25 yard zero is best within 0-50 yards there is about 2.5-3 inch deviation. Meaning you can take the shot without having to think about your zero distance if you had to push a shot out to 50 yards. In a world of active shooters, if you can take distance with cover and have the shot with safe back stop, put the dot on them and send it.
Im a LEO in Texas and l started carrying a red dot on my Glock 17 gen5 two years ago, first session l spent 200 rounds playing with different Zeros, l found 25yard is best one for me, at 25 yards l can stacked rounds on top of each other on a 3 inch DEA DOTS. I work nights so red dot is great, l carry a set of Ameriglo all black suppressor sights and a TLR 1000 lumens for my weapon lights, backup gun is a Glock 26 with a light and laser combo from Streamlight Zeroed at 25 yards, I practice regularly since l'm one of the firearms instructors for the department once a week 50 rounds l start with accuracy first from the holster no time limit then l move to speed and multiple targets, run and doing push ups in between reps, good video man.
I am from Finland. I just bought a red dot on my Glock 17 gen 5. First time i shot 100 rounds just adjusting the red dot. About 3 inch (7,5 cm) groups 25 meters at the end. Ameriglo Night sights as suppressor height and with B&T Impuls 2 suppressor. I have not shot Glocks ever before i got this one few months ago. My first red dot too so i have to say red dots make shooting easier. I have shot Siluette with .357 magnum and long time on my cabin (28 years i got my first pistol .357 magnum at age of 16). I have few other guns too. My red dot is Holosun 507C x2. I am not a competive shooter but i like to train shooting my guns good and fast.
As a Frogman disciple, Everyone must remember it's all about that correct "trigger manipulation" that lands you in the A zone each and every time from 10 to 25yards out. Frogman you have made me an even better shooter than I was... thank you BIG Time and please continue to post every bit of the knowledge you are able to share with us rookies 🙂! We must remain humble if we ever want to learn anything from the best out there. Stay frosty until next time !
A big thanks for taking the time to go through this design of experiments. I suspected as much that it would not make much of a difference. After watching a video from the Modem Samurai Project, he recommended 10 yams for one simple reason. When sighting the pistol you can actually see where you are hitting without having to retrieve the target. Most importantly you can practice at that distance to make sure your grip, trigger control and form are hitting the target within a one inch spread.
I use a bore laser and point the pistol against the wall at 10 yards, I then sight the red dot about 1 inch above the laser dot I see on the wall (sight over bore) I then use a 6 inch steel plate rack at the club. I can hit those with easy with my Shield Plus at 25 yards. Then 115 loads can shoot a little higher and 147 a bit lower, but we are splitting hairs as is only 1 inch or soo. Good video.
I find regardless of what zero you use, it’s best to fine-tune it at a longer range as you might not notice an error at closer distances. For a 10 yard zero, you should hit approximately 1/2 inches low at 50 yards, 1/2 high at 25 (irons/co-witness), and zero’d at 50 and .66” high at 25 for a dot. You should verify with a Ballistic Calculator, my numbers are based on .66” sight height (irons), and .8” sight height (dot). That said, I use a 10 yard zero as it provides my bullet will not be higher or lower than my site height relative to the center of the bore from point blank to 50 yards.
This is very similar to a rifle's MPBR after zeroing. Know your MPBR and put the dot/sight in an area on target that would result in an effective hit within that range box. This info is invaluable for those of us transitioning to RDS simply because father time is undefeated. Thanks again
Thank again for the great series/content. I use the 10 yard zero for 9mm pistol/PCC due to the flat shooting out to 25 yards with a hold over of @ 8" at 100 yards. What ever zero anyone use especially LEO/Mil knowing your hold overs/unders is critical.
These series have been great. At 58 and a lifetime of using iron sights I am trying to transition now to a red dot because it is easier to see. It's been tough and I am doing a lot of dry fire drills at home. For some reason I notice that I have to push the front of the barrel down a fraction compared to my mechanics on the same type pistol with iron sights. I believe it is just going to take a whole lot of reps, but things are getting better each time. Look forward to more videos.
I switched over last year and it took me a ton of time to get used to it as well. It does get better, it just takes reps like you said. :) I found that initially I would use the irons to get the feel for how to present the gun correctly. Once I got the feel of it down then I switched over to looking at just the red dot. For me the hardest part was when I presented I had to move around to see the dot. It always felt like my gun wasn’t level, but it was. It was just weird the first few weeks. Lol Works amazing now though! You’re going to love it!
@@alextjb Now that I put lower 1/3 optic iron sights from Night Force on the P320 and it turned out the zero happens to be very close to cowitness that I can do what you say and find the iron sights first and the red dot is there. As I progress the red dot seems to becoming more prevalent. Good tips! Thanks!
The issue I have with %100 co-witnessing is that it defeats the purpose of using the dot. Using an optic makes it so you can focus on the target, have a wider field of view all around your target, and give you faster follow up shots because instead of having the balance two thing together and hold them over a target you just super impose a single point of aim onto the target which is more natural to the human eye and the brain. If you have super tall irons so you can co-witness it covers up half your target from the point of aim down which again defeats the point of a dot and at that point you might as well just shoot with irons with a bright orange front post lol. As for shooting “just fine” before switching to a dot well that’s not exactly the case. Can you shoot with irons and hit the target? Of course it’s been done that’s at since the inception of firearms. Can you shoot better with an optic? %100 you can. So either pick one or the other. Running an optic has been proven to be superior in every way and if your going to run a dot then run the dot don’t try and half ass it by using irons so high that it defeats the purpose.
Yes an no. If you can use irons right, co witnessing just gives you a bright dot to help acquire the target faster just as it does not co witnessed. It doesn’t change anything really. The idea that we need to see this big area is a bit much. It’s nice but it doesn’t make you a better shooter. However, most don’t co witness and that is ok. It’s a bout personal preference. 🙏
I feel the same. If I do use co-witness sights, it’s usually lower 1/5 or 1/3. Having an absolute co-witness with a dot also unnecessarily crowds up the sight picture in my experience.
I've always done 25 yard zero for MRDS mounted on Pistols . I use my EDC G19 or MR920L in 2 Gun Matches because I love shooting what I carry and also use my HD carbine in these matches for the same reason . At my local 2 Gun matches we have multiple targets at 25 yards for pistol. So I figured why not just use 25 yard BZO for for my pistol. Before shooting in Comps I was using 12 yard BZO . Any zero whether its 10 , 15 or 25 yards is better than no zero at all . Awesome video bro
For combat effectiveness and CCW the zero isn’t a big deal. But for competition shooting with a handgun when you have to shoot long distances and short distances in the same course it makes a difference. The farther the zero on a handgun red dot, the more the bullet drops out at 75-150 yards. Just like with a 36yrd zero on an AR, if you have to use a handgun to engage multiple targets at vastly different distances (like in a competition or maybe CCW in a very rural area) then the “spread” beteeen point of aim to point of impact out at distances of 50 to 100+ yards can be an issue. With my Glock 19 and a 25 yard zero, at 100 yards my impact is anywhere from 10 to 15 inches below point of aim depending on the ammo. With my G19 and a 7 yard zero at 100 yards I am 2 to 3 inches below point of aim depending on the ammo. Again... not a big deal if you will never take your handgun out to 100+ yards. But for those of us who do in competitions or possibly in very rural areas, the distance of the zero can be a factor when you get that adrenaline dump and you just start “pointing and shooting” with the dot on center mass and you aren’t even remotely thinking about hold overs.
I feel like you should have taken five shots at each distance instead of just 2. It would give a much better idea of the dispersion and also better control for flyers / errors.
My humble opinion matches yours, as 10 or 15 yards (more common for shooting ranges in the city) is acceptable in precision, and we continue to learn continuously with you.
My buddy said, “dude it’s such a small difference who cares” I asked “and you really think you shoot as well as him?” I explained how our grouping would have much bigger deviations being less skilled, so we’d do best at 25yd zero! So thank you!
thank you for this. i re-checked last weeks zero. right where it needed to be at 10. i brought it in to 7 for 1 mag, and was same point of impact. i didn't take it out past 10 for the reasons stated on the last video.....in nj you're goin to the greybar motel if you try to claim self defense out much past 10 yards......
Probably the best and most informative review I've seen on 10,15,25 zero.Very direct with visual examples from each distance. I choose to use a 15 yard zero. KickAss review 💯🍻
Just proves bare bones data is best. Most folks add fluff to inflate their ego and waste my time while still arriving at a forgone conclusion. Fascinating demo, thanks. Just subscribed.
kudos to you sir. yesterday i applied your teaching technique to my range shooting and what a difference it made. i shot from the 7, 10, and 15 with all rounds impacting relatively same. and as far as the co--witness sighting? I placed the dot right above the front post and shot with ease. no dot hunting. thank you for your video. I'm a better shooter because of it. RLTW
I think you need to try this test under , defensive applications, 3, 5, 7, etc yards… as those zeros and variations of poa/poi would be more useful… as taking a 25 yd shot as a civilian most likely less feasible as we’d most likely face charges as it probably not “defensive”
Great video. The timing is perfect. In a few days I will be at the range to zero my pistol red dot. It looks like the 25-yard zero is what I want to do. Thank you!
Great work!!!! I'm just getting into IDPA shooting. This vid gives me the confidence that out to at least 25 yards, regardless of which zero I use and barring my usual fundamental inaccuracies, I can get A zone hits as long as I have good target focus. Thanks again for the great work and your service.
Thank you for the good info. I just got my first optic for my primary carry pistol, a Holosun 507c Gr ACSS reticle and am going to a indoor range Saturday to zero it in for the first time. I am planning on a 10 yard zero. This series of vids couldn't have came out at a better time for me, thank you. Of course I won't carry it until I feel totally squared away with it.
Just picked up a VP9 and getting a Holosun SCS for it to fit the optics cut and cowitness. Can't wait until it comes in, thanks for the work you put into your videos. It's really good knowledge and I'm glad you're making it available to those that need it, subscribed :)
I'm late to this video, but I'm gonna share anyway. I have used a red dot on a couple of pistols off and on for about 3 years now, but EDC is irons. I just shot my first pistol match with a red dot instead of irons and it was an absolute eye opener. I thought my combat sight-in was good, and I was very wrong. I discovered I was completely off the edge of the target at 50 yards (yes, there were a couple out that far). For the last couple stages I just turned off the red dot and cleaned them with irons. The moral of my story is, regardless of what distance you choose to zero, you would be wise to confirm zero out to 25 yards or more. After the match I bag-rested at 25 yards and ended up adjusting 3 clicks (MOA) right and one down. That may not appear during combat style drills, but it was painfully obvious at distance.
Even with just combative shooting in mind, clearly the 25 yard zero is hands down the way to go. The 25yd zero the impact shots have the nearly no deviation at all, compared to the 10 and 15
Close up zero (indoor range)- always figure in height over bore. Mark Barrel distance bellow the target that you’re aiming at and get them rounds in that area. Great way to get the weapon ready for long distance shooting (applicable) or at least close to. Great option if youdon’t have access to longer distance ranges for an easy quick zero
Thank you. I’m zeroing at 25 yard’s because I’m a defensive situation in still hitting my target at 7 yards but if necessary can put on on target at 25 yards knowing my sight will guide me.
Excellent video and VERY informative! I’m new to the RDS and this helps me make a well informed decision. As an instructor (and dinosaur). I am still a hardcore iron sight guy - nut I’m warming up to the RDS
Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this video. I consider my self a new shooter, and use iron sights on my home defense firearm and a new red dot on the other. Your zeroing in formation will be a tremendous help as I practice with the red dot. I am now a subscriber!
I used to us a 25 yrd zero but I was struggling hitting accuracy shots at 7 yds and in like dot torture. Changed to a 10 yds zero and now all my 7yrd and in work is solid and shooting at 25 yds I can still keep it in the A zone.
I've heard something to the effect of zero at 10yd, then push out to 15-25 for windage confirm. Since it will get exacerbated at further distance, you'll be able to refine it more.
Awesome series. You are my go-to reference. I’m new to shooting- your vids give me the confidence to take it to the range knowing that with practice I will develop proper technique and acumen.
Thank you for this comprehensive analysis! I don't have ready access to a 25 yard range. So my infantry-issued OCD was starting to bug me about this. For now, I'll be very content with a 10 yard zero..
I have a shorty bipod that I can mount on my PDP rail and use it to zero my red dot. After taking three shots, I have a set of wood shims I can scissor under the butt, placing the dot back on my aim point, adjust the dot to average impact point, then repeat the three shots. I started zeroed for 50 yards, currently at 75, and find that even at 100, I am hitting about an under an inch low. Closer, shots are all landing near center with tight grouping. I don't get why others don't zero this way. Why 50 or 75...if I am ever at a mass shooting site, I want confidence I can hit an attacker out to 100 yards, and the way to get that is practicing out t 100. If I zero for ten, my error increases beyond that. If I zero at 50, 75, or further, I am zeroed at the most critical ranges I may ever need, and know I am super tight in closer. Yes, I shoot freehand at distances up to 100. I also practice with 124gr FMJ that lands within 1" of my 136gr carry ammo at these distances. Works for me, but YMMV.
I always start between 7 and 10 then once I’m happy with it I move it out to 25 and zero it in, then I shoot it out to 50 and you are right it really to close to call at close distance, but even at 50 you’ll stay within 4to 5 moa
Enjoying your content and training. Should I assume that different grains, MFG, will change, thus always stick with same…I think my mistake has been grabbing what ever is on sale and shooting that. Appreciate you and your Channel 🔫💥
Point made about bullet weight...try buying training ammo weight the same as your defensive bullet weights. I use Federal HST 124 grain and train with Norma 124 gr training FMJ ammo.
Awesome video. Decided to go with co witness myself due to what you stated it’s what we are/were used to. Got to think practicality with defensive shooting. Subbed 👍🏻
Just seems to without all the shooting, which I liked, that zeroing at the longer distance will not affect the shorter distances. At the shorter distances, the bullet hasn't had a chance to deviate from its flight path. Very informative...
I have an MR920 with a Holosun sight. I have sighted my pistol at 10 yards and have come to the exact conclusions you have. Now my word of caution. Many self-defense shooting may happen at 5 yards. This is where the line of departure differs significantly from the line of sight. At 5 yards the line of departure is significantly lower than the line of sight, the projectile is still rising at 5 yards to meet the 10 yard target. If you are aiming for center of mass it probably makes little difference. If you are aiming for a precise kill-head-shot at close range, it probably does.
I’m putting a red dot on my home defense shotgun. What’s your thoughts on using a bore laser to zero it? With the price of ammo it’s cheaper to buy the laser than a box of shells. The laser is also not a one time use.
Two hand held shots is not enough data points to parse out the differences between a 10, 15 and 25 yard zero. If you zero a centerfire pistol at 10 or 15 yards, the bullet will hit high at 25 yards. The reason your 15 yard zero hit low at 25 yards is operator error. And 2 shots at each distance has no statistical significance. Perhaps using a ballistics calculator to predict the trajectory would be helpful. Essentially at a 10, 15 and 25 yard zero, point of aim and point of impact are the same, plus or minus an inch. Thoughts?
Love the way u broke it down thank u so much for the video great information im ready to get out and find tune my holosun 507 on my Shadow Systems DR920 elite for my edc.
So basically it doesnt matter if i have my dot zeroed at 7 or 10yards because the groupings will still impact the A zone within 1-4 inches all the way out to 25 yards? Just want to make sure i understood correctly
Hey brother, love your videos just started watching your videos and love everything you tech and all the knowledge. What’s your edc that you carry and recommend? I’m 6’3” 330 pounds what you think is comfortable for person that big lol
I run the 19X and the Sig 365 XMACRO. I’ve never been comfortable. The 19x prints slightly. The XMACRO I really like but not enough reps with it yet. 🙏 On another note, I challenge you to make a life change and be healthier. If you need guidance send an email to frogmantactics@gmail.com.
I shoot 9mm. With the proper ballistics data from the mfg. iI have my AR9 set at 25y Zero. Only about 1 1/2 in low until I hit 25. Then about 1 in high at 50. Then at Zero again at 90y. Beyond that it drops like a rock.
Great video very informative. I zero my pistol red dot the same as you, cowitness. For me it makes aiming using the red dot the same I do with the irons. Keeps things simple and easily repeatable. Imo.
If you have to take a hostage shot inches matter. Therefore you want the zero with the least amount of deviation. You might not always need it but when you need it you better have it.
So, like you’ve said previously … bore sighted… dot is higher than front sight … recommend lowering to right on top of ( suppressor) front sight? And I should still be on target… also find dot faster?
Don’t second guess. They are all the same. Tuesday I release the newest video on RDS and it’ll prove it further. Support the channel at www.frogmantactical.com/youtube
I have never used an iron sight.. I bought my first gun and it had a red dot.. I probably shot over 2000 dry fire rounds coming out of holster as the gun is for self defense and being a newbie, I did not want to waste all that money in ammo... Now that I go to the range, it actually gets a little boring as 30 yds is the longest range anywhere near me. Pull my gun up I instantly have the red dot in my eye line as natural... I think that if I co witnessed, shotting from odd positions, like on the ground would take a little longer to worry about the front sight.. If the red dot lines up.. I hit my target.
I prefer a 25 yard zero. If I need to place a precision shot at 25 yards, thats where I want my zero. Closer shots are always easier. To be scientific, at the very least, you should have used a ransom rest. Just being accurate here, as you mentioned that some of your rounds were off due to human error. As far as co-witnessing, I see no use for it. It can own you down when it isnt needed at all.
Been looking for exactly this - and acquiring the dot I watched DJ and Cole from GBRS do a drill with one of Sig’s competitive shooters and was on it in a day if I followed the drill and have a 1911 grip angle haha
Your 25m zeroed was better though. The purpose of the red dot though, is to improve upon iron sights, so why diminish that with co-witness? Of course, a bigger, unobstructed sight picture is better.
Looks like the Co-witness setup may have way too much drop 50/75/100. I can shoot irons at 50...I'd like my dot guns to be able to reach minute of man at 50/75/100 without the hits being too low and variance high 2" is way more combat effective than low 4-6". Seems like 10 is mostly acceptable for most likely scenarios, but 25 yrds would be best if you took the time. @FrogMan Tactical how about reviewing my Combatives & Street Jiu-jitsu Instructional on BJJ Fanatics plz?
Outstanding video Frogman, very interesting and informative video with usefil information to aide in improving your shooring with a RDS equiped pistol!! You have gained another subscriber!!! Looking forward to more of your training videos!!! Outstanding content!!! Stay Safe and Watch Your Six!!! Let Freedom Ring!!! God Bless America!!! 👋🙂🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
10, and 25 are super close. Either is good. I use a 10 yard sight in for all my red dots on pistols. I probably can't shoot that good at 25 anyways. All mine are free hand. No rest. My sights are lower 1/3 or lower also so no cowitness for me.
Solid point! A small zero error at 10 yards may not be noticeable at all, but at distance you will be missing the target completely. Errors in zero are compounded exponentially as you shoot farther out.
25 yard zero is best within 0-50 yards there is about 2.5-3 inch deviation. Meaning you can take the shot without having to think about your zero distance if you had to push a shot out to 50 yards. In a world of active shooters, if you can take distance with cover and have the shot with safe back stop, put the dot on them and send it.
Im a LEO in Texas and l started carrying a red dot on my Glock 17 gen5 two years ago, first session l spent 200 rounds playing with different Zeros, l found 25yard is best one for me, at 25 yards l can stacked rounds on top of each other on a 3 inch DEA DOTS. I work nights so red dot is great, l carry a set of Ameriglo all black suppressor sights and a TLR 1000 lumens for my weapon lights, backup gun is a Glock 26 with a light and laser combo from Streamlight Zeroed at 25 yards, I practice regularly since l'm one of the firearms instructors for the department once a week 50 rounds l start with accuracy first from the holster no time limit then l move to speed and multiple targets, run and doing push ups in between reps, good video man.
Stay safe brother
I am from Finland. I just bought a red dot on my Glock 17 gen 5. First time i shot 100 rounds just adjusting the red dot. About 3 inch (7,5 cm) groups 25 meters at the end. Ameriglo Night sights as suppressor height and with B&T Impuls 2 suppressor. I have not shot Glocks ever before i got this one few months ago. My first red dot too so i have to say red dots make shooting easier. I have shot Siluette with .357 magnum and long time on my cabin (28 years i got my first pistol .357 magnum at age of 16). I have few other guns too. My red dot is Holosun 507C x2. I am not a competive shooter but i like to train shooting my guns good and fast.
@@Resident-cb3yz Cool man.
Nice brother.
What dot do you use?
25 yard zero has the least amount deviation so that's the one I went with. Thanks for the video!
As a Frogman disciple, Everyone must remember it's all about that correct "trigger manipulation" that lands you in the A zone each and every time from 10 to 25yards out. Frogman you have made me an even better shooter than I was... thank you BIG Time and please continue to post every bit of the knowledge you are able to share with us rookies 🙂! We must remain humble if we ever want to learn anything from the best out there. Stay frosty until next time !
That’s awesome. It just takes the knowledge and a bit of practice.
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That's all good and well. Accurate even. But if you aren't properly zeroed, trigger manipulation means basically nothing.
A big thanks for taking the time to go through this design of experiments. I suspected as much that it would not make much of a difference. After watching a video from the Modem Samurai Project, he recommended 10 yams for one simple reason. When sighting the pistol you can actually see where you are hitting without having to retrieve the target. Most importantly you can practice at that distance to make sure your grip, trigger control and form are hitting the target within a one inch spread.
I use a bore laser and point the pistol against the wall at 10 yards, I then sight the red dot about 1 inch above the laser dot I see on the wall (sight over bore)
I then use a 6 inch steel plate rack at the club.
I can hit those with easy with my Shield Plus at 25 yards.
Then 115 loads can shoot a little higher and 147 a bit lower, but we are splitting hairs as is only 1 inch or soo.
Good video.
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This was outstanding data regarding the use of a red dot from 10 to 25 yards, still lands you in the A zone. I agree with you 100% Thanks Brotha!!!
Much appreciated.
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I find regardless of what zero you use, it’s best to fine-tune it at a longer range as you might not notice an error at closer distances. For a 10 yard zero, you should hit approximately 1/2 inches low at 50 yards, 1/2 high at 25 (irons/co-witness), and zero’d at 50 and .66” high at 25 for a dot. You should verify with a Ballistic Calculator, my numbers are based on .66” sight height (irons), and .8” sight height (dot).
That said, I use a 10 yard zero as it provides my bullet will not be higher or lower than my site height relative to the center of the bore from point blank to 50 yards.
This is very similar to a rifle's MPBR after zeroing. Know your MPBR and put the dot/sight in an area on target that would result in an effective hit within that range box. This info is invaluable for those of us transitioning to RDS simply because father time is undefeated. Thanks again
💯
Thank again for the great series/content. I use the 10 yard zero for 9mm pistol/PCC due to the flat shooting out to 25 yards with a hold over of @ 8" at 100 yards. What ever zero anyone use especially LEO/Mil knowing your hold overs/unders is critical.
Absolutely.
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Our PD does a 25 ye zero, but my personal pistols, my zeros are 15 yd.
These series have been great. At 58 and a lifetime of using iron sights I am trying to transition now to a red dot because it is easier to see. It's been tough and I am doing a lot of dry fire drills at home. For some reason I notice that I have to push the front of the barrel down a fraction compared to my mechanics on the same type pistol with iron sights. I believe it is just going to take a whole lot of reps, but things are getting better each time. Look forward to more videos.
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I switched over last year and it took me a ton of time to get used to it as well. It does get better, it just takes reps like you said. :)
I found that initially I would use the irons to get the feel for how to present the gun correctly. Once I got the feel of it down then I switched over to looking at just the red dot.
For me the hardest part was when I presented I had to move around to see the dot. It always felt like my gun wasn’t level, but it was. It was just weird the first few weeks. Lol
Works amazing now though! You’re going to love it!
@@alextjb Now that I put lower 1/3 optic iron sights from Night Force on the P320 and it turned out the zero happens to be very close to cowitness that I can do what you say and find the iron sights first and the red dot is there. As I progress the red dot seems to becoming more prevalent. Good tips! Thanks!
I noticed the same thing about the barrel.
Check out the Holosun 507C ACSS Vulcan….game changer especially for awkward shooting positions
The issue I have with %100 co-witnessing is that it defeats the purpose of using the dot. Using an optic makes it so you can focus on the target, have a wider field of view all around your target, and give you faster follow up shots because instead of having the balance two thing together and hold them over a target you just super impose a single point of aim onto the target which is more natural to the human eye and the brain. If you have super tall irons so you can co-witness it covers up half your target from the point of aim down which again defeats the point of a dot and at that point you might as well just shoot with irons with a bright orange front post lol. As for shooting “just fine” before switching to a dot well that’s not exactly the case. Can you shoot with irons and hit the target? Of course it’s been done that’s at since the inception of firearms. Can you shoot better with an optic? %100 you can. So either pick one or the other. Running an optic has been proven to be superior in every way and if your going to run a dot then run the dot don’t try and half ass it by using irons so high that it defeats the purpose.
Yes an no. If you can use irons right, co witnessing just gives you a bright dot to help acquire the target faster just as it does not co witnessed. It doesn’t change anything really. The idea that we need to see this big area is a bit much. It’s nice but it doesn’t make you a better shooter.
However, most don’t co witness and that is ok. It’s a bout personal preference. 🙏
nailed it!
whenever I hear someone say co-witness I cringe. When I hear 100% co-witness I know someone doesn't know how to use red dot optic on a handgun.
I feel the same. If I do use co-witness sights, it’s usually lower 1/5 or 1/3. Having an absolute co-witness with a dot also unnecessarily crowds up the sight picture in my experience.
@@noahnewcomer5180until you realize the red dot is parallax free and you can put the dot anywhere in the glass you want
I've always done 25 yard zero for MRDS mounted on Pistols . I use my EDC G19 or MR920L in 2 Gun Matches because I love shooting what I carry and also use my HD carbine in these matches for the same reason . At my local 2 Gun matches we have multiple targets at 25 yards for pistol. So I figured why not just use 25 yard BZO for for my pistol. Before shooting in Comps I was using 12 yard BZO .
Any zero whether its 10 , 15 or 25 yards is better than no zero at all .
Awesome video bro
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For combat effectiveness and CCW the zero isn’t a big deal. But for competition shooting with a handgun when you have to shoot long distances and short distances in the same course it makes a difference. The farther the zero on a handgun red dot, the more the bullet drops out at 75-150 yards. Just like with a 36yrd zero on an AR, if you have to use a handgun to engage multiple targets at vastly different distances (like in a competition or maybe CCW in a very rural area) then the “spread” beteeen point of aim to point of impact out at distances of 50 to 100+ yards can be an issue.
With my Glock 19 and a 25 yard zero, at 100 yards my impact is anywhere from 10 to 15 inches below point of aim depending on the ammo. With my G19 and a 7 yard zero at 100 yards I am 2 to 3 inches below point of aim depending on the ammo.
Again... not a big deal if you will never take your handgun out to 100+ yards. But for those of us who do in competitions or possibly in very rural areas, the distance of the zero can be a factor when you get that adrenaline dump and you just start “pointing and shooting” with the dot on center mass and you aren’t even remotely thinking about hold overs.
💯
I feel like you should have taken five shots at each distance instead of just 2. It would give a much better idea of the dispersion and also better control for flyers / errors.
My humble opinion matches yours, as 10 or 15 yards (more common for shooting ranges in the city) is acceptable in precision, and we continue to learn continuously with you.
🙏
My buddy said, “dude it’s such a small difference who cares” I asked “and you really think you shoot as well as him?” I explained how our grouping would have much bigger deviations being less skilled, so we’d do best at 25yd zero! So thank you!
thank you for this. i re-checked last weeks zero. right where it needed to be at 10. i brought it in to 7 for 1 mag, and was same point of impact. i didn't take it out past 10 for the reasons stated on the last video.....in nj you're goin to the greybar motel if you try to claim self defense out much past 10 yards......
Some states suck lol.
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Probably the best and most informative review I've seen on 10,15,25 zero.Very direct with visual examples from each distance. I choose to use a 15 yard zero. KickAss review 💯🍻
Thank you for the kind words. 🙏
Just proves bare bones data is best. Most folks add fluff to inflate their ego and waste my time while still arriving at a forgone conclusion. Fascinating demo, thanks. Just subscribed.
Yes they do. Most of what you see is BS.
Would be interesting to see this with groups out to 50 yards with the 10,15,25 yard zero
I agree.
I was asking the same thing
you just answered my problem. I wasnt sure at what yardage should I zero my handgun. It doesnt matter if its 10, 15, 25. Thank you very much
kudos to you sir. yesterday i applied your teaching technique to my range shooting and what a difference it made. i shot from the 7, 10, and 15 with all rounds impacting relatively same. and as far as the co--witness sighting? I placed the dot right above the front post and shot with ease. no dot hunting. thank you for your video. I'm a better shooter because of it. RLTW
Much appreciated. I’m glad it helped you and it’s awesome you are getting out to be better. 🙏
25 yard is what i use on all handguns. I'm in LE and our furthest target is at 25 yards. Further than that we are going for a rifle.
I think you need to try this test under , defensive applications, 3, 5, 7, etc yards… as those zeros and variations of poa/poi would be more useful… as taking a 25 yd shot as a civilian most likely less feasible as we’d most likely face charges as it probably not “defensive”
3,5,7 yards is basically point of aim point of impact. There’s no reason to test those distances. 🙏
@@frogmantactical Agreed 100% POA/POI at those ranges
Great video. The timing is perfect. In a few days I will be at the range to zero my pistol red dot. It looks like the 25-yard zero is what I want to do. Thank you!
Great work!!!! I'm just getting into IDPA shooting. This vid gives me the confidence that out to at least 25 yards, regardless of which zero I use and barring my usual fundamental inaccuracies, I can get A zone hits as long as I have good target focus. Thanks again for the great work and your service.
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Thank you for the good info. I just got my first optic for my primary carry pistol, a Holosun 507c Gr ACSS reticle and am going to a indoor range Saturday to zero it in for the first time. I am planning on a 10 yard zero. This series of vids couldn't have came out at a better time for me, thank you. Of course I won't carry it until I feel totally squared away with it.
Nice. Good luck!
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What did holosun say to zero it at?
Just picked up a VP9 and getting a Holosun SCS for it to fit the optics cut and cowitness. Can't wait until it comes in, thanks for the work you put into your videos. It's really good knowledge and I'm glad you're making it available to those that need it, subscribed :)
I'm late to this video, but I'm gonna share anyway. I have used a red dot on a couple of pistols off and on for about 3 years now, but EDC is irons. I just shot my first pistol match with a red dot instead of irons and it was an absolute eye opener. I thought my combat sight-in was good, and I was very wrong. I discovered I was completely off the edge of the target at 50 yards (yes, there were a couple out that far). For the last couple stages I just turned off the red dot and cleaned them with irons. The moral of my story is, regardless of what distance you choose to zero, you would be wise to confirm zero out to 25 yards or more. After the match I bag-rested at 25 yards and ended up adjusting 3 clicks (MOA) right and one down. That may not appear during combat style drills, but it was painfully obvious at distance.
Even with just combative shooting in mind, clearly the 25 yard zero is hands down the way to go. The 25yd zero the impact shots have the nearly no deviation at all, compared to the 10 and 15
Close up zero (indoor range)- always figure in height over bore. Mark Barrel distance bellow the target that you’re aiming at and get them rounds in that area. Great way to get the weapon ready for long distance shooting (applicable) or at least close to. Great option if youdon’t have access to longer distance ranges for an easy quick zero
Excellent!!
Thank you. I’m zeroing at 25 yard’s because I’m a defensive situation in still hitting my target at 7 yards but if necessary can put on on target at 25 yards knowing my sight will guide me.
Excellent video and VERY informative! I’m new to the RDS and this helps me make a well informed decision. As an instructor (and dinosaur). I am still a hardcore iron sight guy - nut I’m warming up to the RDS
Thank you. They take a little getting use to.
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Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this video. I consider my self a new shooter, and use iron sights on my home defense firearm and a new red dot on the other. Your zeroing in formation will be a tremendous help as I practice with the red dot. I am now a subscriber!
I used to us a 25 yrd zero but I was struggling hitting accuracy shots at 7 yds and in like dot torture. Changed to a 10 yds zero and now all my 7yrd and in work is solid and shooting at 25 yds I can still keep it in the A zone.
Watch my trigger manipulation video and it will change your shooting very quick.
Great infovid. The showing and then the telling analysis of the targets really shows the real world impact. Thanks!
Really awesome job of putting this into perspective
Thank you. 🙏
25 yard zero for 45deg off set on 5.56 carbine
BUIS zero mine at 50 / 200
Glock 17 zero 25 yards
Both have Leupold Delta Pro
I've heard something to the effect of zero at 10yd, then push out to 15-25 for windage confirm. Since it will get exacerbated at further distance, you'll be able to refine it more.
Awesome series. You are my go-to reference. I’m new to shooting- your vids give me the confidence to take it to the range knowing that with practice I will develop proper technique and acumen.
Thank you for this comprehensive analysis! I don't have ready access to a 25 yard range. So my infantry-issued OCD was starting to bug me about this.
For now, I'll be very content with a 10 yard zero..
Just, excellent teaching and commentaries, Thank you !!
I have a shorty bipod that I can mount on my PDP rail and use it to zero my red dot. After taking three shots, I have a set of wood shims I can scissor under the butt, placing the dot back on my aim point, adjust the dot to average impact point, then repeat the three shots. I started zeroed for 50 yards, currently at 75, and find that even at 100, I am hitting about an under an inch low. Closer, shots are all landing near center with tight grouping. I don't get why others don't zero this way. Why 50 or 75...if I am ever at a mass shooting site, I want confidence I can hit an attacker out to 100 yards, and the way to get that is practicing out t 100. If I zero for ten, my error increases beyond that. If I zero at 50, 75, or further, I am zeroed at the most critical ranges I may ever need, and know I am super tight in closer. Yes, I shoot freehand at distances up to 100. I also practice with 124gr FMJ that lands within 1" of my 136gr carry ammo at these distances. Works for me, but YMMV.
Thank you for this video. I was able to get my red dot dialed in beautifully after watching this.
I always start between 7 and 10 then once I’m happy with it I move it out to 25 and zero it in, then I shoot it out to 50 and you are right it really to close to call at close distance, but even at 50 you’ll stay within 4to 5 moa
Enjoying your content and training. Should I assume that different grains, MFG, will change, thus always stick with same…I think my mistake has been grabbing what ever is on sale and shooting that. Appreciate you and your Channel 🔫💥
Point made about bullet weight...try buying training ammo weight the same as your defensive bullet weights. I use Federal HST 124 grain and train with Norma 124 gr training FMJ ammo.
Love the common sense here instead of trying to prove one zero is better than the other. lol
I zeroed at 5yrds (a bit short I know) and was about 2” high at 15yrd. Surprised me, I didn’t think it was going to be that much of a difference.
Awesome video. Decided to go with co witness myself due to what you stated it’s what we are/were used to. Got to think practicality with defensive shooting. Subbed 👍🏻
Thank you frogman for dispelling much of the myths
🙏
Just seems to without all the shooting, which I liked, that zeroing at the longer distance will not affect the shorter distances. At the shorter distances, the bullet hasn't had a chance to deviate from its flight path.
Very informative...
Bore sighting using a laser as a first step is good, just to get you on paper. It might even save you some ammo.
I have an MR920 with a Holosun sight. I have sighted my pistol at 10 yards and have come to the exact conclusions you have. Now my word of caution. Many self-defense shooting may happen at 5 yards. This is where the line of departure differs significantly from the line of sight. At 5 yards the line of departure is significantly lower than the line of sight, the projectile is still rising at 5 yards to meet the 10 yard target. If you are aiming for center of mass it probably makes little difference. If you are aiming for a precise kill-head-shot at close range, it probably does.
Watch my recent video.
I’m putting a red dot on my home defense shotgun. What’s your thoughts on using a bore laser to zero it? With the price of ammo it’s cheaper to buy the laser than a box of shells. The laser is also not a one time use.
I’m about to switch over to a red dot for my duty pistol. This mini series has helped tremendously! Thank you!
This confirms my theory! I am getting my scope sighted at 25 yards. Thank you for your service. 💪🔥
I like the cowitness far better for the simple fact that if my red dot dies for any reason my sighting is still the same with irons,
Just what I needed. Thank you
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Two hand held shots is not enough data points to parse out the differences between a 10, 15 and 25 yard zero.
If you zero a centerfire pistol at 10 or 15 yards, the bullet will hit high at 25 yards. The reason your 15 yard zero hit low at 25 yards is operator error.
And 2 shots at each distance has no statistical significance.
Perhaps using a ballistics calculator to predict the trajectory would be helpful.
Essentially at a 10, 15 and 25 yard zero, point of aim and point of impact are the same, plus or minus an inch.
Thoughts?
So my key takeaway from this is I can just co-witness and be perfectly fine. If I want to really get precise I should go for a 25yd zero.
In my experience the 25 yard zero has the smallest poi variation from 3yrds to 25yds but all three will get the job done
I love this video and send these to my friends who questioning different zero distances
Love the way u broke it down thank u so much for the video great information im ready to get out and find tune my holosun 507 on my Shadow Systems DR920 elite for my edc.
Glad it helped 🙏
Well done, I use the 10yd out to 100yd mark with the G 40 10mm. I’m use to it , two inches high at 50, two low 100. Thanks
I figured all the zeros will be good out to 100.
So basically it doesnt matter if i have my dot zeroed at 7 or 10yards because the groupings will still impact the A zone within 1-4 inches all the way out to 25 yards? Just want to make sure i understood correctly
You are correct. 🙏
I've always zeroed to 20 yards. I find it to be the most consistent and comfortable for me
Hey brother, love your videos just started watching your videos and love everything you tech and all the knowledge. What’s your edc that you carry and recommend? I’m 6’3” 330 pounds what you think is comfortable for person that big lol
I run the 19X and the Sig 365 XMACRO. I’ve never been comfortable. The 19x prints slightly. The XMACRO I really like but not enough reps with it yet. 🙏
On another note, I challenge you to make a life change and be healthier. If you need guidance send an email to frogmantactics@gmail.com.
If go with a 10yd zero simply because my local range has fixed target stands at 10yds.
All zeros will impact a 6” target at 10 yards.
I like all this detailed content!
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I shoot 9mm. With the proper ballistics data from the mfg. iI have my AR9 set at 25y Zero.
Only about 1 1/2 in low until I hit 25. Then about 1 in high at 50. Then at Zero again at 90y. Beyond that it drops like a rock.
Great video very informative. I zero my pistol red dot the same as you, cowitness. For me it makes aiming using the red dot the same I do with the irons. Keeps things simple and easily repeatable. Imo.
If you have to take a hostage shot inches matter. Therefore you want the zero with the least amount of deviation. You might not always need it but when you need it you better have it.
So, like you’ve said previously … bore sighted… dot is higher than front sight … recommend lowering to right on top of ( suppressor) front sight? And I should still be on target… also find dot faster?
I would like to se how the 25 yard zero impacts at farther distance
Well Mr Pike, you got me second guessing my 10 yard zero. Love the contend. God Bless.
Don’t second guess. They are all the same. Tuesday I release the newest video on RDS and it’ll prove it further.
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Awesome! Thanks for the video. Im hoping the Red Dot will help my tired eyes. But a little difficult to get used to.
It has mine. Just took 2-3 weeks to get use to for me personally.
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I have never used an iron sight.. I bought my first gun and it had a red dot.. I probably shot over 2000 dry fire rounds coming out of holster as the gun is for self defense and being a newbie, I did not want to waste all that money in ammo... Now that I go to the range, it actually gets a little boring as 30 yds is the longest range anywhere near me. Pull my gun up I instantly have the red dot in my eye line as natural... I think that if I co witnessed, shotting from odd positions, like on the ground would take a little longer to worry about the front sight.. If the red dot lines up.. I hit my target.
I prefer a 25 yard zero.
If I need to place a precision shot at 25 yards, thats where I want my zero.
Closer shots are always easier.
To be scientific, at the very least, you should have used a ransom rest. Just being accurate here, as you mentioned that some of your rounds were off due to human error.
As far as co-witnessing, I see no use for it. It can own you down when it isnt needed at all.
I cant hold a good enough group to zero at 25 yards , Which is my fault of course
Watch the most recent video. It’ll resolve the zero issue.
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Well timed video. Just put a red dot on my pistol…..I’m old, too, and seeing the sights is getting difficult.
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Great information as usual ! Thank You for your service !
You’re welcome.
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Well done once again. I am just getting use to my first red dot. great information.
Thank you.
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love the video, on zero and range. people do rewlly miss this part.
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Been looking for exactly this - and acquiring the dot I watched DJ and Cole from GBRS do a drill with one of Sig’s competitive shooters and was on it in a day if I followed the drill and have a 1911 grip angle haha
Nice. Keep getting it. 🙏
What are these targets called that your using, and where do you get them?
High Value Target
highvaluetarget.com/
I appreciate the video. Did you count how many times you said "ok"? You may not know it, but you say it a LOT.
Lol. Too many.
@Frogman Tactical 😄 keep up the good work bro! I soak in your content, and appreciate you sharing your experiences with us.
Your 25m zeroed was better though. The purpose of the red dot though, is to improve upon iron sights, so why diminish that with co-witness? Of course, a bigger, unobstructed sight picture is better.
Looks like the Co-witness setup may have way too much drop 50/75/100. I can shoot irons at 50...I'd like my dot guns to be able to reach minute of man at 50/75/100 without the hits being too low and variance high 2" is way more combat effective than low 4-6". Seems like 10 is mostly acceptable for most likely scenarios, but 25 yrds would be best if you took the time. @FrogMan Tactical how about reviewing my Combatives & Street Jiu-jitsu Instructional on BJJ Fanatics plz?
Really good video. Well done Jason.
Do you mean 25 ft vs yards? I don't know any indoor ranges that are 25 yards.
Mat ranges go to 50 ft max which is 16.67 yards.
Thanks for the info, can’t wait to get to the range to zero my trijicon. Will definitely take your advice into account. You have a new sub
Outstanding video Frogman, very interesting and informative video with usefil information to aide in improving your shooring with a RDS equiped pistol!! You have gained another subscriber!!! Looking forward to more of your training videos!!! Outstanding content!!! Stay Safe and Watch Your Six!!! Let Freedom Ring!!! God Bless America!!!
👋🙂🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
10, and 25 are super close. Either is good. I use a 10 yard sight in for all my red dots on pistols. I probably can't shoot that good at 25 anyways. All mine are free hand. No rest. My sights are lower 1/3 or lower also so no cowitness for me.
This is the way.
LOVED the vid. Thanks for sharing!
You dont shoot at 40,50, 75, or 100 yards with your pistol???
Most ccw encounters are
Solid point! A small zero error at 10 yards may not be noticeable at all, but at distance you will be missing the target completely. Errors in zero are compounded exponentially as you shoot farther out.
Awesome video! Can we see one like this with the different rifle zeros?
I already have one on this channel!
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Great analysis brother! Nice shooting as well. S/F!
🙏
Thanks for the info man keep up the great vids.
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Thank you for your service