What Is a Practical Zero?

Wayne van Zwoll's article delves into the concept of "practical zero" for rifles, illustrated by historical figures such as Sir Samuel Baker, who famously adjusted his rifle sights for long-distance shots. The article explores the importance of properly "zeroing" a rifle so that the sight-line meets the bullet's path at a specific range. Zeroing is depicted as an essential practice for both historical hunters like Baker and modern-day hunters, ensuring precision in targeting.

The discussion then transitions to practical steps in zeroing a rifle. This includes bore-sighting and adjusting the windage and elevation (W/E) dials, and establishing a point-blank range for typical hunting distances. Various methods are described to fine-tune shooting accuracy, emphasizing regular practice from different shooting positions to account for real-world variables like human error and environmental factors. Practical advice, like the use of torque wrenches for securing rifle mounts and understanding bullet trajectories, is provided to ensure reliable performance.

Van Zwoll concludes by addressing common issues that shooters face with long-range shooting, including premature zeroing at unnecessarily long distances which can create inaccuracies at shorter ranges. He advocates for a more considered approach, suggesting readers to fine-tune their shots at the ranges they most commonly encounter, while also considering factors such as ammunition types and rifle characteristics. Ultimately, the piece serves as a comprehensive tutorial for shooters looking to increase their accuracy and reliability when hunting or shooting at various distances.

Read the full article here: What Is a Practical Zero? - The Armory Life