How to Zero Iron Sights Without Shooting
Zeroing your iron sights is an essential step in ensuring accurate shooting with your firearm. However, not everyone has access to a shooting range or may not want to spend time shooting to zero their sights. Fortunately, there are alternative methods to zero your iron sights without firing a single shot. In this article, we’ll explore these methods and provide a step-by-step guide on how to zero your iron sights without shooting.
Why Zero Your Iron Sights?
Before we dive into the methods, it’s essential to understand why zeroing your iron sights is crucial. Iron sights are the most basic and reliable sighting system for firearms. They provide a precise point of aim and can be used in any environment, regardless of lighting conditions. However, they require adjustment to ensure accuracy. If your iron sights are not zeroed, you may experience:
• Inaccurate shots
• Difficulty hitting targets
• Reduced confidence in your shooting abilities
Method 1: Use a Laser Bore Sighter
A laser bore sighter is a device that emits a laser beam through the barrel of your firearm, allowing you to align your iron sights with the laser dot. This method is quick, easy, and accurate.
Steps:
- Prepare your firearm: Ensure your firearm is unloaded and the action is open.
- Attach the laser bore sighter: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the laser bore sighter to your firearm’s barrel.
- Align the laser dot: Aim the laser dot at a target or a wall, ensuring it’s centered and level.
- Adjust the iron sights: Use the iron sights to align with the laser dot. Make adjustments as needed to center the dot.
- Verify the alignment: Double-check the alignment by aiming at a target or wall to ensure the laser dot is centered.
Method 2: Use a Bore Sighter Tool
A bore sighter tool is a mechanical device that uses a series of pins or balls to align your iron sights with the barrel of your firearm.
Steps:
- Prepare your firearm: Ensure your firearm is unloaded and the action is open.
- Attach the bore sighter tool: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the bore sighter tool to your firearm’s barrel.
- Align the pins or balls: Use the pins or balls to align your iron sights with the barrel. Make adjustments as needed to center the pins or balls.
- Verify the alignment: Double-check the alignment by aiming at a target or wall to ensure the iron sights are centered.
Method 3: Use a Sight-Inning Tool
A sight-inning tool is a device that uses a series of markings or lines to help you align your iron sights with the barrel of your firearm.
Steps:
- Prepare your firearm: Ensure your firearm is unloaded and the action is open.
- Attach the sight-inning tool: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the sight-inning tool to your firearm’s barrel.
- Align the markings or lines: Use the markings or lines to align your iron sights with the barrel. Make adjustments as needed to center the markings or lines.
- Verify the alignment: Double-check the alignment by aiming at a target or wall to ensure the iron sights are centered.
Tips and Considerations
• Use a consistent method: Choose one method and stick to it to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Take your time: Zeroing your iron sights without shooting requires patience and attention to detail.
• Use a reference point: Use a reference point, such as a wall or target, to help you align your iron sights.
• Check your iron sights: Ensure your iron sights are clean and free of debris to ensure accurate alignment.
Conclusion
Zeroing your iron sights without shooting is a simple and effective way to ensure accurate shooting with your firearm. By using a laser bore sighter, bore sighter tool, or sight-inning tool, you can quickly and easily align your iron sights with the barrel of your firearm. Remember to take your time, use a consistent method, and check your iron sights regularly to ensure accuracy and reliability.
