knowledge base
The Knowledge Base is not a blog or a social media feed. It is a growing collection of articles written on topics relevant to our craft. The articles are authored by Zero Theory staff and occasionally outside experts from military, law enforcement, or industry. The intention is to provide useful information in a lasting format.
[017] Random Thoughts on How to Build an Optimum General Purpose Rifle (GPR)
Random Thoughts on How to Build an Optimum General Purpose Rifle (GPR) by Wes Grant Define the budget. Define the mission. Identify caliber choices available. The budget has to cover the weapon, the primary optic and mount, the secondary optic [...]
[016] Terminology: GPR vs DMR
Terminology: GPR vs DMR by Randy Davis One topic which generates a lot of discussions is the differences between a General Purpose Rifle (GPR) and a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). There is a lot of crossover between the two setups [...]
[015] Quotes: The Art of War
A quote from The Art of War by Sun Tzu. "Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt."
[014] The LE-DMR Concept pt 2
In 2021, we published [002] The LE-DMR Concept as one of our first articles. The purpose was to outline the plausibility of adapting the precision capabilities of a military DMR to a short-barreled rifle suitable for Law Enforcement or private citizens. We called [...]
[013] Gas Gun vs Bolt Gun pt 2
Gas Gun vs Bolt Gun pt 2 by Zach Stamp This is a follow up to Zach's original article: Gas Gun vs Bolt Gun. If you haven't read that one already, CLICK HERE to go back and read it first. [...]
[012] Practical Precision Test
Practical Precision Test by Zero Theory staff Does achieving a half-MOA group one time in ideal conditions qualify your rifle as a “half minute gun?” Arguably not. Either way, the question itself underscores the usefulness of establishing a standard procedure [...]
[011] Ballistic Drop Compensator Truing
Ballistic Drop Compensator Truing by Randy Davis Many optics on the market are equipped with Ballistic Drop Compensator (BDC) reticles. While this type of reticle can simplify shooting at distance, there are some considerations that can greatly enhance their use. [...]
[010] LPVO Selection
At Zero Theory, we regularly teach courses and host competitions focused on precision scoped carbines, so we have a lot of opportunities to chat with folks about optics. One topic which comes up often is how to choose the right Low Power Variable [...]
[009] Ammo Selection
Ammo Selection by Randy Davis A common issue which occurs in long range shooting, especially in law enforcement, is selecting ammunition that is not designed for the task it is expected to perform. If the only thing a round is [...]
[008] Target Acquisition
Target Acquisition by Zach Stamp In recent years, there has been a rising number of sniper competitions requiring shooters to not only engage targets but first to find and range them. I was honored to be an assistant match director [...]
[007] Gas Gun vs Bolt Gun
Gas Gun vs Bolt Gun by Zach Stamp Gas gun versus bolt gun is a topic that is a constant subject of discussion in the tactical sniper world. As a full-time Special Forces sniper instructor, I've heard this subject come [...]
[006] Optic Selection
Optic Selection by Randy Davis In this article we will discuss common optic setups to maximize operational capabilities for the intended use of the weapon. There are four major categories of optics we will cover: RDS (red dot sights) Prism [...]
[005] Quotes: The Man in the Arena
An excerpt from Roosevelt's "Citizenship in a Republic." Below is a short excerpt from a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt on April 23, 1910 in Paris, France. The title of the speech was "Citizenship in a Republic," though it has become better [...]
[004] Maximum Point Blank Range
MPBR: what it is, how to find it, and why it's awesome MPBR is a concept sometimes taught in sniper schools and training courses which students have a tendency to endure rather than embrace. It can be difficult to explain without [...]
[003] Fine Tuning Your Capabilities
Improving Data Collection Methods by Randy Davis Military and law enforcement rely heavily on qualification courses for many reasons. One reason is liability. Another is determining the proficiency of the team members with their given weapons. The issue with most [...]
[002] The LE-DMR Concept
The Law Enforcement - Designated Marksman Rifle project. The Law Enforcement - Designated Marksman Rifle, or LE-DMR, is a project we’ve been working on since before Zero Theory existed. It is an adoption of the military concept of the Designated Marksman [...]
[001] Terminology: DMR
What do we mean when we use the term "DMR"? We use the term Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) quite a bit. Other people use it as well and different people use it to mean different things. That can cause confusion, so [...]