.5 inches high and to the right.

I usually shoot offhand, so my question is - should I leave the sights alone, or try to get them spot on off the bench first?

I'm pretty new so I don't really have any sandbags or other equipment...

Thanks

[thenodnarb]

You just need to learn to shoot. Take an apple seed course, or NRA class.

Failing that, get an experienced shooter to teach you the basics. There is actually a lot that goes into it.

[trigger945]

I sighted mine using a cheap but serviceable bipod.

Of course when I shoot offhand I don't get the exact same results as there are now more factors involved, but still good enough. Sighting in a rifle is a PITA to me as I am lazy. I just want to shoot!!!

Good luck!

[whipkiller]

You need to take the human factor (you) out of the equation as much as possible to get it zeroed. Doesn't need to be anything high-tech, just rest it on something as steady & solid as possible. Hell, go buy a 10lb. bag of Pinto Beans from the grocery store.

Once you have it on the money you can start learning how to hold steady and shrink your groups.

You picked a fun little first gun, I love my 15-22. Now if I could only find some more 10 round mags for it.

Welcome to the board.

[rimfired]

To me it sounds like you're moving your cheek weld. Make sure you have your cheek in the same exact position every time you shoot whether on a bench or standing. Also make sure you use decent ammo so you can really sight it in proper. The 15-22 can actually be a fairly accurate rifle if you do your part and use good ammo.

[mad1]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

To the first reply - yes I understand I need to "learn to shoot", which is why I am attending an Appleseed at the end of the month - I reserved my spot a week after I picked up the rifle.

I'm going out to the range this weekend and will try some of the other ideas posted here
- consistent cheek weld
- stabilized front end
- better ammo

As far as ammo goes, I have the following:
Remington Golden Bullets
CCI Blazer
CCI AR Tactical
GECO 22lr

I'm guessing the CCI AR or GECO should be good to sight in with, right?

[mad1]

You picked a fun little first gun, I love my 15-22. Now if I could only find some more 10 round mags for it.

Welcome to the board.

thanks. I really like the 15-22, I rented 3 or 4 22 handguns, a ruger 10/22, and this - I really like the ergonomics, even though it may be (theoretically) less accurate than the ruger, it'll probably be years before I get good enough to notice the difference.

I can't for the life of me find 10 round short mags (got a couple on backorder at Midway), but have been able to get 10 round long mags (either blue follower or red follower conversions) pretty much at will.

[trigger945]

Of the 4 types of ammo you posted, I have tried the first 3 on my 15-22 and they are gtg. I think the AR Tactical was designed for that specific rifle. Not sure.

One thing you will notice is that the 15-22 is NOT picky with ammo. Get ready as it is very easy to blow through a brick or two per outing!

Enjoy and stay safe!