How to Zero M4 Iron Sights Army: A Step-by-Step Guide
Zeroing your M4 iron sights is a crucial step in ensuring accurate shooting with your weapon. The M4 is a popular choice among military personnel, law enforcement, and civilians alike, and its iron sights are designed to provide a reliable and accurate aiming solution. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to zero your M4 iron sights, including the Army’s recommended procedure.
Why Zero Your M4 Iron Sights?
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, it’s essential to understand why zeroing your M4 iron sights is so important. Zeroing your sights means adjusting them to align with the weapon’s barrel, ensuring that your shots are accurate and on-target. Failing to zero your sights can result in inaccurate shooting, which can be dangerous in combat situations.
The Army’s Recommended Procedure
The Army’s recommended procedure for zeroing M4 iron sights is outlined in the US Army Technical Manual (TM) 3-22.68, which states that the zeroing process should be performed in the following steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Weapon
- Ensure your M4 is in good working condition, with a clean and functioning barrel.
- Remove any attachments or accessories that may interfere with the zeroing process.
- Use a sling or rest to stabilize the weapon during the zeroing process.
Step 2: Determine Your Zeroing Distance
- The Army recommends zeroing your M4 at a distance of 25 yards (23 meters).
- This distance is chosen because it is a common shooting distance for many military and law enforcement applications.
Step 3: Set Your Iron Sights
- Adjust your iron sights to the "battle zero" setting, which is typically 200-300 meters (218-328 yards) for the M4.
- The battle zero setting is designed to provide a quick and easy way to engage targets at close range, without having to adjust your sights.
Step 4: Shoot Your Zeroing Rounds
- Shoot three rounds at the 25-yard (23-meter) target, using the battle zero setting.
- Record the point of impact for each round.
Step 5: Adjust Your Iron Sights
- Based on the point of impact for each round, adjust your iron sights to center the impact point on the target.
- Use a scope or red dot sight to help you accurately adjust your iron sights.
Step 6: Verify Your Zero
- Shoot three more rounds at the 25-yard (23-meter) target, using the adjusted iron sights.
- Verify that the point of impact is centered on the target.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Use the correct ammunition: The Army recommends using 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition for zeroing your M4.
- Adjust for elevation: If you’re zeroing your M4 at a high elevation, you may need to adjust your iron sights for elevation to ensure accurate shooting.
- Practice regularly: Zeroing your M4 iron sights is just the first step in maintaining accurate shooting. Practice regularly to ensure you can consistently hit your targets.
Conclusion
Zeroing your M4 iron sights is a crucial step in ensuring accurate shooting with your weapon. By following the Army’s recommended procedure, you can ensure that your iron sights are properly adjusted and ready for use in combat situations. Remember to practice regularly and stay proficient in your weapon’s use to ensure you can consistently hit your targets.
Appendix: M4 Iron Sight Adjustment Chart
Adjustment | Left | Right |
---|---|---|
1 MOA | 0.5 clicks | 0.5 clicks |
2 MOA | 1 click | 1 click |
3 MOA | 1.5 clicks | 1.5 clicks |
4 MOA | 2 clicks | 2 clicks |
Note: 1 MOA (Minute of Angle) is equal to 1 inch at 100 yards.
Appendix: M4 Iron Sight Adjustment Chart
Elevation | Adjustment |
---|---|
Low | -2-4 clicks |
Normal | 0 clicks |
High | +2-4 clicks |
Note: The above chart is a general guide and may vary depending on the specific M4 model and configuration.