Why Zeroing Your Duty Rifle Optic Is Non-Negotiable — And How Zeroing Differs for Long Range vs Close Quarters

Whether you carry a duty rifle as an armed security officer, law enforcement professional, or in a tactical role, your optic is only as good as its zero. A properly zeroed optic means your point of aim (where you look) matches your point of impact (where the round hits) at known distances — and that simple match is the difference between effective use and a dangerous miss.

Why zeroing matters

• Predictability — A zero gives you a predictable baseline for aiming so you can make fast, accurate shots under stress.

• Safety — Knowing where rounds will land reduces risk to bystanders and property.

• Efficiency — A zeroed optic reduces the need for compensatory aim adjustments and guesswork.

• Trust in your gear — If your optic is zeroed, you can rely on it when decisions are time-critical.

Basic zeroing checklist (what you’ll need)

1. Safe, approved range and range officer/instructor (follow all range rules).

2. Stable rest or bags (to remove shooter-induced variance).

3. Bore or laser bore sight (optional, speeds alignment).

4. Targets at your intended zero distances.

5. Your optic tools (torx/allen for turrets), owner’s manual for turret direction and click value (MOA or MIL).

6. The exact ammunition you plan to use on duty (ammo choice affects POI).

7. Logbook or note sheet to record settings (distance, ammo, environmental conditions).

Safety first: Always follow range safety, maintain muzzle discipline, and use appropriate hearing and eye protection.

Step-by-step: a repeatable zeroing method

1. Warm up the barrel — Fire a few rounds to get consistent temperature/pressure conditions.

2. Stabilize the rifle — Use a benchrest or bags; eliminate body movement as much as possible.

3. Establish initial alignment — Bore-sight or use a laser to get on paper at your first distance.

4. Fire a 3-5 shot group at the zero distance. Aim at the center of the target and use consistent cheek weld and trigger press.

5. Measure the group center relative to the point of aim.

6. Adjust the optic using turret clicks (note direction — up/down, left/right). Convert clicks to inches at that range if needed (or use manufacturer’s click value: e.g., 1/4 MOA per click = ~0.25" at 100 yards).

7. Confirm with another 3-5 shot group.** If it’s still off, repeat adjustments until within acceptable group size and center.

8. Record your final settings** and condition notes (ammo, temp, wind, barrel break-in, etc.).

9. Verify at other ranges** you expect to operate at (see below for rationale)

Close-quarters zeroing: goals and technique

Objective: Ensure quick, instinctive hits at short distances with minimal adjustment — and keep the optic aligned with where you point the rifle in stressful, dynamic encounters.

• Typical approach: Zero for short/medium distances where most CQB engagements occur (commonly from 0–50 meters). Many operators use a “battle zero” or a short-distance zero (e.g., 25–50 m) to create a useful trajectory that keeps rounds within acceptable POI from point-blank out to an intermediate range.

• Red dot vs magnified optics: Red dot sights are optimized for CQB — both eyes open, rapid target acquisition, unlimited eye relief. Zeroing a red dot for 25–50 m often provides a practical POA/POI for 0–100 m with very small vertical deviation.

• Simplicity and speed: The goal is minimal mental math and no elevation dialing under stress. If using a magnified optic for CQB, consider zeroing with lower magnification or using an offset red dot.

• Close-range verification: Test point-blank groups at 5, 10, 25, and 50 meters to confirm alignment across the typical fight envelope.

Example mindset: CQB zeroing prioritizes a “what you see is where it hits” approach across the distances you expect to fight at, reducing the need for holdovers or dialing.

Troubleshooting & best practices

Zeroing an optic isn’t a one-and-done task — it’s part of rifle maintenance and readiness.

Whether your duty requires fast, close engagements or measured, long-range precision, a documented, repeatable zeroing process will keep your gear reliable and your decisions faster. When in doubt, work with a qualified instructor at a certified range to create a zero and DOPE card tailored to your rifle, ammo, and mission.