Handgun Red Dot Sight Zero, How to Zero Handgun Red Dot

This topic loves to come up and the arguments carry on about which zero is best. In this video Dave demonstrates how to zero your handgun red dot at 10 yards plus a fun drill to run after. We likely will have an upcoming video discussing the various zero distances as well. What do you think, what distance do you prefer? Have any questions, post those too!
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[@tyronejennings7703]

I've watched over 50 videos of "how to zero a red dot on a pistol" and none of them actually show the part where they are making the adjustment on the red dot. I like that you actually take the time out to show how you are making the adjustment instead of just saying "I went 8 clicks up and 6 clicks right" like the rest of the "how to" videos. I know that the adjustment up/down, right/left is pretty straight forward, but taking the time to show how you are making the adjustment can really help others out who has no idea on how-to make the adjustment.

[@bornactive8126]

I’ve watched about 20 videos on zeroing a rds and this is the only one that was easy for me to comprehend great instructions

[@adelfredgrowe9030]

This is the best video out there

[@matthewriegner5180]

Important thing for people to remember, when zeroing, the directions on the rds are for which direction your shot/point of impact needs to move not your dot.

[@kamdenhoward3494]

I have to say, I just watched your video on not slaving your red dot to the iron sights. And I really liked your logic on it. Great videos great instructions, right to the point. This has to be the best way to explain how to zero a red dot. I’ll be using your method from here on out. Thank you…

[@patc2515]

The suggestion to use the zeroing target shown in this video was great. Got some on the way for future reference. Really made the micro adjustments on the RDS look simple and a little more educated as far as how many clicks to adjust by. Love it. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@JosephDZaks]

You are good at what you are doing here. Thank you for the clarity and sharing your knowledge.

[@michaelgeorge542]

Finally a video that explains the proper adjustment! Thank you so much to a new shooter this is very helpful.

[@GunsandTactics]

Glad you liked it

[@Dirtypool40-mk2]

I picked up a "step back" drill from Jerry the "Burner" back in the day. It would be greatfor watching POI shift. Also great for making an aggressive draw regardless of difficulty of the shot. Use an inverted T as a clear, perfect aim point for both windage and elevation. Start at a simple 3 yards, react to a beep, and no time limit... 3.... perfect.... rounds. step back 3 more yards; Aggressive draw at the beep, 3... perfect shots. Step back step back step back. I used to go from 3 out to 40+ if the range allowed. It'll show you if you're pushing things, and gets you making a crisp draw at any target. When you end up with a nice, round, centered group, it's a great confidence builder.

[@Solidous281r6]

Man I was lollipoping my Rds to my front sight on my c2 and I hated it because I was always trying to get the front iron lined up exactly with the rear but the way you explained how the Rds should look and trying to keep the dot in the center of the Rds changed my whole perspective literally. I feel alot more confident when presenting and finding the dot, it’s just there. You really limit yourself and curse the rds when you try to slave to your irons. Something so simple but so hard to understand unless someone shows you, with a zeroed optic how the sight picture should look. Thank you

[@GunsandTactics]

Did you check out my cowitness video man?

[@mr.pattyd9138]

Great info as always!!

[@marksmola2025]

Excellent video. Just what I needed. Thank you

[@thecocooreo]

Great video, thanks Dave!

[@markrasch]

Very informative video. I just got into the red dot world and was curious about slaving the red dot to the iron sites. Now I know not to, but instead keep the red dot in the center of the glass. Thanks for posting. I will follow your channel. 👍🏻

[@sharris7034]

Loved this video!

[@mikegurv1818]

Thank you so much for this video. That's exactly what I was looking for.

[@MATTP545]

Thanks for the video. Just got my first optics ready pistol and everywhere I read was pushing for a 25 yard zero and I dont have a rest and am still a beginner and was questioning how I would achieve that. 10yds much more doable and with good results.

[@tacticalmaster536]

Great video lots of knowledge and tips.

[@keithwitherell958]

Fantastic instruction. Thank you!

[@dannyrumney8314]

Great video. Simple and to the point. Seems a lot of videos have to explain Quantum Physics before they get to telling you about what you need to do. Thank You!!

[@dennisfarley2249]

Great video, very clear presentation.

[@CRinJersey]

Great vid brother

[@dirtcvma]

Great video. I zeroed at 15 yards (45 feet) because that’s the longest distance for California CCW

[@jpentzien]

Great video

[@StacyVictorino-gn7le]

thank you. I learned a lot. You have great knowledge.

[@angrybiker1]

I agree with the 10 yard zero and that’s what I use as well another great video.

[@swhedge71]

Awesome tutorial, especially for beginners using red dots. Liked and subbed for more content! Thank you!

[@jonbryant3840]

This was wonderful. Thank you

[@seanhatch4425]

Great tutorial. Thank you

[@jeffpinion6531]

Very good instructional.

[@richlavino9425]

Great video !!

[@pollock56th]

Just subscribed and ordered 25 targets! These targets will save me money in the long run. With my aging eyes and ammo going up yet again, I have joined the RDS community.

[@GunsandTactics]

Thanks for the sub! Glad to have tou

[@wesleywilliams6971]

Thanks for the video

[@32icon]

Love this channel. I'm always learning something new. Thank you.

[@yockhunter]

Love your channel as well

[@battlegroundone]

I here to re-zero my dot. just tried Aaron Cowin's recoil diagnostic all my shots were to the right.

[@Shadowdancer777]

Cool. Thanks for the video. I like your attitude. Very friendly and encouraging demeanor.

[@GunsandTactics]

Thank you for the comment. Glad to have you here. Feel free to send us an email with any questions or video suggestions

[@KenRod1969]

Very concise overview on zeroing your optic. Thanks for this.

[@GunsandTactics]

You’re welcome thanks for watching

[@alexv6324]

My usual range has 10 and 20. Typically the 10 for me. I've been using a RMR on my 320 and the first time I didn't shoot very well. I didn't locktite my sight and I noticed it was pretty loose when I got back home. Tightened it down and next time I went out, I was still a little left, but I was practically drilling the same hole.

[@jcjammer8972]

Very informative video, and great idea to offer the downloadable target. I’m retired infantry 🇨🇦 and have fired pistols for decades but in my older years I’ve developed an astigmatism so I’m about to enter the world of red dot sights. I bought a Walther PDP full size 4.5” because it was recommended as accommodating to electronics (not sure which brand to buy yet) compared to my existing pistols. Liked & subscribed. 👍

[@nedrawmit]

Excellent video ... what can I say thanks!

[@Funwitguns]

Great video thank you!

[@leevaello438]

Awesome tips very helpful Thank you

[@GunsandTactics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackieeastom8758]

Thank you for the target’s!

[@harolddurham3317]

Great video.

[@edmaguire1012]

Nice video! Very instructional and well presented.

[@CFairNH]

Good stuff!! I agree that people get wrapped around the axle about what yardage to zero to. At the end of the day fundamentals are what matter!!

[@GunsandTactics]

They sure do!

[@andysbootcamp1]

Excellent video ! very good explanations in layman's language. Thank You

[@GunsandTactics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rob-nb7oc]

Thank you, Dave, for a well done video. I'll be trying out the target this week.

[@GunsandTactics]

Thanks for the comment and glad you found it helpful.

[@raycora7062]

Short, solid, and sweet.

[@josephtucciarone6878]

Thank you for teaching us.

[@GunsandTactics]

My pleasure

[@cameronsimonton2515]

WOW!!! I was trying to zero my red dot off the rear sight 😱 Will try your method as soon as I can get to the range! Thanks!

[@cameronsimonton2515]

Well, I have a Taurus G2C with a red dot; shooting much better ignoring the front sight! Picked up a Glock 43x and added a CTS red dot -- love it…no more leaning my head back to see through bifocal lenses 😅

[@elvisbest3213]

AWESOME love the videos

[@GunsandTactics]

Glad you like them!

[@perrythomas6971]

That was a great video man

[@GunsandTactics]

I appreciate it

[@colincrosby810]

Just got my P dilevered and first time red dot shooter. I got the intro package so the holosun comp was installed and zeroed (supposedly) it looks a little off to me, but I’m new to the dot thing. Can’t wait to shoot tomorrow. Thank you for the videos. Really like your style. Come teach classes in Austin

[@Jemhead]

Awesome instructions! You got a new subscriber.

[@GunsandTactics]

Thanks for the sub!

[@HELLEKSONART]

Thanks for Target!

[@lila333111]

Thank u you show how too adjust the sight

[@danal1911]

Good video! 👌🏻

[@GunsandTactics]

Thanks!

[@eddiewhite5758]

Great video 👍👍

[@GunsandTactics]

Thank you 👍

[@ResplendentRaider]

My biggest issue now is trigger control. My dot is zeroed pretty close, not perfect but I’m satisfied. I noticed the gun shifts down a bit, causing me to shot low at times. Doesn’t happen with every shot just sometimes. Its just really a challenge to repeat that same trigger pull.

[@LucyLu70]

Thank you for this video one of the best for zeroing in. Im a newbie to firearms, I just picked up a red dot. Any pointers on for newbies?

[@mattpauletti7018]

That is sweet rig you got there buddy!!!

[@GunsandTactics]

Thank you! We’ve got some cool stuff coming this year

[@tymarkham3931]

Would really appreciate that video of poi! At the different yards 10 vs 15 vs 25. Thanks 👍

[@politicallyinsensitive4200]

KZbin has a search function

[@Bulldog75stp]

nice groups.

[@h8thyts]

Just put my first red dot on one of my pistols and I now know I can go zero it with confidence. Thanks!!

[@GunsandTactics]

Nice, let us know how it goes

[@h8thyts]

@@GunsandTactics glad you asked. I started yesterday making adjustments then had a user headspace and timing issue…lol. My corrections were in the wrong directions. Once I realized that I made the proper corrections to my red dot and was able to hit my target where the dot landed. Now that I think about it I still need to go back and do the 10/10/10 exercise. Thanks again!

[@thomaspuma434]

This was good

[@GunsandTactics]

Thanks for watching!

[@christoFlair777]

Great video!! And Information!! I’m thinking of a reflex for my smith shield9 mm ez.. any suggestions???

[@jrf5418]

Thank you for this great instruction. Question please, where do set the dot on your front sight on it, above it? Thanks.

[@suwatt6019]

Perfect timing, going to zero my Sentinel on my P365 XL

[@GunsandTactics]

I’ll post a pic of it on our Facebook and Instagram for you

[@10raygon]

Can you recommend a good aftermarket optic cut slide and red dot for my glock 19 gen 3?

[@timothygarrity5181]

Great video!.I used to shoot iron sights in idpa shooting,but my eyes have gotten really bad.I bought th sro 5 moa and planning on shooting uspsa with it.I am new to the whole optic thing.If I shoot a certain load and leave it where it's at,can I shoot a different bullet weight and load without having to rezero?.Let's say between a 115grn and a 124grn round.

[@digitalpunk5365]

Would love to see more staccato content from you.

[@GunsandTactics]

Awesome. Any suggestions on topics or questions? Feel free to email the qa as well

[@pwphotography2054]

I have a question. Once I zero my RDS, should my RDS and iron sights both “line up” when I shoot my target? Im not saying the RDS dot site on top of my iron sights, but rather Im hitting my target regardless of whether I use my RDS or my iron sights?

[@UAreviews1]

What holster?

[@willybert73]

Have you had any issues with ejected rounds hitting the SRO?

[@Themeshoots]

Thanks for producing the video. Curious why you selected 10 yards over 25 yards for the zero. Typically in USPSA you're blazing through the 3, 5, 7 yard targets. Slowing down just a bit for 10-15 yards and being the most precise at 25 yards. Knowing your holdovers at closer ranges is important, but under stress, having the dot dead on for the longer shots seems more appropriate. Like to get your thoughts. Thanks.

[@tyronejennings7703]

I sighted my red dot at 10 yards also... and my reason is because for home defense, I will probably be at around 10 yards range from me and the intruder.

[@adrianmattson4196]

With a 10 yard zero with a 9mm pistol, you’ll be .5 inches low at 5 yards, dead on at 10 yards, never more than .5-.6 inches high from 10-50 yards and dead on again at 50 yards. A half inch is not going to affect your accuracy with a pistol, it will be your trigger pull to affect accuracy much more than bullet trajectory with a 10 yard zero.

[@adrianmattson4196]

With a 10 yard zero and 115 grain DPX ammo this is what it should be for bullet drop per JBM Ballistic Calculator. Range Drop (yd) (in) 0...... - 0.7 5...... - 0.3 10.... 0.0 15..... 0.3 20..... 0.4 25..... 0.6 30..... 0.6 35..... 0.6 40..... 0.5 45..... 0.4 50..... 0.1 55..... -0.2 60..... -0.5 65 .....-1.0 70..... -1.5 75..... -2.1 80..... -2.8 85..... -3.6 90..... -4.4 95..... -5.3 100... -6.3 So...out to 100 yards you are within 6" point of aim vs point of impact and with less drop at 100 yards, than other zero distances

[@the4hunters]

Best

[@dakidobf]

Do you make any adjustments to the dot prior to live fire? The dot on my RDS is way out of the window with my natural point of aim and I'm wondering if I should adjust it before going to the range.

[@GunsandTactics]

You can shoot it on a large paper and see where it hits. You’ll be on paper for sure and can make a large adjustment then fine tune with the zero target.

[@btravis8305]

Staccato says on their site the Blackhawk holster isn't compatible with the SRO. Did you tweak the holster to make it work?

[@GunsandTactics]

I did. A little bit of material removed where the SRO hood sits. Pretty easy mod

[@athuddriver]

I hope I'm going to make some sense. Very new shooter here. In our video about "co witness" you talk about getting the iron sights out of the way with the red dot above in the center of the optic. Assuming the iron sights are on target and the optic is correct it would seem that the dot would be nearly co-witnessed in the optic's view. At that point, it would seem to me that to get the dot in the middle of the optic is a function of presentation. I suspect I'm mixing something up but maybe you can pull together the thesis of these 2 videos.

[@GunsandTactics]

Correct it’s about presentation. Focus on the target and ignore the iron sights when using the red dot.

[@athuddriver]

@@GunsandTactics So...just to recap...assuming the iron sights are accurate and I'm aiming with them I would find the red dot "co-witnessed" or nearly so. In practical use I would develop a presentation that puts the dot in the middle of the optic and be happy to reproduce that presentation consistently.

[@anthonyjcl]

Do you keep your thumb on the rail where your light is for downward pressure?

[@GunsandTactics]

Kinda, inward pressure. I want to do a series of videos or an online class on handgun shooting

[@AdeinTech]

Damn you are good

[@DJP-Love-ct84]

Question, where did you get that target from? I like it.

[@GunsandTactics]

I designed it. Link in description for more info

[@yockhunter]

I’m having trouble with both eyes open on a pistol red dot should I use both eyes or one eye?

[@GunsandTactics]

Both eyes open focused on the target.

[@stevestone5671]

Great video; so is your red dot in the center of your donut/window or does one simply go through this process and accept wherever the dot appears in the window?

[@GunsandTactics]

Present the gun, center the dot in the window and aim. You can then zero and still present the gun and align the dot in the center of the window.

[@stevestone5671]

@@GunsandTactics thank you. I’m going to re-zero each of my optic pistol using your technique.

[@756766]

Was wondering what size MOA Dot you have on your optic? Thank you.

[@GunsandTactics]

I usually like whatever option is closest to 3 moa. Each brand is a little different but that’s my preference. Pros and cons. That would be a good video topic

[@spaceman063]

I noticed that when zeroing you weren't sitting down using an pistol rest for stability , I always assumed that sitting at a bench using a pistol rest was an requirement because standing and aiming didn't have the stability as sitting and resting your gun on an stable platform however you were quite successful standing up, would you recommend standing over sitting?

[@GunsandTactics]

I tell people if you want or need to use a bench/bag then go ahead. For me, when I travel I don't or can't always have a bench or bag so I need something that works all the time wherever I am. My goal is to hit the 1" target at 10 yards to make my zero. I can generally do that offhand so I do what works for me.

[@spaceman063]

@@GunsandTactics thanks for such an prompt reply, before seeing your video I thought the only way to zero a red dot was by being seated and using expensive equipment (wish I saw your video months earlier! ) to hold pistols steady , however after seeing your video I decided to try your method standing up with a M and P 2.0 and new holosun 507c and to my surprise not only did your methods work but was actually with better than expected results, I take it that standing up and using your body a an stable platform is your preferred method?

[@PFunk609]

2yrs later still helpin us out! 🫡

[@johnphillips222]

I loved your radiused screwdriver idea. That is awesome.

[@GunsandTactics]

I can post a pic of it on our Instagram or cover it in a video if you’d like

[@johnphillips222]

I have made a bunch of custom tools to work on guns. I get many more ideas from others. If you were looking for ideas for upcoming shows, a tour of gunsmithing tools or the custom tools might be an idea. I made some tools to rework the 870 shotguns when the tab fix was made, many decades ago. Before the AR bandwagon happened we had to make our own AR tools. SIG was never good with tools, so we made our own tools to work on the West German hammer struts.

[@GunsandTactics]

The gun shop tools has been on the to do list, break it up in segments etc. good winter series.

[@michaelcooper7962]

What do you have for steel target set up

[@GunsandTactics]

I would have to check. So many various steel stuff in the pile

[@johnphillips222]

How is the testing with the 509T and use in RDS classes going? You were one of the first with that technology.

[@GunsandTactics]

It’s awesome, in fact I’ll be getting a couple of more and putting one likely on this gun. It’s currently on my carry 19 and closed emitter shines IWB carry. Reality is they’ve held up great at classes and the closed system also rocks in rain snow etc. Thank you for the reminder I need to do a wrap up video on that.

[@johnphillips222]

Thanks. I followed your initial review and made the purchase based on your advice. I got burned by bad ACRO advice from others. Follow the money. Two ACROs broke, and the battery life is zero. It would be nice to hear your thoughts as an expert on the blue tint. I like it to easier pick up the dot, especially where red is a dominant color in the background. I trust you.

[@joewest1972]

I'm still a bit confused. My thought was use my iron sight for my group and then put the red dot over my front sight. Shoot again, this time using the red dot to confirm???

[@GunsandTactics]

Just ignore the irons and shoot the dot. So much easier

[@nathanrundio7982]

What holster are you using that's fits the P with SRO?

[@GunsandTactics]

All of them need to be modified for the SRO

[@HieuLe-ps5ts]

What optic option you choose for sro with safariland holster?

[@GunsandTactics]

Safariland only makes one holster really. Pick RMR and then you’ll have to modify the ALS to get it work with the SRO. I think I forgot that I modified when I talked about it in this or another video

[@infidel24]

Wish i had the eyesight these days to shoot that well.

[@pmojodomino]

Can you provide a link to print targets? Thank you.

[@GunsandTactics]

Link to targets are in our website article. Thank you for watching www.gunsandtactics.com/handgun-red-dot-sight-zero-2021

[@B_R_]

👍

[@joec2442]

Would a bench rest be better to use

[@GunsandTactics]

I don’t think so personally but if you want to that’s ok too. I don’t bring a bench to the range, not all ranges have them, not all classes I go to have them so I don’t use a bench. If you can should a 1” group at 10 yards you can zero just fine

[@Redzonetone]

Question? With 10 yard zero is POI at 25 yards high or low

[@GunsandTactics]

Will vary slightly on gun and ammo but for me POI at 25 is .9” high at 25. Have an upcoming video on the topic I’m not that good enough of a shooter to notice ha ha at 25

[@Redzonetone]

@@GunsandTactics perfect that be great we all need to know the difference in poi with different zeros at different distances

[@UAreviews1]

Did you have to make adjustments for the SRO to fit??

[@GunsandTactics]

Holsters were modified for the SRO

[@UAreviews1]

@@GunsandTactics can you tell me what you did? Want to modify one for my SRO

[@GunsandTactics]

Had to remove material for the front hood.

[@russconklin3414]

Sad state of affairs when a church has to have armed security to be able to worship. I do that security at my church, any recommadation what distance is best for zeroing?

[@kenpoman50]

Hi I sighted in a red dot on my pistol that has a brace 9mm. I sighted it in at 40 feet and shot a 2inch group. I moved closer to 20 feet and I was shooting 2 inches low. I shot it over and over with the same results. It would seem that when I move closer I would be shooting higher. I aimed 2 inches over the bullseye and hit it every time. I guess my thinking is wrong does that seem right to you?

[@GunsandTactics]

Like an AR pistol?

[@kenpoman50]

@@GunsandTactics It's a Extar pistol

[@kenpoman50]

Carbine

[@GunsandTactics]

@@kenpoman50 yes, when you move closer the point of impact will be below your red dot, the principal is called sight over bore. I should probably make a video explaining it but basically the lines intersect for you at 40 feet because that is where are you zero your sight. you said. If you were very close say 1 foot away you can see that the red dot is sitting above the bore and then the lines at an angle need to continue until they intersect if that makes sense. It’s kind of tough to explain in a short comment

[@dand3116]

@@GunsandTactics perhaps the analogy of pool sticks used with the reach stick would help explain quickly