How to Zero a Rifle | Tim Kennedy

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” - Abraham Lincoln

Zeroing an optic on your AR.
Decide what the intended use of your AR is going to be and the average distance you will be shooting at. It's important to research and understand your rifle barrel twist ratio and the type of bullet and grain that is best suited for your barrel for optimal performance.
select an optic you plan to use, variable power scope, red dot, or maybe even just iron sights. Understand how it adjusts, by minutes of angle or milliradian, etc.
Decide your zeroing distance. 25/300, 50/200, 100 Meter/Yard are all common zeroing distances. A good ballistic calculator is beneficial. Some variable power optics already have your hold deviations built into the reticle for you, whereas a non-magnified red dot optic will not. When shooting a red dot it's up to you to verify and know your holds outside of your zero distance.
For example, we’ll use a 50-meter zero with a red dot optic
I begin at 10 meters with a field expedient zero. This will get me on paper and fairly close to zero and help avoid headaches later on.
Once zeroed at 10 meters, I then Move to the distance of 50 meters and begin my zero procedures
After that, I will confirm my zero at 200 meters and determine my holds from ranges from 5-400 meters steel is great to use for instant feedback if you don’t want to hike up and down range or have spotting scopes/ assistance.
Tips:
Always zero your iron sights first.
Zero IR lasers and red dots every time you confirm zero.
Establish a good stable shooting position that provides good stability. - Shooting from a prone supported position or a bench rest is recommended.
After each shot group, confirm with an additional shot group before adjusting for elevation or windage.
Make one deviation correction at a time.
Adjust elevation and then windage or vice versa.
Mark your shot groups for your own mental record after each group.
Spotting scopes and rangefinders are great enablers and highly recommended.
Practice and record grouping at every opportunity.

Stay Safe, and stay free.