Posted by Matt Rice on Apr 26th 2023
Zero & Adjust your Iron Sights for Precision Shooting
Hey there, I'm Matt Rice, the guy running the show at Ozark Armament. I've been messing around with guns for 15 years now, and I'm gonna share some hard-earned wisdom on how to zero those iron sights on your AR15.
The Scoop on Iron Sights
Before we dive in, let's talk about what we're dealing with here. Iron sights ain't rocket science, but they come in a few flavors:
- Open Sights: These are your basic front post and rear notch. Simple as pie and great for newbies as they offer a clear sight picture.
- Aperture Sights: Fancy name for a hole you look through. Ghost rings are big holes, peep sights are small holes. They're like a cheat code for accuracy.
- Flip-up sights: These bad boys fold down when you don't need 'em. Perfect backup for when your fancy red dot craps out. They are commonly used as backup sights for rifles with optics and are often called Backup iron sights or BUIS.
Now, let's get down to business.
Zeroing Your AR15: The Nitty-Gritty
Step 1: Get Your Shit Together
First things first, you gotta make sure you're not shooting like a drunk monkey. Get comfy, control your breathing, and squeeze that trigger like you mean it. Consistency is key, folks.
Step 2: Shoot Some Holes in Paper
Grab a target (grid paper works great) and start putting lead downrange. Aim for the bullseye and see where your shots land. This is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Play with Your Knobs
No, not those knobs. I'm talking about the windage and elevation adjustments on your rear sight. Here's the deal:
- Windage: Moves your shots left or right
- Elevation: Moves your shots up or down
Remember this golden rule: move the rear sight in the direction you want your bullets to go. It's not rocket science, but it'll save you a headache and you'll also need a front sight tool to adjust your front sights elevation
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
After you've fiddled with your sights, shoot another group. If you're on target, congrats! If not, back to step 3 you go. Don't get discouraged; Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a perfect zero..
Pro Tips from Yours Truly
- Over-adjust, then fine-tune: It's like seasoning your food. Go a little overboard, then dial it back.
- Use a front sight tool: It'll save your fingers and your sanity.
- Zero at 25 or 50 yards: Unless you're trying to impress your buddies with long-range shots, this'll do just fine.
- Confirm at different distances: What works at 25 yards might not cut it at 100.
Troubleshooting for When Shit Hits the Fan
- Shots all over the place? Check your fundamentals, cowboy.
- Sights not adjusting? Make sure they're installed right and nothing's loose.
- Point of impact shifting? Tighten everything down. A wobbly sight is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
I've found that in order to achieve consistent shooting groups, focus on proper shooting fundamentals, such as maintaining a stable shooting position, breathing, and trigger control. I've found that consistency in these fundamentals leads to tighter shot groups, making it easier to determine the adjustments needed to zero your rifle. Remember to practice on a regular basis to improve your shooting skills over time.
Confirming Zero at Different Distances
After successfully zeroing your iron sights at 100 yards, it's important to verify your zero at different distances. Shoot groups at various distances, such as 50 yards, 100 yards.
The Bottom Line
There you have it, folks. Zeroing your AR15 iron sights ain't rocket science, but it does take some patience and elbow grease. Stick with it, and you'll be shooting like a pro in no time.
Got questions? Shoot me an email at support@ozarkarmament.com. Happy shooting, and remember: practice makes perfect!
Article Written By Matt Rice, Owner Operator of OZARK ARMAMENT
