Adding a red dot sight to your pistol can dramatically enhance accuracy and target acquisition. This is because a red dot allows you to focus on the target while also having a clear point of aim, leading to faster and more precise shots. However, the benefits of a red dot sight are only realized when it’s correctly sighted in. This guide provides a clear and easy-to-follow approach for getting your red dot dialed in, ensuring you maximize its potential on the range or in the field. Accuracy is key with firearms, and proper sighting is the cornerstone. We’ll walk you through every step, from preparation to final adjustments, empowering you to confidently zero your red dot. We’ll also emphasize the importance of responsible gun ownership and safe practices throughout.
Preparing for Sighting In
Setting up for successful sighting in is just as important as the shooting itself. Proper preparation ensures a safe and effective experience, minimizing frustration and wasted ammunition.
First and foremost, you need to gather the right equipment. Your pistol with a red dot sight mounted is, obviously, the centerpiece. It’s crucial that the red dot is securely and correctly attached to your pistol. If you’ve just installed the red dot, check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper mounting procedures. Next, select the correct ammunition for your firearm. Using the wrong ammunition can lead to inconsistent results and, potentially, damage to your gun. It’s also important to choose consistent ammunition, even within the same brand and bullet weight. Using different ammunition can change where your bullets impact the target, and make your job much harder.
A target is next on the list. A target with a clear aiming point is crucial. Consider using a target with a grid or distinct aiming points to help visualize your shots and make precise adjustments. There are many excellent targets designed specifically for sighting in red dot sights. These usually include helpful visual cues, like boxes or circles, to help you to make the proper adjustments.
Maintaining stability during your sighting-in process will be your best friend. A shooting rest or a stable surface is essential for consistency. Whether it’s a bench, sandbags, or a specialized shooting rest, the goal is to minimize any movement of the pistol during your shots. This will eliminate the shooter error, allowing you to get the best results.
Cleaning supplies will be helpful during this exercise, as they’re important for maintaining your firearm. You may want to have a cleaning rod or snake to clean the barrel of your pistol after firing a number of shots.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is safety gear. Ear and eye protection are non-negotiable when handling firearms. They will protect your vision and hearing. Accidents happen, so it is important to be prepared. These tools will provide safety during your shooting practice.
Safety is paramount when working with firearms. Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times, even when the gun is unloaded. Follow all the standard safety rules for firearm handling, which include keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Ensure you are at a safe and approved shooting range that complies with all relevant local regulations. Always be aware of your surroundings, and never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. If at any time, you feel uncomfortable with the situation, or if you observe a dangerous behavior, stop the shooting and address the issue.
Now, let’s talk about understanding your red dot sight. There are various types of red dot sights, with the two most common being reflex sights and holographic sights. Reflex sights are the most prevalent; they use a single LED to project a red dot reticle onto a reflective lens. Holographic sights project a more complex reticle from a laser, providing a wider field of view and sometimes better performance in certain conditions.
The adjustment turrets are essential for sighting in the red dot. There are two main turrets: the windage turret and the elevation turret. The windage turret controls horizontal adjustments (left/right), while the elevation turret controls vertical adjustments (up/down). Turning these turrets moves the red dot reticle, and thus your point of aim, in the corresponding direction. Typically, turning a turret one “click” moves the point of impact a set amount, which brings us to MOA.
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, a unit of angular measurement commonly used in the field of shooting. One MOA represents approximately one inch at one hundred yards. Therefore, if your red dot has ¼ MOA adjustments, each click will move the point of impact approximately ¼ inch at one hundred yards. Remember this is linear – meaning, at fifty yards, it would be ¼ inch per click / 2, and so on. Some red dots use different MOA settings, so make sure to understand your particular model’s settings.
The Sighting In Process: Step-by-Step Guide
With all the necessary equipment gathered and safety precautions in place, we can start the actual sighting-in process.
Start by establishing a safe and comfortable shooting position. Whether you prefer a standing, kneeling, or bench-rested position, the key is consistency. If shooting offhand, find a comfortable stance and grip that allows you to maintain control and minimize movement. If using a rest, ensure the pistol is securely supported, and your shooting platform is stable. The goal is to eliminate as much shooter error as possible.
Next, set up your target at a recommended distance. A good starting distance for pistol red dots is typically around ten to fifteen yards. This distance is close enough to allow for easy adjustments while providing enough distance to accurately assess your point of impact. After you’ve mastered this distance, you can move back further. It’s easier to make corrections at a shorter distance.
Before loading any live ammunition, make sure that your pistol is unloaded and the slide is locked back or the action is open. This ensures that the firearm is safe to handle throughout the process.
Bore sighting, though optional, can save you time and ammunition. Bore sighting is the process of aligning the bore (the barrel’s center) of your pistol with the target before making any adjustments to the red dot. If the red dot is properly mounted, this process will be easier. You might be able to skip this step if the red dot is very close to the center.
Here’s how to bore sight: with your pistol unloaded and the action open, rest your pistol on a stable surface. Look through the bore of the pistol. Try to center the bore on your target. If your red dot has a clear reticle, align your red dot with the center of the target.
Bore sighting helps reduce the initial distance between your point of aim and point of impact, and it minimizes the number of adjustment rounds needed, saving you valuable ammunition and time.
Now comes the live fire and adjustments phase. Load your pistol with the correct ammunition. Take a controlled shot at the target, aiming carefully at the designated aiming point. Observe where the bullet impacts the target. Your point of impact (POI) is the location where your bullet actually strikes the target. Examine the target to find your POI.
If your shots are low, you will need to adjust the elevation turret to raise your point of aim. If your shots are hitting to the left, you will need to adjust the windage turret to the right.
Start by making small, incremental adjustments. Most red dots have audible and tactile clicks when you adjust the turrets. Begin with two to three clicks at a time. After each adjustment, fire a group of 3-5 rounds to assess the change.
If the impacts are too far apart, the key is patience. The more consistently you can shoot, the easier the sighting process will be. Continue shooting, adjusting, and evaluating, slowly “walking” your shots until they cluster around your point of aim. Continue the process of shooting, adjusting, and evaluating.
Once you have a tight group around your point of aim, it’s time for fine-tuning. Refine the adjustments for the optimal point of impact, ensuring that your shots consistently hit the target where you want them to. Consider the distance you will be shooting and the intended use of your pistol, such as defense or competition. Shoot a final group to verify your adjustments, and confirm your zero.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things may not go as planned. Here are some common problems and solutions:
If you find that you cannot get the red dot to adjust, first check the battery. The red dot may not function if there is no power. Ensure that the turrets are not locked; some red dots have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental adjustments. If that fails, ensure that you are using the correct type of screwdriver. Also, check the red dot’s instruction manual for additional information.
If your shots are all over the place, the issue may not be with the red dot. Consider your stance and your grip. Make sure your pistol is securely mounted, and your shooting platform is stable. If you’re using a rest, ensure it’s positioned correctly. Sometimes, the ammunition is the problem. Try a different brand or type of ammunition.
If the red dot is blurry, adjust the brightness settings on the red dot. If you’re still having trouble seeing the dot, consider your eyes. Some shooters may have to adjust the diopter (if your model has one). In addition, cleaning the lens of your red dot is always a good idea.
If you are running out of adjustment range, the red dot may not have been properly mounted on your pistol. Try remounting the red dot, ensuring it is securely attached. The red dot may need shims to properly function.
Advanced Tips & Considerations
Once you have your red dot sighted in, consider the effects of distance. The red dot will only be perfectly zeroed at the distance you sighted in. If you intend to shoot at varying distances, you must compensate for bullet drop.
You can learn to hold over or under the target at different ranges. Alternatively, you can develop a chart that can help you make the proper adjustments.
Another consideration is carry and concealment. If you plan to carry your pistol, test your zero in the conditions and environments that you’ll be carrying it.
Finally, there is the decision between red dots and traditional iron sights. A red dot offers advantages in terms of faster target acquisition and ease of use. Some shooters prefer to have both systems on their pistol. A co-witnessed system allows you to see both the red dot and the iron sights simultaneously, giving you options and redundancy.
Conclusion
Sighting in a red dot sight might seem complex initially, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve accurate results and get your pistol dialed in. Remember to gather all necessary equipment, prioritize safety, and work methodically through the process.
By mastering the process of sighting in your red dot, you’ll significantly improve your shooting skills, regardless of whether you’re at the range or in a defensive scenario. It also gives you a confidence that you have a consistent point of aim.
Practice regularly to maintain your accuracy. As you become more familiar with the process, you’ll refine your technique and build your confidence with your pistol and red dot. Now go enjoy shooting with your accurately sighted red dot pistol!
