How To Zero An AR-15 With A Red Dot Optic

[@nunyabeezaxe2030]

Almost 10 years later and this video is still helping newbies like me

[@josephzacharias7992]

I didn't even know he has been making videos this long. But hey, at least you're doing your research.

[@SmileyPies03]

Same here...just got my first AR and a red dot.

[@jmmartin7766]

@@josephzacharias7992 It's because he uses "gun powder voodoo" to maintain his youth and vitality 😁👍

[@EnriqueMartinez-nl9yc]

12 years boys😂

[@Fallen_Foes22]

3 years after your comment… and same! 😂

[@Mrgunsngear]

For the irons: To raise the next shot group, rotate the front sight post in the direction marked UP (clockwise) To lower the next shot group, rotate the front sight post in the direction marked DOWN (counter-clockwise) To move the next shot group left, turn windage knob (rear sight) counterclockwise To move the next shot group right, turn the windage knob clockwise ^^^I recommend writing that down and putting it in your range bag (I carried it for a year or so myself).

[@Mrgunsngear]

Excellent choice on the Pro and the Spikes rifle.

[@Mrgunsngear]

It depends on your red dot, mount, and if it was originally installed properly. With a quality set-up installed to torque specs with loctite---yes.

[@WheelgunsOnWheels]

Great demo and I appreciate the fact that you showed and described which direction you needed to adjust the dot relative to your points of impact. Easy peasy.

[@gilmelendez14]

Sir thank you for this video, i just picked up this exact red dot and i got used from someone , it came with no box or instructions, so thank you very much and i do watch your channel quite often with different firearms.

[@bladebrown130]

good video... just purchased a red dot and was a lil shaky on the instructions my brother (ex-military) sent me in regards to zeroing it in... liked how you walked thru it step by step... made what he sent me via email into perfect sense...

[@MrMoore-lr4fn]

Awesome video man... 👍... no useless talking just gave me what I was looking for. If you're handy, this video is perfect info!thanks

[@thomasogrady4825]

Glad I found this video, I literally purchased an Aimpoint Pro today. Plan on using it for my Tavor when it comes in, I may use it on my LE6920 for the time being. My indoor range only goes out 40 yards, I may have to wait to get out to my buddy's farm to zero it in. Thanks again as always, I enjoy and appreciate all the videos and advice.

[@200Elwood]

As usual, another informative and easy to follow video. Short, sweet, to the point, "Here's how you do it" which is what works for me. So many people take forever to get to the point. I'm looking at the Aimpoint PRO or the T1. I want to be proficient with my iron sights first. I notice that in many of your videos you seem to use iron sights more often.

[@Mrgunsngear]

I always confirm at a different distance. For the AR, I generally zero at 50 then confirm at 200. I have seen that as well. I've seen a lot of shooters "chase" their zero for hours and still not get a rifle zeroed.

[@CBDM777]

Great video... just put an aimpoint pro on my Spikes rifle. Going to zero it in later today.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Glad you liked it. Will do.

[@billwilliams4281]

Very helpful, thanks for keeping this 11 year old video on the channel.

[@Mrgunsngear]

It absolutely works for the H1. It'll work with any red dot that has vertical/horizontal adjustments. I don't know how to get it back to factory settings.

[@leafsfan71]

Awesome video! I have an Aimpoint Pro on my S&W Sport and love it. I have it currently zeroed at 25 yards, and plan on zeroing it in at 50 yards this weekend. Thanks for the great tip of not resting your rifle on the barrel. I never knew that, but it makes perfect sense. Thanks again.

[@Mrgunsngear]

You can but co-witness depends on your mount/optic. If you don't have the right mount (say if you have a lower 1/3 mount) moving the dot to the irons is not going to work.

[@jjfaughn]

good video man. you do solid, easy to understand videos. They have helped me quite a bit. Thanks for all these informational videos. just got a AR couple weeks ago, although I have been shooting rifles all my life, I am new to the AR platform. Keep the videos coming!

[@davemccool3968]

Nice video! Just got my aimpoint p Nice video! Just got my Aimpoint Pro going on my RRA. I put a meprolite night sight in the front and a Troy Battle sight [trinium] in the back. Co-wittness is dead on. At dusk i have a red dot right above the green trinium, real easy to see. Thanks for a good video on dialing in a red dot.

[@markab71]

Dude, I love your videos! You explain to us "newbs" without insulting us like James Yeager.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Well I have one (essentially just to try) and I don't think they work any better than a BCM, PSA (MPI version), Colt, ect... They do wipe clean which is nice but if you clean your BCG after firing it will wipe clean anyway. I'll never buy another one as I just don't see it being worth the extra money but it's not going to hurt anything so long as it's in spec under the coating.

[@designdiva4772]

Excellent! Am new shooter and so excited about it all!! Have purchased a red dot that I have others helping me with approximations (not too bad) but purchased a spotting scope and will spend some time at the range with these tips for adjustment! Wish me luck!!

[@Mrgunsngear]

good luck

[@Mrgunsngear]

I think you'll like that PRO. I'm glad it helped you out.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Glad it helped. If you strap it to the barrel itself, rather than the handguard, it will impact accuracy. How much---who knows..?

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks. Barrel harmonics can really impact your point of impact. The Army has done studies with their M16A4s and found it can be effected up to 8'' at 100 yards---that's A LOT of movement.

[@Mrgunsngear]

I do the same normally as well. I didn't want to talk about that method here because some people run red-dot only set-ups on their guns (especially turkey shotguns) and I wanted to keep it as basic and simple as possible.

[@Grizzleback07]

I think it would help people who are new to sight adjustment by knowing how many minutes each square represents on their target and their distance for zeroing. They should also learn how many minutes their sights move for each "click" on their red dot and iron sights. This will allow them to have a full understanding of how their rifle will act for different ranges and how to adjust their point of aim for those distances.

[@ckohar]

thank you for the video. I sighted in my Bushmaster M-4 today. Your tips helped. I bought a LEADSLED. The front of the sled has a Velcro strap that goes over the barrel. I did not use the strap, didnt know that it would effect the accuracy,thx.

[@TheRch123185]

Great video Guns. Your videos are very basic and informative for novice shooters.

[@Willis2515]

Thank you for doing that. I was not 100% percent comfortable with doing this until now. Thanks again!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Zero distance is a very controversial topic. I like the 50m zero because I rarely shoot my ARs beyond 250m but I recommend doing some research on 5.56/223 ballistics tables and finding out what will work best for your type of shooting. Do a youtube search for Travis Haley zero distance. He explains it well (he simplifies a lot of variables but it's a good video).

[@john3532947]

I agree 100% on your zero method as thats the way its supposed to be done. What I do (which may be the subject of a different video) is zero my BUIS first, then adjust my red dot to co-witness my irons. After a couple fine tune adjustment shots, its dead on.

[@ckohar]

Thank you for getting back to me. I have one more question for you. I slighted in the M4 at 25 yards. It was dead on, but at 50 it was high(2inches) at 100 its high atound 5 to 6. My question is, should i have sighted in at 25 yards low, to compensate for the rise at 50 to 100 or is it best to be dead on at 25 and in. I'll be using the gun at close quarters. more thsn likely. No worries i am a police officer. This is my 1st M4. Dont want u to think im some lunatic asking u for advice.

[@Podobed]

As a newbie to the ar platform and as someone who just bought my first red dot- thank you

[@Mrgunsngear]

I'm a big fan for the money. What do you plan on using for a mount?

[@Mrgunsngear]

I'm an Aimpoint fan but that doesn't mean EOtech's are bad but they're just a notch below Aimpoints in my opinion. Most people will prefer the EOtech reticle but that's really the only advantage they have vs Aimpoints in my opinion. Battery life is a big deal though, at least to me.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Sure. I'll put it on the list.

[@Mrgunsngear]

In theory it would yes. I've seen a lot of people end up 'chasing their zero' trying to do this though. Unless you have a ransom rest I'd advise against it but your gun, your ammo, your time, and your money so it's your decision.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Excellent. Glad it helped you out.

[@Mrgunsngear]

I do. I like red dots but have no qualms using irons either. Plus, the irons batteries won't die....

[@Mrgunsngear]

Depends on the red dot and the mount. The PRO, for example, uses lower 1/3 co witness. To whether or not it's important-----It's not important until you need it :D

[@MrGSF77]

That's about a good a video as you can make. Your camera was steady, you didn't ramble or drag it out, no mumbling, fumbling, or uh, uh, uh, ect. It was also very informative.

[@wideruled38]

have you ever used the aimpoint compC3? im looking to invest in an aimpoint and was gonna go with the p.r.o. then i came across the c3 and it has about 2 more years of battery life and doesnt have lens caps, im just looking for your input and if you have used it before or what you've heard about it. thanks. great video too, you kept it simple and thats what alot of people look for.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Glad it helped you out. Thanks.

[@adamkhorkabap]

Another great video, Thanks. I wanted to know what your opinion was on the nickel boron coating that Failzero and a couple other companies are offering.

[@Mrgunsngear]

I honestly don't know. Maybe there's a public range in SC nearby..?

[@Mrgunsngear]

Absolutely.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Awesome. Glad you find them helpful.

[@dojmike]

Thanks. The beauty of my scope is that my reticle can be in the same focal plane as my target so everything is crystal clear. With the red dot, I am afraid that my view of the target will be perfectly in focus with my prescription shooter's glasses, but my red dot will be fuzzy since my old eyes can't focus on both distances at the same time as good as they used to. So maybe my best option would be to get a scope, or stick with the irons. Thanks again!

[@Mrgunsngear]

It's excellent; watch the sales and you can pick one up for around $360. I don't think you lose anything in quality; not on the 2 that I have anyway.

[@Mrgunsngear]

It will get you close depending on whether or not there is an absolute or 1/3 co-witness.

[@Mrgunsngear]

It does not have a diopter adjustment. As to the magnifier; I can't sorry. I've never found a magnifier I like and much prefer a 1-4x variable optic if I want magnification.

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're quite welcome; glad it helped you out

[@Short142]

Glad I found this channel. New shooter in the AR platform and these vids really help. Thanks!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Mike Short Awesome.

[@Mrgunsngear]

It's the standard Army 25m target. If you google it, they'll be there under 'images.'

[@TNGlockman]

Nice video. I just zeroed my Aimpoint Pro last weekend...

[@masonstevenson8243]

Picked up an Aimpoint PRO at work today for one hell of a deal. Going to zero it in this weekend! I think I'm going to do a 50 yard zero w/ some 55 gr soft points.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Will do; I'm not sure if you follow my facebook page but I'm actually starting a "AR" series about BCGs, buffers, gas systems, ect.... Stay tuned.

[@ryanwalker4491]

Thanks for the video I just got a Holosun red dot for my AR and was wondering how to zero it

[@Mrgunsngear]

Suunto X-lander in part of it, another Suunto in a different part (can't think of the model at the moment......)

[@splinterman9]

Looking to getting my 1 st aiming point thanks for the info

[@gonzo4853]

Thanks for this man. I'm a new shooting and this helped me quite a bit. Thanks again!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Glad it helped.

[@armaniusmaximus]

Nice video! Does removing the red dot, and putting it back on the rifle make it necessary to re-zero?

[@rb67mustang]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I hope I have shots on the target so the process is quick and easy for me as it was for you.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you. Just a warning though----don't watch my other videos ;). I have an 'uh' habit.

[@tomtomlinsonppg2756]

As always great video, Aimpoint makes excellent optics. I used one on my M4 in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thank you sir.

[@Mrgunsngear]

agreed

[@BlueonGoldZ]

Thank you for the speedy reply. Sorry for this next question as it is more designed to satisfy my curiosity. For irons, if I am shooting low but you suggest that I rotate in the direction of 'UP', is the post PHYSICALLY screwing up or screwing down? I'm at the office still so I can't check this for myself at this moment so I thought I'd ask you. Heh.

[@LimaGolf284th]

Zeroed my PRO this morning. Thanks for the video.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Stanley Long Nice. Hopefully the video helped.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Anytime.

[@wolf14900]

Ok thank you. Your was sounds like a better idea. I have one more question. When sighting in the iron sight on an ak. Do you put the slider on the "1" make or the battle zero mark which is an "n" or "p".

[@Mrgunsngear]

Glad it helped you out.

[@Mrgunsngear]

I can't as I don't have a Lucid. I tried to get one for T&E but was denied.....

[@Mrgunsngear]

Excellent---glad it helped you out.

[@andrewculver1238]

What do you know about the "co-witnessing" process with the iron sights for sighting in a red dot? I have seen videos on both and figured I would try the co-witness with the iron sight process, but every time I look through the sight the dot is always in a different spot, meaning it is not "sitting" on top of the front sight. Is this an error on my behalf, or the process I am using? And if it is my fault do you have any tips for where and how to hold my head to keep a consistent sight picture? Thank you in advance.

[@everettcrabtree3156]

A problem with fundamentals..consistency is your friend. Find a point physically ie your cheek bone, place tip of your nose on charging handle, or use the bottom of your rear sight circle and place it on a consistent place on the front post. Once you can consistently get a sight picture of your choice then place the red dot to the tip of the front sight. Zero your irons first..then cowitness your red dot looking throught the rear and holding your correct iron sight picture. It is possible for your irons to be zeroed and your optic when zeroed to not completely line up perfectly with your front post depending on parallax and facial structure but usually they do. Every person has different dimensions and when you get your weapon zeroed write it down by flushing your rear iron to the left and count back the clicks. Same with front post from a flush position. Enabling you to pick up literally any AR and "battle sight zero without ever firing a round..ie your buddys rifle when yours is down and he is dead. The optic come next. The red dot in good quality optics corrects/accounts with zero parallax for poor form and fundamentals. Strive for a consistent form or placement then train till that form becomes instinctive. Then flip your backup sights down and fine tune for red dot. Shoot a round looking through rear,optic dot and front all aligned then correct the part that is out of alignment. Work your way out to 300 and keep record of your personall ballistics. Adjust as necessary and ensure the optic is totally solid and consistently torqued and mounted on your rail. God Bless

[@MD-mm1zv]

What about "co-witnessing"? Useful? Important? Same exact rail position each time the sight is traded between other AR's...or one for each AR? Given the iffy ammo availability these days...how much difference is there (really) between manufacturers for the same...or very similar cartridge specs (aside from being the same caliber...and for non-junk, similar-quality ammo)? Typically, 150 feet (50m)? What about 300 feet (100 yards/~100m)? What is standard? My choice for dots are yours (Aimpoint patrol pro) BTW. Thanks...

[@Mrgunsngear]

Yes.

[@dojmike]

Does the AimPoint have any adjustment for the diopter? Or is it necessary to use eye correction while shooting. My shooting glasses have correction so my vision is perfect for long range distances while wearing them. However, I would want to wear shooting glasses with no correction if the AimPoint has built in correction. Also can you recommend a good magnifier for the AimPoint that I can mount with a flip away mount? Thanks! Mike

[@Mrgunsngear]

It's the only way to do it... Thanks.

[@channeellll7623]

The bullet leaves the barrel before the barrel even begins to whip so barrel whip is a myth. Coming from precision rifle competitors and snipers. Torq the barrel one way or the other and it will throw the shot but just resting the barrel on something as unstable that would be will not cause a round to go flying into space.

[@stevecraignet]

Great video! We new shooters appreciate your work!

[@josemuniz2878]

Thanks for the help I just bought the optic.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Jose Muniz You're welcome

[@Mrgunsngear]

Absolutely no issue with it whatsoever. Lots of guys I respect a lot run them like that.

[@johncarpenter8420]

Helpful, thanks. You have many very informative videos, and being new to the shooting sport, they are much appreciated.

[@Mrgunsngear]

John Carpenter Glad they help.

[@mnpd3]

Sure you'll take a 1/2" group at 50-yds --- that MOA accuracy. I just bought an Aimpoint. A lifetime experience in hunting and competitive shooting but I've never used an electronic sight. I understood you to say that you have to move the POI adjustments opposite the direction of impact; i.e. if the dial says CCW Left, you have to move the adjustment right (presuming the rifle is shooting to the right. Always been a problem with sights; does L and R mean moving the point of impact, or the aiming reticle/dot. Personally, I hate the latter.

[@rayngrace]

Sir, does this apply for Micro H1? I have a mid length BCM with a LT 660. I've zero my iron-sights already, just need to reset to factory my Micro H1 since I FUBAR trying zero to lower 1/3 when I was actually zeroing on absolute co-witness. Do you know how I can set it back to factory?

[@Mikey5-O]

2 questions.. When shooting a 15 yard target with an optic that’s zeroed at 50 yards, do I aim a few inches high or low? And when shooting a 100 yard target with an optic that’s zeroed at 50 yards, do I aim a few inches high or low? Thanks

[@Mrgunsngear]

high. low.

[@Mikey5-O]

Thank you.

[@Mrgunsngear]

If you loctited the screws it should maintain zero.

[@Mrgunsngear]

I recommend just googling "25m zero + M193" (or whatever ammo you're using). Lots and lots of charts will come up showing the offsets for the ammo you're using in whatever length barrel you're using. There's just too many variables for me to answer in a youtube comment.

[@TylerB_AL]

How do you like the PRO? I'm in the market for a red dot and want an aimpoint, and the PRO has a very nice price point. Do you lose anything in quality for the cheaper price? I know it has a little less battery life than the M3, but that doesn't really effect the decision for me.

[@john3532947]

Agreed. Yeah using a RDS on a shotgun with nothing but a rail and a bead would mitigate the use of a BUIS, LOL. Good call! I enjoy your vids...subscribed.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Sure.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Anytime

[@Mrgunsngear]

Glad it helped.

[@kingsxfan99]

I've zeroed 11 red dots, yet every time I bring a new one to the range I can't remember if I dial towards where I want the bullet to go, or towards where it went. It ain't no fun being dumb.

[@husky701rider9]

JimmyTheKid same someone help.

[@martiniversen4898]

The adjustments change point of impact

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

Turn the dial to move the bullet impact. So if the bullet hits to the left of center turn the dial to the right

[@zacharybennison6624]

Lead the bullet adjust the direction you want to go. And also the grid is measurement... know the measurements on the grid. At 50 yards if your optic adjusts 1/4" or 1/4moa then one click is 1/16" or 1/16moa (1 moa equals 1 inch at 100 yards) DO NOT GO WITH "A BUNCH I GUESS" like it was stated in this video. Move to the national shooting sports channel and check out ryan cleckner's videos on sighting in a rifle and understanding moa or mil radians(MRAD). Knoledge is power, shooting sports are a great very fun past time it is definitely best to have solid information about the safe operation of what ever you are using.

[@youngprince716]

Hahaha I’m crying

[@XxFusionPbxX]

Hey man thanks for the video. How would I go about cowitnessing my rifle? Would I zero in the iron sights first? Then move the red dot right at the tip of the iron sight?

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you. I just posted below on this; should help you out

[@artez0584]

Could you do a video showcasing how quickly someone can acquire a target and get good hits using the aimpoint? Every video I've found, the user is already on target. I'd like to see a video were the shooter goes from a high ready, brings the rifle up and then takes a shot. Thank you

[@Mrgunsngear]

+Artez Hardin request noted

[@RVALawnLove]

How would a free float help accuracy?

[@michaellygnos7398]

Great explanation. Thanks.

[@Mrgunsngear]

We were all new shooters once; good point.