This is my first time actually zeroing an AR, so forgive me if my procedure is a bit off.  I tried to research as much as I could to fully test and zero my 1st build.  Advice is always welcome!

Just got back from my local indoor range zeroing in my 1st AR Build.  Nice thing about this indoor range, it has a rifle range that extends to 50 yards with electronic controls (American Shooters - Las Vegas).  I initially started by firing one shot and making sure the bolt was held open.  I then proceeded to increase the rounds incrementally by one until I was at 10, then fired a full magazine.  At this point, I was only checking for functionality and hitting paper @25 yards (and making sure it wasn't gonna blow up in my face!  ).  I was using Remington .223 55gr and American Eagle 5.56 55gr for this.  About 100 flawless rounds fed thru.  I was well pleased!  



I decided I wanted to use a 100 yard zero for my MBUS.  Using a 25 yard target that was calibrated for a 100 yard zero, I used my HD round of choice for zeroing, Hornady T2 TAP 5.56 75gr (first shot caught me off guard since I was getting accustomed to the lighter loads ).   I shot from a bench using sand bags.  I shot three shots and made adjustments and repeated.  I managed to take just 12 shots and was satisfied with where the POI was on the target.



Since I could not verify at a true 100 yards, I tried setting the target @50 yards to see how I would do.  With my bad eyesight and astigmatism, this target was very hard to see at that distance, I resorted to using a 5.5" shoot-n-see target.  Please don't mind the low fliers.  Those were from my initial shots before sighting in.



My question is, am I doing it wrong?  Or is this normal @ 50 yards using irons and sand bags (in addition to bad eyesight and astigmatism)?  I had to readjust after every shot, so I know my POA was different every time.  Those targets are tiny @50yards!  .  Would it be better if I used match grade rounds to zero?  I want to make sure this would be sufficient for a carbine class I plan on taking later this year.

For details on my build and additional pictures - CLICK HERE

All in all, I was very pleased and excited to have 150+ flawless rounds thru her today (I was already planning for hiccups as I brought a bunch of tools with me).  I am always looking to improve so thanks in advance for your feedback and advice.

it looks like you need some practice. thats what my targets usually look like at 100 with my garand. your initial groups were decent. try to focus on trigger squeeze and breathing.

This.

Nice stick though.

Thanks.  I figured a lot of it was operator error.  Next time out I will try to focus on those fundamentals and see if I can tighten my groups.  

You're welcome. It looks like your bench technique needs some refining because there is more vertical dispersion than one would like to see at 50 yds, from the bench.

With your eyesight, have you though of using a scope, or the Leupold Prismatic?

I thought about it, however, I already have an Aimpoint micro that is coming that will be my primary optic.  And buying another scope would be out of my reach.  Perhaps at a later date, when I get more money.    Or I can finally make that appointment with my eye doctor and get my contacts prescription updated.

I'm sure my bench techniques have much room for improvement.  This was my first attempt at it, as before I've always shot the rifles out of the box with little to no adjustments.  I did notice that between each shot I had to adjust quite a bit to get back on target.  Should I have a firmer position to attempt to stay on target when shooting my groups?  Or is readjusting just natural and I just suck at the moment?

+1 on the practice.

Read a bunch about breathing, trigger control, and sight picture.  The common thread is consistency.  Work at doing the same thing, the same way, all the time.   Books or articles about service match shooting will likely be of help. (for using iron sights)

FWIW, most ARs are more than capable of putting every shot in that grey circle at 25 yds with most of them touching each other, if not through one ragged hole.

You shouldnt have to adjust your sights at all between shots once zero'd.  Check to make sure your sights are properly attached to the rail.

Only then should you confirm your zero.  Finally, stop chasing your round after each shot.  Thers a reason people zero using 3, 5 or 10 rounds before adjusting the sight.

Also, is there supposed to be a break-in period for your barrel?

So looks like you have Geissele trigger, but are you staging it or just pulling it straight back.
 







 

Constant readjustment may be an indication you're in an uncomfortable or unnatural position, which obviously is not good for consistency.  

If you take an Appleseed class, you'll learn a lot about the basics.  It's a great refresher for experienced shooters too and well worth the expense.

If you have terrible eyesight, don't expect sub-MOA groups with irons like all the cool kids on the internet.

Topic Moved

I think I worded it wrong.  I meant that I was readjusting my position after the shot, not the sights.  The recoil would cause my sight picture to break so I would reposition to attempt to obtain the same POA.  So I was not attempting to chase (I couldn't even see the POI at that distance anyways).



I am not aware of any break-in period.


I am staging the trigger and attempting to follow through.  I'm probably anticipating recoil a bit, I admit.



The position on the bench did take some getting used to, but I did not feel uncomfortable.  I did start to notice that the recoil was disrupting my sight picture, so I began to wonder if I needed to ditch the rear sand bag rest and just fully support the stock with my hand and shoulder.

That Appleseed class looks awesome!  I checked their schedule and they have quite a few dates this year near my area.  I will definitely be taking this class as soon as I can procure some more ammo!  

And yes, my eyesight sucks and I definitely need my prescription updated.  I knew my groups would suck at 50 yards because I could barely see the thing.  And combine that with my awful technique of repositioning and changing POA, I guess it was a far-fetched dream to be putting ragged holes from my new baby.  haha


Thanks for all the great suggestions and perspective.  Definitely alot I have to work on and practice.

Try firing off a couple practice shots if your anticipating  the recoil a bit, then focus on your front sight and squeeze the trigger slowly?




 

One thing I do is use the rear bag to adjust my elevation after every shot. Take the shot, adjust the bag under the stock a tiny bit to get back on target. And when I shoot paper I'm usually with a friend and we spot for each other. It's helpful at 100 yds to hear where you're hitting.

These were sighting in my Aimpoint PRO at 100 yds. Got it on paper at 25 yds, then moved to 100. The target on the right was with my friend telling me how far to left I was hitting. Took quite a few clicks to get it mostly on target. Target on the left was after sighting in but with different ammo.



That was with the stock Stag trigger. I put in a Geissele SSA about a month ago but haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I'm sure it's gonna help!

Uh, nobody mentioned that your 25 y groups were to the left then your 50 y group doubled the distance to the left? It seems your rifle is "zeroed" if you want to hit about half a foot left of your aiming point at 100 y.

Good point. My windage could very well be off. Next time out I will definitely reverify my zero and hope to dial it in better. Thanks for pointing that out.