Boresighting your rifle scope using a laser is a crucial first step in ensuring accurate shot placement. It allows you to roughly align your scope with the barrel of your rifle before heading to the range, saving you time and ammunition. This process significantly reduces the number of adjustments needed during zeroing, making the entire process much more efficient. While a perfectly zeroed rifle requires range time, boresighting provides a solid foundation. This guide will walk you through the process safely and effectively.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and equipment:
- A laser boresight: This device fits into the barrel of your firearm and projects a laser beam. Ensure it's compatible with your rifle's caliber. Different calibers require different boresight adapters.
- Your rifle: Naturally, you'll need the rifle you intend to zero. Ensure it's unloaded and that you've followed all firearm safety procedures.
- Your rifle scope: Make sure it's securely mounted on your rifle.
- A target: Place this at a reasonable distance (25-50 yards is ideal). A simple piece of paper with a bullseye will suffice.
- Safety glasses: Always protect your eyes when working with lasers.
Step-by-Step Boresighting Instructions
1. Safety First! This is paramount. Always treat your firearm as if it were loaded, even if you know it's not. Double-check that the firearm is unloaded and the action is open. Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times.
2. Prepare your rifle: Remove the bolt or action from your rifle (depending on the type). Ensure the firearm is completely unloaded.
3. Insert the laser boresight: Carefully insert the laser boresight into the barrel of your rifle. Make sure it's seated firmly and securely.
4. Secure your rifle: Use a stable rest, like a shooting bench or sandbags, to ensure your rifle remains perfectly still throughout the process. Any movement will affect the accuracy of your boresighting.
5. Aim at your target: Position yourself and your rifle so the muzzle is safely pointed towards your target.
6. Adjust your scope: Observe the laser point on your target. Adjust your scope's windage (left and right) and elevation (up and down) knobs to center the laser dot on the bullseye. Make small, incremental adjustments. Less is more. You are aiming for a close approximation, not pinpoint accuracy.
7. Remove the laser boresight: Once you've centered the laser dot, carefully remove the laser boresight from your rifle. Remember to maintain safe firearm handling practices during removal.
8. Verify your work (optional): At a very short range (e.g., 10-15 yards), aim the rifle at your target. While you won't get precise accuracy, you should see your point of impact significantly closer to the center than without boresighting. This optional step offers an added measure of assurance.
Important Considerations
- Laser Boresight Calibration: Regularly check your laser boresight for proper calibration. A misaligned boresight will lead to inaccurate results.
- Scope Quality: The quality of your scope plays a role. Higher-quality scopes generally offer more precise adjustments.
- Ammunition: Remember that boresighting only provides a rough alignment. The exact zero will need to be refined at the range using your chosen ammunition.
- Environmental Factors: While the laser boresight makes the process easier, consider weather conditions such as wind might still affect final zeroing.
Conclusion
Boresighting your rifle scope using a laser significantly streamlines the zeroing process at the range. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can ensure your rifle is properly aligned, saving you valuable time and ammunition. Always remember that range time with your specific ammunition is crucial for final zeroing and achieving optimal accuracy. Safe and happy shooting!
