Sighting in an AR-15 rifle to achieve a point of impact matching the point of aim at 100 yards while performing the sighting-in process at a closer 50-yard range is a common practice. This technique allows for adjustments to be made more easily at a shorter distance, while still achieving the desired long-range accuracy. For instance, a specific adjustment at 50 yards will translate to approximately double the change in impact at 100 yards, simplifying the sighting-in process and conserving ammunition.
This method offers several advantages. The shorter 50-yard distance often makes it easier to identify and correct minor errors in shooting technique and provides more immediate feedback for adjustments. Historically, access to longer ranges has been limited for some shooters, making the 50-yard zero a practical solution. Furthermore, the ballistic trajectory of a .223/5.56 round, commonly used in AR-15 platforms, lends itself well to this approach, typically exhibiting a relatively flat trajectory within this range. This facilitates a more manageable sight adjustment process.
