Took my new M&P Sport 2 to the range yesterday and noticed first shots were right of target. After adjusting the rear sight to be a fairly good amount left of center (referring to the center mark on the rear sight itself), I was back on target. This was an indoor range - no wind if that matters in this discussion.

1) Is that normal or is expectation that the rear is centered, if not close, especially with no external factors present (ie wind).

2) is the front sight for up and down only vs. left/right of target?

TIA

When zeroing with the front sight, you move it in the opposite direct that you move your rear sight.

In other words, with the front sight to move your point of impact:

Up: Lower the front sight
Down: Raise the front sight
Left: Front sight to the right
Right: Front sight to the left

The amount of movement of the sight can be determined thusly:

Sight Radius in inches / Range in inches X error on Target in inches

Example:

Pistol: 7" / 900" = .0077" X 10" = .077" drift on sight

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Keep your powder dry.

Thanks for the reply. To ensure I am clear:

The front can be adjusted for left/right and not just up and down. And, since I was hitting the target to the right, I would move the front sight towards the left (which makes sense)..

Is the preference to keep the rear sight centered and just adjust the front?

No. If you are hitting to the right, you'll need to move the front sight to the right. This will orient the barrel axis to the left and thus bring your POI to the left when aligning the sight on the target.

Here is a formula for determining how much to move the sight.

Sight Radius in inches / Range in inches X error on Target in inches

Example:

Pistol: 7" / 900" = .0077" X 10" = .077" drift on sight
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Keep your powder dry.

To answer the question by the OP, no the front sight on a Modern Sporting Rifle does not adjust left/right. It only does elevation. Now, if the front sight tower/gas block was slightly canted during installation or the sight post isn't straight, that can cause you some windage problems. As to the unasked question, no the rifle isn't sighted in at the factory.

Could also be your trigger press. The idea is to have your finger placed so that the pressure on the trigger is straight back. The quality of the press can make a difference, a hearty yank as the sights wobble past the target can move the point of bullet impact a surprising amount.

On the AR type sights, adjust elevation using the front sight, windage at the rear.

Front is elevation only. Rear is gtg if, according to mil-spec, you are successful even if cranked all the way left/right. There are ways to get it more aligned toward the middle if you desire.

Thank you for all of the replies. Seems like I may be good to go with the rear sight where it sits now. Will be at range again this week and do some more analysis. Appreciate it!