How to Zero & Sight in A Red Dot? – Easiest Way
Red dot sights are the most common optics on the market and are increasingly popular among gun owners because they are accurate, simple to use, fast to aim at targets, and offer a clear, broad field of view.
However, how to sight in a red dot and have a satisfying shooting experience? In this post, we will go over all about red dot sights and provide step-by-step instructions on how to sight a red dot sight. Let’s get started!
Part 1. What is A Red Dot Sight & How Does It Work?
Before diving into the sighting process, it’s essential to understand what a red dot sight is and how it works.
What is A Red Dot Sight?
Red dot sights are non-magnifying reflector optics that help shooters focus on their target. Typically, they are used for shooting at close ranges of 100 yards or less. They are easy to use, mainly provide a point of aim in the form of an illuminated red dot. Additionally, they only use a single focal plane, allowing shooters to focus more on the target.
How Does Red Dot Optics Work?
Red dot sights consist of a curved, partially reflective lens and an LED. The LED projects a red dot onto the lens, which reflects it back to the shooter’s eye. The dot appears to float over the target, aiding in precise aiming. These sights are typically parallax-free, meaning the dot stays on the target regardless of eye position. They offer unlimited eye relief, allowing for flexible positioning of the shooter’s eye.
Part 2. How to Zero/Sight in A Red Dot Sight?
When we talk about how to sight in red dot sights, another term how to zero a red dot sight always comes up. However, are they the same?
In fact, “zero the red dot sight” and “sight the red dot” both generally refer to the same process of aligning the red dot with the point of impact. Their operation steps are similar, but they have slight variations in their meanings. Let’s check them out.
- Zero the red dot sights: This typically refers to the initial setup process where you align the red dot with the point of impact at a specific distance. This is the foundational step to ensure that the sight is properly adjusted for accuracy.
- Sight the red dot sight: This can refer to both the initial zeroing process and any subsequent adjustments made to maintain or refine accuracy. It encompasses the broader task of ensuring the sight is properly aligned with the point of impact.
Steps to Zero/Sight in A Red Dot Sight
Step 1. Initial Setup: Install the red dot sight on the firearm based on the instruction of manufacture.
Step 2. Choose a Distance: Choose a suitable zeroing distance based on the firearm and intended use, such as 25 yards for rifles and 10-15 yards for pistols.
Step 3. Prepare Firearm: Place firearm on a stable shooting rest or sandbags to minimize movement. Then load the firearm with the appropriate ammunition.
Step 4. Aim and Fire: Aim the red dot at the center of the target. Fire a shot while maintaining proper shooting fundamentals, including consistent grip, sight alignment, and trigger press.
Step 5. Check Impact: Check where the bullet impacted the target in relation to where the red dot was aimed.
Step 6. Adjust Sight: Use the adjustment knobs or screws on the red dot sight to move the point of impact to match the red dot’s position.
- Windage (left-right adjustment): Turn the appropriate adjustment knob or screw to move the point of impact left or right.
- Elevation (up-down adjustment): Turn the appropriate adjustment knob or screw to move the point of impact up or down.
Step 7. Repeat if Necessary: To ensure that the red dot always lines up with the point of impact, fire more bullets and adjust as necessary.
Step 8. Confirm Zero/Accuracy: Once the adjustments are made and the red dot aligns with the point of impact, confirm zero/accuracy by firing a group of shots to ensure consistency.
Step 9. Finalize Settings: Once satisfied with the zero/accuracy, record the settings or mark them on your sight for future reference.
Part 3. How to Sight Red Dots without Shooting?
Generally, it’s unable to have an accurate sight without shooting. However, what can be done without shooting is bore sight. This is where a collimator or laser boresight comes in handy.
For collimators, it has arbors that come in the size of a bore. You install the arbor in the bore sight, place it in the firearms bore, aligning it with the scope or red dot. Next, adjust the sight with the grid in the bore sight. Your firearm is now bore sighted. You still need to do some shooting to get the firearm sighted in, but the bore sighter will get you close to zero.
Except collimator, you can also use laser boresighter, it’s shaped like your gun’s cartridge. Placing the laser boresighter in the chamber, aiming at the target, then adjusting the sight to the laser dot.
Part 4. Shotelex Makes You Sight in Red Dot Easily
Are you looking for a trustworthy red dot sight? Shotelex is a good choice! As a reliable red dot sight supplier, it has a competitive advantages in red dot sights because it focuses on developing and manufacturing high-quality red dot sights.
Moreover, Shotelex always offers the best prices and services to customers while maintaining high standards of quality, precision, and functionality in the products.
Part 5. Final Words
The red dot sight is totally a revolutionary tool in the field of shooting sports and tactical operations. We believe that now you have a better understanding of the red dot sight, including its components, how to zero it, and sight it, and more. Now, make full use of your red dot sight!
Part 6. FAQs about Red Dot Sight
1. What distance should sight in a red dot?
This needs to be determined based on the specific usage, because there are many factors that affect the distance, such as the type of firearm, the usage scenario, personal preference, etc. Generally speaking, the distance for using a pistol is 10-25 yards, a shotgun is 25-50 yards, a rifle is 50 yards, and 100 yards is more suitable for precision rifles and long-range shooting.
2. Do red dots need to be sighted in?
Yes, the red dot sight needs to be zeroed or adjusted correctly, because only then will the sight be effective.
3. Can you zero a red dot at home?
Yes, it is entirely possible to zero a red dot sight at home, but it is not as precise as zeroing it at the range. While zeroing at home will allow you to get close to your target, it must be done at a proper range in order to test the firearm at the intended shooting distance.
4. Do you keep both eyes open when shooting a red dot?
It is generally recommended to keep both eyes open when shooting with a red dot sight. Keeping both eyes open will increase situational awareness, reduce eye fatigue, and allow for faster target acquisition and switching between targets.
