When sights are zeroed on a pistol or rifle, the centerline of the bore is pointed at what angle?

When sights are zeroed on a pistol or rifle, the centerline of the bore is typically pointed at an upward angle. This upward angle allows the bullet to rise slightly after it exits the muzzle due to the effects of gravity and the projectile's trajectory.

Zeroing the sights means aligning them so that the point of aim matches the point of impact of the bullet at a specified distance. When a firearm is zeroed, the sights are adjusted to take into account the arc of the bullet's path as it travels toward the target. The bullet starts to descend after it reaches its apex, and as a result, an upward angle at the bore's centerline ensures that the bullet will hit the target at the desired distance, compensating for that gravitational effect.

Therefore, this upward angle is crucial for accuracy and precision in shooting, particularly at varying distances, as it allows the shooter to effectively predict where the bullet will strike in relation to where they are aiming.