Although optics are all the rage now, many still like the simplicity and dependability of good old iron sights. They make a great backup as well. However, if the front and rear sights are not properly aligned your shot placement and overall accuracy will suffer. Not to mention, if they are really far off, they may pose more of a risk in a home or self-defense scenario. This short primer provides the basics on how to adjust your iron sights if they need it.
Although some people like to zero at 25 meters, others prefer to zero at 50 yards. However, you may want to zero at 100 yards depending on your intended use. But keep in mind the effect this will have on close-quarters application. For this exercise, we chose a 50-yard zero.
Zeroing In
1.) Be sure you and your rifle are on a stable surface such as a bench rest or sandbags. Any movement, no matter how slight, will throw off your shots and affect the point of bullet impact.
2.) Place a target 25 yards downrange and fire a three-round group.
3.) Based on where your shots hit, determine if you need to adjust for windage, elevation, or both.
4.) If you need to adjust for elevation, first, figure out which sight to move. If it is the front sight, move the post up or down (a tool may be required). A general rule for adjusting a front sight is to move the sight in the opposite direction you want your group to move. For example, if you are shooting low, lower the front sight. However, your front sight may not be adjustable, in which case use your rear sight to adjust for elevation.
This is what an adjustable front iron sight looks like on an AR-15. They are fairly easy to adjust. Just push down the button to the front of the sight and use a tool to turn the sight for elevation.
5.) If you need to adjust for windage, move the rear sight windage knob (left/right). However, you may also need to adjust the rear sight for elevation, and you will use the elevation dial for this (up/down). The general rule for adjusting a rear iron sight is to move it in the direction you want your group to move. For example, if you’re hitting the target high and to the right, move your sight down and to the left. The FORS (Front Sight Opposite, Rear Sight Same) acronym should help remember.
Example of windage and elevation dials on a standard AR-15 rear iron sight.
6.) Shoot three-round groups and adjust the sights until the desired point-of-aim, point-of-impact is achieved.
7.) Once you have a zero at 25 yards, back the target back to 50 yards and repeat. At this point, you should only need to adjust the elevation.
Things to Consider
There are some things to take into consideration when adjusting iron sights. First, if you are not able to shoot a tight group, make sure you are using a proper bench rest. Likewise, make sure your bench rest is stable.
If you are unable to achieve a tight group due to inexperience, it may be best to have a gunsmith perform your sight adjustments. Once the adjustments are made, make sure to practice regularly until you are able to tighten your group.
Next, if you are having a hard time dialing in your zero, try adjusting the elevation or windage separately. For example, shoot a three-round group and then adjust your elevation. Then, shoot another three-round group and adjust your windage. Focusing on one adjustment at a time may help to simplify things.
Finally, if you’re sights are really far off and you are not hitting paper at all, pull the target closer. Bring the target in to 10 yards and get a zero at that distance. Then, move it out to 25 yards. And finally, out to the intended 50 yards.
Once you’re done adjusting and zeroing in your sights, you are ready for the range, the hunt, or personal defense.
The left got shellacked in Virginia and New Jersey on the last election day by parents who viewed them as coming after their children. Instead of seeing that as a problem, they determined parents were the problem and quadrupled down on it. Ron DeSantis came out in support of parents and protecting children. Progressives are anti-that to the point of insanity. I’m not one to give opponents political advice, but they may want to listen to John Rich. (h/t Not The Bee)
Rich is outspoken in politics, and Tim Pool asked him if he was afraid of the left coming after his children and his family as a result. "Cowboy Stevie Wonder" says the left are the ones who need to be afraid. It’s bookmarked around the 1:05:00 mark.
Timcast IRL – CREEPY Video Shows Mass Shrieking In China Over Starvation & Lockdown w/John Rich
"They better fear ever coming after my kids. I’ll let you come after me all you want to. You leave my family alone. We will die for our families. […] That’s what they don’t understand, these liberals and people running our country. There is a fierce love and dedication and responsibility that we have as parents that you step over that line and you start messing with my kids, there is no boundaries anymore between us.
"You want full contact support? You want to raise the stakes on what you’re doing to our kids and how you’re, in my opinion, assaulting them in all these ways you’re going to assault my kids? Once you try to assault me one time. I’m going to step in front of these little kids now you’re going to deal with it with a grown-ass man and a grown-ass woman who got nothing to lose.
"Whatever look I have in my eye right now is because I know what I’m saying I’m feeling it down in my guts, that it is what tens of millions if not more Americans are feeling right now, regardless of their politics […] You mess with our kids you’ve got a world of hurt coming your way this fall."
Nothing left to add to that other than, "Hell yeah, brother!"
Though, as a valuable service to readers of the Louder with Crowder Dot Com website, I’ll share my five favorite John Rich/Big & Rich songs:
1. "The Man I Am Right Now"
2. "Drive Myself to Drink"
3. "Kick My Ass"
4. "Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace"
5. "Rollin’"
The Louder with Crowder Dot Com Website is on Instagram now!Follow us at @lwcnewswire and tell a friend!
https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*Bde3OGVhudKMNgneD96xDw.pngAdd Google Analytics to your Laravel application with Google Tag Manager.Laravel News Links
How It’s Made takes us inside the Merkur blade factory for a look at the equipment and materials that go into producing razor bladed. They start as a flexible strip of steel that is perforated, hardened with a heat-treating process, and run through a grinder to sharpen their edges before they’re separated and coated.
Interested in pushing past the 100-yard line? Want to get into long range shooting but are confused with all the terminology and myths surrounding it?
Today’s goal is to get you to a solid starting place to build and improve on for years to come.
A herd of long-range rifles means a good day no matter where you are!
We’ll lay out some of our recommended rifles for beginner precision shooters as well as point out other considerations to think about when choosing your first precision rifle.
So, keep reading to learn more about what you’ll need to get those long-range shots!
This rifle also brings aluminum bedding blocks for the action.
And the factory grip is comfortable but can also be swapped for your favorite AR-pattern grip. We prefer versatility at PPT!
The rear end features a folding stock that is adjustable for length-of-pull and comb height. But it uses a standard AR-15 interface…you know that means…
It can be swapped for your preferred stock.
3. Ruger Precision Rifle
Ruger jumped into the precision rifle world with the Ruger Precision Rifle, and they knocked it out of the park!
With the growing popularity of precision rifle matches, Ruger reached out to some of the experts in the field to collaborate on a rifle. And the RPR was born.
Ruger Precision Rifle
This is truly the AR-15 of the bolt-rifle world…a list of aftermarket parts would require its own lengthy article.
From the factory, it comes with a threaded barrel, all sitting on a cold hammer-forged 5R rifled barrel.
An aluminum M-LOK forend accompanies the front of the gun for attaching accessories.
One of the key features of this rifle, though, is its magazine adaptability. It will easily handle DPMS pattern, Magpul PMAGS, and industry-standard AICS mags.
An adjustable trigger, standard AR-15 safety, and grip complete the fire controls.
Moving on, it comes with a fully adjustable, folding buttstock. This stock is adjustable for both length-of-pull and comb height.
And it uses a standard AR-15 interface, so the RPR works with any aftermarket option.
Oh, and did we mention that the Ruger Precision Rimfire makes an excellent trainer rifle that will keep things consistent but cut down on ammo costs.
The Bergara B-14 HMR rifle hits every mark for anyone that wants a solid crossover platform.
A number of people have gotten into the precision rifle game to further their skills in the field, and instead of building two separate rifles…why not buy one that can perform at the distance range and the hunting field? It just makes sense.
Bergara B-14 HMR and B-14r
Like some other models, the B-14 HMR offers a match-grade threaded barrel with a thread protector. You’ll have to supply your own break if you want one, though.
The receiver is patterned after the Remington 700, which means it accepts any Remington 700 base or aftermarket stock.
A match-grade trigger adds to the features.
Bergara B-14 HMR
Its factory stock features an aluminum mini chassis for accuracy and molded-in QD flush cups for your favorite sling.
Length-of-pull and comb height adjustments help fit the rifle to any shooter. Bergara also offers a matching .22 LR training rifle for cheap practice.
5. Accuracy International AT
Alright, guys, here it is, my one wild card…
Accuracy International’s AT is the next generation of the wildly popular Accuracy International Arctic Warfare — one of the most widely issued military sniper rifles in the world.
While many aftermarket parts are available right out of the box, this rifle needs no improvement.
For starters, it provides a match-grade threaded barrel fitted to the receiver with AI’s quick loc system.
Ever wanted to change calibers at the drop of a hat?
Well, now you can. The quick loc system barrels make swapping calibers easy with just a 4mm hex key and about two minutes of time.
This rifle’s receiver is flat-bottomed and bonded to a rigid aluminum chassis, and the bolt features six lugs and a short and fast 60-degree throw.
A match-grade 2-stage trigger helps you realize all of the rifle’s accuracy potential.
The AT also delivers a 3-position safety with some unique features. Position one is safe, locking the bolt in place and rendering the trigger safe, while position two keeps the trigger safe but allows you to run the bolt to safely unload the rifle. And position three is fire.
Covering the aluminum chassis is a set of molded plastic skins that users can switch out for any color they desire.
If all you want to do for a rifle is mount a quality optic and get to shooting, the AT proves hard to beat.
Dependability and consistency are the hallmarks of the AT line of rifles.
.308 Winchester vs. 6.5 Creedmoor: Which Caliber Is Better for Long Range Shooting?
.308 Winchester has been the go-to standard in long range shooting for the last half-century for a few reasons…
Popular .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm Ammo
Tons of available match ammo and regular plinking ammo exist for it — from match grade to surplus. If you decide to reload your own ammo down the road, an abundance of bullets and reloading data is available…more so than nearly any other round.
But how do you save money when shooting this round? Keep your expensive match ammo for the longer distances and use cheaper surplus ammo for close-in positional work.
6.5 Creedmoor
What about 6.5 Creedmoor?
6.5 Creedmoor is the newer, cooler kid on the block. It pushes out farther and drops less than a .308.
Assorted 6.5 Creedmoor (L to R: Federal FMJ, Soft 129gr, Ballistic Tip 120gr, Gold Medal 140gr)
Factory match-grade ammo is available with good quality. While overall ammo choices and reloading data aren’t as prevalent as a .308, quality ammo is still readily available.
So, which do you choose — .308 Win or 6.5CM?
Honestly, both options are proven choices for beginners.
Twist Rates & Precision Shooting
I’m sure everyone has seen the markings on the side of a rifle barrel — 1/10, 1/8 — but what do these numbers mean?
Basically, it refers to the length of the barrel required to make one full turn of the rifling. So, 1/10 would translate to 1 full turn in 10 inches of barrel length.
Rifling (Photo: Wikipedia)
Twist rates are important because they stabilize the bullet at longer ranges, especially when it starts going into the trans-sonic and sub-sonic territory.
For a beginner rifle, you want something with a very versatile twist rate as you try different ammunition or handloads to find your preferred ammo.
Match-grade and handloads
With a .308 Win, a 1/10 twist is generally preferred. Over the course of my career with precision rifles, I’ve never run across a bullet that won’t perform well in a 1/10.
On the other hand, with a 6.5 Creedmoor, a 1/8 twist will be your most versatile option. All of the lighter weight hunting bullets up to the heavier precision rifle bullets will perform well with this twist rate.
Upgrading a Precision or Long-Range Rifle
This is going to be a big one…
Since this is a beginner rifle article, you’ll probably want to upgrade and accessorize. One trip to your local, long-distance range or precision rifle match, and you’ll be dreaming of new parts.
From stocks, chassis systems, magazines, triggers, and even barrels…using a rifle platform that can be upgraded with aftermarket parts is huge!
Accessories like bases, rings, bipods, and stocks can make or break a rifle. I’m not saying you have to buy the most expensive accessories, but solid quality parts will keep your rifle performing, and you focused on the target.
Bergara B-14r on the ShadowTech PIG0311
Since you need to see what you’re aiming at, a good scope is an absolute must.
Yet again, the most expensive is not always needed. With the rising popularity of distance shooting, a lot of companies have started to produce solid optics at very reasonable pricing.
When shopping, match the reticle to the task — a duplex hunting reticle will not do any good when trying to do holdovers at distance.
Oh yes…we love optics!
And try not to overdo the magnification — believe it or not, too much can hinder you. A good 3-18 or 5-25 can cover most situations.
Lastly, repeatable adjustments are a necessity. They keep your rifle and you consistent at longer distances.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Precision Rifle
Know Your Goal
My best piece of advice for anyone wanting to get into the long-range game is to have a clear idea of the end goal.
I’ve seen many people buy the hot commodity of the week that doesn’t fit with what they need in a rifle. This is a costly, aggravating path to take.
Easy Maintenance
One of my biggest priority’s when it comes to rifle selection is being able to maintain it.
That means having the ability to swap major parts like triggers, barrels, and stocks without taking it to a gunsmith.
Can you swap triggers easily?
Maintaining out-of-the-box accuracy without any additional expenses accurizing or bedding is a big factor. Personally, I want the ability to do the work at my own workbench, and you probably do too.
Price
Long range set-ups can run a little more than your average rifle, but with the out-of-box features and adaptability, a little investment up front will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Conclusion
With a bit of planning and forethought, the path to precision rifle shooting can be a fun and rewarding journey.
.223 Long Range Shooting Setup
Hopefully, we’ve given you a good list of rifles to consider when shopping and some other considerations to factor in when making that final selection.
What are your favorite long range rifles? Let us know in the comments below. Need some scope recommendations? Check out our guide to the Best Long Range Scopes.
