Zeroing an Optic

Proper instructions for properly zeroing red dot optics mounted on your Staccato 2011 pistol.

Zeroing

Even the best shooting handguns in the world will only be as accurate as their zero. In the accompanying video, Staccato team member Issac goes through a simple procedure for ensuring the red dot on your 2011 has a good zero.

1. Ensure that your optic and optic mounting plate have been torqued down to proper manufacturer specification, and that all mounting screws have been secured with Loctite that’s been allowed to cure for at least 24 hours.
2. Get yourself and your pistol in the most secure position possible. Sitting down, with the frame of the pistol secured on some kind of rest, is ideal. There are purpose built shooting rests available for this, but you can also use a makeshift rest like a sandbag or small pistol/range bag. The frame rail, in front of the trigger guard where you would normally mount a weapon light, is a great flat surface to rest on.
3. Once you are set in your shooting position, fire a 3-round group into the target, making sure your red dot is on the same point on the target before each shot.
4. If your initial group is not centered, adjust the windage and elevation dials on your optic accordingly. Important note: adjustment procedures can vary greatly between optic makes and models. Please consult the instruction manual that came with your red dot in order to adjust properly.
5. Once you’ve made your adjustments, fire another three-round group to confirm zero.
6. Repeat steps 3. through 5. as needed until you can produce a three-shot group centered where you want it.

At this point your optic is zeroed.

Helpful Hints:

• Your zero is only true for the distance, ammunition, and optic you set it for. If you change any of these things, your established zero will not be exact. This usually isn’t a big deal, depending on context. If your red dot is zeroed at 25 yards with 124 grain ammunition, and you go to the range for practice and shoot at 10 yards with 115 grain ammunition, there will be a difference, but it won’t be significant.
• Set your zero for the most critical use of your pistol. If it’s a carry pistol, zero with the self-defense ammo you carry with, at a distance you think is appropriate. Competition guns should be zeroed with match ammo at an distance relevant to the average distance of targets encountered in your discipline.
• Over long periods of regular or hard use, optics may lose zero. Some shooters dab the edge of each adjustment dial with a paint pen, so the mark is half on the dial and half on the optic body. This way, if the dials shift, the paint mark will be out of alignment, and you have a quick reference to see if/when it’s time to reset your zero.

Don’t forget that Staccato offers optic zeroing as a service to 2011 owners. If you are purchasing from us and configure your pistol to include a red dot, we will zero it for you with Staccato match ammunition before we ship to you. If you already have a 2011 and would like us to zero it for you, contact our Customer Experience Team. We can arrange for you to send your pistol in to be zeroed. Reach us here for more information.