How to Zero Your Pistol Red Dot - The Easy Way

Getting your red dot zeroed can be even easier than getting your scope on target - especially at such close distances. Once you get your red dot mounted up. get ready to sight up and take some shots.
To make sure your aim is as repeatable and stable as possible, be sure to shoot off a bag or some other sort of support.
00:00 Introduction
Today we'll be using a Glock 17, topped off with our TD-3 Red Dot sight. The target will be at 10 yards, but you could certainly set the target up at any other distance you prefer (25 yards, 50 yards) . Just remember to convert your MOA or MIL values to the appropriate distance.
Step one will be to take some shots. Step two will be to measure the distance to the point of aim. Step three is to dial. Easy enough!
The TD-3 has 1 MOA clicks.
00:48 First Group
Adjust the brightness on your LED to make it barely visible. The smaller and more precise your dot, the more precise your aim can be. You can always turn the brightness up later!
Use a bag to keep your hands and the handgun stable, just like firing off the bench with a rifle.
This first group is a bit low and to the left. There's no marked aiming point on the target, which throws aim off. After this, we'll demonstrate the difference that comes with a marked aim point.
02:47
The group was a little spread out, about 2 inches to the left and half an inch low.
To really get dialed in, it's time to mark that aiming point. At 10 yards, this little sharpie mark is easy enough to see.
At 10 yards, 1 MOA is 0.1". To adjust our group, the sight needs to be adjusted 20 clicks to the right and 5 clicks up.
03:52 On Target
Time to aim at the little dot in the center of the silhouette and see how the adjustments hold up.
(spoiler alert - they got the sight right on target).
04:53 Wrap up
The sight is right on target. Time to take it out for some drills!
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[@micahwhite2104]

A couple things to add. Zero at 15 yds. Bullet impact is an inch low at 3, and inch high at 25 and back on zero at 50 yds depending on bullet. Also, it is imperative that you remain target focused and not “dot focused.” If you are dot focused it will shift your point of impact for some reason. With red dots you need to be target focused. This habit is hard to break when you are used to focusing on your front sight.

[@SM-eu5xl]

Thank for the pro tip! I didn't know that! I was trying hard to focus on the clear red dot with a blurry target... like rifle shooting

[@NBWDOUGHBOY]

@@SM-eu5xl You focus on the dot while rifle shooting? Hmmm, Thats interesting, I always focused on the target and overlay the dot on the target. Thats the way I was thought.

[@SM-eu5xl]

Copied from the USMC fundamentals of marksmanship manual. I learned how to shoot a rifle in the US Marines. (2) Relationship Between the Eye and the RCO. The human eye can focus clearly on only one object at a time. For accurate shooting, it is important to focus on the aim point in the reticle of the BDC throughout the aiming process. (a) The shooter’s primary focus should be on the aim point of the reticle while maintaining a full field of view. (b) An inexperienced shooter may have difficulty accepting that the final focus must be on the reticle with the target appearing indistinct.

[@dancam5812]

@@SM-eu5xl was taught the same

[@wavelengthdesigns]

For iron sights you focus on the front sight post. For red dots and holographic sights the shooter should be focusing on the target and overlaying the dot. Focusing on the dot or reticle is incorrect with these sighting systems.

[@ABiblicalView]

I would have liked to see the adjustments being made

[@CaptainRonAhoy]

me too

[@dreaves1979]

@@CaptainRonAhoy they were, click click click click click click, and click click

[@MrZeph22]

@@dreaves1979 get get get get get get get, fucked

[@roberthughes2687]

Why? It is different on different brands

[@crownbikes1375]

@@dreaves1979 😂😂😂😂

[@barrycliborn5169]

I use a lazer bullet. Pull the trigger dot lights up on target. Adjust go to range. Also great for dry fire practice

[@michaellygnos7398]

I've watched a dozen videos on zeroing an AR-15 red dot. Yours was the easiest to follow for a beginner like me. You rightly assumed I needed everything explained. Great job. Thank you.

[@zacattack4029]

Great easy to understand instructions. Thank you very much.

[@DesertTactical]

Nice and easy. Great video!👍🏼

[@MrKeithcl]

That was very clear thanks!

[@dan-dude]

The bullet ASMR of this video is amazing. That ricochet was even better..

[@raymondreddington4952]

Great video

[@michael184272]

Very interesting and informative.. thanks for sharing

[@stanleychamallas2331]

Excellent video well done excellent zeroing

[@mooktemas6800]

Perfect zeroing!!! Wow 😮

[@spencerhighley4231]

Anybody else hear what sounded like a really close ricochet at 4:20

[@markchambers8641]

Beautiful.

[@photomaster1]

Nice one, and thank you ..

[@jeffclark8098]

On the fly. Nice work

[@Rosie-di6ed]

Precise and to the point, no music, no fluff Thanks for a great experience, very articulate as well. I prefer iron sites exclusively with my CCW takes the guesswork out of the threat just place the bullet and be done. Happily subscribe and thumbs up for sure!

[@attemptive]

that’s what a red dot does 😂

[@whitehedr]

Nice Shooting.

[@Auggie_93]

That man can shoot. Great group at the end sir

[@HiLuxInc]

It can be really frustrating for the rest of us at the office - he keeps beating us during our office matches

[@GlorifyGodInEverything]

Hey awesome video. I probably should have used a rest zeroing mine but it seems to be hitting at what I aim at so i'm happy lol.

[@numberone-kb2kh]

Very cool

[@joshroten3997]

Nicely done. Clear and concise.

[@DonovanDoddSM]

Nice shooting

[@hrfunk]

Ha, ha, there’s something familiar about that split-screen view! Good shootin’ Chris!

[@denniskettinger9900]

Simple way to do it. Works fine.

[@johnb1448]

Thanks for the video just bought my holosun 507k will be going to the range tomorrow with my Glock 43x.

[@chevtow]

How do you like it? I just got a 407k for my Canik. Wasn’t sure if I’d like the reticle on 507

[@J.Young808]

On the first round of 5 I was thinking about why didn’t you put a mark so that there is a visual point of aim?

[@davidhudson2527]

Zeroed! 🎯😁

[@TheLoneRanger745]

Dude. You killed it. Very nice 👍,. It sounded like a western shoot out at 4:20 🤠 hot damn cowboy ! So.. I'm going to ZERO at 45 ft = 15 yards ( typically I practice at 30ft ) 45' max distance point of aim , Closer than that I will have a slight hold over , say 21' min. 1" hold over , the distance from the dot to center of bore ( the last yr l've tried to master iron sights at 30' standing -2" to 5" groups, I'm hoping this $320 holosun 507k on my 43x will help me improve. This smaller gun is harder to shoot for Me, I do better with My G-45 but is too big for Carry, I'd like to get the G-19 soon , your a great shot Chris ? Chris from Tactical Hive ?

[@jeffreycaulfield8220]

Did you hear the ricochet at 4:23

[@andreasplienegger835]

That was movie-like :-)

[@g-mc4507]

Hard backstop

[@rfletch62]

Thought I was getting an old "Gunsmoke" flashback.

[@AceGoodheart]

Just like Clint Eastwood would do.

[@ricardoortiz-ij6io]

There were several ricochets

[@johnphillips7066]

Zero....ed boom! Good job.

[@allanfischer9417]

Textbook!

[@butchcosme]

Liked and subscribed too

[@myopinionpal8880]

Is it true that when adjusting a red dot to move the shots up you turn the elevation adjustment in the down direction and to move your shots to the left you would turn the windage adjustment in the right direction.

[@your_royal_highness]

That dude can shoot. Goodness

[@dreaves1979]

I had to re-watch each shot that almost seemed to not hit. Very accurate. But that's what a bench rest will help you do too.

[@your_royal_highness]

@@dreaves1979 I think I zero’d my Ruger 22/45 using a rest but I sure as sh&t can’t shoot anymore. I am beyond rusty.

[@BADD1ONE]

Buy a 20$ bore laser. Clamp your gun to a vise wait for nighttime and adjust. Save your ammo

[@sinappanis]

or shoot and zero because you enjoy shooting. Also based on distance a bore laser will be off slightly anyways so you are just going to be at a starting point like this video.

[@devinsalsedo3325]

Bore laser only get u close.

[@michaelgeorge542]

I’d like and explanation of the adjustments, book tells you move laser left poi right. a bit confusing. Missing low left do you move laser in direction of misses?

[@goose33]

If you miss low and to the left You move it up and to the right

[@marcusnieves21]

What rest bag is that?

[@mohammadh2938]

I like to know where the red dod should be on the lens should it be in the center or above the two horizontal line?

[@HiLuxInc]

I'm not sure which two horizontal lines you're talking about. The dot should be somewhere in the 'window'. Its position will shift depending on the position of your head. If your head is too far in any direction (such as too low), it'll disappear from view.

[@philipnicholson3216]

after your second group, you locked your slide and THEN dropped your mag. Even pros make rookie mistakes. But thanks for the video.

[@keithz156]

If i'm zeroed at 10 yds that's great if all my threats are at 10 yds. Where do I aim if the threat is at 5 or 20 yds? Do I compensate by moving the dot off target or will these differences in distance still yield an acceptable grouping? (P365 Legion, Holosun 507K X2 green)

[@HiLuxInc]

If you're aiming center-of-mass, there's not going to be enough change in the bullet path to make a difference. Whether it hits an inch high or an inch low, the threat is still going to be having a bad day.

[@rockett9053]

I have found over the past 20 years. That all my Glocks tend to fire low left anyways. For some reason. With or without a site

[@rooftopshootaz8927]

That’s you not the gun

[@rockett9053]

Yeah you’re probably right. Probably the way I pull the trigger that’s my thought anyway

[@cratra]

I use to do this. You need to keep your left arm equally as rigid at the right.

[@concealedcarryworks7374]

@@rockett9053 You're either 1) Moving the gun with your whole firing hand in the moment before the shot breaks (shot anticipation) combined with not having a strong enough support hand grip or 2) You're pulling the trigger by squeezing with your whole hand instead of just your trigger finger, combined with not having a strong enough support hand grip, or 3) A combination of 1 and 2.

[@Bobbydigtail17]

Probable should have started with a reference point. Also zero at 15 yards

[@stancetv2005]

It's like you watched Vortex's video a made a copy of it a month later 😆

[@craigallegro685]

Can you share link to the shooting bag you used?

[@HiLuxInc]

This was the Bullsbag X7, though the one we're using in the video has more than a few years on it

[@ABiblicalView]

Why not show the adjustments being made?

[@politicallyinsensitive4200]

You need to see how to turn a dial?

[@CaptainRonAhoy]

@@politicallyinsensitive4200 if you've never done it, I'd say yes.....is this an instructional video or not?

[@MrPhotographerDude]

Would a grid target be more ideal for zeroing?

[@HiLuxInc]

It can be in some situations - such as not wanting to go to the target to measure the offset. At very large distances, though, the grid may be difficult to see.

[@sinappanis]

I was thinking there might be some shortcut or something I didn't know about. Then I realized this was just basics of zeroing.

[@calebclark6739]

Nice. Do you know where you’d be on target at 25 yards with a 10 yard zero ?

[@HiLuxInc]

It depends on the caliber of ammo you're shooting. For 115gr 9mm FMJ, you'll be just under an inch high at 25 yards with the 10 yard zero.

[@calebclark6739]

@@HiLuxInc Thanks

[@jtworksoncars6341]

With a 25 yard zero at 10 yards, you'll be about 0.5 to 1 inch low. With a 10 yard zero at 25 yards, you'll be about 1 to 1.5 inches high. POA/POI shifts are greater with red dots when you zero at a closer distance due to the height over bore.

[@lucky-rowe2623]

4:24 and then 4:27 oh my

[@HiThere619]

0:50 “we laser range finded our target” You finded it?

[@thomaswaibel253]

If you site in at 10 yards, how much farther out can you shoot accurately past that ten yards?

[@HiLuxInc]

That depends on a lot of factors - precision of the firearm, ammunition, and so on. Beyond all that, accuracy depends on the shooter. Using a 9mm glock with no holdovers? Maybe 70 yards of practical accuracy. If you're willing to hold up 6", maybe 100 yards. What firearm and ammunition are you using?

[@thomaswaibel253]

@Hi-Lux Optics critical defense self defense load. I'm new to shooting....justwonderd if zero is 20 yards, can I be accurate if I had to be at 50? What about at close like 5 yards with a 20 zero? Thank you

[@Jazzy_530]

My gun says: 5 MOA…what does that mean and how would I adjust??

[@HiLuxInc]

Where on your gun does it say that? And does it say whether that is 5 MOA of elevation or windage? Regardless, that'll be adjusted somewhere on the sights. What type of sights are you using?

[@DoraTheMFDestroya]

If your optic says it's 5 moa, then you're fine that's usually just a reference of the precision of the reticle.

[@Happ465]

I have marked off 7 yds in my house. I use a laser bore device and put the laser on the wall. Adjust the sight to be under the lasers but touching it. There is no need to fire shots which is not as accurate.

[@kleinle522]

Lol laser bore sights are not accurate. They'll get you close but you need to live fire

[@Happ465]

@@kleinle522 i live fire after sighting each gun. Found them to be spot on. There are so many variables added in live firing.

[@jayb7675]

Now why would you not just laser bore sight it?

[@HiLuxInc]

That's certainly an option! We just wanted to get zeroed the old fashioned way.

[@politicallyinsensitive4200]

You should still go to the range and verify it in which case you'll most likely still need to make adjustments.

[@DoraTheMFDestroya]

Because bore sights aren't 100% accurate and should only be used to get you in the ballpark. Meaning you'd still have to go shooting to verify your zero. So... You'd still have to do this.

[@timothyconn4369]

Nice video except for the ricochet’s

[@muriloninja]

10yd zero...any specific reason for such a short zero?

[@myopinionpal8880]

Maybe because a 10yd zero is a good distance for home and self defense.

[@dennishish5930]

you did not mention how you moved the red dot to match point of impact

[@HiLuxInc]

That may change from sight to sight. For this particular red dot (TD-3), there are two dials. Each is marked in the direction of impact adjustment, and adjusts 1 MOA per click. For example: to move the impact up, dial the elevation dial in the 'up' direction.

[@dennishish5930]

@@HiLuxInc do you adjust the dot toward the impact or away from the impact is what I was trying to get across.

[@HiLuxInc]

@@dennishish5930 Normally, modern optics adjust the impact towards/away from the dot. (Think of the dot as staying in place, and the adjustments moving the bullet hole toward where the dot is). For example: If I placed the dot on the center of the target, took a shot, and put a bullet below the center (i.e. below where the dot was aiming): I'd adjust the elevation turret 'up'. This would bring the next bullet 'up' to meet the dot. However, some optics may not follow this pattern. Our TD3 adjusts the point of impact as described above.

[@d33psix88]

Do your eyebrows have their own Instagram?

[@ikigai47]

As a red dot noob what I don't understand is your comment about the front sight not having to line up with the dot. Don't you want them co-witnessed? Won't your iron sights always be correct and you just want the dot to reflect that?

[@HiLuxInc]

Yes and no. You'll be able to see your front sight through the window (in this sense, it's technically 'co-witnessed'). However, your rear sight will typically be blocked on a handgun. The two sight systems also work quite differently. Iron sights require you to align your eye along an axis parallel to the bore, close to the top of the slide. A red dot accounts for a change in head position through the curvature of the glass. Even if your head is out of alignment for the iron sights, the red dot will still point toward the target. Long story short - if the iron sights are not obstructed and your eye is at the correct position to use the iron sights, then the dot should line up with them on the target. If your head is not in position for the iron sights, you can still use the dot - though it won't seem to line up with the irons.

[@ikigai47]

@@HiLuxInc Cool thank you very much for that, it's very helpful

[@markroath98]

@@HiLuxInc I really appreciate your response, which you do not hear or read a lot.

[@smartass6071]

I can hit a man sized target at 10 yards just pointing and firing. No aiming needed.

[@drizztatk]

So do I look through the red dot with my dominant eye to aim with my other eye open, or put the dot in the center between my eyes looking through it?

[@HiLuxInc]

Dominant eye - just like using iron sights or a scope. Some people like to keep both eyes open while they're shooting (too keep a wider field of view), but not everyone does. I tend to keep one eye open for closer shooting, and then close the non-dominant eye when the target's farther than 50 yards.

[@drizztatk]

@@HiLuxInc nice thanks a lot!

[@DailYxDosE]

How do you know how many inches each moa click is?

[@HiLuxInc]

At 100 yards, 1 MOA is worth 1". At 1/4 the distance (25 yards), each MOA is worth 1/4 the size (1/4"). Similarly, at 200 yards an MOA is worth 2", and so on.

[@DailYxDosE]

@@HiLuxInc so would i have to sight my gun in at 100 yards or i just scale down? sorry im new to guns.

[@DailYxDosE]

@@HiLuxInc So i bought a 2 moa sight, so that means at 100 yards, each click would be worth 2"? so if i was sighting in at 25 yards each click would be .5"?

[@HiLuxInc]

@@DailYxDosE The adjustments scale up and down. Imagine a really narrow triangle extending out from your sight. The narrow point of the triangle is the angle of adjustment. The far side of the triangle is the linear adjustment on the target. 1 MOA ('minute of angle', or 1/60th of 1 degree) yields 1" of change on the target when the target is 100 yards away. But if your distance is 1/4 of that (1/4 of 100 yards, or 25 yards), the linear distance on the target will also be 1/4 (1/4 of 1", or 1/4"). 100 yards is a convenient distance because 1 MOA ends up being 1" of adjustment. At 1000 yards (10 X 100 yards), each MOA is worth 10" (10 X 1"). At 10 yards (100/10), each MOA of adjustment moves your point of impact 1/10" (1" / 10 = 0.1").

[@HiLuxInc]

@@DailYxDosE I'm not entirely sure what you mean by a 2 MOA sight... is is a red dot that has a "2 MOA dot"? That would be referring to the visual size of the dot, not the adjustment per click. Adjustments are typically 1/4 MOA per click on a scope (or 1/2 MOA on older scopes), and 1 MOA on red dots or other reflex sights. If each click is indeed a 2 MOA adjustment on your sight, then it would move the point of impact 2" at 100 yards, 4" at 200 yards, 1" at 50 yards, 0.5" at 25 yards, and so on.

[@thebigfellar7178]

He shot that last group super tight , then he smiled like a shyte eating dog. He knew he nailed it , he was a happy man . Pretty cool . He was nervous at the beginning , after he nailed that group , he was like nothing but smiles. Peace.

[@thebigfellar7178]

@@rob8694 Jesus never existed. And Jesus wouldn't have been his name. Let me guess you're a Christian. Why are Christians so ignorant about their religion. I have met maybe #3 that had a clue as to the reality of the bible. #3 in my long life. That's pretty sad. Happy Valentines Day. Peace.

[@bobwilson3980]

You are not showing Your sight picture.

[@HiLuxInc]

That's true! It's a little hard to film through a red dot, especially while it's in use. I'm still figuring out a good way to mount the camera.

[@Hispeed1]

How come your Glock aftermarket slide doesn't have rear serrations?

[@HiLuxInc]

It does! Both rear and front serrations, actually

[@gentrydebbie1040]

BS The easiest way to Sight in your Red Dot Buy a cartridge with a laser Chamber the Laser Turn your Dot on your sight right over The laser dot I do it in a couple Minutes for Me and anybody I see having a Problem . I wasted a lot of ammo and wasted a lot of anger Listening to all the experts ? Does it make sense if you Point your Handgun or Lever at a Target you will see a red dot that is in the center of your bore Make sense to cover it with the dot on your optic ? Buy a Good Laser Cartridge ?

[@COPPERMOUNTAINCOINS.]

No thanks, I'll stick to Jeff Coppers tactical style. It dosen't rely on a battery that will fail when you need it most, my way kept me alive for over 20 years in a field that doesn't forgive failure.

[@sinappanis]

Yes... don't evolve with times just stick to the old way. It's not like you can't just get a sight that you can co witness on. Red dots have been proven to be faster and easier to use, especially as you age and if you have any eye issues.

[@thisissparta8884]

Bet you said the same thing when plastic guns hit the market and revolvers were used. Times change. Either change as well or get left behind.

[@DoraTheMFDestroya]

Mhm. Sounds like you've never used a red dot sight.

[@timbenham516]

🙄

[@brianvratoric]

That's just to much bullshit to deal with. If you need a Red Dot on your pistol to shoot accurately? 😂 Pack it in.