Understanding your Zero
25 meter zero
The 25-meter zero is a method used by the U.S. military to set the sights on rifles, including those used by snipers. There isn't a lot of information about where the 25-meter zero came from, but it is thought to have been made because the US military wanted a faster and more effective way to zero the M16 rifle, which came out in the 1960s.
The 25 meter zeroing process involves zeroing the rifle at a target 25 meters away, rather than the traditional 100 meters. This makes the process of setting the zero faster and reduces the need for large ranges, which can be hard to find in some places. The 25 meter zero method has since become a standard technique used by the US military and many law enforcement agencies around the world. It is also commonly used by civilian marksmen and sport shooters.
Advantages:
Faster zeroing: The 25-meter zero makes the zeroing process faster, which is helpful when you don't have a lot of time or can't use a large range.
Reduced ammunition use: Since the zeroing distance is shorter, you need less ammunition to get a good zero, which can save you time and money.
Improved accuracy at close ranges: The 25-meter zeroing method is especially good for improving accuracy at close ranges, where many engagements happen in cities or in close-quarters combat.
Disadvantages:
Less accuracy at farther distances: The 25-meter zero may not work as well at farther distances, especially beyond 300 meters. This can be a problem for snipers and other people who need to hit targets from farther away.
Because the 25-meter zero requires the shooter to adjust their sights to hit the target at a shorter distance, there may not be much room for more adjustments at longer ranges.
Variances in ammunition: Differences in the type or quality of ammunition used can affect the effectiveness of the 25 meter zero, which may require the shooter to re-zero their rifle with a different type of ammunition.
Lack of standardization: While the 25 meter zero is commonly used in the US military, it is not a universally accepted standard, which can cause confusion or inconsistency when working with other agencies or organizations.
36 meter zero
The 36-meter zero is a way to set the sights on rifles, especially the US military's M4 carbine. There isn't a lot of information about where the 36-meter zero came from, but it is thought that the US Army came up with it as a better way to zero the M4 carbine.
With the 36 meter zero method, the rifle is aimed at a target 36 meters away instead of the usual 100 meters. This makes the process of zeroing the gun faster and more efficient, and it is thought to be more accurate at longer ranges than the 25-meter zero.
For the M4 carbine, the 36-meter zero method is usually better than the 25-meter zero method, especially for snipers and other marksmen who need to hit targets at longer distances. However, like any zeroing method, the effectiveness of the 36 meter zero depends on a variety of factors, including the type of ammunition used, the shooter's skill level, and the specific rifle and sighting system being used.
Advantages:
Better accuracy at longer ranges: The 36-meter zeroing method is thought to be more accurate at longer ranges than the 25-meter zeroing method. This can be helpful for snipers and other marksmen who need to shoot at targets farther away.
Reduced ammunition use: Because the zeroing distance is closer than the traditional 100 meter zero, less ammunition is needed to get a good zero, which can save time and money.
Quicker zeroing: The 36-meter zero makes the process of zeroing faster and more efficient. This can be helpful when you don't have a lot of time or a large range isn't available.
More options: The 36-meter zero gives you more options for setting up your sights for different types of ammunition or different shooting situations.
Disadvantages:
Because the 36-meter zero requires the shooter to adjust their sights to hit the target at a shorter distance, there may not be much room for more adjustments at longer ranges.
Changes in ammunition: The 36-meter zero may not work as well if the type or quality of ammunition used is different. If this happens, the shooter may need to re-zero their rifle with a different type of ammunition.
Lack of standardization: The 36 meter zero is not a universally accepted standard, which can lead to confusion or inconsistency when working with other agencies or organizations.
Less effective at very close ranges: The 36-meter zero might not be as good at very close ranges, where fights might happen in cities or in close-quarters combat.
50 meter zero
The 50-meter zero is a way to set the sights on rifles, especially the US military's M16 and M4 carbines. There isn't a lot of information about where the 50 meter zero came from, but it is thought that the US Army came up with it as a better way to zero than the 25 meter and 36 meter zeros.
With the 50 meter zero method, the rifle is aimed at a target 50 meters away instead of the usual 100 meters. This allows for a more precise zeroing process and is believed to provide even better accuracy at longer ranges than the 25 meter or 36 meter zeroes.
For the M16 and M4 carbines, the 50-meter zero method is often better than the 25-meter or 36-meter zeroes. This is especially true for snipers and other marksmen who need to hit targets at longer ranges. However, like any zeroing method, the effectiveness of the 50 meter zero depends on a variety of factors, including the type of ammunition used, the shooter's skill level, and the specific rifle and sighting system being used.
Advantages:
Better accuracy at longer ranges: The 50-meter zeroing method is thought to give even better accuracy at longer ranges than the 25-meter or 36-meter zeroes. This can be helpful for snipers and other marksmen who need to shoot at targets farther away.
Reduced ammunition use: Because the zeroing distance is closer than the traditional 100 meter zero, less ammunition is needed to get a good zero, which can save time and money.
The 50-meter zero makes the zeroing process faster and more efficient than the traditional 100-meter zero. This can be helpful when you don't have a lot of time or a large range isn't available.
More options: The 50-meter zero gives you more options for setting up your sights for different types of ammunition or different shooting situations.
Disadvantages:
Because the 50-meter zero requires the shooter to adjust their sights to hit the target at a shorter distance, there may not be much room for more adjustments at longer ranges.
Changes in ammunition: The 50-meter zero may not work as well if the type or quality of ammunition used is different. If this happens, the shooter may need to re-zero their rifle with a different type of ammunition.
Lack of standardization: The 50-meter zero is not a universally accepted standard, which can lead to confusion or inconsistency when working with other agencies or organizations.
Less effective at very close ranges: The 50-meter zero might not be as good at very close ranges, where fights might happen in cities or in close-quarters combat.
100 meter zero
The 100-meter zero is a traditional way to zero a gun that has been used for a long time. It comes from military training for shooting skills. It is used by a lot of military and civilian shooting groups all over the world.
For the 100-meter zero, the rifle is aimed at a target 100 meters away, which is a standard distance for zeroing rifles. Most rifles with iron sights or optics with a magnification of 4x or less are used with this method.
The 100-meter zero is a standard and reliable way to zero a rifle, and it is often the method that comes with many rifles. It has a good balance between accuracy at longer ranges and flexibility at shorter ranges.
How well the 100-meter zero works depends on a number of things, such as the type of ammunition used, the skill level of the shooter, and the rifle and sighting system that is being used. It is generally thought to be a reliable and effective method of zeroing that works well in many shooting situations. However, some shooters may prefer other methods of zeroing based on their needs and preferences.
Advantages:
Standardization: The 100 meter zero is widely recognized and used as a standard zeroing method, which can make it easier for shooters to communicate and work together, particularly in military or law enforcement settings.
Reliable accuracy: The 100 meter zero is considered to be a reliable and effective zeroing method for many shooting scenarios. It provides good accuracy at longer ranges and reasonable flexibility at shorter ranges.
Compatibility: Many rifles and sighting systems are designed to be zeroed at 100 meters, making it a convenient zeroing method for shooters who use various rifles and optics.
Versatility: The 100 meter zero can be used with various types of ammunition, making it a versatile zeroing method for different shooting scenarios.
Disadvantages:
Limited flexibility: The 100 meter zero is less flexible than other zeroing methods for shorter range shooting scenarios. For example, it may not be as effective for shooting at targets that are less than 50 meters away.
Reduced accuracy in extreme long-range shooting: While the 100 meter zero provides good accuracy at longer ranges, it may not be as effective for extremely long-range shooting scenarios.
Inadequate for certain types of rifles: The 100 meter zero may not be suitable for certain types of rifles, such as those with heavy barrels or those chambered in cartridges with significant amounts of bullet drop.
Time and resource intensive: Zeroing a rifle at 100 meters can be a time and resource intensive process, particularly when compared to shorter zeroing distances such as the 25 meter or 50 meter zeros.
200 meter zero
The 200-meter zero is another way that military and civilian shooting groups use to set their sights. It is mostly used by marksmen who use the M16 or AR-15 rifle with a 20-inch barrel. It is thought to have come from the U.S. military.
For the 200-meter zero, the rifle is aimed at a target that is 200 meters away. It is a common way for military and police snipers to get their sights on a target from a long distance. It is also used by hunters and people who shoot in competitions that require accurate shots from a long distance.
The 200-meter zero is based on the idea that the bullet will rise above the line of sight at a shorter distance and then fall back through the line of sight at a longer distance. By setting the rifle's zero at 200 meters, the shooter can use the trajectory of the bullet to make accurate shots from farther away.
How well the 200-meter zero works depends on a number of things, such as the type of ammunition used, the skill level of the shooter, and the rifle and sighting system that is being used. It is generally thought to be a good way to zero a gun for long-range shooting, but some shooters may prefer other ways to zero their guns based on their needs and preferences.
Advantages:
Improved accuracy at long range: The 200-meter zero is made to optimize the bullet's path when shooting at long range. By setting the rifle's zero at 200 meters, the shooter can get more accurate shots at distances farther than 200 meters.
Effective for windage corrections: Because the bullet is in flight for a longer period of time, the 200 meter zero is effective for making windage corrections, which can be important when shooting at long ranges in windy conditions.
Easy to remember: The 200-meter zero is easy to remember and use in the field.
Compatible with a number of rifle platforms: The 200-meter zero is not specific to any one rifle platform, so it can be used with a number of different rifles and sighting systems.
Disadvantages:
Less accuracy at close ranges: The 200-meter zero is best for shooting at long distances, so it may not work as well at close ranges. When shooting at close range, shooters may need to adjust their aim or use a different zeroing method to make up for this.
Less flexible than other ways to zero: The 200-meter zero is best for long-range shooting and may not be as flexible as other ways of zeroing for different kinds of shooting.
Depends on bullet weight and speed: The effectiveness of the 200-meter zero can be affected by the bullet's weight and speed, so you may need to make more changes or try different things to get the best results.
Zeroing a rifle at 200 meters can take a long time and use up a lot of resources, especially when compared to shorter zeroing distances like 25 meters or 50 meters.
300 meter zero
Shooters in the military and in the civilian world use the 300-meter zero as a way to set their sights. It is mostly used by marksmen who use the longer rifles with 20-inch or longer barrels. It is thought to have come from the U.S. military.
For the 300-meter zero, the rifle is aimed at a target that is 300 meters away. This method of zeroing is meant to make the bullet's path the best it can be for shooting beyond 300 meters.
How well the 300-meter zero works depends on a number of things, such as the type of ammunition used, the skill level of the shooter, and the rifle and sighting system that is being used. It is generally thought to be a good way to zero a gun for long-range shooting, but some shooters may prefer other ways to zero their guns based on their needs and preferences.
Advantages:
Improved accuracy at long range: The 300 meter zero is made to optimize the bullet's path when shooting at distances farther than 300 meters. By setting the rifle's zero at 300 meters, the shooter can get more accurate shots at distances farther than 300 meters.
Effective for making windage corrections: Because the bullet is in the air for a longer time, the 300-meter zero is good for making windage corrections, which can be important when shooting at long ranges in windy conditions.
Compatible with a wide range of rifle platforms: The 300-meter zero doesn't have to be used with a certain rifle platform, so it can be used with a wide range of rifles and sighting systems.
Holdover: The 300-meter zero requires less holdover than some other zeroing methods, which can make it easier for the shooter to aim accurately at long distances.
Disadvantages:
Less accuracy at close ranges: The 300 meter zero is best for shooting at long distances, so it may not work as well at close ranges. When shooting at close range, shooters may need to adjust their aim or use a different zeroing method to make up for this.
Depending on the weight and speed of the bullet, the 300-meter zero may not work as well as it could. To get the best results, you may need to make more adjustments or try different bullets.
Zeroing a rifle at 300 meters can take a long time and use up a lot of resources, especially when compared to shorter zeroing distances like 25 meters or 50 meters.
The 300-meter zero is best for shooting at long distances, so it may not be as useful as other zeroing methods for different kinds of shooting situations.
Impacts at distance when using a specific zero
General Uses
25 meter zero: The 25 meter zero is often used by the military and law enforcement when they need a quick and effective way to zero their guns for close to medium-range shooting. It's perfect for tactical situations where finding and attacking a target is important.
Some military and law enforcement agencies use the 36-meter zero, especially those who use the M4 carbine or other rifles with shorter barrels. It is best for shooting at close to medium distances, and at slightly longer distances, it may be more accurate than the 25-meter zero.
50 meter zero: Both civilian and military shooters often use the 50 meter zero for general shooting, like hunting and shooting at targets. It has better accuracy at medium ranges and can be used in many different shooting situations.
100-meter zero: The 100-meter zero is often used by military and law enforcement snipers who need a more accurate way to zero their guns for shooting at longer distances. It works best at distances of up to 500 meters and in cities and rural areas.
200-meter zero: The 200-meter zero is often used by military and law enforcement snipers who need a more accurate way to zero their guns for shooting at longer distances. It works best at ranges of up to 800 meters and is especially good in open terrain.
300 meter zero: The 300 meter zero is best for shooting situations farther away than 300 meters. It is often used by military and police snipers who must be more accurate at longer distances. It may be especially useful when windage corrections are needed in open terrain.
It's important to remember that each zero distance can be used in different ways, depending on the shooter's skill level, the rifle and sighting system used, and the type of shooting situation. Shooters should choose a zeroing distance based on their own needs and preferences. They may need to try out different zeroing methods to find the one that works best for them.
Other Zero possibilities (very niche uses)
10 meter zero: The 10 meter zero is sometimes used by people who mostly shoot at very close targets with airguns or rimfire rifles.
75 meter zero: The 75 meter zero is sometimes used by military or law enforcement snipers who need a zero that is optimized for shooting scenarios between 300-500 meters.
150 meter zero: The 150 meter zero is sometimes used by hunters or marksmen who mostly shoot at targets at medium ranges.
175 meter zero: The 175 meter zero is sometimes used by military or law enforcement snipers who need a zero that works best for shooting situations between 500 and 700 meters.
225 meter zero: The 225 meter zero is sometimes used by hunters or marksmen who need a zero that is optimized for shooting scenarios between 500-800 meters.
250-meter zero: The 250-meter zero is sometimes used by military or law enforcement snipers who need a zero that works best for shooting situations between 700 and 900 meters.
