Can You Zero A Rifle At 25 Yards?
A rifle can be zeroed, or sighted in, at any distance that is practical to shoot at. The most common distance to zero a rifle is 100 yards, but 25 yards is also a popular choice, especially for those who don’t have access to a 100-yard range. Zeroing at 25 yards has its pros and cons, which should be considered before deciding whether or not it’s the right choice for you.
- To zero a rifle, first make sure the rifle is unloaded and there is no ammunition in the chamber
- Next, find a target at 25 yards away and set it up
- Now, take aim at the center of the target and fire three shots
- Check your shot placement and adjust your sights accordingly
- If your shots are hitting low, raise your sights
- If they are hitting to the left, move your sights to the right, etc
- Once you have your sights adjusted, fire three more shots and check your results
- Repeat this process until you are satisfied with where your shots are landing on the target
25 yards = 200 yards? How to sight your rifle indoors for the outdoors…
– Yes, You Can Zero a Rifle at 25 Yards
There are a few schools of thought on the best zero distance for a rifle, but 25 yards is certainly within the realm of possibility. When zeroing at 25 yards, you’re essentially aiming for the center of mass of your target. This means that as long as your bullet impact is within a few inches of this point, you should be able to hit your target consistently at relatively close range.
Of course, there will be some drop-off in accuracy as you get further away from your target, but this is to be expected with any zero distance. If you’re primarily shooting targets that are closer than 25 yards, then zeroing at this distance may make the most sense for you. On the other hand, if you’re regularly shooting targets that are further away, you may want to consider zeroing at a longer distance like 100 yards.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your needs and shooting style.
– What are the Benefits of Zeroing a Rifle at 25 Yards
Assuming you are talking about zeroing a rifle at 25 yards for hunting:
The main benefit of zeroing a rifle at 25 yards is that it allows the hunter to account for bullet drop at longer distances. By zeroing the rifle at 25 yards, the hunter can estimate where their shot will land at 100 yards, 150 yards, etc.
This is especially helpful when hunting in open areas where game can be far away.
Another benefit of zeroing a rifle at 25 yards is that it gives the hunter more leeway for error. If a hunter misses their target by a few inches at 25 yards, the bullet will still likely hit the animal.
However, if they were trying to shoot an animal at 100 yards and missed by a few inches, the animal would probably get away.
In general, zeroing a rifle at 25 yards is just more forgiving than Zeroing out beyond that distance because objects appear larger closer up making them easier to hit..

Credit: hi-luxoptics.com
Conclusion
Most shooters will zero their rifles at 100 yards, but is that the best distance? Can you zero a rifle at 25 yards and still be accurate at longer ranges? The answer is yes, you can zero a rifle at 25 yards and be accurate at longer ranges.
The main reason to do this is because it’s easier to shoot accurately at shorter distances. When you’re shooting at 100 yards, there’s more wind drift and bullet drop to contend with. By zeroing your rifle at 25 yards, you can eliminate some of that variables and make it easier to hit your target.
However, there are some things to keep in mind if you’re going to zero your rifle at 25 yards. First, your point of impact will be different than if you were shooting at 100 yards. Second, you need to make sure that you’re using the correct ammunition for your gun.
If you’re not sure about either of these things, it’s best to consult with a professional before making any changes to your gun or ammo.