This class will prepare students to zero their individual scoped rifles at their own determined practical zero range. The practical zero will enable acceptable hits in the lethal zone (aka “vital area”) of the intended targets across the student’s own determined maximum engagement range without the need for additional sight manipulation or adjustments for elevation.
This class is not intended for “red dot” type optics. It can, however, be applied to rifles with LPVO scopes. A shooter with a “red dot” optic can get something out of the class, but much of the material will not apply.
Upon completing this course, the student should be able to:
- understand what “zero” means and the two types of zeros
- establish maximum range of target engagement without the requirement to adjust the sight
- define and understand ballistic coefficient
- understand scope centerline height above rifle bore centerline and its effect on sighting
- graph trajectories and bullet drop at specified ranges for specified cartridge loads using a ballistic calculator
- understand the implications of a given target’s lethal zone for engagement purposes
- apply calculated ballistics over planned maximum range to determine the practical zero range
- determine and apply an off-set zero
- understand the difference between telescopic sights and parallax-free optics
- understand the difference between MOA and MRAD & how to calculate elevation and windage corrections using each
- understand eye relief, stock/cheek weld and their effect on parallax
- understand bore sighting
- determine shot group adjustment point and the relationship between shot group size and range
Prior to class, students will need:
- to possess existing skills, knowledge and abilities (SKA) to safely and correctly operate their rifle, to include how to load, fire, unload and reduce a stoppage.
- to have scope properly mounted (rings and scope torqued to spec, no cant, eye-relief proper for the shooter, etc.)
- to have their rifle scopes PROPERLY bore sighted before the class. (There is not time during this class to boresight the student rifles and scopes. Rifle-scopes that are grossly out of alignment may not be able to be zeroed in the time available or with the amount of ammunition required.)
Scope mounting and bore sighting is a service we can provide, but is not included in the cost of class tuition. If the shooter would like to have us mount and/or bore sight their scope, the student will need to drop off the rifle, scope, manufacturer’s instructions, and ammo (if they want to have the bore sight confirmed by live fire) before the class at least 1 week prior to class in order for proper time to get the work done.
On the day of class, students need to bring:
- their scoped rifle
- ammunition
- hearing and eye protection
- manufacturer’s instruction book for their scope (as included with the scope, printed hard copy, or downloaded to their smart phone). Having the scope maker’s instructions is important. This will simplify helping the student to use the scope’s features to full effect. If you do NOT have the scope instructions or need assistance with downloading/printing, PLEASE contact us several days ahead of time to we can assist you with this.
- short handled screw driver that has a blade that fits the scope elevation and windage turrets (unless turrets can be adjusted without tools).
- Allen or hex wrenches and / or screwdrivers that fit their scope mounts and rings
- lubricant and cleaning kit
- scopes with illuminated reticles should have their function checked and fresh batteries installed
- 40 rounds of ammunition loaded to the specs that the student will use in the field. May be factory or hand loads. (If hand loads, student will need to know the specs of the bullet and muzzle velocity.) Depending on accuracy of boresight, condition of scope, mount and rings, and shooter competency, live-fire zero should be conducted using fewer rounds. (Conducting the live-fire zero exercise with ammunition loads that are not the same as will be used in the field will significantly degrade the potential accuracy of the practical zero achieved.)
- note taking materials
- pocket calculator or calculator phone app
- Sharpie type medium or fine-tipped marker (for marking zero target shot groups)
- lunch and water or soft drinks
Saturday, September 23, 2023
8 AM – 5 PM
$150 (members contact the range for 10% discount code)
Instructor: Michael Roof