quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
I just want to see the target at 25 yards. A couple hundred isn’t even on the table.

It sounds like, in the process of zeroing, you are having difficulty resolving the target well enough to see when the dot is in the center of the target.

You may simply need to use a different target. The human eye is good at seeing when something is centered on something.

At 25 yards, I recommend something like a high contrast (black) 2 or 3 inch circle on a a larger white background. If you struggle with that, make the high contrast portion larger.

Trying to see printed lines on a paper target can be impossible if your vision isn't excellent.

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
I just want to see the target at 25 yards. A couple hundred isn’t even on the table.

It sounds like, in the process of zeroing, you are having difficulty resolving the target well enough to see when the dot is in the center of the target.

You may simply need to use a different target. The human eye is good at seeing when something is centered on something.

At 25 yards, I recommend something like a high contrast (black) 2 or 3 inch circle on a a larger white background. If you struggle with that, make the high contrast portion larger.

Trying to see printed lines on a paper target can be impossible if your vision isn't excellent.

Yes. You understand exactly. A friend let me borrow a nice spotting scope and I’m going to take the guns out and try some different targets. I’m thinking a couple with just a vertical line to get windage I’m a couple with horizontal lines to get elevation. Then I’ll move to conventional targets.

The problem with single lines is that you may have issues seeing those, too, and a single line with no intersecting points isn't conducive to maintaining a consistent point of aim.

I like something like this for zeroing a scope with cross hairs, as you can align the reticle with the center of the diamond and the thicker lines radiating out from the points. It works reasonably well for iron sights, too:



For a red dot, I prefer something like this as you can center the dot inside of the circle:




I find both targets reasonably easy to see out to 50 yards without magnification, and the grid helps calculate adjustments for your zero. Remember, you don't need the target to be perfectly in focus...just enough to be able to maintain a consistent point of aim.

There are even better options than these out there (darker, bolder centers, or varying colors), but both of the ones above are printable for free at www.targets.ws.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:

That’s the one that I just couldn’t see. Probably not enough contrast or size of the center. It basically looks like a piece of white paper.

Gotcha. My eyes are bad, and I've worn glasses since I was 13, but thankfully they're still correctable. Sounds like you're going to need something with more definition.

If you're using a red dot, try a traditional black bullseye like a B8, B3, or A23 (maybe print a few and pick the size that is most appropriate for the distance you're shooting at). That might give you enough contrast to provide a visible aiming point.

I personally love the magnifier setup. I tend to shoot more at 50-75 yards and find the magnifier fantastic at those distances. I have a few setups, but honestly the holosun is one of the best i've used - they do add noticeable weight, but get one with a QD and big deal, take it off if you don't need it. I have horrible astigmatism, even with corrective lenses, and find holographic optics are much easier for me to focus than traditional dots, which turn into blurs quickly. good advice here, but if you've got some extra cash you might just like that magnifier

quote:

Originally posted by trickedtrix:
I personally love the magnifier setup. I tend to shoot more at 50-75 yards and find the magnifier fantastic at those distances. I have a few setups, but honestly the holosun is one of the best i've used - they do add noticeable weight, but get one with a QD and big deal, take it off if you don't need it. I have horrible astigmatism, even with corrective lenses, and find holographic optics are much easier for me to focus than traditional dots, which turn into blurs quickly. good advice here, but if you've got some extra cash you might just like that magnifier

Thanks. I’m still thinking about it. I’ll probably eventually pick one up.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
If you want to zero for 50 yards, try using a target like this (or similar) at 25:

...

After I used some high contrast (bright colors) targets to get it in the ball park, I then used the target suggested all at 25 yards. It took 48 clicks to get the elevation to this point (although 6 may have been in the wrong direction ).

I figure that's about as good as I will get it and stopped messing with it. After that 3 round group, I moved to the 50 yard side. 3 shots with 3 hits at a steel plate the size and shape of a human head. I was pleased with the results.

Fellows, thanks for all your help. I appreciate it.

I picked up a Holosun magnifier. I have been considering one for a while since I like RDS but I often wish I had a scope. The titanium body magnifier fits nicely in front of a compact flip up rear sight. The optic is clear, fairly small field of view, a short range of good eye relief, secure quick release cowitness mount with lower 1/3 spacer included, positively held in both up and flipped positions. It is just heavy enough that I can feel it there. I like it but I haven't yet had a chance shoot with it.