May 7th 2025

Mastering Iron Sights: A No-Scope Guide to Precision Shooting

You don’t need a fancy scope to shoot accurately—just skill, patience, and a good understanding of your iron sights. Whether you're preparing for survival scenarios, perfecting your fundamentals, or just enjoying the challenge, zeroing your rifle without optics is a rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to confidently sight in your rifle using nothing but traditional iron sights.

Why Use Iron Sights?

Iron sights are:

  • Reliable – No batteries, no lenses to fog up.

  • Lightweight – Less bulk on your rifle.

  • Fundamental – They teach you proper alignment, breathing, and trigger control.

They’re also often found on:

  • AR-15 platforms

  • Military surplus rifles

  • Lever-action and bolt-action rifles

Step-by-Step: How to Sight In Using Iron Sights

1. Understand Your Sight Type

There are two main types:

  • Open sights: Rear notch + front post (e.g., AK-47, Marlin 1894)

  • Aperture sights (peep sights): Rear ring + front post (e.g., M1 Garand, AR-15)

Both require proper sight alignment and sight picture.

2. Sight Alignment vs. Sight Picture

  • Sight alignment: Front post centered in the rear sight.

  • Sight picture: Aligned sights placed over your target.

Always focus your eye on the front sight, not the target or rear sight.

3. Start at 25 Yards

This close range allows you to make coarse adjustments safely and efficiently. Use a stable bench rest or sandbags for consistency.

4. Shoot a 3–5 Round Group

Use consistent ammunition. Check your group placement relative to the bullseye.

5. Make Adjustments

  • Front Sight Post:

    • Up = POI down

    • Down = POI up

  • Rear Sight:

    • Move left = POI left

    • Move right = POI right

Tip: Use a proper sight tool or elevation tool depending on your firearm model.

6. Back Off to 50 or 100 Yards

Once zeroed at 25 yards, confirm your zero at your intended engagement range. Windage and bullet drop will be more noticeable, especially with larger calibers.

Iron Sight Zeroing Tips

  • Use a bold target: Big, dark circles help you center your front post more easily.

  • Keep a logbook: Track adjustments, ammo type, distance, and conditions.

  • Know your trajectory: Especially important if you zero at one distance but plan to shoot farther.

Essential Tools for Iron Sight Zeroing

At ShootersGate.com, we recommend having:

  • Boresighter (optional) – Speeds up initial alignment

  • Sight adjustment tool – Compatible with your rifle’s sight type

  • Sandbags or shooting rest – Increases stability

  • Targets with 1” grids – Makes measuring adjustments easier

Final Thoughts

Mastering iron sights isn’t just for traditionalists—it builds foundational skills every marksman needs. Whether you’re prepping for competition, self-defense, or simply enjoying range time, being able to accurately aim without a scope makes you a more confident and capable shooter.

Ready to level up your accuracy? Check out our collection of iron sights, adjustment tools, and shooting accessories at ShootersGate.com!