Boresighting your rifle is a crucial first step in achieving accurate long-range shooting. It allows you to quickly and easily align your scope with the barrel's bore, significantly reducing the time spent on range adjustments and ultimately saving ammunition. While it doesn't replace proper zeroing at the range, boresighting provides a solid foundation for a quicker, more efficient sighting process. This guide will provide a step-by-step process on how to boresight your rifle, along with essential safety precautions and considerations.
What is Boresighting?
Boresighting is the process of aligning your rifle scope with the barrel's boreline—the imaginary line running through the center of the barrel. This preliminary alignment ensures your bullets will travel close to where your scope is pointed, minimizing the initial adjustments needed during zeroing at the range. It's particularly helpful for new rifles, newly mounted scopes, or after any significant changes to your rifle's configuration.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. This may vary slightly depending on your rifle and boresighting method.
- Rifle: Obviously, you'll need the rifle you intend to boresight.
- Boresighting Tool: Several types exist: laser boresighters, which project a laser beam through the barrel, and optical boresighters, which use a lens system for alignment. Laser boresighters are generally easier to use.
- Target: A suitable target at a reasonable distance (25 yards or more is recommended).
- Eye and Ear Protection: Always prioritize safety—wear eye and ear protection whenever handling firearms.
- A Safe, Stable Shooting Rest: This could be a bench rest, sandbags, or any other stable platform that securely supports your rifle.
- A Helper (Optional): Having a second person to assist can be helpful, especially when using optical boresighters.
Step-by-Step Boresighting Process (Using a Laser Boresighter)
This method outlines using a laser boresighter, a popular choice for its ease of use.
- Safety First: Ensure your firearm is unloaded and the action is open. Double-check!
- Insert the Laser Boresighter: Carefully insert the laser boresighter into the muzzle of your rifle's barrel. Make sure it's seated firmly and centered.
- Secure the Rifle: Place your rifle securely in your chosen shooting rest. Ensure it's stable and won't move during the process.
- Turn on the Laser: Activate the laser boresighter.
- Adjust the Scope: Aim the rifle at your target. You'll see the laser dot on the target. Adjust your scope's windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) knobs to center the laser dot on your target. This might require multiple small adjustments.
- Repeat and Refine: Reaim and readjust as needed until the laser dot is perfectly centered on the bullseye of your target.
- Remove the Boresighter: Carefully remove the laser boresighter from the barrel.
Step-by-Step Boresighting Process (Using an Optical Boresighter)
Optical boresighters are more complex and require more skill. They often require a helper to align the sight picture accurately.
- Safety First: The same safety precautions apply as with a laser boresighter. Double-check the firearm is unloaded.
- Mount the Optical Boresighter: Carefully mount the optical boresighter into the barrel, ensuring it’s securely seated and centered.
- Secure the Rifle and Align: Mount the rifle securely in a rest. Your helper will look through the optical boresighter and align the target's crosshairs with the boresight's reticle. This process may take several attempts for accurate alignment.
- Adjust the Scope: Once the optical boresighter is correctly aligned, your helper can guide you in adjusting your scope to match the boresight's alignment.
- Verify and Repeat: Repeat the process until both the optical boresighter and your scope are precisely aligned with the target.
- Remove the Boresighter: Carefully remove the optical boresighter from the rifle.
Important Considerations
- Distance to Target: A longer distance (e.g., 25 yards or more) provides a more accurate alignment.
- Environmental Conditions: Wind, temperature, and lighting can affect the accuracy of boresighting, especially with laser boresighters.
- Boresighting is Not Zeroing: Boresighting is just a preliminary step. You'll still need to zero your rifle at the range using live ammunition.
Conclusion
Proper boresighting significantly streamlines the zeroing process, saving you time and ammunition. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow these steps carefully. By mastering this technique, you'll be well on your way to more accurate and enjoyable shooting.
