AR iron sights default sighting.

Willie Lowman · December 15, 2014, 01:32 PM

There are two basic schools of thought I know of when It comes to sighting in an AR. One is a 50/200 yard zero and the other is a 100 yard zero.

I know the Marines have one way of doing things and the Army another.

My A2 style AR is sighted with the 50/200 method. The upper is a FN M16 upper and was sighted in like that when I got it. I have never changed it. My Noveske N4 rear iron is sighted at 100 but I honestly don't recall, I haven't used it in years. (hangs head in shame)

So, what iron sight set up do you prefer?

Bart Noir · December 15, 2014, 03:49 PM

If you Google-search for "AR zero" you will find many good articles and references on this very subject. Color charts!

I will zero at 50 yards (pretending it is 50 meters) when shooting 55 grain bullets. Then it might be a tad high at 100 yards, which is exactly what I want. Flat shooting guns are nice!

At 50 or 100 yards I have not been able to notice any difference in point-of-impact, between 55 and 62 grain bullets. That is because I am not using magnified optics and my groups are big enough to hide any little differences.

Wait around for some of the very experienced AR shooters to respond to your question.

Bart Noir

Captains1911 · December 15, 2014, 04:06 PM

I prefer a 50/220 yd zero. In fact, I zero almost all of my centerfire rifles at 50 yds.

9x19 · December 15, 2014, 06:02 PM

I prefer the 50/200 zero as well... I shoot alot more at 50 than I do at 200.

Art Eatman · December 15, 2014, 10:04 PM

I sight in my centerfires for two inches high at 100 yards. That's close enough to a 200-yard zero for the hunting I have done. Roughly six inches low at 300. Saves excessive thinking.

Brotherbadger · December 16, 2014, 07:23 AM

I could write out a full page as to why I prefer the 50 yard, but a picture is worth a thousand words.

As you can see, the 50 gives you the best overall shot(in minimizing bullet drop) out to about 225 yards.

KyJim · December 17, 2014, 11:47 PM

I've also got mine set for 50/200 and shoot 55/62 gr. bullets.

December 15, 2014, 01:32 PM	#1
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	AR iron sights default sighting. There are two basic schools of thought I know of when It comes to sighting in an AR. One is a 50/200 yard zero and the other is a 100 yard zero. I know the Marines have one way of doing things and the Army another. My A2 style AR is sighted with the 50/200 method. The upper is a FN M16 upper and was sighted in like that when I got it. I have never changed it. My Noveske N4 rear iron is sighted at 100 but I honestly don't recall, I haven't used it in years. (hangs head in shame) So, what iron sight set up do you prefer? __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens

December 15, 2014, 03:49 PM	#2
Bart Noir Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2000 Location: Puget Sound, USA Posts: 2,215	If you Google-search for "AR zero" you will find many good articles and references on this very subject. Color charts! I will zero at 50 yards (pretending it is 50 meters) when shooting 55 grain bullets. Then it might be a tad high at 100 yards, which is exactly what I want. Flat shooting guns are nice! At 50 or 100 yards I have not been able to notice any difference in point-of-impact, between 55 and 62 grain bullets. That is because I am not using magnified optics and my groups are big enough to hide any little differences. Wait around for some of the very experienced AR shooters to respond to your question. Bart Noir __________________ Be of good cheer and mindful of your gun muzzle!

December 15, 2014, 06:02 PM	#4
9x19 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Sherman, TX USA Posts: 3,750	I prefer the 50/200 zero as well... I shoot alot more at 50 than I do at 200. __________________ Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!

December 16, 2014, 07:23 AM	#6
Brotherbadger Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2010 Posts: 1,149	I could write out a full page as to why I prefer the 50 yard, but a picture is worth a thousand words. As you can see, the 50 gives you the best overall shot(in minimizing bullet drop) out to about 225 yards. __________________ Once Fired Brass, Top quality, Fast shipping, Best prices. http://300AacBrass.com/ -10% Coupon use code " badger "

December 15, 2014, 04:06 PM	#3
Captains1911 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: West of the Blue Ridge, VA Posts: 684	I prefer a 50/220 yd zero. In fact, I zero almost all of my centerfire rifles at 50 yds.

December 15, 2014, 10:04 PM	#5
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I sight in my centerfires for two inches high at 100 yards. That's close enough to a 200-yard zero for the hunting I have done. Roughly six inches low at 300. Saves excessive thinking.

December 17, 2014, 11:47 PM	#7
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I've also got mine set for 50/200 and shoot 55/62 gr. bullets.