Did You Know?
Your red dot and your bore are not actually in the same place.
The Short Answer
Your optic sits above the barrel, which means your line of sight and the path of the bullet begin at different heights.
This difference is commonly called height over bore.
At very close distances, the bullet may impact lower than the point you see through your optic because the bullet has not yet reached the distance where your sight line and bullet trajectory intersect.
The exact difference depends on your firearm, optic setup, ammunition, and zero distance.
What to Remember
G.L.O.W. Tip:
Don't assume that placing the dot exactly where you want the bullet to land guarantees an identical point of impact at every distance.
Know your equipment. Know your zero. Confirm it at the range.
Last reviewed: August 28, 2026