Rifle Zeroing Fundamentals
Precision Starts Here
Sometimes new rifle owners assume their rifle is ready to go “off the shelf.” The reality is that rifles rarely come zeroed from the factory, and even a pre-installed optic hasn’t been calibrated to your chosen ammunition, or your unique shooting posture.
At Urban Defense Academy, we provide a hands-on class in the “how” and “why” of zeroing, whether for iron sights, optics or both. We don’t zero your rifle for you — we teach you the process so you can confidently maintain your equipment yourself. So when you squeeze the trigger, you have 100% confidence in where that round will land.
The Start of Every Rifle Training Path
Rifle Zeroing Fundamentals is Phase 0 — the shared on-ramp for both of our rifle course series. Whether you’re headed into the Tactical Rifle Course Series or the Carbine Course Series, this is where rifle training begins.
Complete this class and you’re ready to enter either track — or both. Already an experienced rifle shooter? You may qualify for an instructor-approved waiver during your Free Consultation.
Why Zeroing is Non-Negotiable
In a crisis, a “near miss” is a total failure.
Zeroing is the process of aligning your sighting system so the point of aim meets the point of impact at a specific distance. Without this foundation, you are guessing where the hits are going. We replace that guesswork with certainty.
What Happens in This Class
The class combines an indoor training session with live-fire range days. In the classroom, we cover safety training, the principles of zeroing, and bench rest fundamentals — how to position yourself, rest your rifle, shoulder it properly, and establish a consistent cheek weld. Then we take it to the range, where you’ll zero your rifle over one or two live-fire days.
What You Will Learn
The objective of this class is to get your rifle a firm zero. We don’t zero your rifle for you; we provide you with the mechanical understanding and repeatable process to maintain your equipment. By learning the relationship between your sight system, your rifle, and your environment, you gain more confidence in your equipment and your skills.
Core Learning Objectives:
- The Mechanics of Zeroing: Understand the technical “why” behind windage and elevation adjustments to remove the guesswork from your shots.
- Ballistic Foundations: Learn how bore height and ammunition selection impact your point of aim versus point of impact.
- Introduction to Precision Groups: Introduction to the fundamentals of marksmanship required to produce the consistent, tight groups necessary for a true zero.
- Equipment Verification: Leave the range with a confirmed zero and the confidence that your gear is as ready as you are.
If you are new to rifles you will walk away with the ability to diagnose and correct your point of impact.
The Advantage: Professional Grade Instruction
We provide the professional infrastructure you need:
- Instructional Mentorship to help you understand “clicks vs. inches,” MOA adjustments, and so much more.
- Data Logging: We help you start your rifle log and help you learn best practices.
- Equipment: We supply shooting bench, rifle rests, and other equipment to ensure an efficient process.
Class Requirements
- Pre-class Free Consultation: Every rifle student starts with a Free Consultation — this is where placement, equipment planning, and any waiver discussion happen.
- Your own rifle and sighting system: All rifle students train with their own equipment. Arrive with your rifle and your preferred sighting system mounted and ready — and if you’re still building your setup, the consultation is the time to sort it out.
- 50–100 rounds of your chosen ammunition.
- A willingness to learn this technical aspect of rifle craft.
Be Confident. Be Capable. Be Ready.
Your rifle is a tool of precision. Treat it like one. Join Brian Simmons and the Urban Defense Academy team to master the fundamentals of rifle zeroing and gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing your equipment is as ready as you are.
Urban Defense Academy — Liberty Hill, Texas “When survival is the only option!”