How to Zero a Pistol Red Dot

Get your slide-mounted optic dialed in for a fast, repeatable carry zero.

1. 1
   Co-witness first

   If you have suppressor-height irons, line the dot up with them as a starting point — you'll be close before firing a shot.

2. 2
   Pick your distance

   10 or 15 yards is a practical pistol-dot zero for carry. Some prefer 25; pick one and be consistent.

3. 3
   Fire a slow group

   From a rest or very stable stance, fire 3–5 deliberate rounds at a small aiming point so you can read the group.

4. 4
   Adjust windage and elevation

   Use the optic's turrets to move the group to point of aim. Note your dot's click value and move deliberately, not guess-and-check.

5. 5
   Confirm and lock

   Re-fire to confirm, then make sure the optic screws are torqued (a dab of thread-locker helps) so it holds zero.