I own several AKM style rifles in 7.62 and an AR in 5.56, all equipped with iron sights only (front and rear Troy fixed iron sights on the AR). I have been wanting to get them all "zeroed in" but my research has pulled me in many different directions.
First of all, my philosophy with these rifles is that of self defense. Not long range target shooting or hunting. My idea is that I would like be able to hit a watermelon size target at 100 yards with iron sights only. I figure if it ever comes to having to use the 2nd amendment as it was originally purposed or to simply defend property from criminals or animals, I would like to be able to go out to 50 or 100 yards accurately. I quite honestly have no interest in optics, nor do I have any reason to believe that I would ever need to shoot at ranges greater than 100 yards with open sights and no magnification.
I have researched trajectory charts, YouTube instructional videos, gun forums, factory manuals etc. Everybody seems to have a different opinion and different philosophies and it's driving me nuts.
My question is this...instead of using trajectory charts and worrying about where my bullet may fall at 200 yards, can I just use a simpler method?
Can't I just zero in the rifles for point of impact at point of aim on a target at 25 or 50 yards? Won't my trajectory of both caliber be near enough to defend myself and family from large objects within 0 to 100 yards?
I know the process for "correctly" zeroing in the AKs. I am new to the AR (S&W MP15 Tactical), and a little bit iffy on the proper rear sight elevation setting to begin zeroing the rifle (8/3?) Everybody has differing opinions on zeroing at 25 yards vs 50 yards and his that affects trajectory at very long distances.
So, in my case, can I bring the sights of both rifles to neutral positions and simply zero them in at 25 yards and be happy with that?
Am I being extremely naive? Should I follow the recommended, technical military style zeroing process or does my method sound ok?
Also what rear sight elevation setting should I use for neutral on the AR?
Hopefully this isn't too confusing. Any help is appreciated since I would like to zero the rifles soon. Thanks!
First of all, my philosophy with these rifles is that of self defense. Not long range target shooting or hunting. My idea is that I would like be able to hit a watermelon size target at 100 yards with iron sights only. I figure if it ever comes to having to use the 2nd amendment as it was originally purposed or to simply defend property from criminals or animals, I would like to be able to go out to 50 or 100 yards accurately. I quite honestly have no interest in optics, nor do I have any reason to believe that I would ever need to shoot at ranges greater than 100 yards with open sights and no magnification.
I have researched trajectory charts, YouTube instructional videos, gun forums, factory manuals etc. Everybody seems to have a different opinion and different philosophies and it's driving me nuts.
My question is this...instead of using trajectory charts and worrying about where my bullet may fall at 200 yards, can I just use a simpler method?
Can't I just zero in the rifles for point of impact at point of aim on a target at 25 or 50 yards? Won't my trajectory of both caliber be near enough to defend myself and family from large objects within 0 to 100 yards?
I know the process for "correctly" zeroing in the AKs. I am new to the AR (S&W MP15 Tactical), and a little bit iffy on the proper rear sight elevation setting to begin zeroing the rifle (8/3?) Everybody has differing opinions on zeroing at 25 yards vs 50 yards and his that affects trajectory at very long distances.
So, in my case, can I bring the sights of both rifles to neutral positions and simply zero them in at 25 yards and be happy with that?
Am I being extremely naive? Should I follow the recommended, technical military style zeroing process or does my method sound ok?
Also what rear sight elevation setting should I use for neutral on the AR?
Hopefully this isn't too confusing. Any help is appreciated since I would like to zero the rifles soon. Thanks!
Last edited: