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Optic Zeroing Simulator

Measure where your group landed, choose the click value from your optic, and work through the same group, dial, and re-aim sequence you use at the range.

Interactive zeroing bench

See the sight picture, turn the same two adjustments you use on an optic, then re-aim and preview the next group.

Choose an optic
Session setup25 yd · 1 MOA/click · 2 in low, 1 in right
Range and adjustment
yd

Use the click value printed on your optic or listed in its manual.

Measured group center
in
in

Measure from the aiming point to the center of your carefully fired 3–5 shot group.

Measured group

The reticle stays on the aiming point while you mark the first group.

Red dot
Red dot optic bench, measured groupThe original five-shot group center is 2 in low, 1 in right. The reticle is centered on the point of aim.
Measured groupFive-shot spread is illustrative; the center uses your measurement.

The reticle is centered on the aiming point. The five-hole group shows the measured miss.

Live result

Original group view.

Original group: 2 in low, 1 in right

After applied clicks: 2 in low, 1 in right

This predicts correction from one measured group. The five-hole pattern is illustrative; shooter error, ammunition spread, cant, parallax, loose hardware, and trajectory at another distance are not modeled.

Step 1

Shoot a real group

Use a stable rest and one aiming point. Fire 3–5 rounds, then measure from the bullseye to the center of the group.

Step 2

Dial the named direction

Enter the miss and apply the recommended whole clicks. UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT describe where the next group should move.

Step 3

Confirm before finishing

Re-aim at the same point and fire another group. Record the final zero only after two centered groups agree.

What the simulator calculates

Every optic type uses the same angular geometry. One MOA spans 1.047 inches at 100 yards, while 0.1 MRAD spans 0.36 inch at 100 yards or exactly 1 centimeter at 100 meters. The simulator divides the measured miss by one click's movement, rounds to the nearest whole click, and preserves the small predicted residual.

Use the MOA and MRAD calculator for direct angular conversions, the target photo scorer to measure a photographed group, and the optic zeroing guide to choose a distance and confirm the finished zero.

Frequently asked questions

Which direction should I dial when my group is low and right?

Dial elevation up and windage left so the point of impact moves toward the point of aim. Turret arrows normally describe point-of-impact movement, but the physical direction you turn a knob varies by optic. Follow the UP and RIGHT markings on your exact sight.

Why does the reticle move opposite the point of impact?

The adjustment changes the reticle's angle relative to the bore. With the firearm held still, the reticle appears to move toward the old group. When you re-aim that reticle on the bullseye, the bore points the other way and the next group moves toward center.

Is dot size the same as click value?

No. Dot size describes how much target the aiming dot covers. Click value describes how far one adjustment moves the point of impact. A 3 MOA dot can still use 1 MOA, 0.5 MOA, or another click value.

Does scope magnification change how far one click moves impact?

No. A turret's angular click value stays the same at every magnification. Magnification can make the target and wobble look larger, but a 0.25 MOA click remains 0.25 MOA.

Can this simulator confirm my zero?

No. It predicts the correction from a measured group. Fire another 3–5 shot group at the same distance after dialing, then confirm again at the distance where you plan to use the optic.