Boresighters - good but general

[JeremyJeddidah]

Okay....

I'm looking for a boresighter and I've found this one (don't own)...

http://www.jnsistore.com/shop/product.php?productid=17893

I like multi-tasking and universal devices, but IS THIS A GOOD ITEM?

I know $30 isn't much for something that will fit in most of my guns, but I don't want it to be crap. I've purchased 'universal' cell phone accessories, computer Accessories, car acc....etc etc and rarely have been satisfied or gone, "Wow! I'm glad I did it".

Super Honest Opinions, Recommendations and Comments please.

thanks all.

 

[GarySTL]

Not familiar with that particular one, but it doesn't look much different than my LaserLyte unit and it works fine. I think the only issue would be if the laser beam is centered with relation to the arbor.

I don't know anything about that seller so I think I'd perhaps spend a few bucks more with Amazon. They have what looks to be the same one for $29 with free shipping if you're a prime member. I've never had problems with returns to Amazon.

 

[natsb]

We have a clear case of "you get what you pay for". I tried a few of the affordable bore sighters and they did work sometimes. It was hit or miss; far from reliable.

I found myself with a handful of gift cards for Cabelas and used them on the higher end SiteLite boresighter. I couldn't be happier with the results. It worked perfectly on everything from my 22 to my 12ga.

I especially like the target printing program it comes with. You enter some information about what you are shooting and at what distance you want to zero at. It then prints a target with two points of aim. For instance, the target for my 5.56 AR is calibrated to zero at 50 yards. I place it at 10 yards. With the laser on the bottom point, I adjust the rifle sights aim at the top point. The points are 1.93 inches apart.

As a bonus, it is so easy to sight in my scopes that I don't hesitate to switch them up.

Short version: Spend the money for the good sighter.

 

[rcmodel]

IMO?:
Spend the money on a good .97 cent ruler.

And learn how to sight in a scope by bore sighting, and very few shots on paper by shooting it on a target and measuring it with the ruler.

It ain't hard to do.

rc

 

[Outlaw Man]

While real boresighting, like rc model is talking about, really works (on most guns), I'll be the first to admit that it might be a little difficult to see, especially on smaller caliber rifles, and you're totally hosed on some rifles, like most semi-autos and lever guns. Ultimately, they're all a way to get the bullet on the paper, so you can (hopefully) use the second set of skills rc is talking about.

My preference is the BSA kit that goes in the muzzle of the rifle and puts a grid in front of your scope. It is easy to operate, requires no batteries, and can be done inside with very little space. It has got me pretty close every time I've used it. On the flip side, it's not tall enough for use on an AR.

I also have a cheap - not that one, but probably not much different - laser I got to throw in my range bag, just in case. When you can get the laser to come on, and you've got a dark enough backdrop, it works fairly well. If you're trying to see it on a daylit range target 100 yards away, though, you might as well go home.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

It should work just fine (getting you on paper). Many of them have issues with muzzle breaks/flash suppressors depending on design.

Of course if you have a typical bolt action and something to hold it in place, you can just look down the barrel from the rear of the gun.

Mike

 

[matrem]

How about getting the largest cardboard box you can get from your local retailer, setting it somewheres bout 50 feet, then dialing it in from there?

If you can't do that and you can remove the bolt, just center something in your bore, hold it there, and dial your crosshairs to match. ( opposite scope adjustments, of course)

 

[jmr40]

All of them are a waste of money. At best they MIGHT save 1 round of ammo on a lever action or other rifle where you cannot look through the bore to bore sight while zeroing. With a bolt action they will never save you a single round of ammo.

Even if you cannot see through the bore all you need is 1 hole in paper and as RC said a ruler. Even if the distance from that hole to the aiming point is measured in feet. Simply measure the distance, calculate how many clicks you need and adjust the scope. Shot #2 should be right where you want it.

Use a large enough sheet of paper or get closer. A sheet of poster board from Walmart is 28 cents and is large enough to be impossible to miss at 25-50 yards. You can tape over bullet holes and that 28 cent paper will last a lifetime of zeroing rifles. And work far better than any electronic tool.

A target showing the 1st shots at 50 yards as I zeroed my last 3 rifles. No bore sight tool would have done as well.