Mastering Optic Adjustments: How to Zero Your Red Dot Like a Pro

Understanding Red Dot Adjustments: How It All Works

Zeroing a red dot sight can be confusing, especially when trying to adjust your point of impact (POI). Many shooters expect that if they want their shots to hit higher, they should move the dot up in the window—but that’s not quite how it works.

Instead, when you turn the elevation dial “UP”, the point of impact (POI) moves up, but the dot in the window actually moves down. Likewise, when you turn the dial “DOWN”, the POI moves down, but the dot moves up in the window.

The key takeaway:

• UP on the dial = Raise the POI (not move the dot up in the window)

• DOWN on the dial = Lower the POI (not move the dot down in the window)

It feels counterintuitive at first, but once you understand it, adjusting your red dot becomes second nature.

 

How Red Dot Adjustments Work

When you adjust a red dot sight, you’re not physically tilting the optic—you’re changing how the reticle is projected onto the lens.

• When you turn the elevation dial UP (marked “U” on most optics), the point of impact rises, and the dot moves down in the window.
• When you turn the elevation dial DOWN (D), the point of impact lowers, and the dot moves up in the window.

This happens because the red dot sight projects an aiming reference onto a fixed lens, and when you make adjustments, you're altering where the dot appears inside the window—not the optic’s actual angle.

Remember This:

• Turn UP = Raise POI, Dot Moves Down

• Turn DOWN = Lower POI, Dot Moves Up

 

Adjusting for the Point of Impact

When you zero your optic, the goal is to align where the dot is pointing with where your bullets actually hit.

• If your rounds are hitting low, you need to raise the point of impact by turning the elevation dial UP (which moves the dot down in the window).
• If your rounds are hitting high, you need to lower the point of impact by turning the elevation dial DOWN (which moves the dot up in the window).

Quick Reference Guide:

Your Shots Are Hitting...	Turn Elevation Dial...	What Happens?
Too low	Turn UP (U)	Dot moves down, you raise the muzzle, POI raises
Too high	Turn DOWN (D)	Dot moves up, you lower the muzzle, POI lowers

 

Why the Elevation Dial Markings Can Be Confusing

Most red dots have an UP (U) and DOWN (D) marking on the elevation dial to indicate which way to turn for adjustments. However, many new shooters assume this means moving the dot itself up or down inside the window—but that’s not what’s happening.

 

 

Think of the UP marking as saying:
✔️ "This raises where your bullets hit on the target."
❌ "This moves the dot up in the window." (Wrong interpretation)

If you’ve ever turned the dial UP and then seen the dot move downward, that’s normal! It means your muzzle needs to rise to realign with the dot, bringing your POI up.

 

When Should You Use a 1-Degree Shim?

In most cases, you won’t need a shim because EGW mounts already have a built-in angle to compensate for optic height. However, there are a few situations where adding a 1-degree shim might be necessary:

• Your optic lacks enough elevation adjustment – Some red dots have limited elevation travel, making it difficult to zero at your preferred distance.
• Shooting at longer distances – If your shots are consistently hitting low and your optic is maxed out on elevation, a shim can help fine-tune alignment.
• Compensating for slide or mounting variations – Some pistol models, slide cuts, and mounting heights can affect POI alignment.

 

 

How a 1-Degree Shim Affects Your Zero

A 1-degree shim is a thin, angled spacer placed between the optic and the mounting plate. Unlike normal adjustments, which just change how you perceive the reticle, a shim physically tilts the optic and changes the relationship between the bore and the sight.

• Placing the shim under the rear of the optic angles the optic slightly downward, effectively raising the POI—just like adjusting “up.”
• Placing the shim under the front of the optic angles the optic slightly upward, effectively lowering the POI—just like adjusting “down.”

If you’ve ever struggled to get your red dot properly zeroed, especially at longer distances, this small adjustment can make a big difference.

You can find the 1-Degree Shim HERE

 

Understanding red dot adjustments can be tricky because it feels backward at first. Just remember:

• You’re not moving the optic—you’re changing how the dot is projected.

• The elevation dial’s UP marking means raising POI, not moving the dot up.

• Adjusting POI up moves the dot down, forcing you to raise the muzzle.

• Adjusting POI down moves the dot up, forcing you to lower the muzzle.

• A 1-degree shim actually does tilt the optic slightly, which changes POI.

If your optic is maxed out on elevation adjustment and your shots are still off, a 1-degree shim can help fine-tune your zero.

Still having trouble? Reach out to us—we’re happy to help!