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 — like Ozark Armament's A2 front sight — 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, especially when paired with a carry handle mount for optics.
• 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 your fixed rear iron sight is 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 — whether standard post sights or HK style flip up backup sights — 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 — whether you're running flip-up backup iron sights for your rifle or fixed 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.

For a deeper look at the adjustment process on AR-15 platforms specifically, check out our guide on adjusting AR-15 iron sights for accurate shooting. And if you're picking out new rear sights, our roundup of top AR-15 rear iron sights covers the best options. Got questions? Shoot me an email at support@ozarkarmament.com. Happy shooting, and remember: practice makes perfect!

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Iron Sight Adjustment FAQs: Windage, Elevation and Tools

Q: How do I zero AR-15 iron sights at the range?

A: Start at 25 yards, fire a tight three round group, then move the rear sight for windage (left and right) and the front sight post for elevation (up and down) until your point of impact matches your point of aim. Confirm the zero again at your intended distance.

Q: Which sight controls windage and which controls elevation?

A: On a standard AR-15 the rear sight moves your impact left and right for windage, and the front sight post sets elevation up and down. Turn each adjuster toward the direction you want the shots to move.

Q: Do I need a special tool to adjust the front sight post?

A: A front sight adjustment tool makes it far easier. It seats the detent and turns the four or five prong post cleanly, so you avoid chewing up the sight with a punch or a pair of pliers.

Q: My groups will not move after adjusting. What is wrong?

A: Make sure the front sight detent is fully depressed before you turn the post, and confirm you are moving the correct sight for that axis. If the shots still wander, check that the sight base screws are tight and re-confirm your zero from a solid rest.

Article Written By Matt Rice, Owner Operator of OZARK ARMAMENT