What Holds Should You Zero Your Gun At?

Why Zeroing Matters and Common Distances

The discussion starts with mounting a new optic and the often-overlooked step of properly zeroing it. The focus is on red dots and similar sights, since many shooters debate ideal zero distances online. Common choices include a 36-yard zero that roughly matches a 100-yard impact, a straightforward 25-yard zero for indoor ranges, and a traditional 100-yard zero because it is easy to visualize, like the length of a football field. Clint uses an M4V7 in 5.56 as an example of a defensive carbine or varmint rifle rather than a preferred home defense gun, noting that a 16-inch 5.56 can have more penetration than some would want indoors. The key point is that a good zero depends on the rifle’s role and that consistent training and practice are essential regardless of the chosen distance.

Trajectory, Crossover, and the 36-Yard Zero

Clint explains how optic and barrel alignment affects point of aim versus point of impact. The optic’s line of sight and the bore are not perfectly parallel, so the bullet’s path rises to meet the reticle and eventually drops back down, creating crossover points. If the target is closer than the zero distance, impacts tend to be low; if it is farther, impacts can be high until gravity takes over and the trajectory falls back through the line of sight. He references Marine Corps boot camp, where iron sights were zeroed at 36 yards because that zero produces a similar point of aim and point of impact at 100 yards. This illustrates how certain zero distances are chosen to give two useful ranges where the bullet and reticle closely coincide.

Using Magnified Optics and BDC Reticles

Moving to magnified optics, Clint notes they can be simpler for distance work because of bullet drop compensation reticles. On a Mark 12 rifle, he runs a Leupold optic with a BDC-style reticle. When zeroed at 100 yards, the center crosshair represents a 100-yard point of aim and point of impact. Below that, mil dots correspond to 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards, with a horizontal stadia line for 600 yards. As long as the 100-yard zero is precise, those additional aiming points allow reliable hits at extended ranges by simply holding on the appropriate dot. This setup makes engaging targets out to 500 yards straightforward when the optic and ammunition are matched to the reticle’s intended ballistic profile.

Ammo Choice, Velocity, and Turret Calibration

Clint emphasizes that magnified optics must be matched to the ammunition being used. He mentions a Leupold Mark AR scope, now discontinued, that originally shipped with elevation turrets calibrated for 55-grain .223 Remington. Leupold’s custom shop can provide turrets tailored to specific loads. Clint prefers 77-grain open tip match in this setup, and he notes that 77-grain bullets have a significantly different velocity than 55-grain loads, as shown in a previous velocity-focused video. Because 55-grain bullets are much faster, using turrets or BDC marks designed for them with 77-grain ammo will cause noticeable deviations at distance. Correct calibration and understanding the chosen load’s ballistics are critical for accurate holds when dialing or using BDC references.

Red Dots, Height Over Bore, and Home Defense

The conversation returns to red dots, which lack built-in bullet drop compensation and are often assumed to be simple point-of-aim, point-of-impact solutions. Clint uses a 300 Blackout rifle set up for home defense as an example. Within roughly 10 to 15 yards, a properly zeroed red dot will place shots very close to the point of aim. At closer distances, however, height over bore becomes important. The optic typically sits about 2 inches above the barrel, depending on mount height, so impacts will be lower than the dot at very short range. Shooters must aim slightly higher to compensate, especially if precise shot placement matters. Even though hits will generally land on target at indoor distances, a few inches of offset can be significant and should be understood and practiced.

Why a 50-Yard Zero Works Well for Red Dots

Clint explains his preference for a 50-yard zero on red dot sights. On his rifle with both a magnified optic and an offset or secondary red dot, he finds that a 50-yard zero allows quick, accurate engagement of targets out to 100 yards while still being practical up close. When the magnified optic is set to 4x, 100-yard targets are easy to see and hit, and switching to the red dot provides faster acquisition for closer targets. A 50-yard zero also offers a secondary benefit: the trajectory typically gives a similar point of impact around 250 yards, extending the effective range without complex holds. This setup aligns well with the ranges he commonly shoots, which are usually between 50 and 100 yards.

Choosing a Zero Based on Intended Use

To close, Clint stresses that the best zero distance depends on how the rifle will be used. Many shooters choose a 100-yard zero as a general solution, and it works well for broad applications. He personally favors a 50-yard zero for red dots because it offers a useful blend of close-range practicality and extended-range capability, including a similar hold around 250 yards. For any chosen zero, shooters must remember to hold slightly higher at very close distances to account for height over bore. He encourages viewers to consider their typical engagement distances, whether for home defense, general carbine use, or longer-range shooting, and to select a zero that supports those needs while continuing to train and refine their holds.