How To Put A Parallel Zero On Your IR Laser

There are two ways to zero your IR laser on your rifle; either a converging zero or a parallel zero. A converging zero is where your laser meets at the same point of impact as your sight does at a specific distance; Point of aim, point of impact. A parallel zero is when your laser runs along the side of your sight and barrel for infinity, like parallel lines. Which one do I prefer? A parallel zero.

Let’s start by understanding the path of the bullet. Based on your zero, the bullet’s flight path may deviate several inches when it leaves the gun. There are several factors that will change these results. For example, on a 16-inch gun with a 25-yard zero, the bullet will rise 2 - 6 inches at 100 yards. A 50-yard zero will have a 1 – 2.5-inch rise at 100 yards. At 7 yards, your muzzle sight relationship will be a factor in the point of aim, point of impact system. These are typically called the “holds” of your rifle.

Now that we have a basic understanding of bullet path, let's address a converging zero. Not only do you have to remember how your rifle holds, but now you must remember your laser off-set holds. Let’s say your laser is offset to the right of the muzzle by an inch and a half. If your rifle is zeroed for 50 yards, a converging zero of your laser will hit the same point of aim as your red dot. With this, the bullet impact will hit to the left of the laser for up to 50 yards and to the right after 50 yards because the laser travels to infinity in a straight line.

As mentioned earlier, a parallel zero runs in line with your barrel and sight. Take the same scenario as described above. With this zero, anything inside 50-yards will cause the bullet impact to be lower than my point of aim, point of impact of my sight and will rise and fall after 50 yards just like it does with my red dot. The laser offset will always be one and a half inches to the right and will never change.

Now here’s the why. Simply put, a shooter should be prepared to hit at any distance without having to think about it. I know I don’t want to have to think about my zero in the middle of a high-intensity scenario. I realize most domestic engagements are inside 100 yards, but what are you prepared to hit at? I know the quality of your Night Vision Goggle quality plays a big part in what you can see at distance as well. I still want to make things as simple as I can. Remember the KISS method, Keep It Simple Stupid.

Here's how to set it up: