Zeroing a rifle 101

[firepower308]

This is the method I use, ammo is expensive.....

http://www.accurateshooter.com/optics/4shot-sightin/

[russ69]

You can also know your scope clicks and just click over the known distance to target center. You might even learn how your scope works in the process.

[CSACANNONEER]

I use the same method but, it's zeroed after ONE shot, the second shot is just to confirm after that, it is either zeroed or it wasn't done properly to begin with. It's generally called the "one shot zero method".

[CandG]

The hard part with this method is holding the rifle completely motionless the whole time that you're making adjustments. That's why I use the technique russ69 pointed out above - you can move the rifle all you want while making adjustments. Might take an extra shot or two, but how expensive is your ammo really? Generally, your scope will say something like "1 click = 1/4 inch @ 100yds" or "1 click = .25moa". If you shoot from 25, 50, 100, or 200 yds, the math is easy. (1 click would = 1/16", 1/8", 1/4", or 1/2" respectively)

[CSACANNONEER]

The hard part with this method is holding the rifle completely motionless the whole time that you're making adjustments. That's why I use the technique russ69 pointed out above - you can move the rifle all you want while making adjustments. Might take an extra shot or two, but how expensive is your ammo really?

It's not hard with a decent rest system.

[CandG]

It's not hard with a decent rest system.

Any recommendations?

[Merc1138]

Any recommendations?

You can do it off a backpack with a rear sandbag as long as you understand how to utilize a rest properly.

[Cody]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=15874225&postcount=4

[TimRB]

Just what hunters need--a method for shooting even less.

Tim

[mobbology]

Use this method all the time.

[CSACANNONEER]

Any recommendations?

Any decent front and rear rest will work if you know how to properly use them. A lead sled is another great option.

[CandG]

Any decent front and rear rest will work if you know how to properly use them. A lead sled is another great option.

Honestly never tried anything other than the aforementioned backpack rest. Sounds like it's time to buy a rest. Only problem is, I don't generally shoot at regular ranges, I'm typically out in the woods with a folding table. Sorry to thread hijack, but any ideas for what to put the rest on that will be stable enough? I have a sedan, can't really travel with a picnic table. Or do I just need to suck it up and head out to a real range with real benches

[CSACANNONEER]

Honestly never tried anything other than the aforementioned backpack rest. Sounds like it's time to buy a rest. Only problem is, I don't generally shoot at regular ranges, I'm typically out in the woods with a folding table. Sorry to thread hijack, but any ideas for what to put the rest on that will be stable enough? I have a sedan, can't really travel with a picnic table. Or do I just need to suck it up and head out to a real range with real benches

They make portable shooting benches. You could probably look at a few and make your own if you wanted to. Some even have rifle rests built in for varmint shooting. I have a friend who set a few 1000 yard FCSA world records using a front and rear rest on the ground. I've come to prefer a front rest without windage adjustment. I fine tune elevation and do all my windage adjustments using my rear rest.

[faris1984]

Use this method all the time.

I used to do this method with my air rifle.
Can I use the same for red dot?

[Sapperforward]

I used to do this method with my air rifle.
Can I use the same for red dot?

Why not? The physics are the same. I'm assuming you would probably need to "dial it in" a bit more often than not because of the lack of magnification with a red dot.