Why we zero at 100 yards - AR15

Quick explanation on why we zero our rifles at 100 yards instead of 25 or 36. Push the distance. Be as marksman!
Want to come out and train with us? Check out our website below y'all!
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www.thetacticalcowboy.com

[@Patrick_Cannon]

With 100 yard zero, from 0 to nearly 200 you know your round is going into a tight two inch vertical window that does not go higher than what you see. Like you said it's a big deal if only a face is exposed. Also, most people who are on scene during an active incident are innocent bystanders/potential victims, and we have to know where the round is going to go. 100% agree with what you said about being able to conceptualize holdovers with 100 yd zero. One explanation I've come across with conceptualizing 100 yd zero, if you are close enough to make out facial expressions, hold over. If you can't see facial expressions, then aim where you want it to go.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thanks for the insight and comment brother

[@machivellisucstwogo7103]

What about 50 yards?

[@Mateo31279]

Good stuff here

[@vafamf]

I just came back from a rifle training with a former DevGru member and he told us the 100 yard was the way to go for the same reasons Devin did in this video.

[@betolocoification]

Free education is the best! You rock brother, keep it up and much appreciate your feedbak.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thank you very much for the comment!

[@BluesStraightFromTheHarp]

Really appreciate your input, teaching, advice. It’s humble and real. Even for myself as a two service veteran, lastly 19d, m249 gunner…it’s been awhile. So thank you. I subbed & notifications on. You guys make it easy to want to learn. * I wonder how many of your students have been in a life threatening situation/environment within the civilian world? I can attest, being unarmed in an “active environment” can make for a very bad day/night and…long term. I was shot 2x in such an environment when I was 20, home from the Navy. Had I been armed…it would’ve changed my life forever. (1rnd next to my spine/8 pieces of copper jacket lodged in my left chest & back. Your training makes a difference. Thank you all. Ian

[@Rorschach__NoCompromise]

I had to sub .. Had no choice .. Organic and straight forward..no macho man BS 🍻

[@tacticalcowboy01]

I appreciate you brother

[@EuropaChronicles]

Delta34’s KZbin channel has, by far, the best video out for finding the optimal zero for your rifle, optic height, ammo combo. I think it’s rare for a “round number zero” (25, 36, 50, 100) to be optimal for any given rifle/ammo combination. If you’re constrained to putting targets at specific distances, then do what you have to do. But if you can set your target at whatever distances you want, then dialing in your zero distance for the optimum trajectory is ideal. For example, on my 11.5” suppressed rifle with a Unity height EOTech at my altitude, a 60 yard zero gives the best trajectory with 77gr projectiles and a 65 yard zero is best for 55gr training ammo. I zeroed both rounds and marked the specific spots on the adjustment screws with paint pens for both types of ammo. Yes, this was takes more time and effort, but I think it’s worth the extra effort to optimize your self-defense guns’ zeros.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Delta 34 is quite legit I'd say!

[@RobinsonOhio]

Delta 34 is a wealth of information, Bought my first Acog because of his videos.

[@Woodytomahawk]

36 yard zero 5.5" spread to 300 yards, aim center mass hit center mass up to 400 in my experience

[@tacticalcowboy01]

It could be good for that set up!

[@EuropaChronicles]

It’s not quite that simple, because you have to account for height over bore. With a 1/3 cowitness optic on a 16” barrel with 55gr, the spread from 0-300y is ~8.5” and with a Unity riser on the same rifle, the spread for 0-300y is ~13”.

[@devinlindberg253]

If you confirmed on paper at that distance you’d know that’s not right.

[@justcoffee3617]

This is why this conversation is important. Barrel length, twist rate, grain weight, optics height over bore, and 1 through 6 MOA different size dots will all produce extremely different results. The take away is, put in the work and document in writing the DOPE for your setup with all Ammunition that you have available and then use whatever works best for your build. It’s hungry, so feed it

[@dennislongiii4523]

been using that forever. great zero

[@Thevalkyrietribe]

Zero ring at 100 yards gives you the maximum amount of effective range with the least amount of adjust. It has the most predictable data compared to a 36 or a 50 yard zero.

[@kingjehukhan8541]

Great video thanks!

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Anytime brotha

[@Glock.Boiii.Justin]

I Love You Bro, this is a really great informative video. You inspire me to be a confident firearms instructor.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thanks so much! Pumped to hear that. If you ever need anything just reach out!

[@Glock.Boiii.Justin]

Thank You Bro💯 I will definitely keep you in mind!🤘🏼 You’re awesome bro!!!

[@Stigtivities]

Keep making great vids. All 100% valid.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thank you brother, just out here trying to fight the good fight and get better

[@roseburgtactical4499]

Awesome videos thank you

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thank you for the comment we appreciate it!

[@roseburgtactical4499]

If you don’t mind me asking , what do you recommend for red dot zero on Glock 17 ?

[@stevurckle89]

Great concept. At close ranges the shop would be slightly lower.. but still on target

[@notaturkey2607]

WAIT, I've got it! All you have to do is add it all up, 36 + 50 + 100 = 186 yards! I am sure if you zero your rifle for 186 yards, you'll never miss another shot. But let's be honest, I am just glad that I have something to shoot across the street with. I just bought my first AR-15, an 11.5 inch 6.5 Grendel from Alexander Arms, and Have Not zero'd it yet. No scope, just a green dot Holosun, and this video was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for all your energy and dedication to the art.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thank you for the comment brother I truly appreciate it!

[@firstimeshooter6590]

Ima try this one day😅

[@Mogas0311]

I was at a class recently where everyone zeroed at 50y. Everyone was using various types of 55 grain FMJ. Nobody was dead on at 200. Type of ammo, bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, barrel length, elevation, weather, and so on all get a vote… Also, I would rather fall short than go over.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Good info brother thank you.

[@gabrielrego2493]

Great video

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thanks!

[@ghostgk5888]

100yd zero is the way .. nice to hear others who think it as well.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

it is a way! That works quite well for us

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

*Depends on your sighting system and expected target engagement distance.* These goofy tall mounts and extra high RMRs can really change things up. 200 is preferable for irons, dots and scope like reticles. Out to 250 you're within the shooter/rifle/ammo capability, and 300 is a minor holdover. BDC's should be zeroed for best _average_ distance/subtension alignment.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thanks for the info brother!

[@chrismeacham4741]

I use a 50yd zero (20in barrel and 55gr bullets) and this is good to 300yds for me. Beyond that the HK MR7.62 with the long range package comes out with .308.

[@roundrock63]

Real world advice!! Anything else is either completely competition shootings or non combat related.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thank you for the comment and support!

[@rayclay2299]

My 14.5 I have my LVPO is set at 100 yards. So from 100 to 200 yards on man size target it is dead on. But my canted Red Dot is at 50 yards. From 50 to 100 it is dead on. But anything under 50 there is a slight holdover. Best of both worlds

[@user-pj1vb1pv7d]

Irons...25m zero. Aim for the gut out to 300. Adjust your hold upward to shoulder line past 300. Works great. Remember your marksmanship fundamentals.

[@ImpulseScooterTeam]

Love the Dog

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Thanks bro he is a good pup!

[@calvins4084]

If you do like a 70 yard zero your bullets only going to rise like 1 inch but it will stop that bullet from dropping so quick out at 3:00 or 400

[@firstimeshooter6590]

I love both 50 and 100.

[@mtnbound2764]

good discussion, though i wish there was more comparison between the 50 and 100 yard zero's. ive been using 50 yards as a standard and it seems to work pretty well. though its a tad bit high at 100.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

You just gotta get out there and experiment with it brother!

[@YETI.922]

Went into Army BCT with over a decade of training on carbines with instructors on my own dime and LE training. Learned the advantages 50 yd zero has for most setups, 0-200 your point of impact wont be further off than the distance between your barrel and the optic. So for normal height mounts about 1.5 inches from 0-200. We use a 25 meter zero at BCT. The average guy learning how to shoot a rifle is so stressed by trying to remember fundamentals of marksmanship they cant even begin to think about ballistics. At the zero confirmation range I was spotter on the screen that shows where bullet is impacting at 150 and 300 meters. At 150 the overwhelming majority are shooting high over the shoulders of the target and some worse completely over the head. Because they were told to just aim center and pull the trigger by cadre. Its unnatural to aim at someones waist line at 100 or 150 meters to make a good hit. I brought it up in honor graduate interview with LTC and CSM when asked how the training could be improved and basically got blank looks, "well they'll learn that at their next duty assignment." But giving that more attention early could solve the majority of people who are struggling to qualify. I could only fix people in my platoon.

[@showtime1235]

yea i was stuck on the 25m zero for awhile because of my time in the military so you recommend 50yd zero?

[@YETI.922]

@showtime1235 Yeah for red dot/ holo setups it's pretty hard to beat. Least deviation from 0-200 between point of aim/point of impact.

[@clean713]

As someone who lives in germany and cant own any guns because its strict af here, this video will definitely help me. Great Video tho, I loved the explanation!

[@tacticalcowboy01]

haha thank you sir

[@ballisticintegrity9741]

The Ol Lab Nut shot

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Haha YES

[@Smitty.WerbenJagerManJensen.]

There’s a 100yd indoor range about 10 minutes from where this was recorded at TNT in Murray🤝

[@jeffreyguerttman5055]

I zero at my front sight musket sights at about 10000m and I'm able to hit anything within a few inches from my face at .123 MOA of accuracy from space. If you're not doing how I do it, you're wrong.

[@austingriff833]

If you don’t just pop a shot and bayonet charge , you’re wrong.

[@karlgunn1209]

I have a 100yard range trimmed out now still. Jave aot of brish trees to trimm for 200 . Thats max safety on my property

[@dennisgibb7958]

36 yards and everything except 300 yards will be in a cd size circle……..with a 16” barrel……..

[@aramirez8427]

have a 10.5 PDW......going to try the 100 yard zero.......

[@aramirez8427]

@@EuropaChronicles Thanks Partner.....Needed some advice on it.

[@TheJackOfAllTrades82]

I’m Zeroed for 50. The 25yard zero the Army teaches sucks imo. Can you possibly do a video of the Point of aim center mass and Point of contact between 10-100yards? Using a 100 yard zero. I would like to see some data on the differences in how much the point of impact changes between distances while only aiming center mass.

[@LuisMartinez-bm5zd]

36

[@jlew6890]

Been using for 27 yrs and hasn’t failed me yet

[@tacticalcowboy01]

get it boys

[@joshmuirhead1154]

I use 36 for my eotech cqb set up. 100 yards for lpvo set up.

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

1776

[@coreyperez13]

Puppy parts! 100 for the win

[@TUKByV]

Outside it is.

[@BloodSoilandSoul]

A longer form video covering zeros and your opinions would be pretty cool. Just sayin

[@tacticalcowboy01]

What would you like to know my dude?

[@johnz7104]

Tell the people about those boots your rocking at the end of the video.

[@armandochavira87]

I zero mine at 300 like 6 inches low at 300 and depending on barrel length , ammo grain , and optic mount might be from 36 yards to 43 yards up close 🤙🤙🤙!!!!!!! Seems to keep simple for me , now do shoot as good you guys do , no , so that’s saying something !!!!!! I’ve gone out as far as 600 yards with no magnification, but did have someone helping me walk it in , took bout 3 or 4 rounds!!!!! I might change over to 100 !!!!!

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Haha you badass mo fo!

[@jakemiles8070]

What riser are you using for your Eotech? Scalar works? And how do you get your Unity mag mount to match it so high?

[@oluade2068]

50 yard zero for me. Same concept as a 100 yard zero but when shooting at 100yards(with a 50yard zero) the max height the bullet will deviate upwards is only 3.5 inch's. Which is better than ideal for aiming at center face at 100 yards.

[@coltenswindle3827]

-36 yard zero with 77 grains and 16 in barrel puts me within 3 inches up or down out to 275 -Human head is 8-9 inches -Same set up with 100 yard zero has to hold high 10 inches at 275 -100% the 25 yard zero is horrible for 5.56 especially with a riser but 36 and 50 have their advantages especially when running a magnifier -The conversation is much more nuanced than a 5 minute video can explain

[@themadminuteman]

Great break down. 100y is the master race zero. 25y a hold on the chest at 100y goes over their head. So much up and down. In my opinion the 25y zero was designed as a catch-all for young mediocre at best trained soldiers to get body hits by aiming mid torso (belly) out to 300y. Backed by big Army logistics and range limitations.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

I think you may have a point

[@matthewconnor5483]

Also have to remember in combat you are mostly laying down suppressive fire.

[@joshmuirhead1154]

It blows my mind that not more scopes have multiple settings to switch your zeros too….

[@thejonesy8173]

Helpful zero for those guys that want a 100 yard but initially only have access to a 25 yard range. Your point of aim should be whatever the height of bore is for your point of impact at 25 yards. So I zero my dot is 2 inches above the impact. Real world I’m usually only a few clicks off wind and elevation.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Still have to get out and verify on paper!

[@weaponspedia5480]

Got in a argument with my drill instructor about this I was like 100 yard zero is the way to go and he didn’t agree 😂 the army ranges at 300

[@Budget_operator]

Zero according to your terrain. Urban areas 36yrd is usually best. There isn’t a zero that’s better than the rest. Pick a distance, study it, train with it and know your holds.

[@tbabajan]

What I’m getting from the comments is this. No matter what range you choose to zero, at least we’re fuckin doing the damn thing. Long as you know you’re setup you’re good to go.

[@gregm7989]

Recommended zero for a 10.3 556? Or still 100 yards?

[@GHOSTsq]

Puppy 🐶 🐕 ❤

[@joeldepas9928]

Im here to comment about your teeth just as you asked. More seriously though, I love your videos I just found your videos a couple days ago and you make the most sense to me when you put out videos like this, so easy to understand the why and the how! Keep it up, I would love to get out west some day for a class

[@tacticalcowboy01]

hahahah thank you bro

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Also I appreciate the kind words. We are trying to help the every day person get better!

[@rodneybonds8466]

What about using the zero target that imitate the 100 yard zero @ 25 yards until you can get to the range? .300 Blackout 14.5 pinned and welded Suppressed?

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Good to get started, but you have to get out and confirm on paper at various distances! We have a video about this coming out soon!

[@glhsfootball1]

What if you can't get a 100yrd zero ? I have only in door ranges around me and they don't go over 75 feet. So I have to zero at 50 yards what's your suggestion lol

[@Stevee1505]

If you’re trying to shoot that bad guy in the face and have a 25 meter zero, you should know where to hold. This is your zero and should be an expert in understanding what the projectile is doing. Human head is on average 8” and the rise of a 25 meter zero is about 10” out to about 180 meters. Simply hold just around the chin to neck area and youre going to center punch the T box. It’s about practice and understanding. The reality is there is no perfect zero, only the perfection of knowledge of what your projectile is doing out of your weapon system. In other words dont just zero your rifle and tuck it in the closet. Go out and train and understand what your ammunition and weapon system are capable of within the thresholds of your selected zero. Good video!

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Well said!

[@gabe321]

I subscribe because of the dog😊

[@darthbrooks4933]

“Comment about my teeth, whatever.” Lol, I’ve had a ganked grill my whole life brother, at least yours are straight! Great vid though

[@notyoaveragejosay1577]

But what about eotech 50yrd zero

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Yeah I've gone away from it!

[@notyoaveragejosay1577]

@tacticalcowboy01 I have a bunch of gear but I have just recently started to cater to my ammo

[@HDBujutsu1775]

I’ll stick to either a 36 or 50 yard zero as long as I’m running an RDO.

[@SNW_36]

Good for you?

[@EuropaChronicles]

Depending on your mount height, selecting an arbitrary zero distance isn’t great. It works well-ish for the military where large groups of people have to zero at the same time from the same line. But we don’t have to live by arbitrary zero distances anymore. Why not dial in the absolute best zero distance for your rifle, optic height, ammo combination?

[@adalbertochacon2075]

Devin, would you still use the 100yd zero for a home defense sbr?

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Our rifles have a 100 yd zero and we use it up close as well. You need to be familiar with your height over bore regardless of your zero!

[@adalbertochacon2075]

@@tacticalcowboy01 sounds good brother, thanks!

[@tylerjayvanderkolk2999]

what do i sight my pistol optic to?

[@tacticalcowboy01]

I used to zero at 25 until I started shooting at 50 then realized I was on at 25 but a few inches left at 50. Now I am zeroed at 50. Could be overkill but it's nice when I push the distance! up close it's no difference as you'd expect

[@anthonygerber8261]

For the algorithm

[@ricksparks2432]

100 yard zero is horrible at distance if you are using holdovers. Nobody is dialing a 5.56. 36 yard zero gives you 400 yard holdover at top of head.

[@bernardpoon4106]

50yd zero and drop it 2in for indoor range 🤔

[@sjones6176]

5:03 your welcome

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Haha!

[@jpkc86]

Huah!

[@crafty714]

Yuup.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Yes sir

[@GoofyMongo]

Nice Teeth!

[@johnadams673]

Seems like a really nice guy. Not trying to dog him at all here, but he isn't fully up to speed on this. Not alot of people are. These super high mounts flooded the market and knowledge didn't come with them. The 36 yard zero is based on height over bore of iron sights. You put on a 2.26 like he's got in the video and it's a different ballgame. That 36 yard zero is now completely unattached to the methodology that created it because the math equation changed with that height over bore. Those unity mounts give you a 3.47 height over bore which requires a 57 yard zero. Not a 36 or 50. If you zero at 57 yards you get a group +/- 3 inches out to 300. That's a head shot aimed at the center of the face out to 300. Now you barrel or ammo may change this but all you need is a calculator and a few minutes to optimize it. In reality. This method is Far Far far better than zeroing at 100 and guessing your target distance for a hold over. I promise you if we throw paper plates up 100 to 300. Various ranges using this method and holding center will get more people more hits that your guesstimate holds on a 100 yard zero

[@cliffordjamil]

exactly!!! I was looking for this comment. I run the 57 yard zero because of my H.O.B. but hey, most people are too lazy to use a ballistic calc and know what the bullet is doing in all phases of flight

[@johnadams673]

@cliffordjamil people are super uneducated on KZbin. But cameras are cheap and it's free to upload. The wild part is this video is still up

[@Atothe7420]

Meh what he is saying is debatable. 4:31 I will say it depends on situation and training.

[@Upandaktive]

✊🏾🤎💪🏾

[@Pmedic605]

Walton Goggins wants to know why you're copying his teeth.

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

I only shoot .308 so umm 😂

[@wildboyzzzz]

Because with an armalite you is batting 500😂😂😂 Recreationally

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Recreational LARP

[@johnmoser1162]

What a crap ... totally depends what your distance of engagement is. And 100 yards is possibly easier to "calculate" then 89 yards.

[@honkykong7389]

You have teeth and a lab.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

epic combo

[@honkykong7389]

@@tacticalcowboy01 🤙

[@justinpabst8263]

Amount of people getting into gunfights with "bad guys" is essentially zero.

[@TREX239-fs6cp]

Y would anybody comment about your teeth. What's wrong with them.

[@codyhill2507]

100 yard zero, for people that can’t use their holds. The right answer is to zero and what your optic manufacturer recommends.

[@FLSheepdog]

Wrong

[@DOGSSHAKESHIT]

I zero on a parallel, and i use my reticle to judge where i would aim,wether be on the top or lower of reticle for my zero.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

I am not sure I understand bro?

[@DOGSSHAKESHIT]

Convergence vs.paralell​@@tacticalcowboy01

[@DOGSSHAKESHIT]

Parallel on my laser as aposed to convergence i dont hone the skill for deep shots on red dot sights.​@tacticalcowboy01

[@DOGSSHAKESHIT]

Best dogs are the american bulldog brother.

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Haha maybe!

[@Jimbowiejr]

37

[@tacticalcowboy01]

Haha oooo I like it