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This concept refers to the practice of sighting in a .308 caliber rifle so that the bullet’s trajectory intersects the point of aim at both 25 yards and 100 yards. This creates a near-zero trajectory within that range, meaning the bullet will impact close to the point of aim at any distance between 25 and 100 yards without requiring holdover or hold-under adjustments. The bullet will travel slightly above the point of aim at intermediate distances, achieving its highest point roughly halfway between the two zero distances. This approach is commonly used for shorter-range shooting applications.

Achieving this dual-range zero offers several practical advantages. It simplifies aiming at various distances within the effective range, making it beneficial for hunting, target shooting, or tactical scenarios where quick target acquisition is essential. It reduces the need for complex ballistic calculations or adjustments in the field. Historically, dual-range zeros were popularized due to limitations in sight adjustment granularity and the need for efficient sighting methods in the absence of sophisticated ballistic calculators.

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This sighting-in technique involves adjusting a firearm’s sights so the projectile’s trajectory intersects the point of aim at both 50 and 100 yards. For example, a rifle sighted in this way would hit precisely where the sights are aligned at both distances. This is achieved because the bullet travels in an arc, rising above the line of sight after leaving the barrel and then descending to cross it again further downrange.

This specific zero offers several practical advantages for target shooting and hunting. It allows for accurate shots at two common distances without requiring sight adjustments. The relatively small difference in trajectory between the two ranges minimizes holdover or hold-under adjustments for targets between these points. Historically, this zero has been popular among hunters and recreational shooters due to its versatility and ease of use with common calibers.

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This sighting-in technique involves adjusting a firearm’s sights so the projectile’s trajectory intersects the point of aim at both 50 and 100 yards. For example, a rifle sighted in this way would hit on target at 50 yards, slightly high at shorter ranges, and then on target again at 100 yards.

This method offers a practical compromise for shooters primarily concerned with accuracy at typical hunting or target-shooting distances. It reduces the need for holdover or sight adjustments between these ranges, streamlining the aiming process. Historically, this approach gained popularity due to the ballistic characteristics of common hunting cartridges and the practicalities of range estimation in the field.

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Achieving a 36-yard zero with a 25-yard sighting-in distance involves adjusting a firearm’s sights so that the point of impact matches the point of aim at 25 yards, while also ensuring the trajectory intersects the point of aim again at 36 yards. This creates a near-zero trajectory within that range, meaning the projectile will impact close to the point of aim at any distance between the two zero points. For example, a rifle zeroed this way might impact slightly high between 25 and 36 yards, but the deviation would be minimal, allowing for effective target engagement without holdover adjustments at typical self-defense distances.

This specific zeroing technique is popular for defensive firearms, particularly handguns and carbines, due to its practicality in close-quarters scenarios. By minimizing the need for holdover or hold-under adjustments at typical engagement distances, it allows for rapid and accurate target acquisition under stress. The historical context likely stems from practical experience and ballistic studies that identified the optimal balance between trajectory curvature and ease of use at common self-defense ranges. This approach minimizes sight adjustment complexity while maximizing effective projectile placement within a realistic engagement envelope.

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