What have you done or seen to improve the M4/M16 range zeroing process?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 17:31:20 -0400

I've seen it from stopping all 40 lanes for one firer to come off and another come on, sending a runner to hand out another three loaded magazines to select individuals to keep burning ammo, to a painfully slow and drawn out swapping all firers with their lane buddy until rodded off the range (two per lane on all lanes, no one else on or off until everyone spent all ammo).

I'll be Safety for the zero range and we're going to implement quite a few ideas to quicken the process but also ensure plenty of time firing is alloted. But I'd like to hear about what you witnessed that you liked at a range either your unit or another controlled.
If you have horror stories of a tried process that failed I'd love to hear about it too.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 16 at 2019 3:58 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 03:58:50 -0400

Strange story but true. 1966 for bliss Texas. Needed glasses but would not wear them. 17 and a half. 50 meter target target no problem. My drill Sargent a SSG says pvt put on my glasses. I start banging out the 200 meter target. He says to to the dispensary and get some glasses. I qualified as a expert. 3 years and ten months later 1970 I make SSG. I am in the PX getting my one service stripe on and who do I see. My drill Sargent. Urban you are still in the army. I laugh at him. I think he retired as a SSG/SFC.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2019 5:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 17:55:41 -0400

1. We try to ensure that we have enough lanes and pax available to run both zero & qual at the same time.
2. get anyone having trouble a coach.
3. bring it back to the basics. something is off, and if you cant see it, its propably sight picture. have them extend the buttstock all the way, have them look slightly to the right then down.

Response by LTC Ken Bowers made Aug 21 at 2020 9:22 AM

LTC Ken Bowers — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 09:22:13 -0400

In my experience I observed that the zero range needs to be NCO/marksmanship expert heavy. Prior to arriving the troops need to know their zero/adjustment procedures. The numerous NCOs on-hand are there to coach and evaluate. More coaches will lead to faster through put. Have plenty of magazines Pre-loaded. Sand bags are essential for steady hold. I personally found that a bipod helps steady the weapon. If a soldier can't get a group on the on the center of the zero target in 15-18 rounds pull them off the zero line. Keeping them there will only continue to degrade their shooting. Good luck!