Whatever, your situation is, always be prepared to zero your thermal weapon sight to your weapon. It is just too important to skip! There are many ways to zero a thermal weapon sight. Rarely, if ever, is there a prefabricated target available for this purpose. Some field expedient methods are:
- MRE heaters
- Two 9V batteries
- A small piece of No Power Tape
- A paper with a hole cut out of it
The best option is the IR.Tools™ Zero Target.
- Zero Targets combine the benefits of MRE heaters, No Power film, and paper to produce a fast, easy and environmentally friendly zero target.
- Zero Targets can also be used indoors and in very inclement weather.
- Zero Targets are consistently accurate.
The table below summarizes each option.
Method | Advantage | Disadvantage | Hint |
---|---|---|---|
Zero Targets | IndoorsCloudy day
Accurate |
Plan ahead | Use pasters to extend target life. In many situations target is effective even without heater. |
MRE Heaters | Distinct Hot Spot, Quick | Rapidly growing Aim Point | Have all weapons ready to zero so the aim point does not grow as fast |
9V Batteries | Distinct Hot Spot, Quick | Growing aim point, waste | Have all weapons ready to zero so the aim point does not grow as fast, do not use lithium or hazardous batteries |
No Power Film | Simple | Somewhat dependent on environment | Make sure the target backer is leaned back about 15 degrees |
Paper with Hole | Simple | Difficult to see | Seek out a spot where the thermal energy behind the hole is different from ambient |
View here the ease and accuracy of Zero Targets.