{"id":190793,"date":"2026-07-19T18:33:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T23:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=161281"},"modified":"2026-07-19T18:39:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T23:39:54","slug":"how-to-zero-a-red-dot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">10<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A red dot is only as useful as its zero. Follow these five simple steps to get your rifle or pistol optic on target, stop chasing shots, and save yourself from burning through a pile of ammo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"670\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-1-1024x670.jpg\" alt=\"Crimson Trace CTS-1550, CTS-1440, and CTS-1250 red dot sights used for learning how to zero a red dot\" class=\"wp-image-161283\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-1-1024x670.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-1-400x262.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-1-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-1-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>From left to right: CTS-1550, CTS-1440, CTS-1250<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-step-1-start-with-a-red-dot-that-will-actually-hold-zero\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" data-level=\"2\">Step 1: Start With a Red Dot That Will Actually Hold Zero<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-2-lock-the-gun-down-and-take-yourself-out-of-the-shot\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" data-level=\"2\">Step 2: Lock the Gun Down and Take Yourself Out of the Shot<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-3-get-your-red-dot-on-paper-before-you-chase-the-zero\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" data-level=\"2\">Step 3: Get Your Red Dot on Paper Before You Chase the Zero<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-4-dial-in-your-red-dot-without-chasing-single-shots\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" data-level=\"2\">Step 4: Dial In Your Red Dot Without Chasing Single Shots<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-step-5-confirm-your-zero-and-stop-wasting-ammo\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" data-level=\"2\">Step 5: Confirm Your Zero and Stop Wasting Ammo<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Zero a Red Dot Without Burning Through Your Ammo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Red dots have been around since the 1970s, but they have not recently been widely adopted by the military, law enforcement, and self-defense practitioners. There\u2019s a reason for that. These days, even inexpensive red dots are tough, reliable, and effective, and micro pistol red dots have revolutionized the handgun shooting world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But you won\u2019t be able to take advantage of these little technological marvels if you don\u2019t know how to zero a red dot and get it properly sighted in. Zeroing a red dot is a lot like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/how-to-zero-a-scope-with-two-shots-and-why-maybe-you-shouldnt\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">zeroing a scope<\/a>, but the lack of magnification can make it a little more challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-start-with-a-red-dot-that-will-actually-hold-zero\">Step 1: Start With a Red Dot That Will Actually Hold Zero<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where most red dot users go wrong. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/we-got-one-of-those-cheap-amazon-red-dots\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crappy red dots<\/a> won\u2019t hold zero and are easily damaged by drops and heavy recoil, and even the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/aimpoint-compm5b-shot-show-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gucciest red dots<\/a> won\u2019t be much use if they\u2019re wiggling around on your picatinny rail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t get me wrong. \u201cCrappy\u201d is not synonymous with \u201cinexpensive.\u201d These Crimson Trace red dots can all be found for less than $350, but they\u2019re tough and simple to install. Plus, they all come with free batteries for life and a three-year warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For rifles and shotguns: <a campaign=\"RedDot\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crimsontrace.com\/products\/electronic-sights\/red-dots\/cts-1400-open-reflex-sight-for-rifles-shotguns\/01-8410.html?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"clickTracking\">Crimson Trace CTS-1400<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For subcompact handguns: <a campaign=\"RedDot\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crimsontrace.com\/products\/electronic-sights\/cts-1550-red-dot-sight\/01-01960.html?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"clickTracking\">Crimson Trace CTS-1550<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For full-sized handguns: <a campaign=\"RedDot\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crimsontrace.com\/products\/electronic-sights\/cts-1250-compact-open-reflex-sight-for-pistols\/01-00560.html?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"clickTracking\">Crimson Trace CTS-1250<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-3-1024x740.jpg\" alt=\"Crimson Trace red dot sights selected for rifle, shotgun, and handgun red dot zeroing\" class=\"wp-image-161337\" title=\"Crimson Trace Red Dot Sights\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-3-1024x740.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-3-400x289.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-3-150x108.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-3-768x555.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Crimson Trace red dots are a great choice for any setup.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Wheeler-Accurizing-Measurement-Gunsmithing-Maintenance\/dp\/B0012AXR4S\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inch-pound torque wrench<\/a> is an indispensable tool for any kind of sight installation. Torque the screws too much and you risk breaking the optic; too little and the optic won\u2019t hold zero. Your optic\u2019s manual will often list the torque weight specifications, and if it doesn\u2019t, contact the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The screws need to be tight, but they may not need as much torque as you think. The <a class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"RedDot\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crimsontrace.com\/products\/electronic-sights\/cts-1550-red-dot-sight\/01-01960.html?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crimson Trace CTS-1550<\/a> I&#8217;m using here, for example, only calls for between 8-10 inch-pounds of torque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-lock-the-gun-down-and-take-yourself-out-of-the-shot\">Step 2: Lock the Gun Down and Take Yourself Out of the Shot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re sighting in a firearm optic, \u201crepeatability\u201d is the name of the game. You want to make sure you\u2019re firing at the exact same spot. Otherwise, you won\u2019t know whether a miss is due to the optic or your spastic trigger finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"593\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-4-1024x593.jpg\" alt=\"Handgun secured in a shooting rest for a repeatable pistol red dot zero\" class=\"wp-image-161341\" title=\"Using a Rest to Zero a Red Dot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-4-1024x593.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-4-400x232.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-4-150x87.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-4-768x445.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A stable shooting rest helps remove shooter movement from the equation when zeroing a red dot.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-9-1024x672.jpg\" alt=\"Firearm supported on a solid shooting rest while sighting in a red dot optic\" class=\"wp-image-161342\" title=\"Solid Rest for Red Dot Sight-In\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-9-1024x672.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-9-400x263.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-9-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-9-768x504.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-9.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Whatever gun you&#8217;re using, get it on a solid rest before trying to sight in any optic.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To take yourself out of the equation, use a gun rest. For handguns, I like this <a href=\"https:\/\/ransomrest.com\/multi-cal-steady-rest\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Multi-Cal Steady Rest<\/a> from Ransom. It\u2019s a simple affair, but it gets the job done. For rifles, be sure you use a rest that stabilizes the front and rear of the gun. Sandbags on the front and back are a great option, but you can also use a bipod on the front and a bag in the back or a shooting sled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-get-your-red-dot-on-paper-before-you-chase-the-zero\">Step 3: Get Your Red Dot on Paper Before You Chase the Zero<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve properly installed your quality red dot and secured your rest, the next task is to get \u201con paper.\u201d Basically, you want to be able to fire a round at the center of the target and have the bullet land somewhere on the paper. That way, you know how to adjust your dot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can spend a lot of time taking pot shots at 50 or 100 yards without getting anywhere (trust me). To avoid burning through more ammo than you have to, you can do one of three things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"652\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-5-1024x652.jpg\" alt=\"Target showing initial impacts while getting a red dot sight on paper before final zero adjustments\" class=\"wp-image-161343\" title=\"Getting a Red Dot on Paper\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-5-1024x652.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-5-400x255.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-5-150x96.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-5-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Getting shots on paper is often the most difficult step in the process. Once you know where shots are landing, it&#8217;s easy to adjust the optic.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart guys will bite the bullet and purchase a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/StrongTools-BoreSighter-Caliber-Boresight-Universal\/dp\/B07DZ5BYFG\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">laser boresighter<\/a>. These handy little tools allow users to align their point of impact with their optic without firing a shot. The boresighter will get you on paper at 50 or 100 yards, and you can skip to Step 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, you can bore sight the old-fashioned way by setting your firearm on a stable rest, aligning the bore with the target, peering through the barrel, and moving the red dot onto the target. This works well with bolt-action rifles, but for AR-type rifles or handguns, it\u2019s much more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, you can use the walk-out method. Secure the optic to the firearm, place a paper target a few yards away, and take a shot. Keep moving the target and adjusting your optic until the target is at the required distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since I don\u2019t have a laser boresighter and I was sighting in a handgun and an AR pistol, I opted for this third method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-12-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"AR pistol positioned for the walk-out method while zeroing a red dot sight\" class=\"wp-image-161349\" title=\"Walk-Out Method for Zeroing a Red Dot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-12-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-12-400x265.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-12-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-12-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-12.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The walk-out method starts close and gradually moves the target farther away as the red dot zero gets dialed in.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"763\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-6-1024x763.jpg\" alt=\"First close-range shot on a paper target at 25 yards while zeroing a rifle red dot\" class=\"wp-image-161345\" title=\"First Shot on Paper at 25 Yards\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-6-1024x763.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-6-400x298.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-6-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-6-768x572.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-6.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>If you don&#8217;t have a laser boresighter, shoot one shot at close range to get on paper. My first shot landed on paper at 25 yards.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With the rifle, I set the target at 25 yards and took a shot from sandbags. I hit the paper five inches low and two inches to the left. If you don\u2019t hit paper, move the target closer and closer until you do. (It may go without saying, but don\u2019t use expensive ammunition for any sight-in process.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/sw-mp15-sport-ii\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"7241\">Smith &amp; Wesson<\/a> Shield Plus, I adopted a similar strategy, but I had an advantage. <a class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"RedDot\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crimsontrace.com\/products\/electronic-sights\/cts-1550-red-dot-sight\/01-01960.html?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Crimson Trace CTS-1550<\/a> has a notch cut into the optic to allow the iron sights to co-witness with the red dot. To get on paper at seven yards, I simply adjusted the red dot to align with the iron sights. My shot landed 2.5 inches low and two inches right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-10-1024x644.jpg\" alt=\"Crimson Trace CTS-1550 rear notch allowing iron sights to co-witness during pistol red dot zeroing\" class=\"wp-image-161344\" title=\"CTS-1550 Iron Sight Co-Witness\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-10-1024x644.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-10-400x252.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-10-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-10-768x483.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The notch in the back of the CTS-1550 allows the irons to cowitness for easy optic adjustments.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If your red dot doesn\u2019t co-witness with your irons, you\u2019ll have to adopt option #1 or option #3 discussed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.3tcenter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The range I go to<\/a> has mobile targets that can be moved back and forth, but what if your range doesn&#8217;t have that kind of flexibility? In that case, a laser boresighter is even more crucial. It&#8217;s also a good idea to use very large targets. Butcher paper works well for this task. You can also staple multiple targets end to end or just purchase large targets online. Once you take a shot, and it lands somewhere on paper, you&#8217;re good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-dial-in-your-red-dot-without-chasing-single-shots\">Step 4: Dial In Your Red Dot Without Chasing Single Shots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019re on paper, you\u2019ll know how much you need to dial your optic to get closer to where you need to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I adjusted the <a class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"RedDot\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crimsontrace.com\/products\/electronic-sights\/red-dots\/cts-1400-open-reflex-sight-for-rifles-shotguns\/01-8410.html?utm_source=GunsAmerica\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crimson Trace CTS-1400<\/a> on my rifle eight clicks right and 20 clicks up (1 MOA per click). I knew this would get me on paper at 50 yards, which is the distance I wanted to sight in my red dot. If you adjust your optic, move the target, and don&#8217;t hit paper, you&#8217;ll have to move the target closer until you get back on paper. Alternatively, you can also aim low, high, left, and right to figure out where your shots are going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get on paper at your desired distance, shoot a three, four, or five shot group. Shooting a group and adjusting your optic based on the midpoint of that group will produce much better results than chasing single shots around your target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-7-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Multi-shot target group used to calculate red dot sight adjustments at the desired zero distance\" class=\"wp-image-161346\" style=\"width:840px;height:556px\" title=\"Using Shot Groups to Adjust a Red Dot\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-7-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-7-400x265.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-7-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-7-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Use the midpoint of a shot group to make your red dot adjustments instead of chasing individual impacts around the target.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large essb-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"659\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-8-1024x659.jpg\" alt=\"Five-shot group on a paper target used to verify and refine a red dot zero\" class=\"wp-image-161347\" title=\"Five-Shot Group for Red Dot Zero\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-8-1024x659.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-8-400x257.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-8-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-8-768x494.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-8.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Shooting a group before adjusting your optic ensures you don&#8217;t chase single shots all across your target. It uses a little more ammo at first, but it probably saves ammo in the long run.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On this day at the range, I shot a five-shot group, adjusted my optic, and waited for the barrel to cool. Since I hope to use this pistol to hunt hogs here in East Texas, I wanted to make sure my cold barrel shot was on target. Once the barrel had cooled, I took a single shot at one of the smaller circles and confirmed the shot landed on target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same steps can be used to sight in a handgun red dot. Get on paper at your desired distance, shoot a group from a rest, and adjust your optic from there. Once you\u2019ve made your adjustments, shoot a cold-barrel shot to verify your first shot will be on target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One last pro tip that I didn&#8217;t follow on this day at the range: purchase targets <em>not<\/em> in the same color as your red dot. I made it work, but I wish I had white, green, or orange targets instead of these red ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-confirm-your-zero-and-stop-wasting-ammo\">Step 5: Confirm Your Zero and Stop Wasting Ammo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sighting in a red dot is a simple task, but it\u2019s easy to get frustrated. If you\u2019re unsure of where your shots are landing, start by solidifying your rest. Then, move your target closer to get shots on paper and work your way out from there. Ammo is meant for fun and training. It\u2019s a shame to waste it getting your optic on target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Reads from GunsAmerica Digest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/how-to-zero-a-scope-with-two-shots-and-why-maybe-you-shouldnt\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Zero a Scope With Two Shots and Why Maybe You Shouldn&#8217;t<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/we-got-one-of-those-cheap-amazon-red-dots\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">We Got One of Those Cheap Amazon Red Dots<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/aimpoint-compm5b-shot-show-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aimpoint CompM5b<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/crimson-trace-goes-green-shot-show-2015\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crimson Trace Goes Green, SHOT Show 2015<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/affordable-riflescopes-crimson-trace\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check Out This New Line of Affordable Riflescopes from Crimson Trace<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/condition-crimson-crimson-trace-photo-contest\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8220;Condition Crimson&#8221; Crimson Trace Photo Contest<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/smith-wesson-acquires-crimson-trace-95-million\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smith &amp; Wesson Acquires Crimson Trace for $95 Million<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/crimson-trace-green-lasers-new-inexpensive-defender-kimber-master-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"how-to-zero-a-red-dot\" title=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crimson Trace Green Lasers &amp; New Inexpensive Defender, Kimber Master Series<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A red dot is only as useful as its zero. Follow these five simple steps to get your rifle or pistol optic on target, stop chasing shots, and save yourself from burning through a pile of ammo.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":161283,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"manual","footnotes":""},"categories":[109,593,47,879],"tags":[102,1859,638,612,1092,1615],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-190793","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gear-reviews","8":"category-jordan-michaels","9":"category-gear-optics-sights","10":"category-gear-optics-sights-red-dots","11":"tag-feature-articles","12":"tag-gear-review","13":"tag-how-to","14":"tag-optics","15":"tag-red-dot","16":"tag-red-dot-sights"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Sight In a Red Dot Without Wasting Ammo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Zero your red dot faster, stop chasing shots, and save ammo with five simple steps that get your rifle or pistol optic on target.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A red dot is only as useful as its zero. Follow these five simple steps to get your rifle or pistol optic on target, stop chasing shots, and save yourself from burning through a pile of ammo.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-19T23:33:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-19T23:39:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/RD-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"785\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jordan Michaels\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jordan Michaels\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jordan Michaels\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a21614cb8c2dd3512bbbaa26c54521ad\"},\"headline\":\"How to Zero a Red Dot in 5 Simple Steps\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-19T23:33:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-19T23:39:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1738,\"commentCount\":2,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/03\\\/RD-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Feature Articles\",\"gear review\",\"How To\",\"Optics\",\"Red Dot\",\"Red Dot Sights\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Gear Reviews\",\"Jordan Michaels\",\"Optics\\\/Sights\",\"Red Dots\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/#respond\"]}],\"accessibilityFeature\":[\"tableOfContents\"]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Sight In a Red Dot Without Wasting Ammo\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/03\\\/RD-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-19T23:33:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-19T23:39:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"Zero your red dot faster, stop chasing shots, and save ammo with five simple steps that get your rifle or pistol optic on target.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/how-to-zero-a-red-dot\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/03\\\/RD-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/03\\\/RD-1.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":785,\"caption\":\"2 - 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