Zeroing the AR and AK

[NC-Mike]

I've taken a break from shooting for a number of years but picked up a couple new friends along the way and had an opportunity to sight them in on their iron sights.

I settled on the Arsenal method for the AK zero. This is my own edited version but it should be accurately reflect the Arsenal process.

"Arsenal" Zero Method:

Step 1. Set the slider on "2"... Shoot 3 shots, approx 25 yards away, if 3 shots all within 2 inches aim point, Its Zero'd, Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2. Set the slider to "1", and Confirm its Zero by shooting 100 yards "1" setting is 100 yards, "2" setting is 25 and 200 yards. Trajectory lines up perfectly on most types of ammo.

This gives you a 25 yard distance to zero and a Zero'd 200.

Pretty much worked for me. Short, sweet and simple.

The other gun was a 16" AR. Used the 36 Yard - 300 yard zero. Didn't have a chance to verify the 300 yard but it should be there. Again, short and simple process to zero the AR on its iron sights.

Both methods produce long, flat trajectories and you don't have to adjust your irons unless its really long distance for either gun.

My head was spinning trying to come up with the methodology I would use, as their is a dizzying amount of info out there. For me, simplicity rules.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Depends on how big you anticipate your targets being. If you are shooting at e-silhouettes, the 36yd zero is great since you've got a 40" vertical target zone. If you are plinking at smaller targets, say 8" plates, then a 50yd zero has been more practical for me since the bullet is never more than 2.6" from point of aim out to about 250yds (assuming 55gr plinking ammo).

ETA: I was commenting on the AR zero above.

 

[Jackal]

I just zero everything at 50 yards. Works for pretty much all rifle calibers.

 

[NC-Mike]

Things that stopped me from trying the fifty yard zero was having to adjust the elevation and we have a 300 yard target line where I shoot.

I didn't want to fool around the rear sight in any way. Simplicity was my goal as I am a simple man.

 

[NC-Mike]

A fifty yard zero will work but I can see why Arsenal uses a 25 yard zero.

 

[NC-Mike]

Here is a pretty clear chart for 5.56

 

[NC-Mike]

This blog on Robar guns helped me decide.


Only thing I am shootings is paper.

And if I can find some bowling pins, I will happily shoot them as well.

 

[MIL-DOT]

ZERO??? Everyone knows you don't 'zero' an AK, you just "spray & pray" !!

 

[NC-Mike]

Have to say, I picked up a Century M1960 Polish Milled AK and it is one sweet rifle. The trigger is better than the DPMS AR by a wide margin and the action is as smooth as glass. I am very happy with it.

Again, the simplicity of its design is what attracts me.

And it is pretty darned accurate as well. I fired 4- 3 shot groups to zero and one group to confirm and each time the groups followed the inputs I made on the sights. Was very pleased with the process.

 

[alexander.haley]

For a ar, zero at 25 meters,
Step 1 make sure your front sight is flush.
Step 2 set your Windage all the way left or right.
Then count how many clicks it takes to get to the other side. Half that and you should have a number around the center of your rear sight.
Step 3 either m4, set it to 6/3 +1 or m16 8/3 +1 on your elevation.
Fire 3 rounds at your 25meter target.
Connect the dots and repeat as needed.

Hope this helps for being simple

 

[C-grunt]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9oXGT55cV8

GREAT video on AR zeros

 

[akarguy]

I am confused with the arsenal method. Typical sighting with an AK is to set the slider at 100 and zero at 25. Theoretically one should be zero at 200 simply by moving the rear is sight to 200 (...and also enjoy minute of sasquatch accuracy from 0-300 on the "U" setting. No?

 

[NC-Mike]

Take a look at the 7.62 x 39 ballistic chart. 25 yards and 200 yards intersect.

So when you zero at 25 yards with the sight set on 2, you are also zeroed for 200 yards and basically have a good target zone from 25 yards out to almost 250 yards before having to hold over a target bigger than 6 or 8 inches or the average paper plate. You will be 3 inches high at 100 yards if you don't move the sight.