How to Zero an Infrared Laser
Zeroing an infrared (IR) laser is one of the most important steps in setting up a night vision shooting system. Unlike a visible laser or a traditional optic, an IR laser can only be seen through a night vision device, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the zeroing process. This guide walks you through the procedure step by step.
What You Will Need
- Your rifle with the IR laser aiming device mounted and secured
- A night vision device (monocular or binocular)
- A known-distance range or a measured area with a safe backstop
- A zeroing target (high-contrast targets work best under NVG)
- An IR laser boresight or visible bore laser (optional but helpful)
- The appropriate adjustment tool for your laser device (Allen wrench, coin, or similar)
Understanding Bore Offset
Before zeroing, it is important to understand bore offset. Your IR laser is mounted above or to the side of your rifle's bore, which means the laser beam and the bullet path originate from different points. At close distances, this offset can be significant. For example, if your laser is mounted 2.5 inches above the bore, the bullet will impact approximately 2.5 inches below the laser dot at very close range.
This is why choosing the correct zeroing distance matters. Most shooters zero their IR laser at 50 or 100 yards, which provides a practical balance between close-range and mid-range accuracy. At a 50-yard zero, the laser dot and bullet impact will converge at 50 yards, with predictable offset at closer and farther distances.
Step-by-Step Zeroing Process
Step 1: Pre-Zero Boresight
If you have a visible bore laser or boresight tool, use it to get the IR laser roughly on target before heading to the range. Insert the boresight into the chamber, project it onto a wall at 25 yards, and adjust the IR laser until both dots are close together. This saves ammunition and time during the live-fire zero.
Step 2: Set Up at Your Chosen Zero Distance
Place a high-contrast target at your chosen zeroing distance. A white target with a distinct aiming point works well under night vision. Ensure you have a stable shooting position, ideally using a bench rest, bipod, or sandbags to minimize shooter-induced error.
Step 3: Fire a Group
With your night vision device on, activate the IR laser and place the laser dot on the center of the target. Fire a group of three to five rounds, maintaining consistent aim on the laser dot for each shot. Keeping the laser steady on the aiming point throughout the group is critical for an accurate zero.
Step 4: Assess and Adjust
Check the target and note where the group landed relative to the laser dot placement. If the group is hitting low and right of where you aimed the laser, you need to adjust the laser down and to the right to bring the laser dot to the point of impact, or you need to adjust the laser up and to the left to move the point of impact toward the laser dot. Read your specific device's manual to understand which direction the adjustments move the laser beam.
Most IR laser devices use windage and elevation adjustment screws. Each click typically corresponds to a specific angular adjustment, often 0.5 MOA or 1 MOA per click, depending on the device.
Step 5: Confirm
After making adjustments, fire another group to confirm the zero. Repeat the process until the group is centered on the laser dot position. Once confirmed, note the click settings and, if your device has locking mechanisms, engage them to prevent the zero from drifting.
Tips for a Better Zero
- Use a stable platform: Benched or bagged positions remove shooter error from the equation, giving you a cleaner zero.
- Zero in realistic conditions: If you plan to use your IR laser in actual darkness, zero it at night or in very low light conditions rather than in a well-lit indoor range with the lights off.
- Check your mounting hardware: A loose laser mount will make any zero meaningless. Torque all mounting screws to spec before zeroing.
- Document your zero: Write down the elevation and windage settings for reference. If the laser is bumped or moved, you can quickly return to your confirmed settings.
- Re-confirm periodically: Like any aiming device, IR lasers should be re-confirmed after hard use, transport, or any time the rifle has been subjected to impacts.
Slaved vs. Independent Zeroing
Some laser devices, such as the AN/PEQ-15 and DBAL-A3, have both a visible laser and an IR laser that can be slaved together. When slaved, adjusting the visible laser also moves the IR laser by the same amount. This allows you to zero the visible laser during the day and have the IR laser automatically zeroed for night use. If your device supports this feature, it can significantly simplify the zeroing process.
If you have questions about zeroing your specific IR laser device, contact us at [email protected].