Author Topic: Zeroing my AK (Read 7562 times)

Kaso · « **on:** November 25, 2012, 04:51:13 pm »

It's well past time I get my Wasr rifle sighted in. It is good left to right, (x axis) but the elevation was never zeroed. In the past, I just put it on the '4' or '5', depending upon my shooting distance, and it got the groups fairly close. Those days are over, however, and my AK sight tool is on its way.

My problem, is my shooting distance is limited to 25 yards. On an AR, this is no problem, as you just zero it on the 'x' setting, but how does one align an AK? What setting should I zero on, or should I even use the settings?

I know all about using American ammo to zero, and that is not a problem.

Kaso

WeTheArmed.com

Grant · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2012, 09:25:57 pm »

As much as I dislike Suarez:

http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?21620-Zeroing-The-AK-Rifles

The first link I googled. Generally the rule-of-thumb. Zero at 25, move the sight leaf to "battle setting" and it'll be close out to 300.

Coronach · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2012, 09:48:21 pm »

What he said. You should confirm at 200m when you have a chance, but the 25m quick zero will be extremely close, and good enough until you can confirm your zero.

Mike

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Kaso · « **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2012, 11:17:40 pm »

Okay, so if I zero at 25yds, using the '1' setting, it should be pretty close, when using the 'P'?

Kaso

Thernlund · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2012, 04:45:39 am »

Zero an AK?

That's not something you hear every day.

-T.

huey148 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2012, 05:33:55 am »

I would use the "P" (battle sight) setti h on the rear ramp. If memory serves me, it is supposedly a 235-250 meter setting....I believe you zero about an inch low POI at 25 meters on that which gives you center at 100 meters and about a 6-8" drop at the 225 Meter P setting, which is still COM. After that your drop starts to increase significantly.

Kaso · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2012, 08:56:48 am »

Quote from: Thernlund on November 26, 2012, 04:45:39 am

Zero an AK?

That's not something you hear every day.

It's okay. I'm not sick, I promise.

Quote from: huey148 on November 26, 2012, 05:33:55 am

I would use the "P" (battle sight) setti h on the rear ramp... ...I believe you zero about an inch low POI at 25 meters on that which gives you center at 100 meters...

Okay, now I'm confused... The link that Grant provided said to match POI and POA on the '1' setting... you are saying to go for an inch low on the 'P,' which will be actually pointing the rifle higher. These two ideas contradict each other...

Can I get a third opinion?

Kaso

seanp · « **Reply #7 on:** November 26, 2012, 08:57:41 am »

Quote from: Thernlund on November 26, 2012, 04:45:39 am

Zero an AK?

That's not something you hear every day.

-T.

I thought there was going to be a joke in the thread somewhere.

Kaso · « **Reply #8 on:** November 26, 2012, 09:17:11 am »

Quote from: seanp on November 26, 2012, 08:57:41 am

I thought there was going to be a joke in the thread somewhere.

No, no jokes, I just want to get to the point where I can trust my rifle/shooter combination out to 200yds.

I have an AR that is zeroed using the 'x,' but I prefer my AK as a 'weapon,' as it fits me much better.

Kaso

Bulldog39 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2012, 09:39:27 pm »

I used the information from AK-47.net ( http://www.ak-47.net/ak-47/sightingin.php ) to zero my rifle.

Kaso · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2013, 09:32:38 am »

I found my answer.

Using google, (several sources) I determined the BC and velocity of x39 ammo.

Then, using a ballistic calculator from handloads.com, I plugged in all of the relevant information. It appears that when using a 200 yard zero, (setting 2) the POI matches the POA (going up) at 27 yards. That's 25 meters, and so it's what I figure the Ruskies intended it to be zeroed with. When using a 300yd zero, it says that it will be on for 16 yards, so I will probably match it there on the '3', and then move back to 27 to tweak it. My range is 25yds, but I can get another 6 feet out of it...

So there's the answer I was looking for. 27 yards on the '2'.

Kaso

FMJ · « **Reply #11 on:** February 05, 2013, 12:54:25 am »

Is there any benefits of zeroing at one hundred?

Kaso · « **Reply #12 on:** February 05, 2013, 01:23:47 am »

Quote from: FMJ on February 05, 2013, 12:54:25 am

Is there any benefits of zeroing at one hundred?

You get the benefit of knowing that you are 'exactly zeroed,' as opposed to relying on ballistic drop calculations. On the flip side, that requires having access to a 100 yard range. I don't.

Kaso

Coronach · « **Reply #13 on:** February 05, 2013, 03:10:52 am »

You also get to make sure that the "slight" divergence at close range doesn't magnify itself into a significant divergence at distance. ALWAYS verify zero at range when you can. With AKs I treat the 25m "zero" as a quick and dirty way to make sure I'm on paper at the proper zero distance. If you can't do that, it's fine, it will work, but when you have access to the range, you should confirm your zero.

Mike

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Kaso · « **Reply #14 on:** February 05, 2013, 10:10:02 am »

Quote from: Coronach on February 05, 2013, 03:10:52 am

With AKs I treat the 25m "zero" as a quick and dirty way to make sure I'm on paper at the proper zero distance. If you can't do that, it's fine, it will work, but when you have access to the range, you should confirm your zero.

Of course, but as I said, my (safe) shooting distance is strictly limited. (by the terrain of the property)

Kaso

Coronach · « **Reply #15 on:** February 05, 2013, 02:31:33 pm »

I was responding more to FMJ than you on that one.

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FMJ · « **Reply #16 on:** February 05, 2013, 04:29:08 pm »

Yeah, thanks. I know that it's best to double check the zero, especially at the other intercept of the curve (the second one).

Is this weapon not like the AR where you can have it zeroed @ 100 and then not really worry about holdovers? By that I mean that everything is gonna be +/- a few inches from where ever you're aiming (for defensive ranges).

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=107572

Coronach · « **Reply #17 on:** February 05, 2013, 05:46:36 pm »

Define "a few inches". therein lies the issue. 7.62x39 has a much more rainbow trajectory than 5.56 NATO. 5.45x39 is a better analogue. In truth, though, most people will be just fine, since most combat shooting occurs pretty close in. The 5.56 is just easier to manage without elevation adjustments and no holdovers/unders across broad ranges.

Mike

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Kaso · « **Reply #18 on:** February 05, 2013, 06:34:43 pm »

What Coronach said ^ +1. To answer FMJ's question, yes, the AK has a sliding rear sight elevation adjustment. So, while the x39 has more drop, it is very quick and easy to switch the setting to a different yardage.

Kaso