In the Marines, we shot fully unsupported, i.e. we didn’t use a bench or any kind of bracing when we sighted. Of course, if I didn’t have a bench, I would go prone, but at the NRA range: A. There are benches with rifle rests to use, and B. The targets can’t be hung low enough to shoot directly straight if I were to take the prone position. Granted, it’s probably more prudent to “practice how you play” and sight in unsupported, but if there is a bench available, why not use it to get a more stable base from which to sight?
Last time for clarification: my groups are for the most part consistently tight; I don’t claim to be the best shot, but I know when a sample doesn’t follow a trend, such as when my all of my 5-shot groups were tight and hit near where I was aiming when on the bench, but once going to another position, they were still tight, though consistently low, leading me to believe another factor I hadn’t considered was influencing my results.
I may be off though; I am going to have my friend (a MUCH more accurate and knowledgeable shooter than myself) give it a go and see what he comes out with.
Nickdrak: wow, appreciate the articles and advice, thanks man! The 25 yd distance zeroing will come in handy b/c I don’t have anywhere to shoot outdoors (suburbs 
)/ past 50 yds.
nono, I’m not taking anything personally. I’m just trying to reply to a specific post. (which, BTW, is not the OP as he has previously withdrawn from this thread)
his query is,
I’m not disagreeing with anything you point out but neither his question nor my answer had anything to do with zeroing. I’m just trying to keep it apples/apples…
Molon, that chart is outstanding!
Any chance you can add a 25yd zero to that chart along with the 50/100yd zeros? As much as I explain the benefits of the 100yd zero to some, they still insist that 25yds is more practical for their needs.
Thanks Brother!!!