OK guys & girls, what are the proper steps for setting up a BSZ for the M1A and the AR15 (A3 BM carry handle)? [>:/]

btt

 Use the 300 yard sight setting on the M1a, and the 300 yd plus 1 click on the AR.  Adjust POA to POI at 25 yds.  This will get you very close, confirm zero at 300 yards at your first oppurtunity.

Here is a good website with AR-15 info
http://communities.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/_whatsnew.msnw

Here is the link to the page that gives several different methods to zero the AR-15
http://communities.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite&naventryid=120

I like to use the Improved Battlesight Zero by LTC Chuck Santose. You zero at 50 yards instead of 25 meters and your shots will be within 2" higher or lower than your point of aim out to 220 yards or 200 meters. I think this method is easier than the standard 300 meter zero that the military uses because m,ost ranges do not have targets set up at 25 meters.

I do not own a M14 or M1A but the best way that I have read to zero one (I read up on M1A's because I think I might like to get one or some other battle rifle someday) is the method that Fred of Fred's M14 Stocks in Shotgun News uses.
Fred has a guide to becoming a rifleman that has the zeroing procedure in it. You can order it 1-800-979-2144.
Fred's web page
http://www.shotgunnews.com/members/fred/pages/Fredspagesindex.html

Another thing.
.223 rifles are best to be zeroed at 200 meters/220yards and .308 rifles are best to be zeroed at 250 meters/275 yards. This is a battle sight zero.

Unless you have a M1 Garand elevation knob on your M1A, the M1A (M14) elevation knob will be calibrated in meters.  For a 250 meter battle zero, the rear sight will usually be either twelve or thirteen clicks from bottom.  Loosen the screw in the elevation knob a little then you can adjust the knob to read just above the 2 mark at twelve or thirteen clicks up from bottom.

Using a 250 meter zero on the M1A, you will be within five inches high or low of point of aim out to 300 yards assuming you are using ~ 147 grain FMJ ammo.