M4 battle sights

[@RichGraham]

@Dionscott55 Its a 100-600yrd pop up sight that also adjusts for windage. This sight is designed as a back up to your scope/red dot style sights and I would not recomend it as your primary. With that it is an awesome back up!

[@ericmcdonald4757]

I think this is about as good as I've ever heard the concept explained, thank you!

[@pauld4355]

i learned about this as a machine gunner in the marines, i had a huge advantage over other student in my physics class because of it

[@GeraldThomasphotojunkie]

As former Army that is the BEST! explanation of battle sights that I have ever seen on KZbin! Bravo!!

[@RichGraham]

its good to hear the video helped. If your pop up rear sight does not adjust for elevation you will need to make your adjustments via the front sight post. This will obviously give you a fixed sight in, so just figure out where you want it distance wise when you go to set it up.

[@anthonychirillo539]

I love how everyone is trying to correct a SEAL.

[@RichGraham]

yah that is what we did for battle sights. Some people are now sighting in at 50/200 but the bullet impact distance drastically increased beyond 200 yards for the holds, but is less with in the 50-200 section.

[@RichGraham]

The ACOG that i used in the military did not have the day illuminated reticle, it had the iron sights on top, which we later replaced with a red dot sight that sat on top. Honestly i dont remember the brand off the top of my head but it made a huge difference for close engagements quickly. You have to practice holds though bc the site is so high above your barrel.

[@RichGraham]

All rifle sights slightly aim the barrel upward to compensate for gravity. The longer the shot, the greater the angle. This video is talking about the arch of the bullet path vs the line of sight. The bullets do not "rise" they are aimed up. I hope that makes sense, if not let me know.

[@geraldwest3428]

As simple as it gets. Thank you for your time, talent and effort in sharing this with us.

[@TactiColt]

This is very basic stuff, but absolutely fundamental and Rick explains this so well and without any attitude of superiority. I am impressed when someone with so much training and experience doesn't puff-up with ego when teaching fundamentals. I'd buy this man a drink any day.

[@RichGraham]

Not a stupid question bc your right the laser does not bend or move. What I meant was since your bullet trajectory is not a straight line but the laser is, you also have to understand where the bullet is in relation to the laser through out the course of the bullets travel and how to correct or hold for that. Same principal as the "line of sight" that we are talking about in the video but depending on where you mount your laser it will change the relationship of the point of aim point / impact

[@jawknee2]

This was by far this best explanation I've found online.

[@TactiColt]

This is a very patient and excellent explanation of how to sight a rifle for 'point blank' ballistics.

[@RichGraham]

Z is for "zeroing in" which is done at 25 yards or meters depending on how you set up your gun. the 3 is for 300yrds/m. If your sights do not have the Z you can do one of two things if you want a set up like spoken about in the video. Sight in point of aim point of impact at 25 yards, and then shoot at 300 yards and make any small adjustments to your sights that you need. This should be point of aim point of impact as well. Or if your gun is already sighted in for 300, then just go to a

[@whiskeywh1skey]

very well explained .... I sent this vid to my dad, I couldn't explain to him on the phone what was going on with his kit. this vid is well done and very informal .. great job Rich. Thanks

[@ericalan5385]

Nice to know there are other people who arent afraid to ask what appear to be simple questions. Especially since I got out of the marines 27 years ago I wasnt too interested in guns then, now that im older. and less memory I have a strong passion for guns.

[@RichGraham]

The barrel is lower than what your aiming at. So at 25 yards the bullet will pass the line of your sights and continue to raise to about 8 inches above the line of your sights. It will fall back down crossing your line of sight around 300 yards (give or take). If you sight in at 50 yards the bullet will cross again around 200 yards. Once you under stand the concept you can sight your gun in for what ever you want. I personally do 25//300, its not right or wrong its just what im use to.

[@RichGraham]

yes, rear sight should be dialed to Z. This should hit point of aim point of impact. To adjust the front sight, if it is the regular style and not after market you look down at the sight post from above and see a little pin. Press it down and turn the sight post the direction indicated based on which way you need the bullet impact to move.

[@RichGraham]

In my opinion I prefer the vertical grip bc it keeps my arms and elbows in and allows me to hold positions for longer periods of time without becoming fatigued. Also, I use the gun barrel to strike with in CQC situations, so having your arms in tight allows me to punch the gun out vs having your arms already extended at seen with the Magpul style. With this being said those guys are great shooters and it works great for them for speed shooting. Again just my personal style/preference.

[@RichGraham]

yes, understanding you trajectory allows you to preform "hold" for quicker aiming and firing at multiple targets at different distances.

[@MRUSMC2036]

Keep up the good work. sharing knowledge with brothers that are law enforcement, but have not been trained on how to use holds. This is crucial since during combat you will not have the time to be adjusting your elevation knob.

[@RichGraham]

25yard line and confirm where your round is hitting. Should be close to point of aim point of impact. if it is a little off here but on at 300 leave it and just know where your rounds will hit at this yard line for close quarters shooting.

[@RichGraham]

Yes if your target is 12in tall then if you aimed 4in up from the bottom it should hit anywhere from 5-300yrds. But if you had a 12in target and aimed center mass you run the chance that around 200yrds the round may go over the top. Some rounds may arch as much as 8in. So in this case it would be 2in higher than the target.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

Even after setting Zero you would still have to remain cognizant of wind speed and direction when taking your shots as the wind will alter your bullet path by several degrees to the right or left of the target. Depending on wind speed and direction you track your sights left or right of the target to deflect your shots to the center of the target. Also a strong headwind will also alter trajectory as well so a shooter will also need to raise the barrel to compensate for bullet drop.

[@jjfaughn]

great video. I keep a piece of paper I typed up to take with me at the range to remind myself of the trajectory of different zeros. This is a great way to not only learn them but to also use as a reference. Just a little tip for all the shooters new to this concept

[@SuperNache]

Hornady has a calculator that will help you figure out where your POA/POI will be based on the range you zero your sights as well as how far up/down you'd need to aim at increments of range. Pretty handy considering, when i was in the Marines, it seems like we zeroed at a different range every time. At TBS, it was 25 yds. 29 Palms rifle range was at 100. CMP shoot at Adviser Training Group had us at 50.

[@RichGraham]

ACOG is different than iron sights. What ever distance the ACOG manual says to do your base sight in at, do it. Then all the other yards/m 100,200,ect. will reflect point of aim point of impact bc the ACOG already is calculated to do so for you.

[@RichGraham]

@sumguy68 That is a good game plan to master the iron sights, u will be a better marksman for it. Just to verify what u said, sight in on Z at 25 yards. From here turn the sight to 3(first time) and if you have a range that goes out to 300yrds confirm and make micro adjustments. keep sights at 3 for 25/300 point of aim point of impact. Then if you go to 4, 5, and hit 3/6(second time) that is for 600yrds. Hope this helped! good luck!

[@dutchofsc]

Good group at 25 meters, set your rear sight to 3 or 300(depending on model). Now you are set. Don't touch the front sight post after you have a good zero. You should not need to adjust windage on iron sights. Use the hold over technique as stated on the video. Hope this helps with th

[@InfidelArmz556]

awesome vid brother! Iv tried to explain this to so many people and it really is so simple that its hard to understand for an average shooter. Another great vid!

[@tittiger]

Pyro you can use a ballistic calculator for a specific load to see approximately where the round is going to be in relationship to the line of sight with different zeros. Check it out and it will make more sense to you. Then go out and prove it to yourself on paper.

[@elbonyspearman6519]

Great job in explaining the projection of the rounds at each meter.

[@XrayOptical]

Great explanation Rich! I found it a little tricky at first to grasp my ranges for impact. I know of some others that still have difficulties understanding why their shots seem off at varied range. I'll direct them to this video, as you seem to explain it better than I did to them, thanks!

[@big2kahuna]

I just picked up my Colt LE6920 M4, your video was very informative and educational. I have shot other AR-15s and wasn't able to hit the target at 100 yard plus. Now that I have my own I'm going to learn and understand everything I can about it. Your explanation was direct and easy to follow. Thank you.

[@RichGraham]

Yes and i don't know why on his video it did that. I have not seen the video but if you are hitting point of aim, point of impact that means the bullet is coming up and meeting your line of sight at 100 yards. The barrel is below the sights so I have no idea how that is happening. It should it low until 100yards unless you implement a hold.

[@RichGraham]

I believe the 50yard zero is point of aim/impact at 200yards, while the 25yard zero is point of aim/impact for 300yards. If you will never engage targets that far out then the 50yard may be better for you. The difference in your holds is minimized by the 50yard zero but you lose distance. So, do what's best for your style/situation.

[@RichGraham]

Our sniper school and Navy marksmanship tests are conducted in yards. Not sure what branch your in but we basically use yards, unless doing navigation on a military grid map-(unless they have changed it since I have been out). With me referring to a rifle as a gun, don't know what to tell you ha ha it is, but I see what your saying.

[@TheDemoCube]

Yup, just make sure you aim more at the gut for the 25 meter target because of the bullets trajectory. If you aim at the chest it would potentially fly right over their head. However, aim center mass on the 300 meter.

[@andrewfisher5170]

Great video, sir. I'm new to the m4 platform (picked up my first last week) and I'm itching to get to the range. Your video/info is just what i was looking for before I shoot because I'm hoping to get some experience and skill with iron sights on this rifle before I head off to basic. Thanks again!

[@RichGraham]

@whiskeywh1skey thanks for the feed back! happy to help.

[@dutchofsc]

Just to clarify the zero procedure. Set your rear sight to zero, then shoot a target at 25 meters. Use your front sight post for elevation adjustments, and your rear sight for windage. Once you achieve a g

[@RichGraham]

@AZGunEnthusiast I'm happy it helped! We have more to come!

[@gunnyboy87o]

I have the same rear sight app and the "Z" is ment to zero on a M16, for a M4 you zero at the 300, its the same on a Carrying handle sight you set the Knob at 8/3 + 1 and after you zero set it back to 8/3

[@RichGraham]

@QRP20meters no problem, hope it helps!

[@RichGraham]

yes I painted it and if you look under our uploaded videos we have a video already posted on how you can paint yours from home! Good luck

[@meshuggahfan]

There is. An ar-10(.308)/30-06 is 25/250, if you use a 25 yard zero, you will pass point of impact again at 250 yards. The AK round is very similar to the trajectory of a 30-30, and as such is a flatter trajectory, but a good rule of thumb is 25/200 for an AK/30-30. There is an article written by Mitchell Peters on the web called "zero at twenty five." I suggest googling it for other calibers.

[@RichGraham]

the "Z" stands for "zero" as in zeroing your gun. since your shortest yard line on most sights is 100yard/m some have the Z for point of aim point of impact at 25 yards/m for sighting in. Which would then set your gun up for point of aim point of impact with the sights set for 300 while shooting a target at 300 yards

[@RichGraham]

In addition to this recording, if you sight in your gun for 50yd point of aim/point of impact, it will only have a max height of 4inches and return to point of aim point of impact again about 200yards.

[@rahliE777]

Great video! I also keep a paper that shows BDC for 5.56/.223 rounds.. Helps out tremendously!

[@RichGraham]

that is a great idea, not sure if anyone has made it but if they haven't they should. I know the iphone has some cool ballistic apps you can get

[@gersonprado7452]

The best and simple explanation I ever seen it. Congrats

[@RichGraham]

it is always better to start close and work your way back so your not missing the target completely. 25 yards or 50yards is a good place to start.

[@RichGraham]

yes 50 is effective! many people go with 50/200 instead of 25/300. that is fine just go to the range and shoot the between yard lines so you understand the bullet path for your particular gun. there is no right or wrong really, its more about understanding your own firearms so you can be effective with them.

[@drewbaglin1632]

vonhelmet I stick to the 25/300 just cause that’s what we used in the army

[@RichGraham]

You are correct, I made a little notation correcting it.

[@RichGraham]

the concept applies to any gun or caliber, but distances will change with each.

[@PATentPending310]

Wish I would have known about Mr. Graham and his videos earlier. Thanks alot!

[@goforvendingtofu]

As someone with one rifle with an integral carry handle (AR) and one with no carry handle (tavor), when you place an optic 5-6" off the barrel vs 3" you're rocketing that bullet sky high at 200yds -- easily over a foot -- if you sight in at 25yds. Red dot for up close and 300 yds and irons underneath at 100-200 seemed practical. shooting that arced is nowhere near as close switching between the two. Time for a new AR upper :D

[@tittiger]

Yes it does... the scope would have to read your mind to know what you are aiming at. If it was to do the come-ups for you as his post sounded like it did. I guess he was talking about a mil-dot reticle or some BDC like setup. I could not figure out what the heck he was trying to say.

[@michaelcook7846]

this video is extremely informative thanks i knew about trajectory but i never thought about it in this manner only for long range 500 yard shots thanks alot

[@AZGunEnthusiast]

Excellent explanation on sighting in an AR! Thanks so much, this is very helpful!

[@smprfly]

Sometimes on the m4 with the carry handle style sights, if you zero the weapon on the z mark, you might have a problem with high rounds. So much so that some people are adding taller front sight posts. I have my Colt M4 zeroed at 6/3 instead of on the z. Problem solved.

[@RichGraham]

Thanks Denny for passing on the info to your friends.

[@modex20]

Yards != Meters Yards: 36/300 zeroed at the 8/3 setting Meters: 25/300 zeroed with the "z" (8/3 + 1) setting With a flip-up that doesn't have an elevation setting, the 50/200 yard zero is popular.

[@sauer800]

Great video Rich. Makes it really easy to understand.

[@RichGraham]

@Colemans4Yahweh happy to hear it made sense and helped!

[@RichGraham]

Its a surefire flash light, the mount is on the frame of the light. not sure of the model number though.

[@byjoeforjoe]

Nice ubr! I love the m4/AR platform. Its not hard to fire efficiently.

[@RichGraham]

correct, point of aim point of impact 25/300

[@RichGraham]

@allgo13 thanks, I appreciate the positive feed back!

[@FolkFirearmsCollective]

I send friends to this video. Great explanation. Rich is the man.

[@RichGraham]

every gun, round type, barrel length, will be a little bit different. As long as you can figure out and understand exactly what your gun does with the set up you have you are good to go!

[@RichGraham]

it really is personal preference. the ar15's are great guns and easy to shoot, but there is something to be said for 7.62 also.

[@RichGraham]

Thanks, I use military hide netting for the patterns.

[@charlesludwig9173]

Initially, set elevation wheel to 6/3 on M4. On A4 turn elevation past 6/3 two clicks to the Z setting and after sighting in turn elevation back down to 6/3. Or just do nothing, no sight adjustment, and no Marksmanship training because you bought the rifle to satisfy other perceived needs.

[@DeviantNJ]

Maybe you can do a video on how bullets fly? I have an abstract from Ruprecht Nennstiel, which explains in detail how bullets are expected to "fly" once fired from the firearm.

[@tittiger]

Hi! I tried to PM you. I have made progress on what is confusing to me at least of often using the wrong units when talking about zeroing the A2 rear sight. The clue to figuring it all out is that when you click to the "Z" mark you are on 330 units. 330 yards = 300 meters so your sight is calibrated in meters. Using a ballistics table the 2 zeros for 330 yards are 25 yards 1 foot and 330 yards. The same as 25 meters and 300 meters. Hope this helps....

[@xxwes997xx]

excellent video, i wish there was one covering the trajectory of the .308, and the 7.62X39

[@RichGraham]

no problem! good to hear it helped.

[@DirtyRed703]

"4:15" explains it pretty well. If you get really close, then yea it's going to be low if your Z is 100. At 25yds with a Z of 100, your point of aim will be lower then point of impact because the bullet hasn't really started to drop yet.

[@mikeh478]

Leave it to a SEAL to make things easy for the common person to understand!!! Gotta love a SEAL!!!!! New subscriber!!

[@QGG333]

Awesome Rich, Keep up the good work! Looking forward to more info in the future.

[@bushin64]

Great video! Low tech with a ton of info. I am surprised that this issue is not addressed with law enforcement. I am a civilian and am familiar with this info.

[@RichGraham]

thanks! the light is an old surefire.

[@tittiger]

It's 25 meters which is 82 feet but people do use 25 yards which will zero out to a slightly further distance than the 330 meter zero when you use 25 meters.

[@RichGraham]

just get flat camo spray paint. tape off the stuff you dont want paint on. lay the netting over, or wrap the gun/gear in it in a messy way so make the pattern more unnatural. you dont want a checker board.

[@RichGraham]

the upper receiver is a bravo company 10.5" which requires a class 2 licence.

[@richar44d]

Just what I was about to say. Doesn't everybody know about Newtons Law? Basically, "What goes up, must come down . . .". I don't suppose you could just say, "KINGS X! Time out while I adjust my sights. Hold still!". Great vid. I'm just more oriented to close quarters pistol work in defense of self or home. I was taught windage on my first .22 @ age 12. Too many people buy these zippy-flash M-4/M16's with enough electronics to track incoming missles. Then leave them in the safe.

[@RichGraham]

@JC545X39 I would if i knew it. You can figure it our for each gun/cal. by aiming center mass and noting where your rounds are hitting in relation to your point of aim. Good luck!

[@PRODIGYxPaRaDoX]

So humble and helpful. keep it up rich!

[@TheKellHammer]

Good video. Some of these types of things always seemed common sense and elementary to me, but you really would be surprised how many people are just ignorant, untrained, or poorly trained. I think there is a clear void and need for training to answer the surge of interest in these types of rifles.

[@tittiger]

You can work backwards... get a good ballistic calculator (or do this on paper) get your 300 yard zero and then see where the bullet crosses the line of sight the first time. This will be the distance that you use for your near sighting. The 250 yard for a 308 is a good idea because with that zero your high point and low point is still something like an 8" variance from the line of sight. Which is the whole idea of a BSZ.

[@limbworks]

You just blinded me with science. Feels good.

[@RichGraham]

It is something you can practice but some people just have a better feel for it then others. What artist do is use a reference for scaling things. Example if you go to a high school football game and stand by the field where you know it is exactly 100 yards long. Extend out your hand hold up your thumb and compare something like a garbage can to your finger. Now you have a basic round about reference to work off of. And so on...

[@tittiger]

Very good BUT the Z (for BSZ) is actually a 330 yard zero and it coincides (hopefully) with an M855 load to the 25 yard zero.

[@RichGraham]

I will try to set one up.

[@MATTuMANN60]

Hi Rich! I don't remember ever zeroing for 25 and 300 yds, but I've got an M4 on order and I'm going to sight it in this way now that you explained it. Is that what we did at Camp Pendleton in Third Phase? I thought we sighted in at 200... but if that was the case - was that just because the qual was shot at 200? I've always mounted my lasers directly beneath the barrel to avoid any horizontal holds and I might do this with a TLR-2 on my new gun if I can find a good deal on one. Later!

[@RichGraham]

great call! thanks for sharing that idea.

[@SECorBust]

Great video. My dad taught me about ballistics early on. I think you meant to say carry handle when you were saying charger handle. I was like what is this charger handle sight and do I need one?

[@deyoxysdragons]

nicely and very Professionally done mate.