How to cowitness?

[b52ace]

I ran across a thread (not sure where) that discussed a technique for cowitnessing. If I recall, the individual either sighted in his iron sights, then moved the red dot to match the iron sights, OR he sighted in his red dot and adjusted the iron sights to match the red dot.

What are the best techniques? Thanks for your help.

[XDConvert9mm]

I got my irons sighted in and then used that as a base to tweak in the red dot. I found it easier to zero the irons first without the Red Dot on it.

[MagicPie]

I dont think it really matter what goes first, both need to be check independently to ensure all is well.

For me, my red dot was zeroed first, as it was easiest due to having flip up sights, then my iron sights-which required dropping down the first post a bit.

If you have non-flip up sights, then it would seem much wiser and easier to do the iron sight first, then adjust the red dot to align on the front post.

[darkvibe]

yeah, I sighted my eotech and then moved the BUIS to match the reticle. I don't think it matters much but since the eotech is more accurate (for me) I got that dead on then moved to the iron sights.

[Wild Rice]

I have set up three AR's with C-More red dot reflex sights in cowitness. I use the C-More standard railway model with the red dot near the center, although some prefer the C-More AR15 model with an extra spacer that puts the red dot in the lower third of the sight picture.

Mount the C-More and BUIS's, then use a muzzle mounted laser bore sighter to adjust the irons so the red dot is about 1" low at 18yds. This will put shots on paper at 50 to 100 yds. Then go to the range and fine tune the irons for point of impact. Then at your leisure (or at the range), you can dial the red dot so it is split by the front sight post using the large peep. On most rear iron sights the small peep is higher for longer range and the red dot will hover just above the front sight.

Here is my usual caveat about muzzle mounted laser bore sighters: Never take one to the range as many shooters have ruining barrels by live firing with a laser sighter obstructing the bore.

If your rifle is already sighted in with irons, just adjust the red dot so it is split by the front sight post.

The C-More is parallax free so the red dot (and point of impact) will follow the eye, even with varying cheek weld. That means you can flip down either or both BUIS's.

I read about someone who sighted in a C-More red dot sight without a laser bore sighter and no irons. He complained that it took lots of ammo to sight in trial and error style. This was dangerous as the red dot was probably way off and he was no doubt shooting off paper for a long time.

[Blargh23]

I use a cheap "universal" boresighter at home -- good enough to get me on the paper at 15 yds, then take 'em to the range with lots of ammo and adjust further.

[ForTehNguyen]

yea just zero in the irons, then move your red dot in the ballpark near the irons and zero from there

[b52ace]

Thanks to everyone. I think I'll sight in the irons and then the red dot.

[So Flo]

Originally Posted by b52ace

Thanks to everyone. I think I'll sight in the irons and then the red dot.

Good choice. If your sight fails, you will need to make sure your irons are spot on!