AR 10 owners are aware of how important it is to zero their rifle at 100 yards. It improves your accuracy at an extended range of shooting. You can zero in your AR 10 scope at your preferred distance, but the recommended range is 100 yards.
Zeroing your rifle is easy and simple. In this post, we provided the steps on how to zero AR 10 at 100 yards.
Why Do You Need to Zero Your AR-10 Rifle at 100 Yards?
There is no specific rule that says you should zero your gun at 100 yards. You can choose to set it as near as 50 yards or as far as 150 yards. But, the 100 yards has become the standard because of the following:
Most of the scope manufacturers were the parallax adjustment at 100 yards. The movement you can see on the scope when you move your eye right or left as you look into the scope is referred to as the parallax.
Your target will show slightly right or left from the crosshair. Other scopes can be adjusted for various ranges, but most of them are set at 100 yards, making zeroing the rifle much easier.
Also, zeroing a AR10 scope at 100 yards is very easy that even novice shooters can do it without having problems. Another reason why experts believed it is an accurate distance because it is far enough to determine if the rifle’s optic is lined up with the bore. Do not forget to check if the scope and the bore are parallel or not. If it is still off, better seek the help of a gunsmith.
But it does not mean that you need to zero it at 100 yards all the time. You can also try zeroing your firearm for a longer distance, particularly if you will hunt a deer. The longer distance you can set is around 200 to 250 yards. If you set it at 200, the bullet will drop a few inches than how much it would drop if it is zeroed at 100 yards.
What You Need to Zero an AR 10 at 100 Yards
The following tools are needed to zero your AR accurately.
Rifle Scope
You need a AR 10 rifle scope to set up your zero. The scope should be appropriately installed on your firearm. Secure the mount to the base well using rings and bolts.
Bullet
The ammunition quality significantly impacts your aim when you zero your scope for a specific range. The bullet’s drop rate will depend on the velocity, weight, type of projectile, and length. Hunters should choose the best kind of bullets because they will need to shoot at various distances.
Bore Sights
This tool is available in two varieties, the magnetic and laser. The boresight will prevent your rifle and shoulder from wearing.
Rifle Rest
This tool will keep the gun stable as you set up the zero. It reduces human error, so experts recommend using a rifle rest when setting up your zero.
Pen and Paper
Shooters are using the pen and paper to do the calculations as you set up the zero.
Steps on How to Zero AR 10 at 100 Yards
Follow the five steps below in setting up your AR 10 at 100 yards:
Step #1 Set Your Firearm on a Rifle Rest
Setting your rifle, scope, and the target is the first thing you need to do. Make sure the scope will fit the gun correctly. Secure the firearm into the test so it will not move while shooting.
Step #2 Peek Through the Scope
After setting up the target, peek into the scope. You must have a clear, accurate view of the image when setting up the shot. Ensure the magnification is set at the proper range. Adjust the windage and elevation to tune the scope direction properly and point the reticle at the center of your target.
Step #3 Test Fire
After leveling the crosshair at the center of the target, check where it will hit—fire one round. The point of impact will serve as your starting position where you will adjust your scope. Some shooters will fire around three bullets from the initial position to determine any changes with each shot.
Step #4 Make the Necessary Adjustments
If, in case, you did not hit the target, it means your scope needs some adjustments. Unmount the scope and refit. Make sure you are tightening it in the correct direction. If you notice the point of impact of the bullets has a 1 to 10 inches difference, you can adjust the scope.
In calculating the level of adjustment needed to a scope accurately, count the clicks required to adjust the scope in each direction. For instance, the scope is adjusted to ½ inch for every click. If you test the shot and it falls at 2.5 inches below your target and three inches to the left, you have to adjust your aim by five MOA up and six to the right.
Step #5 Repeat Test Shot
After making the adjustments in your scope, perform another test shot and check if you succeed. If you notice the rifle accuracy improves after taking the shots and the point of impact is closer to the target, you have made the correct adjustments.
If the shots are not yet even close to your target, fine-tune your scope again and adjust. Test shot again and check if you are near to your target. You can repeat the adjustment and test shots until you have hit the right spot.
Final Thoughts
Zeroing your AR 10 rifle at 100 yards is not an easy process. You have to do some test firing before you can get it. If you want a longer distance, you are allowed to do so. The 100 yards distance is just the recommended length because most shooters think it is far enough for the bullet to travel.
However, you have the option to go further depending on your preference. You can try different distances and redo until you consistently hit group shots near the bullseye. Once you master that, you can hit targets at a longer distance.
We hope this how to zero an AR 10 at 100 yards guide helps you zero your rifle. It may take some adjustments before you can finally achieve the right setting. If you have questions or want to share your thoughts about the topic, feel free to comment below.