Why is it important to account for elevation when zeroing a firearm?

When zeroing a firearm, accounting for elevation is crucial because elevation directly influences bullet trajectory and accuracy when shooting at different ranges. As a bullet travels, gravity causes it to drop over distance, and this drop can vary based on the elevation of the shooting location compared to sea level. Higher elevations may result in less air resistance, allowing the bullet to travel farther before dropping significantly, while lower elevations could have the opposite effect.

Understanding how elevation impacts the bullet's path is essential for achieving accurate shots, especially at varying distances. The adjustment of sights or optics to compensate for elevation ensures that the shooter can hit the desired target accurately, taking into account any variations in the trajectory caused by changes in altitude. This consideration is fundamental to marksmanship, making it critical to properly engage targets under different conditions.