Originally Posted By thecolter383:
I wanted to share some targets I created to assist in zeroing my Aimpoint optics. I was always unsatisfied with using other targets to zero my Aimpoints as I felt as if I was guessing whether or not to dot was correctly centered over the target. I created these to address my concerns and they have worked quite well and definitely speed up the zeroing process. I also have shot tighter groups using these targets.

The targets are ‘calibrated’ for use at 50 yards to obtain the 50y/200m improved zero.


The target consists of:

• 1 MOA center ‘zero’ dot
• 2 MOA green inner dot to correspond with 2 MOA optics
• 4 MOA red outer dot to correspond with 4 MOA optics
• Larger black ring to assist in centering the optic’s dot over the center of the target.
• Bold gray cross-hairs to assist in centering the reticule on the target.
• Grid lines with click adjustment references and adjustment dial references

When the target is correctly placed at 50 yards, the optics dot will completely cover the colored portion of the corresponding target. The black ring will assist in correctly centering the optic over the target for a near perfect hold (depending on if you do your part). Just shoot your groups and use the adjustment references to quickly move your point of impact. This should speed up the zeroing process and provide an extremely accurate zero at the same time.


Examples:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8513818288_a2efb03a06_o.jpg

Download the targets in .pdf format HERE

Just make sure your printer scaling is set to NONE / ACTUAL SIZE and you should be good to go.

I hope this can be useful to others.



Adjusted 25 yard targets for a 50 yard zero

Here are 25 yard targets that will give you a 50/200 yard zero when used properly when you only have access to a shorter range. These were made to work with standard AR sight height (2.6" - 2.8" over the bore) using averaged M193 / M855 velocities from a 16" barrel. These should also help those using different rifle setups (barrel length) and/or heavier grain bullets get close.

Place the target at 25 yards. Your point of aim should be at the colored / bold outlined portion of the target. Fire your group. Adjust the point of impact to the GRAY DOT in the middle of the target. If you follow the adjustment grid it will get you there. The math works out to give you a 50/200 yard zero.

Be careful to keep the optic's dot centered within the optic itself as much as possible when zeroing at this range as it is not entirely parallax free at 25 yards. Also, be sure to verify this at 50 yards when you can as there may be slight differences in each weapon that may alter the zero (sight over bore height, co-witness, barrel length, ammunition used, etc.).

25 Yard Target Examples:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8516619871_6ab107b2ef_o.jpg

The Aimpoint 25 yard - 50/200 yard zero target in .pdf can be downloaded HERE



Adjusted 25 yard targets for a 100 yard zero

Same instructions as the adjusted 25 yard targets for a 50 yard zero, only these are calibrated to give a 100 yard zero. Again, be sure to confirm your zero at 100 yards given the chance.

Examples:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8517734678_6a7d8f428d_o.jpg

The 25 yard - 100 yard zero target in .pdf can be downloaded HERE


If printing in black and white, use the green targets as I've found they print better in grayscale.

I encourage anyone who uses these to leave feedback in this thread for future improvements or suggestions. If there are any other targets you'd like to see (different calibers / loads) let me know and I'll will work something up.


Also check out these targets 25M improved zero targets I created based of the common US Military Zero target. They have adjusted zeros for 50/200M, 100M, and the standard 300M zero:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6554038077_37a7a73622.jpg

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_18/556355_Improved_25M_AR15A2___A3___A4_and_AR15_Carbine_Zero_Targets____Calibrated_for_50_200M__100M__300M.html

Originally Posted By maveric23:
Here's the argument for a 100 yd. zero:

http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/23123/zero-distance-for-a-home-defense-ar-15/

Originally Posted By Ledanek:
...
Maybe due to excitement, I forgot that I may have ruined my zero for my intended purpose of owning this rifle.
So I asked to be educated on where is a better place to zero rifle again: Article 2 or GAT.  --- intended purpose again is for home defense/SHTF
I'm not against, seeking professional schooling since both offer classes or even getting a 3x multiplier scope to compliment my Aimpoint H1

THANKS in advance

Originally Posted By Charging_Handle:
For the 25 yard adjusted 50 yard target, you set up the target at 25 yards, fire your group and when hitting dead center in the colored (top) target, you continue to aim at the top target but adjust your optic until your rounds are hitting dead center in the gray (bottom) circle? Then of course you actually verify your zero later with a target placed at 50 yards...right? I just wanted to verify I am reading and deciphering the instructions properly. I am somewhat dense.

Originally Posted By 1saxman:
For the red-dots, I put a 3" circle of white paper in the center of an 8" black 'Shoot-n-See'. I find the white dot in the black circle much easier to see with a red-dot sight at 50 yds. This is mainly for sighting in. Just range plinking, I use the same target without the added white dot. Red dots on targets are obviously not good for maximum visibility because the sight dot is also red. The targets featured in this thread do not appear to me to be of any particular use - you need a light-colored center that's big enough to easily see at 50 yds through the lens of the red-dot.

Originally Posted By scott_0:
is it only on my end? but these are no longer working, takes you to a generic looking search engine

Originally Posted By mbkintner:
New member here trying to study up and learn. Any one know of live links for these files or willing to email copies if I PM you an address?

Thanks all.

Originally Posted By mickdonaldson:

To be honest, *for my eyes* the best zeroing target for a Red Dot was taking a 6" paper plate and making a cross on the whole thing with electrical tape. Then either zero POA/POI at distance, or mark where you want the rounds to hit (if doing one of the shorter range type methods) with a paint pen dot after using a ballistic calculator.

There is nothing special about the targets, they just use math to figure out the impact point, given height above bore, muzzle velocity, and the ballistic coefficient of the bullet being used. And unless you are using the exact barrel length, round, and sight height as the target was designed for, it won't be "balls on" accurate anyway. Probably close enough, but my 11.5" with Fusion MSR and a Romeo 5 - is a 50/160 zero. I say make your own