[556plinker]

Thanks gatekeeper!

I'll spray paint a paper plate black and stick it against a white background and do the 6'oclock hold to see where I'm grouping. I'll give a range report in a few weeks to report on any progress. I go through this everytime I get a different shooting iron but my philosophy is that I need to be able to shoot the rifle proficiently before putting optics on it....what if the optics fail? I had a really hard similar transition going from the 870/1100 configuration to the over under configuration quail hunting. I stuck with it and didn't give up and now I can hang with the best of the best in varying quick point situations. It kept me from switching guns or simply giving up and buying something else which is what a lot of people do while blameing it on the gun without giving it an honest try. The only other military type weapon I have is an sks but it was a peice of cake with the sights....this ar platform is entirely different and I LIKE it but I've got some practicing to do. I won't give up.

[SGT-MILLER]

Sight in your AR-15 at exactly 25 meters with 55 grain FMJ ammunition. Use this target:

[Last Crow]

I shoot ½ size NRA official 100 yard military type targets that I print on my computer, for testing ammo and shooting 22LR out of my AR. At 50 yards.
The 100 yard targets have a 6 ¼ inch black center, same as the gun clubs use for CMP shoots. The ones I print for 50 yards have a 2 ¾ inch center(as close to ½ size that I could get it).
What ever the spread is at 50 yards will be double at 100 yards and 4 times at 200 yards. The CMP 200 yard targets are twice the size as the 100 yard targets.
About the best I could do at 100 yards would be a 2 inch spread, and not always that close.
Read what the military manuals have to say. One thing they say is start by putting your nose against the charging handel.

[Quentin]

I agree with SGT-MILLER, start at 25 meters and use the target he suggested (for a 20" barrel). Below is the PDF and I also included a PDF for the M4 since it looks like you have one.


http://www.bobdbob.com/~deneb/doc/targets/m16a2-25m-zero.pdf M16A2 25 meter target

http://ohmr.ohio.gov/forms/ohmr2444-b.pdf M4 25 meter zeroing target - ETA: (there is a minor error on this target, the elevation knob is set to 6/3 not 8/3)

[superc]

You could also try using one of those stick on Orange pasties for the center of your target. They are often visible at that distance and have really helped me hold to the same common aim point from shot to shot, vs. a black blob.

[jpattersonnh]

I need to ask, and no I have not read all the responses, so if it has been asked take me hunting! Is your AR an A2 sight? If so is the rear sight set at 8/3? What sights are you using? At 100 if you are shooting high you need to raise the front sight. My DCM A2 shoots tiny little groups at 100. JP

[556plinker]

JPATT: I have a midwest industries rear sight and the standard triangle on the front. I think I will leave it as is and try the zeroing target at 25 yds and then try again at fifty. I think I am close but I want to do better!!!...and be proficient on paper at 100 to enable me to hit anything of size at 200-250. JPATT, I'll take you hunting for quail anytime in missouri if you will take me grouse hunting in NH!!!! We will leave the AR's in the truck!

[Quentin]

25 meters!!!

[556plinker]

I aM AN AMATUER at these battle sights!!!! I've never had trouble knocking a squirrel out of a tree with a 22 but this is a little more challenging for an AR neophyte....go ahead make fun, I'll show ya.....might take some time though......

[Garandpa]

Originally Posted by Gatekeeper

One thing I've found, when shooting groups with iron sights, it helps to have a consistent aiming point so you can get repeatable sight alignment.
At 100yards I would like to have a target with a large black center at least 6" diameter, 10" would be even better to get a repeatable 6 o'clock sight picture.
you can go buy targets or even spray paint a paper plate black.


Then adjust your sights to give your groups the elevation you desire up from the bottom edge of the target.
my .02

Gatekeeper's got it right. Get some SR-1 target repair centers and go to work on a bull you can see. The idea is that the aiming black is the same width as your front sight post, so you can get a repeatable aim going. You can order them at the following link. Get the SR-1C.

Official NRA High Power Rifle Targets Long Gun Shooting Targets