First off, shoot from the most stable position you can use. Seated at a bench is best.

Second, aim with the top of the front sight post in the middle of the target. Don't use a six o'clock hold.

Start close, about 10 yards. Get the shots centered, and about an inch low. Don't worry about how much you are turning, as long as you can get zeroed in the given mechanical range of the sights you are fine. Next, go to 25 yards and get your rounds grouping in the middle of the bullseye. Once you are good, you can stop here if 25 yards is your intended zero. If you want a 50 yards zero, move the target to 50 yards and make further adjustments at this range until your shots are centered on the bullseye. You should just be adjusting elevation at this point, the shots should stay pretty much centered for windage even if you move the target back and forth to various distances.

Center hold is shown on the left. Use that. Don't use six o'clock hold which is shown on the right.


Don't worry about your shoulder right now. Lining up the sights correctly and consistently, and placing your head and cheek in the same place for each shot is most important to work on.