Boresighting a rifle is a quick and easy way to get your firearm roughly on target, but how accurate is it really? The short answer is: not very. While it's a useful first step, boresighting alone shouldn't be considered a replacement for proper zeroing at the range. Let's delve into why.
What is Boresighting?
Boresighting involves aligning the rifle's sights (or scope) with the bore (the barrel's interior) using a boresighting tool. This tool is inserted into the barrel's muzzle, allowing for a visual alignment of the sight picture with the bore's axis. This process helps ensure the bullet will at least travel in the general vicinity of the target at a specific distance.
Limitations of Boresighting
Several factors limit the accuracy you can achieve with boresighting alone:
1. Inherent Inaccuracies in the Process:
- Tool Imperfections: Boresighting tools themselves are not perfectly manufactured. Slight imperfections or variations in manufacturing can introduce errors into the alignment process.
- Human Error: Aligning the sights with the boresight tool requires precision and a steady hand. Even slight misalignments during the process will propagate into larger errors at longer ranges.
- Environmental Factors: Temperature changes, handling, and even the boresighting tool's own weight can slightly alter the alignment.
2. Neglecting Other Factors Affecting Accuracy:
Boresighting only addresses the alignment of the barrel and the sights. It doesn't account for many other crucial factors that influence bullet trajectory, including:
- Ammunition Variations: The type of ammunition used significantly impacts accuracy. Different bullet weights, powders, and even manufacturing variations within the same ammunition lot will affect trajectory.
- Rifle Characteristics: Barrel twist rate, crown condition, and even the action type itself all affect bullet performance.
- Environmental Conditions: Wind, temperature, humidity, and altitude all influence bullet flight.
- Shooter Factors: The shooter's stance, grip, trigger control, and breathing all contribute to shot placement.
3. Distance Dependency:
The farther the target, the greater the deviation from the boresight's initial alignment. A minor error at the boresighting stage will result in a significantly larger miss at longer distances.
Boresighting as a First Step
While boresighting won't provide pinpoint accuracy, it's beneficial as a preliminary step for several reasons:
- Saves Ammunition: It gets you “in the ballpark” before you start shooting live rounds, saving you potentially wasted ammunition during zeroing.
- Time Efficiency: It reduces the time spent adjusting your sights or scope at the range, especially when using a scope.
- Safety: By getting your firearm somewhat on target, you can practice safe shooting procedures with fewer adjustments required.
The Importance of Proper Zeroing
Zeroing your rifle at the range is crucial to achieve accurate shots. This process involves firing several rounds at different distances to determine the point of impact, allowing for precise adjustments of your sights or scope until you achieve consistent accuracy at your desired range. This is the only reliable way to ensure your firearm is truly accurate and suitable for its intended purpose.
Conclusion
Boresighting provides a rough alignment, but it's not a substitute for proper zeroing at the range. Consider it a helpful first step to save time and ammunition, but remember that achieving accurate shots requires the meticulous process of zeroing your rifle using live ammunition and factoring in all the relevant variables. Always prioritize safety and responsible gun handling practices.
