What does "Zeroing" a firearm refer to?

"Zeroing" a firearm refers specifically to adjusting the sights so that the point of aim corresponds with the point of impact. This process is crucial for ensuring accuracy when shooting, as it allows the shooter to align their sight picture with where the round actually strikes on the target.

When a firearm is zeroed, the shooter must fire a series of shots at a target and then make adjustments to the sights based on the observed impact points of the bullets. This adjustment can involve moving the rear or front sight either up or down or side to side, ensuring that when the shooter aims at the center of a target, the bullet will hit that same center.

While the other options mention important aspects of firearm safety and maintenance, they do not define the process of zeroing a firearm. Resetting the safety mechanism is vital for safe operation but unrelated to aim and impact. Cleansing the barrel is essential for maintenance and accuracy but does not directly relate to the adjustment of sights. Calibrating shooting range distance does not involve sight adjustments either; it's more about measuring distance for range-specific shooting and does not affect how well the sights align with the bullet's point of impact.