Visualizing Zeros

Visualizing your zero isn't always something easy to do. At the high nerd level you're taking physical measurements, breaking out a pen and paper, and busting out some calculations—and all of that is AOK, especially so for precision shooting. Most of the population, at least the ones that pay some attention to where their bullets go instead of dirt-shooting, will either look at a chart or a pre-fabricated table.

Justin Coulter of Arma Dynamics, a training outfit in Indiana, crafted some visualizations and posted them to the forum M4carbine.net. They can be an effective tool for demonstration and reference. Instead of a graph, Justin superimposed point of impacts relative to zero at assorted ranges, and did so with a variety of common AR-15 barrel lengths and 5.56 loads. To include: 10.5”, 14.5”, 16”, and 18” barrels with 55gr M193, 62gr M855, and 77gr Mk262
Here are some examples (the full array can be viewed here)

Your zero is an ever-changing thing, and is subject to temperature change, elevation, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions (let alone the general physical bumps and drops along the way). You can use these as a quick reference or compliment to your ballistic charts for a good start. Remember to go out on the range and test it for yourself. As the proverb goes “Доверяй, но проверяй” (Imagine Ronald Reagan saying, “Trust, but verify”)

These aren't the only visualizations we've come across, but the standard IPSC target may be more relevant to your needs than say, a scaled Cookie Monster in a desert. As always, your mileage may vary.

There's also a ‘He-Man on Mars' version of this

You can find out more about Arma Dynamics on their homepage or follow them on Facebook. For some photoporn, check out Justin's Flikr page.

Why you can trust RECOIL

---

Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 

Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. 

At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. 

Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products.

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.