tactical training

How To Get a 50/200 Zero Without a 200 Yard Range

Zeroing your rifle is crucial to ensure accuracy and effectiveness for hunting, defending your property, and even tactical operations in urban environments.

The 50/200 zero is popular among shooters for its versatility and practicality. It allows for accurate shots at short and medium distances without needing constant adjustments.

However, many shooters lack access to a 200-yard range, making it challenging to achieve this zero. Fortunately, you can achieve a 50/200 zero without needing a 200-yard range with the right techniques and understanding.

This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can confidently zero your rifle regardless of range limitations.

Understanding the 50/200 Zero

Before discussing the steps to achieving a 50/200 zero without a 200-yard range, it’s important to understand what the 50/200 zero is and why it’s beneficial.

The 50/200 zero allows a shooter to have two points where the bullet crosses the line of sight: at 50 yards and again at 200 yards.

This zero is favored because it minimizes the bullet’s deviation from the line of sight over a wide range of distances, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios.

Benefits of the 50/200 Zero

Versatility: Effective for both close-quarters and mid-range engagements.
Simplicity: Reduces the need for frequent adjustments.
Consistency: Provides reliable point-of-impact across a broad spectrum of distances.

With this understanding, let’s move forward to the practical steps to achieve this zero at a shorter range.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to get a 50/200 Zero Without a 200 Yard Range

Achieving a 50/200 yard zero is manageable, even if you cannot access a 200-yard range. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:

Indoor Preparation: Start by placing your target at a distance of 10 yards (approximately 30 feet). This distance can easily be accommodated indoors, such as in a basement or a large room. Use the printable target below for this process.

How to zero an AR indoors — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Boever, 48th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, demonstrates how to use a Direct View Optic during a Security Forces Basic Qualification Course at RAF Feltwell, England, June 22, 2023. The DVO was introduced to two participants in the class providing a clearer picture view for precision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Renee Nicole F. Gamez)

Point of Aim: Use the black dot on the target as your point of aim. Align your red dot sight with this black dot.
Adjustments: The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to position my rifle in a rest so that the boresight laser is on the gray dot. I then adjust the windage and elevation of my red dot sight to align with the black dot. Once that is done, it’s time to head to the range and verify!
Range Verification: After completing the indoor adjustments, head to your local range and set up your target at 50 yards. Fire a group of shots to confirm and fine-tune your zero.

50/200 yard zero target — (courtesy of Jerking The Trigger)

Verifying Your Zero at 50 Yards

After completing the initial setup and adjustments indoors, verifying your zero at 50 yards is crucial. This step ensures that your adjustments hold at a greater distance and that your rifle is accurately zeroed for 50 and 200 yards.

verifying your zero at distance — A platoon sergeant with Bush Master Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), helps his Soldiers zero in on their weapons on March 30, 2021, at Fort Drum, N.Y., during M249 familiarization training. Zeroing is the process of aligning the sights on the weapon with the rifle so you can accurately aim at your target from a set distance. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Charlotte Carulli)

Set Up Your Target: Set up your target at 50 yards at your local range. Ensure the target is visible and has distinct aim points for accurate measurement.
Fire a Three-Shot Group: From a stable shooting position, fire a three-shot group at the target. This will give you an accurate representation of your rifle’s point of impact.
Measure and Adjust: Measure the distance between the center of your shot group and your point of aim. If the shots are not hitting the desired point, adjust your sight for windage and elevation. Repeat the process until your shots consistently hit the point of aim at 50 yards.
Confirm Consistency: Fire additional groups to confirm the consistency of your zero. Your shots should be grouped tightly around the point of aim, indicating a reliable zero.
Record Your Settings: Once you are satisfied with your zero, record your sight settings. This will help you quickly return to this zero if adjustments are needed in the future.

Using Ballistic Calculators and Ballistic Charts

To further refine your zero, incorporating ballistic calculators and charts can be highly beneficial. These tools help predict the trajectory and behavior of your bullets, allowing for more precise adjustments.

Input Data: Use a ballistic calculator to enter specific details about your rifle, ammunition, and environmental conditions. This includes bullet weight, muzzle velocity, barrel length, and altitude.
Analyze Trajectory: When examining the ballistic charts, you will notice that different ammunition types exhibit varying degrees of deviation. For example, the 55-grain M193 and 62-grain M855 rounds typically show deviations ranging from approximately 1.6 to 2.1 inches. On the other hand, the 77-grain BTHP tends to have a larger deviation of about 3.7 inches. Despite this greater variation, aiming for the upper torso should still yield combat-effective hits.

Make Adjustments: Based on the data, fine-tune your zero. For example, if the calculator indicates a slight drop at 50 yards, you can make minor adjustments to your sight to compensate.
Practical Testing: Use the refined data to conduct practical tests at the range. Fire at targets set at various distances to verify the accuracy of the ballistic calculator’s predictions.
Validate with Specific Ammunition: It’s crucial to validate your external ballistics with the specific ammunition you use during range practice, as individual results may differ. This ensures that your zero is accurate for the exact type of ammo you will be using in real scenarios.
Continuous Learning: Regularly update the data in your ballistic calculator to account for changes in ammunition, weather conditions, or any modifications to your rifle.

Practical Drills to Confirm Your 50/200 Zero

After completing all adjustments and verifications, it’s essential to conduct practical drills to ensure your zero is reliable under different conditions and scenarios.

Engage Multiple Targets: Practice shooting at targets set at various distances, from close-range (10 yards) to mid-range (100 yards). This will help you confirm that your zero holds across different ranges.
Different Shooting Positions: Test your zero from various shooting positions, including standing, kneeling, and prone. This ensures that your zero is consistent regardless of your stance.
Real-World Scenarios: Incorporate drills that mimic real-world scenarios, such as moving between cover or shooting on the move. This helps confirm the practical applicability of your zero.
Environmental Conditions: Practice in different environmental conditions, such as varying light levels, wind, and weather. This will help you understand how your zero performs in diverse situations.
Attend a Reputable Training Course: One of the best ways to confirm and refine your zero is to attend a reputable training course. These courses provide expert guidance and structured scenarios that you might not encounter when practicing alone. You’ll gain insights into how the 50/200 zero performs under various conditions and training drills, learning tips and techniques that can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and tactical readiness.
Regular Practice: Consistently practice these drills to maintain proficiency and confidence in your zero. Regular practice ensures that your skills remain sharp and that your zero stays accurate.

Conclusion

With the right approach and tools, achieving a 50/200 zero without access to a 200-yard range is entirely feasible. You can ensure your rifle is accurately zeroed by using indoor setups, verifying at 50 yards, and utilizing ballistic calculators and charts for further refinement.

I live in Northeastern Ohio, so the longest shot I would realistically take would be roughly 200 yards. Because of that, I zero all my 5.56 AR rifles for the 50/200 yard zero.

Practical drills, combined with attending a reputable training course, further confirm the reliability of your zero, preparing you for a wide range of shooting scenarios. With this zero, you’ll enhance your tactical readiness and shooting precision.

Master Night Operations with NOX Dynamics Night Vision and Tactical Training

NOX Dynamics was established in 2022 by a medically retired Navy SEAL. Operated by a team of former US Special Operations veterans, NOX Dynamics is dedicated to offering the highest caliber of night vision and tactical training in the industry.

Their mission is to provide unparalleled instruction and access to top-tier tactical gear and share their profound knowledge and experience with those passionate about learning.

With a strong belief that private citizens should have unrestricted access to night vision and other tactical gear, as well as quality training, NOX Dynamics is committed to eliminating barriers and empowering individuals.

They specialize in night vision technology, offering expert consulting services to law enforcement agencies and private citizens alike. These services include selecting appropriate night vision equipment, setting up helmets, and providing comprehensive training to ensure operational proficiency with NVGs and operating in low and no-light environments.

Night Vision (NVG) Expertise

NOX Dynamics brings unmatched expertise in night vision technology, leveraging the extensive, combat-proven experience of its team of former Special Operations veterans. Having utilized night vision technology in some of the most demanding operational environments worldwide, these experts now dedicate their knowledge and skills to training civilians and law enforcement personnel.

Their training programs are designed to impart real-world tactics and techniques that Special Operations have used, offering an in-depth understanding of how to leverage night vision technology effectively during night operations. NOX Dynamics ensures that the same high-grade equipment used in special missions is now accessible to private citizens, providing them with the gear and expertise to use it safely and effectively.

The training encompasses practical, hands-on instruction, where participants learn to integrate night vision systems with tactical operations seamlessly. Trainees gain insights into helmet setup, navigation, and tactical movement under low visibility conditions, translating military skills to civilian and law enforcement applications. This approach not only enhances the tactical capabilities of participants but also ensures they can operate NVGs with confidence in any situation.

Night Vision Goggles Offered

NOX Dynamics also offers a variety of high-end NVGs, catering to different operational needs. Here’s a look at some of the models available:

BNVD 1431 MKII Dual Tube Articulating Night Vision Goggle – White Phosphor

The BNVD 1431 MKII Dual Tube Articulating Night Vision Goggle (White Phosphor) is a cutting-edge night vision solution designed for users needing durable and responsive equipment. This product uses Military PVS-14 optics, facilitating easier training and maintenance by being compatible with widely available accessories and tools.

The goggles feature state-of-the-art Gen III auto-gated white phosphor tubes offering outstanding visibility and detail. They incorporate a variable gain control for image tube brightness adjustment and an integrated infrared illuminator for enhanced night vision capability. Lightweight and robust, the BNVD 1431 MKII provides a solid build quality with an articulating eye pod design, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of night environments.

L3 BNVD-1531

The L3Harris BNVD-1531 is an advanced binocular night vision device that expertly combines features from the well-established AN/PVS-15 and AN/PVS-31, providing enhanced capabilities in a compact and lightweight form. Ideal for extended missions where fatigue reduction is critical, the BNVD-1531 boasts an ergonomic design with a significant weight reduction compared to older models.

It includes adjustable diopters, manual gain control, and individually rotating monoculars for optimal operational flexibility. Additionally, it features an integrated infrared illuminator, enhancing night vision capabilities. The device can be used in various configurations including helmet-mounted, head-mounted, or handheld, ensuring adaptability to diverse field conditions and is maintainable with minimal equipment.

AN/PVS-31A Binocular Night Vision Device (BNVD)

The AN/PVS-31A Binocular Night Vision Device (BNVD) from L3Harris is a state-of-the-art, dual-tube goggle using white phosphor technology to provide superior situational awareness and image clarity. Designed in collaboration with Special Forces operators, this device features a low-profile, ergonomic design that enhances comfort and reduces head-borne weight, making it ideal for extended missions.

The AN/PVS-31A is favored by elite units for its balance, reduced weight, and the ability to maintain a natural stance during use. It significantly improves the user’s operational performance by optimizing the system’s center of gravity, which is critical during dynamic and demanding field conditions.

EOTECH BinoNV-W

The EOTECH BinoNV-c is a state-of-the-art night vision goggle that adheres to the rigorous MIL-SPEC standards (MIL-STD-810G), ensuring robustness and high performance for tactical applications. It features one of the industry’s most advanced and compact bino housings, which helps minimize silhouette and provides full articulation, allowing for independent tube adjustment and folding.

This design makes the BinoNV-c exceptionally suited for special operations forces and SWAT teams. With better depth perception compared to single tube systems, it facilitates effective mounted and dismounted navigation and interaction with the environment. The BinoNV-c operates on a single AA battery, with the option for an external battery pack, enhancing its operational flexibility during extended missions. This goggle’s cutting-edge capabilities and ergonomic design make it a preferred choice for rigorous field applications where reliability and performance are critical.

L3 Harris GPNVG-18

AKA Quad nods, Panos; The L3 Harris Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (GPNVG-18) is designed to significantly enhance situational awareness and operational capabilities by providing an expansive 97-degree field of view. This panoramic view, substantially wider than the typical 40-degree systems, is achieved through specialized optics that amalgamate images from high-performance Mil-Spec Unfilmed White Phosphor image intensifiers.

These factory-standard devices come with a one-year warranty and a lead time estimated between 60-90+ days. The GPNVG-18 units include a CR123-powered battery pack, with the option to use the PVS-31 cold weather battery pack for additional versatility. Furthermore, L3Harris offers service support for these goggles even after the warranty period, ensuring long-term reliability and maintenance support.

The following goggles are ranked based on cost, operational features like weight, ease of use, field of view, and specific enhancements that benefit tactical operations.

Ranking and Recommendations

Budget: PVS 14 monocular w/ ELBIT Gen 3 White Phos.
Good: Act In Black DTNVS (Dual Tube Night Vision System)
Better: L3 (BNVD) – 1531
Best: L3 (BNVD) AN/PVS31a

To purchase the above night vision goggles, visit the NOX Dynamics sales page.

Combat Medical Training

In addition to Night Vision and Tactical training, NOX Dynamics offers advanced combat medical training, a program available to some of the most elite units in the military. While the specifics of these trainings are discreet to maintain operational security, NOX Dynamics provides courses that address complex and critical medical scenarios encountered in high-risk environments.

Their instructors, who are former 18D (Army Special Forces Medics) and Navy SEAL Special Operations Combat Medics (SOCM), bring a wealth of real-world experience to each course. They deliver comprehensive training in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC), preparing individuals for a range of medical emergencies.

Their passion for saving lives drives the quality and intensity of each training session, ensuring that every participant is equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform under pressure and save lives.

Conclusion

NOX Dynamics is a leader in providing advanced NVG solutions and tactical training.

Whether it’s through their meticulous selection of NVGs for sale, their comprehensive training programs in night vision and combat medical procedures, or their consultative services for law enforcement, NOX Dynamics ensures that their clients are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary for superior operational performance.