How to Zero a Red Dot (Easy Beginners Guide)

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Disclaimer: These videos are strictly for educational and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of anything demonstrated in my videos is done AT YOUR OWN RISK. All work on firearms should be carried out by a licensed individual and all state and federal rules apply to such. We (including KZbin) will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your firearms resulting from attempting anything shown in any our videos. I do not endorse any specific product and this video is not an attempt to sell you a good or service. I am not a gun shop and DO NOT sell or deal in Firearms. Such a practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. I DO NOT sell parts, magazines, or firearms. These videos are free to watch and if anyone attempts to charge for this video notify us immediately. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.
Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@IIISWILIII]

Great video! No fluff, no rambling, no sales pitch. Straight to the point and easy to understand. Easy thumbs up for you, sir!

[@unityistheonlysolution3485]

Agreed, straight to the point, clear instructions.

[@djione]

Totally agreed , straight to the point

[@djione]

Totally agreed , straight to the point

[@demonrouge3338]

Me too. Especially like the side view graph at the end at about 7:00. Most people if they’re like me just want you to show me. Don’t tell me show me. You do a great job of showing on this video thank you. Happy shooting, on target if possible.👍💯

[@Brock-Landers]

I followed your instruction, but could not hit a beer can at 1000 yards. I was actually glad it didn't work, because walking to the target made me thirsty.

[@ShinobiWinds]

was it Busch Lite? or PBR?

[@Brock-Landers]

@@ShinobiWinds Ice House. I have a sophisticated palate.

[@techieentertainment7090]

At that distance using a red dot standard aiming is like playing on lottery . U need to learn different ways to aim in order to hit that can .

[@icaboy]

@@techieentertainment7090 whoosh?

[@TheKhaot1c]

@@techieentertainment7090 He simply needs a larger can

[@joshuamueller18]

From someone who has never sighted in a red dot, your instructions could not have been easier to follow unless I just paid someone else to do it. Thank you!

[@ArmedAppalachia]

4 years later, best way of explaining zeroing. Thanks

[@jbell1166]

This reminds me of the female hotness to crazy graph explanation 😂😂

[@markbelden6919]

The crazy hot matrix

[@anormalhickgamer5782]

Thats my favorite show ever

[@jaksahn3370]

Was that this channel?

[@SheepdogColumbus]

Maaaan. When I first saw that video I freaked out and laughed my ass off at the same time. First, just being realistic, my wife is drop dead gorgeous, but she's crazy as HELL. So at the end, when it got to the name and it was Tiffany, I about shit my pants. I showed it to my wife and even she was like, damn you men got us figured out.

[@RubberDucky8734]

😂👍

[@johnstewart8849]

Very well done! MOA at 25 yds is 1/4” versus 1” at 100....golden.

[@user-qt6ob4yy6c]

A normal KZbin video on this subject would last 25-30 minutes. Thanks for keeping it short and very informative thank you sir.

[@supmofo7538]

This really is an excellent instructional. Clear and to the point. Its worth mentioning that, when determining your point of impact vs point of aim, you should take 3 shots. Once those 3 shots are in a tight group you can confidently begin making adjustments. If your shots aren't in a tight group you can't accurately determine how far and in what direction to move the dot/cross hairs.

[@EBthere]

Almost 4 years later and it's still helping people. Thank you!

[@SpookyCitrusHD]

Was sighting in my new Sig Romeo 4 on my new AR with a laser bore sight. Red dot wasn't moving no matter how much I turned the "knobs". Though the sight was busted, it wasn't... the "knobs" weren't "knobs" they were the adjustment dial covers... Needless to say but I felt really stupid after unscrewing the covers. Thanks for the help got it as about dead on as I can with the laser bore sight as I can, can't wait to take it out to the desert and get it really dialed in.

[@LKaramazov]

Ha! Yeah, I’m glad I saw this vid. I’m going to sight my red dot in next time I hit the range, and I suspect after reading your post, I would have done the same!

[@devildog65]

SpookyCitrus Thanks for sharing that. I’ve been shooting for over 45 years but have only used iron sights, scopes and lasers. I’ve done plenty of stuff that makes me feel stupid but it’s OK as long as you’re SAFE. I just bought a Hi Point 995TS and took it to the range and ran a couple of hundred rounds through it. I’m going to buy a red dot and use a riser to keep my iron sights. This was a very informative video for me and I thank the author (and gave him a thumbs up 👍🏻).

[@ryanmariner]

I did the same thing today lmao. But at least now I know how to zero my optic.

[@devildog65]

@@ryanmariner Exactly! It's definitely a good thing to know. 👍

[@stevedavenport5973]

Did that my first time too lol

[@beintesaiz08]

It's 2024 and still watched this. Very informative. Thank you

[@dylanrhynard4140]

Just got my first RDS on my AR 9 platform. Taking it to the range soon to zero @ 25yds. Thank you for the short, sweet, simple, and overall instructional video. This is exactly what I needed, and unfortunately, there are not enough of those videos out there. Thank you!!!

[@bigal7561]

One last comment about this vid. This is great to tell your friends that are just getting into red dots or zeroing in a scope. Too many sites just try to impress you with their knowledge and ZERO about how the hell to do it. Pass this on to your new shooters. I've already shared this link with someone that needs it CLEARLY and SIMPLY explained and demonstrated. Thanks Koda. This will actually help new shooters.

[@williambarnett7258]

Agreed Big Al... I’m new to red dot and it helped me! Definitely thanks Koda!

[@blade643]

I just got into AR (pistol) and my Romeo MSR green dot came in yesterday. This video gave me relief to try and zero in my optic

[@LNRMagicShow]

Ghhhbmni0m k k Monon ono Guinobatan 6 P

[@Lord_Sully]

New red dot user and it was very helpful

[@skullparacord9721]

This was the clearest and easiest i have ever heard MOA explained. Thank you so much!

[@garyfurman]

THANK you Kotaboy. A man with knowledge sharing it with someone without it. That is how America was built.

[@westoe]

Hands down your tutorial was the easiest FOR ME to understand. Next step is to use it in the field. Thank you!

[@toptiertraining6819]

Great video. Simple and straight forward. Explaining this to students sometimes falls into one of those TMI situations. Any instructor with a lot of knowledge sometimes overexplains things and then the student ends up just as confused as when they started. This was a real good video that should definitely be shown at basic schools. Good job.

[@charlesxaudaro7551]

Thank you for making this so easy to understand. I just bought a red dot and I didn't have a clue how to zero it in. You made it very clear and easy to understand. Thanks!

[@danwilson6999]

I had to watch your video twice, but now I get it. And, I get it completely-- the math, the geometry, the logic of it-- everything. Thanks for using a simple approach. It was simply brilliant.

[@bringtherain94]

As a beginner shooter, I really appreciate you breaking this down! Great work!

[@thisissparta8884]

Welcome to the community.

[@ahmadabbas5217]

Very simple explanation ..I think none would ever forget what you have just explained...thanks a lot sir

[@rik7552]

Been shooting a while and this was the best explanation Inuave ever heard of MOA. Great work !!!! Appreciated Much

[@thesaint1517]

Thank you. That was a great refresher since weekend shooters like me don't do this often therefore, we forget how and end up wasting valuable time and ammo. Appreciated!

[@ourlifeinwashington4114]

Thank you, I had no idea what MOA stood for. Most people don't realize that calorie is a unit if energy. Anyway the video helped alot, you're a great teacher. Tyvm

[@mdarmocida]

Great video. As someone who prefers a fixed sight, I've shot with a red dot sights before, but I never adjusted one. You're video was excellent for someone new to zeroing red dot sights like me. In five minutes, I had the red dot sight on my crossbow pistol zeroed and hitting the bullseye nearly every time. Thanks!

[@Chance-mn9gt]

Thank you for the clear and concise explanation. It is extremely helpful and I will pass it along.

[@anthonythai2116]

I've always tried to read up on the concept of MOA and it was always confusing but this was so clear and concise. Totally get it now.

[@toyodriver0089]

Thank you, I have had others explain it and I was still confused but you have a perfect explanation. Keep the the great work and keep people informed as some of us do t have anyone to teach us so we relay on videos like this and online instructions

[@Marco-te3mp]

Bro outstanding video. yesterday was the first time that I’ve zeroed my weapon in less than nine shots. My previous four temps I wasted at least 70 to 100 rounds of ammo try to zero my weapon and then frustration kicked in and I just became very irritated . Thanks to your video presentation and knowledge that you have I was able to zero in nine-shots. Hitting the Bullseye on the eighth and ninth shot. Thanks again

[@michaelmiller4568]

Thank you thank you for making and explaining all of this. Mine was off on my 223 to low 3 to 4 inches and to much to the left. 5 clicks on elevation knob and 7 or 8 clicks on windage and now I'm on the money. Thank you again very plain and simple. Awsome video and teaching

[@CNoice-iq7ge]

Got my 1st rifle last week and my 1st optic today. I just roughed this out using a bore sight and a tree deep in the woods, hit up the range and test it for real this week. This video was great, easy to understand and showed me everything I think I need for my 1st run.

[@yettielusive3370]

Thank you for this video. I just attached my first red dot scope, and this information is very helpful before I go to the range. God bless!

[@J-manoo7]

Your information was amazing, I literally listen for like 15 min walked down to my local range . I was able to sight it in with in a few seconds big help tks💪🏾😈

[@PilatusTurbo]

Glad to see your neat method. I watched your irons zeroing video, liked it too. Neat explanation of MOA increments. Also, glad that someone is using the "budget/cheap" red dots, and not insisting on Aimpoints and EOtechs. I use and swear by the Field Sport Red Dot. That thing holds zero like a boss, and is durable. I did have to fix the little circuit board screws, which was kinda difficult, but it was worth it for what it's capable of. Great vid KB :)

[@johnrice1943]

Yes! Laugh all ya want, but i love my $27 fyland reflex sight.

[@billyhawkins5222]

Great video, I am an experienced shooter with Marine Corps training and I learned a few things from this video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@Profabdesigns]

Newer shooter here, and I have always wondered how to this worked. Excellent job explaining this simple but much needed info. I have found 90% of most vids put so much BS and jargon in their content trying to impress everyone, that it turns off 90% of the audiance. This man kept it simple. Thx for the assist.

[@powderp5267]

I'm new to guns and this video is perfect man, thanks.

[@nelsonstrickland1069]

Finally....a simple explanation to what moa means !..thanks !!!

[@jayveewilliams1]

Great video!!! Sweet and simple. I have recently purchased a red dot for my 300 blackout and a new scope for my AR 223 and cant wait to get them dialed in. Thanks for the help.

[@williamscott3444]

Not new to shooting but new to red dots. I bailed on several other how-to videos until I found this very helpful & to the point instructional video. Thanks mucho amigo!👍

[@brentgilbert4208]

That WAS helpful. Thanks for the straightforward explanation!

[@larryalden79]

Awesome, thanks for making that easier to understand man.

[@noohohno]

This Beginner appreciates your explanation. Clear, concise.

[@begondar]

Good to see the (straight to the point) teaching tactics still exist. To be honest, reminds me of how my Drill Sergeant got things across to a platoon of 40+ knuckle heads. Get it? Got it? Goooooood!!! Now let's see it done!!! Many years ago. Keep up the videos!!! I'll keep watching!!!

[@bertoj6189]

Thank you, going this weekend to zero in my Romeo 5, and this is tremendous help! Very clear, I watched the video 3 times since this is all new to me, first gun owner in my family generation apart from grandma that had a little revolver.

[@tomtanner9963]

Very good at explaining how to dial in the TRS-25 scope. Thank you for taking your time to explain this for us. 👍👍

[@babylon411]

Just like that simple, easy, and no confusion... Thanks man!

[@avgcitizen5974]

Thank you for simplifying this for us. Just about to purchase my first red dot and was wondering about this.

[@reggiegray4657]

Brother, that was the best explanation I ever seen! Thanks!

[@michaelfabian2401]

Super simple and clean, Thank You! I just purchased my first rifle, and I bought a new UTG Bug Buster scope. This will be my very first time ever zeroing a scope, but with the knowledge you just taught me, and all your other videos for reference, I'm pretty confident I'll get the hang of it over a couple range visits. Thank you sir!

[@glennhuntiv2704]

Michael Fabian hi how do you like that scope? im looking for one and have seen this but im new to the ar platform or any rifle at that.thanks .

[@Michael-xo3wc]

You explained it perfectly and I just sighted in my first red-dot with no problem after watching your video.

[@KailuaDoug]

Just got my first red dot. Going to take it out for a run tomorrow. This video was EXACTLY what I needed. Thanks!!

[@jeremygladden895]

I was zeroing mine yesterday for the first time. I'm happy to hear he's had scopes where the clicks were backwards. That was my case. Took me a couple mags to realize what was going on. Thought I was just having a bad day at the range😂

[@ian436]

Jeremy same with mine. The red dot sight came with my Umarex pistol thought the sight was on backwards !

[@rance6303]

Bruh… i been trying to get this red dot flush all day and didn’t even know this. Makes sense lol

[@cameronk6100]

I wish this was the lessons we learned in math class at school.

[@frithsteadfarm904]

Russia teaches this also how to break down clean and operate ,this is the type of energy we need in the USA

[@cameronk6100]

@@frithsteadfarm904 fax

[@brandondowdy1047]

Lmfaoooo 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MichaelDBauer]

First video I saw about zeroing a red dot. I'm a noob to this. Your vid makes sense and was full of info and not drivel. Thanks you so much.

[@gregschulte2953]

Thank you, I’ve always used open sights w/ primarily lever rifles. No problem adjusting open sights. Never bother w/scopes of any kind. Finally picked up a red dot w/ no clue. If the instructions for the red dot made any sense, I would have no need for your video. Your instructions worked like a charm. Excellent

[@jasecummins8143]

Man!! Thank you. I was having the hardest time figuring this out. Saved me lots of ammo. I am not a rookie, but needed it explained in simple terms.

[@GUMP1987]

Okay so just to clarify because I'm horrible at math, while using the same video... At 25 yards which is typically the length of an indoor range. TO ZERO IN I WOULD NEED 24 CLICKS UP AND 20 CLICKS RIGHT??? IS THAT CORRECT????

[@papajoeknows8355]

Thank you sooo much... I have ALWAYS wondered, and you’ve explained it so well!! 🙏🏻

[@fastfreddy782]

Thank you so much for this video. Truly helpful, even to those that just need a little refresher before going to the range.

[@TKLewis904]

As someone who had no clue what zero in meant you explained this very well. Easy to follow. Can’t wait to try myself.

[@loboa2747]

Whether some us accept it or not this video cleared up any Q about "how to" do it the quick and easy way, thanks for your time and sharing your knowledge!

[@danieldismuke9675]

Your a great instructor, I had a parent that was a professor at BSU and you your teaching style reminds me of theirs. Awesome video for beginners I will definitely recommend. I was wondering if you could make a video for zeroing a red dot 🔴 and magnifier. I have the Bushnell your doing your tutorial on and the matching magnifier. If you have the time I would absolutely love to see a video on the combination of the two as I am a novice to scopes. I was always a 686/1911 kind of guy til recently. I picked up an AR15 and have mounted the scopes on my build. Hope to see a video soon explaining how to use the two in tandem. Thanks again for all your work and time.

[@seanhoward8276]

Thanks man. To many people trying to help give advise that don't really know themselves lol. Finally found a source I can trust and easily understand. Keep up the good content!

[@randy158]

Thank you for the very helpful insight, Sir. Keep them comin’.

[@brianmyers9989]

I wish all instructional videos were this clear. Great job man.

[@brianmyers9989]

I got a utg, and I can't get the dam thing to move. I was zeroing in all my scopes with a laser bore sighter...no problem until I got to the red dot. I was spinning the turrets like crazy. Nothing. Stays in the upper right corner. Is it me?

[@goodsamaritansnipersociety3240]

@@brianmyers9989 toss the utg.

[@davidkeith4261]

I would just like to thank you very very much 4 simplifying something that I was trying to show my son but he couldn't grasp it and being brought up since I was six years old shooting I learned from my uncle who was the Korean sniper and I first learned how to shoot instinctively with a 22 but she could not grasp quarter inch Moa and when you show it in hundred yard MOA clicks he grasped it better and working backwards he graph Stitt better that way because he is a learning disorder called dyslexia and I have to thank you because he grasped it instantly after your explanation so once again thank you so much God bless you keep up the excellent videos and some people just need it simplified peace save shooting and all the best to you and your family sincerely David

[@Gauntlet1985]

Newbie red dot guy here.... Thank you for this well explained, easy to understand video. Greatly appreciated 👍

[@RickyJr46]

Your explantion of 1 MOA at various target distances was very clear, thanks!

[@Huckleberry68]

Thx, bought one of those red dots recently

[@vwccrline]

KISS: Thank you for once again proving this concept works!

[@AnthonyD1986]

Thank you for this. Simple to understand for a beginner to shooting. Just got a DDm4V7 and debating which optic but now I know how to adjust it. Thank you

[@otiswright3292]

Straight forward and very good. I am having problems trying to figure out left and right. This is very helpful.

[@bigal7561]

The bushnell red dot is a great red dot for the price. I like it better than more expensive ones. This is great for those first getting into red dots or any other optic. Simple and clean

[@dylanrhynard4140]

My first RDS was the SS Romeo 5. Also a great red dot and I'd say a step up from the Bushnell. Just over a bill.

[@markunion9156]

God finally an explanation that makes sense,some of these videos these youtubers make makes no sense at all

[@drake.707]

I love this vid. Best red dot sight explanation for beginners on KZbin.

[@cristiansalinas9105]

Couldn’t have explained it any better! Thank you! I just got a Romeo5 yesterday for my rifle

[@waynegroves6922]

When I was in the Marines (1971-1977), I actually trained and qualified expert at Pendleton with an M14 on the 600 yard range. A few years after boot camp, we were introduced to the M16. Our new range was about 30 yards, with the targets set at 25 yards. It was explained to us that we no longer needed to hit a man-sized target at 600 yards, and that an M14's .308 - with a 25-yard zero, would be dead on at 100 yards, while the 5.56's 25-yard zero would be about 1/2" high at 300 yards.

[@johnstaub359]

Exactly. I use 30 yds for 5.56. A playing card size impact from 7 yds to 300 yds. Zero will be great at all the distances. Thank you for your service.

[@BOHEMIANHUNTINGCLUB]

Great explanation, should be easy for anyone to follow!

[@marekkowalski471]

The Bohemian Hunting Club p

[@dennisp408]

pocket knife sharpeners

[@darrenmiddleton5814]

thank you for the information. I am building my first AR and I was waiting put a red dot on it . I have always used iron Sites. But the older I get I realized I need something a little bit more than just iron sights thank you again so much this will help me in the future

[@armeddefenderd6559]

The best explanation on this matter is yours . Lots of guys doing this I can't understand them ...Tanks.

[@ltfrankdrebin3409]

Very good lesson! Keep them coming. There are always new 2nd Amendment participants who can learn. Experienced shooters can use a refresher and pass on this knowledge!

[@GregoryBaskincom]

Perfect explanation 100 yards = 1” 50 yards = 1/2” 25 yards = 1/4” So it’s just like math. 100=1, 50=1/2, 25=1/4 Makes perfect sense!!!!!

[@TeamZcan]

Except that one MOA isn’t actually one inch at 100yds.

[@crypto_creep8222]

This is the best and easiest explanation of how to adjust a moa scope / red dot well done

[@puffyd58]

Very helpful! Thanks so much. I'm getting ready to buy my first red dot, and this is perfect timing.

[@darrenbishop4327]

At 50 yards the dot on this Bushnell will cover 1.5 inches and 3 inches at 100 yards. Great video sir

[@BigJohnsonGG]

Nice explanation Brother, well Done! Carry on

[@michaelwhite7957]

Excellent! Thanks for your absolutely efficient/effective presentation! I'm about to buy a red dot and needed this background to understand the red dot mechanics I'm about to buy. I finally "get it"! Kudos, bro. You did it!

[@chrish5224]

Thanks KOTA! Not new to AR platform but have my first red dot coming, for a build im doing. Very helpful.

[@chrisstinson5256]

you are a great teacher! awesome info. thanks!

[@dicktheaspergeron4988]

The key things to underline are difference between linear distance (the inches/cm moved to adjust the shot point of impact) with angular measurement (the MOA/Mrad) used to describe the setting adjustment in the scope AND whether you're scope adjustment is to walk the shots (point of impact) to the reticle centre cross (point of aim) or to adjust the reticle centre cross (POA) to the shot holes (POI). Calm yourself, set the gun in a steady and stable position and then run groups of 3 before you adjust. Good luck all and just my ten pennys worth!

[@royludlow3665]

hi kota, reply from aussie land, down under. while we have had our guns taken from us, unless you are a roo shooter or a weekend shooter, i lhave always wondered how to zero in the red dot. you are the most practical instructor i have listened too. a lot of others like to boast them selves up, but you are very down to earth and a great teacher. thank you, o by the way i am 80yrs young and still have an interest in shooting and i look on the utube and see what is out there. roy.

[@gregoryberry1917]

This is the best explanation I've found, interestingly, its the only one where the instructor isn't on the range, thank you!

[@paulh123456]

I didn’t know this was gonna be a geography lesson

[@paulquiroz4070]

Very simple and very instructive.... FYI?.. You need new markers or probably use a different color for the camera. Thank you

[@eugenekim10]

I know it's been nearly six years, but thank you so much for explaining everything in such a simple manner!! Have my red dot coming in two days, so can't wait to apply what I've learned from you!!!!!!

[@jessflores5107]

Thank you for explaining it the way you did. Very informative for a beginner like me. I just purchased a Aimpoint pro and am looking forward to calibrating it.

[@vernonrutledge4403]

Why did my red dot go to a splatter? I have a B&T GHM 9 should I keep the factory fixed sites up or is it a matter of preference?! TY I subscribed 👍🏾

[@HoneyBadger363]

I assume that you mean the dot itself looking blurry. The most common issue is that you have the dot turned up too bright, so turn down the brightness to make the blurriness go away and also make sure to properly clean the lenses of the sight too.

[@jameswilliams2856]

Without knowing precisely what you mean: Red dot sights will very often show aberations for persons who have an astigmatism. I have a RD sight with which I cannot use my astigmatism corrected polaroid glasses. (Lens is a red haze with scores of tiny red glitters.) Works fine with non-polarized lenses with same correction. Or per earlier reply you may need to use lower brightness settings. If astigmatism is the problem there are fixes you could investigate.

[@Lemurai]

He went full blown community college on this vid, lol.

[@slappinbirds6180]

Just the simplified information I was searching for. Thanks

[@kinjunranger140]

Holy cow, It can't be explained any better than that. Thanks kotaboy32.