What is mechanical zero and when is it used?

Mechanical zero refers to the point at which the sights of a weapon are perfectly aligned with the weapon's bore (the internal diameter of the barrel). When a weapon is set at mechanical zero, it ensures that the point of impact of the rounds matches the point of aim when the sights are used correctly. This alignment is crucial for achieving accurate shooting, as it allows the shooter to focus on their technique and environmental factors without having to compensate for misalignment in the sights.

Mechanical zero is typically established during the initial setup of a weapon or after making adjustments to the sights. It is particularly important during zeroing procedures, where the goal is to ensure that shots fired at a known distance hit where the shooter is aiming. By ensuring the weapon's sights are centered properly, shooters can improve their performance significantly by needing less adjustment for windage and elevation when aiming at targets.

While adjusting recoil, calibrating ammunition, or improving shooting stance can influence the overall shooting experience, they do not specifically relate to the alignment of the sights and bore that mechanical zero addresses.