I'm just curious if anyone has an AR solely for home defense purposes and, if so, how many yards do you have sighted in at? My assumption is that it would likely be better to have it sighted in somewhere around 15 yards?
Sighting in AR for home defense
- Thread starter Ilm
- Start date
- Replies 45
- Views 1,032
50. Do some training to learn how to hold over for optic height over bore. It's not too difficult once you practice a little.
I may run the numbers later, but a 15yd zero would put you VERY high at intermediate distances.
I may run the numbers later, but a 15yd zero would put you VERY high at intermediate distances.
Last edited:
BigWaylon
Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Mine is a suppressed 9mm SBR. Sighted it in at 100’. Any shot I would take ought to be less than that, so no reason to put it out at 50 yards like most of the others.
I did run a 15yr zero through the calculator and you'd be around half a foot high at 50, a foot high at 100, and two feet high at 200. Not ideal.
There are volumes written about zero distances for ARs and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. My suggestion would be to weigh those pros and cons and come to your own conclusion. Then practice that zero and get to know it.
There are volumes written about zero distances for ARs and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. My suggestion would be to weigh those pros and cons and come to your own conclusion. Then practice that zero and get to know it.
I think this diagram has been around for 20 years now and I've found it helpful to visualize zeros.
Last edited:
I got some velocities for my 11.5" and tossed it in a point blank calculator (example 1, example 2). I ended up with what's essentially a 50 yard zero with XM193. Keeps me +/- 2" in elevation out to 240 yards so I can just put the dot on whatever and not worry about calculating drop. I've found 2.5" in the house isn't a big deal as long as you spend the money (-she)
Simple... Put up a target at the end of your hall, zero your gun.
Something is off with that 50yd. As @some_kid6 shows below, 50yd zero is +/-2” from 0-220’ish depending on your specific setup. I’ve confined this myself with at least a half dozen AR’s.
Excellent data! This is why I choose the 50/200 zero for my AR’s. Being +/- 2” from 0-220’ish means for all practical purposes I can simply put my dot on target and I’m good. For shots within 25yd, I do hold a couple inches high (top of head for cardboard silhouette). I find this to be the easiest and most practical.
The top photo was 15 yards today, then 10, then 5 yards. I was not aware of the holdover concept until today.
I think you may be over thinking it. Regardless of your sight in distance 25-100 yards still will be minute of man at the end of the hallway distance
Tim
Checked Out
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Vendor
Multi-Factor Enabled
We had a 1-shot stage at the last run-n-gun. ~25yds, headshot on a hostage target.
Your options were to take the shot from ~25yds or sprint (waddle, mosey, stumble…) up to about 10yds then take the shot. No barricade or other type of rest at either spot.
Anything other than a headshot was a failure for the stage.
It ate a lot of people’s lunch not knowing their hold overs!
Your options were to take the shot from ~25yds or sprint (waddle, mosey, stumble…) up to about 10yds then take the shot. No barricade or other type of rest at either spot.
Anything other than a headshot was a failure for the stage.
It ate a lot of people’s lunch not knowing their hold overs!
Last edited:
My hallway is a helluva lot shorter than 15 yards, more like 15 feet.
As much as I'd like to believe I'd be cool and calm enough during a "home defense" situation and properly aim through the sights, whatever type they may be, I got a feeling it would be more of a point and shoot for me.
.
Tim
Checked Out
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Vendor
Multi-Factor Enabled
At that distance and under those circumstances, you won’t be aiming.
I’d go to the range and practice getting 2 shots center mass from low ready without using any sights at all. A bit of practice and you’ll be surprised how easy it is.
Edit: “from low ready” should not be read as “hip fire like a bad gangster movie”. Begin at low ready, shoulder and fire as you’re coming on target.
Last edited:
For all the folks going on about being way off at 100/200/50/300yds whatever and holdover and stuff, the guy specifically asked about sighting it in for home defense, it ain't rocket science, I keep 2 in the house, shorty 7.5in barrels.
To sight your gun in for in house self defense, measure your longest hallway, put it dead on at that distance.
To sight your gun in for in house self defense, measure your longest hallway, put it dead on at that distance.
Based on the OPs last post, he wasn’t even aware of HOB or drop compensation until this thread. I’d say he’s learned a good bit and can now have a rifle that is better sighted in for more than his home defense scenario, but still usable for home defense.
If you only have 25yd range to zero with this target gets you there. Print the PDF on a full sheet paper.
www.ar15.com
UPDATED: Zero Targets Optimized for Red Dot Style Optics (Aimpoint, EOTech, etc...) AR-15 & AK-47 - AR15.COM
Firearm Discussion and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns and more! Buy, Sell, and Trade your Firearms and Gear.
www.ar15.com
Last edited:
I also advocated for him to take in all the info and make his own decision. I do agree that a 15 yard zero would probably be just fine. My personal preference is different, and that’s ok.
and to be clear, OP asked if anyone keeps an AR for home defense and if so, what distance do we keep it sighted in at.
Mathieu18
Needs More Yeller
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
New Member
I’d rather sight at 50 yards myself and have in a 4” POI radius to 200+ yards than sight at he longest hallway and lob shots over their heads I’d I had to engage at 100 yards if it was SHTF or some other situation that required “home” defense outside.
Last edited:
It does look a little off now that you mention it. I wish I could find the non potato version so I could see the charts.
Mathieu18
Needs More Yeller
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
New Member
I think there’s better ballistic calcs out there but I like Nikons.
Last edited:
Thanks everyone! I have a few 9mm handguns for HD and CCW.
For clarity, I don't hunt and would likely only need my rifle if things really got crazy. I put a new red dot on a rifle and don't use it that often at the range. I figured it may have a purpose one day thus the OP. I appreciate the responses. Lots to think about!
For clarity, I don't hunt and would likely only need my rifle if things really got crazy. I put a new red dot on a rifle and don't use it that often at the range. I figured it may have a purpose one day thus the OP. I appreciate the responses. Lots to think about!
Personally for an AR chambered in a rifle caliber I like the 36 yard zero and the 50 yards zero.
All of mine are zeroed at 50 because it's just easier at the places where I shoot.
With the 50 yard zero I'll be within a few inches shooting at anything closer than 50 yards. Good nuf for me.
If my target is more than 400 yards away I don't think I really need to shoot at it. Atleast not in a "home defence" situation.
Maybe in a "that squirrel looked at me funny or stole my snacks" kinda situation. But that's a different matter.
All of mine are zeroed at 50 because it's just easier at the places where I shoot.
With the 50 yard zero I'll be within a few inches shooting at anything closer than 50 yards. Good nuf for me.
If my target is more than 400 yards away I don't think I really need to shoot at it. Atleast not in a "home defence" situation.
Maybe in a "that squirrel looked at me funny or stole my snacks" kinda situation. But that's a different matter.
100 yard zero and learn your holds from 15 yards and in for precision shots. Don’t over think it. And if you use one of those 25/100 targets, dial in at @ 25 and confirm @ 100. You will probably have to make a few adjustments @ 100.
For 556 I like to use a 200 hard zero on my AR's. Maybe splitting hairs, but I think it is not the same as a 50. I feel it's important to at least verify at 200, and get the zero dead tits. It's worth the effort, imo.
"Home defense" specifically has no bearing at all on what my rifle zero is, regardless of weapon. My shotgun, pistols also get zeroed based on their optimum performance rather than an imaginary self-defense scenario or possible room size. Just my opinion.
"Home defense" specifically has no bearing at all on what my rifle zero is, regardless of weapon. My shotgun, pistols also get zeroed based on their optimum performance rather than an imaginary self-defense scenario or possible room size. Just my opinion.
sight in at 50 yards. in a self defense situation closer than 50 yards you'll still be hitting center of mass, which is where you should be aiming btw.
50yds for all my red dot ARs. Just remember your holdovers for close quarters and you'll be fine. And even that's only if you need to make a surgical shot. If you need to shoot a bad guy at 5 yards away he probably isn't going to notice that you shot 2" low.
Even if it's 5" low = neck shot.
I haven't seen it mentioned yet but for anybody running a 5.56NATO and a 50/200yd zero with an Eotech or similar (68MOA outer ring): a 6 o'clock hold typically yields POA = POI at 7 yds.
Criminalcamel
Member
This 👆 It works almost identically with a 36 yard zero on a 10.5 inch 5.56 AR and will keep you plus or minus 4-5 inches out to 240ish. I shot a carbine match at Fooothills Defensive shooters over the weekend and they had very small targets from arms length to 200ish yards. Using the bottom of the circle for close and dead hold for the rest worked like a charm.
Last edited:
Dale Gribble
Can't starve us out; Can't make us run
Charter Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
If your rifle is equipped with a light (it should be👍), next time you are at the range and your range allows shooting up to sunset or a little after, throw the beam center mass on a B27, IDPA or USPSA target without using optics/sights and fire at 10, 20 or 30 feet.
Last edited:
I use a 100m zero for my ACOG because that's what is needed for the BDC to be accurate (within reason). I like that zero with magnified optics because I only ever have to worry about hold-overs and not a hold-under if I'm taking a precise shot. With non-magnified optics/iron sights I usually use a 50yd zero. It's harder to see at longer distance with iron sights so I like having the extra wiggle room. As the others have said, regardless of what zero you use just make sure to practice at close range so you can get used to the different point of aim/point of impact.
I use 100yd zero. There's a little hold over required inside 25 or so to hit exactly where I want, but other than hitting upper A's in matches I don't think it's likely to matter if I hit less than 2" low. A little practice and those aforementioned matches make the close range holdover pretty intuitive.