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Appendix D to Chapter 3
AN/PAQ-4 Zeroing Techniques (cont)

Chapter 3, Appendix D: AN/PAQ-4 Zeroing Techniques, Part 3
 Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
9. ZERO AN/PAQ-4A AND AN/PAQ-4C USING THE ARI LIVE-FIRE PROCEDURE.

a. Preparation for Zeroing.
(1) Modify the 25-meter zero target. This is the first step in the live-fire zero designed to help the firer determine the center of target mass and maintain a consistent aim point when zeroing. Using the tan side of a cardboard E-silhouette, stripe the full length and width of the cardboard with 3/4-inch black electrical tape. These stripes should divide the E-silhouette in half, vertically and horizontally. Center and staple the 25-meter zero target at the intersection of these black stripes. The zero target can be removed from the E-silhouette and replaced as needed. See Figure 5 for this target configuration.


Figure 5

(2) Marking 25-meter zero target for bullet impact.
(a) AN/PAQ-4A. When zeroing the aiming light, the firer points the aiming light at the center mass of the 25-meter zero target silhouette. Bullets must hit the target at a "unique impact point." Aiming light adjustments are made until the bullets are centered over this unique impact point. This point for the AN/PAQ-4A is at the intersection of line 9 right and line 3 down (3.1 centimeters right and 2.8 centimeters down from the center of the target) on the 25-meter zero target for the M16A2. See Figure 6.


Figure 6

(b) AN/PAQ-4C. When zeroing the aiming light, the firer points the aiming light at the center mass of the 25-meter zero target silhouette. Bullets must hit the target at a "unique impact point." Aiming light adjustments are made until the bullets are centered over this unique impact point. This point for the AN/PAQ-4C is in the "box" bracketed by lines 3 and 6 right and lines 0 and 1 up (1.55 centimeters right and .45 centimeters above the center of the target) on the 25-meter zero target for the M16A2. See Figure 7.


Figure 7

(3) Shot-group Size. The 4 centimeter circle that is centered on the target is not where the impact of the bullets is impacting (remember you are centering the aiming light beam on this). So this circle needs to be centered over the unique point (intersection of line 9 right and line 3 down). Firers are not as precise at night. Research has shown that the 4 centimeter circle is not a realistic standard for night firing, given the reduced visual acuity at night through goggles and the difficulties in aiming consistently. A 5.5 centimeter circle is better. See Figure 8. (See Chapter 4 of the 82d Abn Div OTN Individual Training Package for a full-sized reproducible copy.) This circle can either be transferred directly onto the target, centered over the "unique impact point," or a transparent training aid with a black 5.5 centimeter circle can be used.


Figure 8

(4) Ruler for aiming light adjustments. The next step is to use a 12-inch ruler for determining the number of aiming light click adjustments for windage and elevation. The vertical and horizontal lines on the M16A2 zero target cannot be used. They do not correspond to the click size for the aiming light. Therefore, these lines cannot be used to determine the number of clicks to adjust the aiming light up or down and right or left. When zeroing the AN/PAQ-4A, 1/4" (.64 cm) on the ruler is equal to 1 click at 25 meters on the aiming light adjustment knobs, or 1" at 100 meters. When zeroing the AN/PAQ-4C, 4/10" (1 cm) on the ruler is equal to 1 click at 25 meters on the aiming light adjustment knobs, or 1.6" at 100 meters. Use the ruler to measure the horizontal and vertical distance from the unique impact point to the center of the shot group. During zeroing, place these rulers at each 25-meter target location. See Figure 9 (Not to scale!).


Figure 9

(5) Aiming light knob adjustments. The last step in preparation for zeroing is to make a training aid for showing which direction to turn the aiming light knobs to adjust bullets on the bullet impact point. Experience has shown that the markings on the aiming light knobs can be misinterpreted. Bullets can suddenly go off the zero target, off the E-silhouette, or in the wrong direction because the aiming light was adjusted incorrectly. A training aid shown in Figure 10 helps to correct this problem.


Figure 10

b. Zeroing Procedures.
(1) Standard Army Flashlight to light the target. The flashlight helps to diffuse the bloom of the aiming light in the goggles and provides a more definitive aim point. Place the flashlight at the firer's position in a V-notched stake. The flashlight can be pointed directly at center mass of the target or slightly below the target, according to the firer's preference. If the amount of ambient light in the night sky is high, a flashlight may not be needed.

(2) Fire two, three-round shot groups before making any aiming light adjustments. This will provide a much better indication of the firer's aim point than a single three-round shot group. This procedure will avoid making premature adjustments and "chasing bullets" in the dark. Triangulate and number each shot group. Determine aiming light click adjustments from center mass of the two shot groups. The goal is to get the shot group within the 5.5 centimeter circle that has either been drawn on the zero target or the transparency is used over the center mass target. Use the aiming light ruler you made up to determine the number of clicks in windage and elevation required to move the strike of the bullet to the desired impact point. Use center mass of the shot group for these measurements. Check the knob adjustment guide to ensure adjustments are made in the correct direction.

c. Live-fire Zeroing Summary Checklist.
(1) Striped E-silhouette on the tan side.
(2) Center the 25-meter zero target (that has the offset marked bullet impact point) on the stripes.
(3) Place 12-inch ruler and shot group transparency (if not already marked on zero target) at each 25-meter target location.
(4) Place the aiming light knob adjustment guide at each firer's position.
(5) Shine flashlight on 25-meter target from firer's position.
(6) Fire and mark two, three-round shot groups before the first aiming light adjustment.
(7) Use the aiming light ruler to determine number of clicks for adjustments and transparency to evaluate shot group size.
(8) Check the knob adjustment guide for correct adjustments.
(9) When finished zeroing (usually 12 rounds), the AN/PAQ-4A is zeroed for 100 meters and the AN/PAQ-4C is zeroed for 250 meters.

Chapter 3, Appendix D: AN/PAQ-4 Zeroing Techniques, Part 3
 Table of Contents
Acknowledgements



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