Scaled targets and laser offset
Preamble.
We will be using a rifle with an optic as an example, to stress out the importance of setting up the laser offset while practicing with LaserHIT scaled targets at home. The same principles will be applyed to any sights, optics, and firearms (including handguns).
Scaled targets and human vision.
The scaled (resized) target concept is based on human eye angular vision and optical illusion. How it works: Size down the height and width of any object X-times, place it X-times closer, and to the human eyes, it will appear at the same size as the original object from the original distance.
Resized targets.
Dry firing with the LASERHIT system is a great way to practice long-range shooting in a limited indoor space. You can simulate the long distance between you and the target by proportionally scaling down the target size. For example, you can practice 100 yards shooting from 10 yards in your living room by using a target with a 1:10 scale.
Even more, you can practice 1000 yards shooting in your 10 yards living room range by using a target of 1:100 scale.
Simulated Distance.
You will be prompted to enter indoor range distance (Sight to Target distance) and target scale (Target Scale Factor) during the Setup Firing Range step. The app will automatically calculate your training simulated distance based on your input. For example, you want to practice from 50 yards with a full-size silhouette target of 18”x30". But you have only 5 yards (15 feet) of space in your house. How to achieve your goal? You need to size down your target. 50 yards : 5 yards = 10, where 10 is your Target Scale Factor. So, you need to use the scaled target 1:10. The same principle will work backward. For example, you have 10 feet of open space in your home, and you have scaled target 1:8. What is the maximum distance you can simulate? 10 feet x 8 target scale factor = 80 feet simulated distance
Don't have scaled targets? Download or buy it here: www.laserhit.com/targets
Mechanical offset.
Before you start your Dry Fire practice, you must illuminate the impact of mechanical offset to keep your training results realistic and accurate. What is a mechanical offset? "The spatial difference between the centerlines of the bore of your barrel and optic (or iron sights) is known as mechanical offset." [1].
You compensate the difference by zeroing your rifle on a real range by shooting live ammo at a distance known as a "zeroing distance".
When you take a shot from a closer range, the bullet will hit the target lower than you aim.
Then you should aim slightly higher to hit the intended point.
However, the "aim slightly higher" approach doesn't work with resized targets as you expect. You need to aim much higher than you would in the real world.
You may think, "OK, I just crank the turrets, then zero my optic to the point where the laser hit, and it will be fine." Yes, it will work. However, it is a bad idea due to several reasons:
You want to keep your firearm on standby and ready. Zero it once, and don't mess with the sights/optic ever.
Your sights or optic might not be mechanically capable of zeroing that close.
A laser dot on a line of sights will drag your attention and mess with your ability to aim with sights/optics. This issue will worsen when you use a common (generic) laser cartridge with a fat, bright dot. LaserHIT HD-type cartridge will help. However, it will not eliminate the problem.
You anker yourself to the distance. A slight change in the distance will shift the dot up or down dramatically. It will worsen when you practice with a high-rase scope and a tiny 1:100 scaled target. You will always be uncertain and ask yourself: "Why did I miss? Or did I move?"
The LaserHIT solution - Laser Zeroing (Laser Offset).
In the app, we implement an elegant and intuitive solution to eliminate all issues described above. The approach is simple: do not mess with firearm sights and let the app deal with the offset. It works with rifles, handguns, and all types of sights/optics.
You can set the offset with a few easy steps during practice setup or practice session:
Tap on the red cross icon (see picture above);
Select the point of aim;
Shoot at it three times;
Confirm the result, or redo it.
The app will measure the distance between where the laser hit the target and where the POA is, then remember it as your laser cartridge offset and apply it to all future laser hits in your chosen practice.
Laser Offset Benefits.
You don't have to mess with the sights;
You don't have to redo it every setup;
You don't have to worry about ankers yourself to the distance;
You don't have to "aim slightly higher". The hit will show exactly where your sights were when you pulled the trigger;
You can set up the offset at the point blank, but it will work at any distance later on;
The setup offset will eliminate the laser cartridge misalignment (if present). Set up the laser offset from your firing line, and the app will take care of the rest.
Laser Offset Drawbacks.
You need to keep the firearm with sights straight up. Don't tilt it;
You need to redo Laser Offset in case of re-insert the cartridge or after changing the firearm.
Conclusion.
You should zero your rifle the "normal way" before starting the LaserHIT indoor training;
You should not adjust your optic to "zero" the LaserHIT laser cartridge;
You should set up a laser cartridge offset within the LASERHIT app when practicing with scaled targets.
Refferences.
[1] https://www.luckygunner.com