Definition

Zeroing, or sighting in, is the process of adjusting a firearm’s sights or optics so that the point of aim aligns with the point of impact at a specific distance. It’s essential for achieving accurate and consistent shot placement.

Further Explanations

Zeroing is most common in rifle and handgun shooting, but the principles of aim-point alignment and shot consistency apply to shotgun sports as well, especially for slug shooting or precision disciplines.

Key aspects of zeroing include:

• Distance selection: Most shooters zero at common distances (e.g., 50, 100, or 200 yards) based on their intended use.

• Adjustment: Sights or scopes are fine-tuned for windage (left-right) and elevation (up-down) until shots land at the center of the target.

• Repetition: Zeroing is often revisited when changing ammunition, optics, or shooting conditions.
  
  

Though traditional clay shooting doesn’t require “zeroing” in the rifle sense, shotgun patterning is the closest equivalent, where shooters test how pellets distribute at various distances to ensure predictable results.

While zeroing isn’t typically required for shotguns used in clay sports, understanding how your shot pattern behaves is crucial. Nordic Clays' Clay pigeons and Clay pigeon throwers make it easy to evaluate consistency by offering realistic target throws, ideal for testing spread, lead, and accuracy with your chosen load and choke.