Introduction
Missing those crucial shots at the range? A red dot sight can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and speed, but only when the sight is precisely aligned. The red dot sight (RDS), a compact and versatile optic, has revolutionized the way we aim, from competitive shooting to tactical applications. Offering a quick and intuitive aiming point, red dot sights are a popular choice for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. This article explores the process of bore sighting a red dot sight, explaining its pivotal role in achieving initial accuracy, comparing it to other methods, and guiding you through the steps required to ensure your red dot is on target before you even fire a single round.
Understanding Bore Sighting
Before diving into the practical steps, it’s crucial to understand what bore sighting truly entails. Essentially, bore sighting involves aligning the optical center of the red dot sight with the center of the barrel’s bore. The bore is the hollow passage through the barrel through which the bullet travels. Achieving this alignment ensures that when you look through the red dot, it points roughly in the same direction as the bullet will initially travel when fired.
The primary purpose of bore sighting is to get your red dot sight “on paper” quickly. This means that your first few shots will land somewhere on the target, allowing you to make fine adjustments to zero the sight. Bore sighting saves valuable ammunition and time. Without it, the process of getting your red dot sighted in can be a lengthy and wasteful process of trial and error. It’s also crucial if you’ve recently mounted a new red dot or after a fall or other event that may have bumped it out of alignment.
Bore sighting and zeroing, although related, are distinct processes. Bore sighting gets you in the ballpark, while zeroing refines your accuracy at a specific distance. Zeroing is the final step, requiring live fire and adjustments to achieve precise grouping at a chosen range. Think of bore sighting as the preliminary work, laying the foundation for a perfectly calibrated red dot sight. Zeroing is the fine-tuning that builds upon that foundation, using live fire and adjustments to account for bullet drop, wind, and other environmental factors that might affect your shots.
Methods for Bore Sighting a Red Dot Sight
There are several ways to achieve the critical first step of bore sighting your red dot sight. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, and the best choice often depends on your equipment and personal preference.
Visual Alignment
Visual alignment is the most basic and accessible method, often requiring no specialized tools. This method involves looking through the barrel and using the red dot to estimate alignment.
Securing the Firearm: Safety is paramount. First and foremost, ensure the firearm is unloaded and that there are no rounds in the chamber or magazine. Confirm this visually and physically. Place the firearm in a stable position, either on a bench or by using sandbags or a gun vise. This is absolutely crucial. Any movement of the firearm during this process will throw off your alignment.
Looking Through the Bore: Carefully look through the barrel’s bore from the muzzle end (the opening at the front). Ensure you are doing this from a safe distance and with the firearm pointed in a safe direction, such as toward a safe backstop or the ground. Focus on a distant, well-defined target.
Aligning the Red Dot: While maintaining your view through the bore, adjust the red dot’s windage and elevation knobs until the red dot appears to be centered on the same target you see through the bore. This might require some patience and fine adjustments. You might need to move a little to the side to look through the barrel. Remember, the goal is to align the red dot with the perceived point of impact, but the initial alignment doesn’t have to be perfect, as that is the purpose of zeroing.
The advantage of visual alignment is its simplicity and minimal cost. The downside is its potential for inaccuracy due to human error. It can also be a bit tedious, especially with some firearms where it’s difficult to get a clear view down the bore.
Laser Alignment
Laser alignment is a more precise, and usually more convenient method that utilizes a laser bore sighter. These devices, often in the form of a cartridge or an insert that fits the barrel, project a laser dot down the bore, making the alignment process much easier.
Inserting the Laser: Make sure the firearm is unloaded! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inserting the laser bore sighter into your firearm. Typically, this involves inserting a laser cartridge into the chamber or securing a bore sighter rod into the barrel. Ensure a snug, but not overly tight, fit.
Adjusting the Red Dot: Once the laser is activated and projecting a dot onto your target, adjust the windage and elevation knobs on your red dot sight to center the red dot on the same point as the laser dot.
Checking for Consistency: After making adjustments, it’s important to take another look through the barrel and look at the position of the red dot. As you adjust, double check if you are still aligning with the laser dot in the distance.
The laser alignment method offers greater accuracy and is generally easier to perform than the visual method. However, it requires the purchase of a laser bore sighter, adding to the initial cost. Be sure that you are using a laser bore sighter that is compatible with your firearm’s caliber. Some laser bore sighters can also be prone to some drift in the alignment.
Other Approaches
Besides the methods above, there are a few other ways to achieve an initial alignment.
Specialized Sighting Tools: Some tools align directly with the bolt carrier of your firearm. These are usually quite specific to the model, making sure that the alignment is straight.
Rail Alignment Devices: These attach to the rail system of your firearm and use either a mechanical or optical system to align the red dot sight with the bore.
Step-by-Step Guide for Visual Alignment
1. Safety First: Completely unload the firearm and visually inspect the chamber and magazine to ensure they are empty. Direct the muzzle in a safe direction.
2. Secure the Firearm: Place the unloaded firearm firmly on a stable surface. Use sandbags, a gun vise, or a sturdy rest to prevent movement.
3. Position Yourself: Position yourself comfortably behind the firearm, ensuring a clear view down the bore of the barrel.
4. Look Through the Bore: Carefully look through the bore, focusing on a distant target, ideally at least 50 yards away. Choose a distinct object, such as the center of a target or a well-defined point in the background.
5. Adjust the Red Dot: Without moving the firearm, adjust the red dot’s windage and elevation knobs. The goal is to move the red dot until it appears centered on the same target you see through the bore. Make small adjustments and re-check the alignment until you achieve the best possible match.
6. Final Check: Once you believe the red dot is aligned, double-check the alignment and make any final, minor adjustments. Then, it’s time to go to the range!
Step-by-Step Guide for Laser Alignment
1. Confirm Safety: Double-check that the firearm is unloaded and the magazine has been removed. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Insert Laser Bore Sighter: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, insert the laser bore sighter into the chamber (for cartridge-style sighters) or barrel (for rod-style sighters). Ensure it fits securely and the laser is properly aligned within the bore.
3. Position and Activate the Laser: Place the firearm in a stable position, as described above. Activate the laser and observe the laser dot on the target.
4. Center the Red Dot: Use the windage and elevation adjustments on your red dot to move the red dot so that it aligns with the laser dot on the target. Make small adjustments and re-check the alignment.
5. Fine Tune and Check: If your red dot is centered, you should start seeing some immediate alignment at the range. Always double-check and repeat this process to ensure the accuracy of your laser bore sighter.
Important Considerations and Tips
Choosing a Target: When bore sighting, select a target at a reasonable distance. A longer distance can improve accuracy, but a minimum of 25 yards (for pistols) or 50 yards (for rifles) is usually recommended. Choose a target with a clear aiming point that is easy to identify, such as the center of a bullseye.
Proper Mounting: Before bore sighting, ensure your red dot sight is properly mounted to the firearm. Check that all screws are securely tightened and that the sight is level. A loose or misaligned mount can compromise the accuracy of the entire process. Be careful not to overtighten!
Windage and Elevation: Familiarize yourself with the windage and elevation adjustments on your red dot sight. These are usually small dials or knobs that control the horizontal (windage) and vertical (elevation) adjustments. The direction of these adjustments can vary slightly depending on the red dot’s brand, so consult the manual or study your sight before you go to the range.
Use the Right Tools: Invest in high-quality tools for bore sighting and zeroing, such as a sturdy vise, good sandbags, and a reliable laser bore sighter. Quality tools can make the process more efficient and accurate.
Safety is Always Priority Number One: Never point a firearm at anything you are not prepared to destroy. Follow all safety procedures, including verifying the firearm is unloaded, wearing eye protection, and ensuring that the range is clear before handling the firearm.
Zeroing Your Red Dot: Taking it to the Range
After you have bore sighted your red dot, the next step is to zero it. This step involves taking the firearm to a shooting range and making fine adjustments to the sight based on your shot groups. Fire a group of shots at your target, observe where the bullets impacted, and use the windage and elevation adjustments to move the red dot to match your point of impact. Continue firing groups and making adjustments until your shots consistently hit the target where you are aiming.
Conclusion
Bore sighting a red dot is a fundamental skill that sets the foundation for accurate shooting. By properly aligning your red dot with the bore of your firearm, you save ammunition and time and increase your chances of hitting your target. Whether you choose the visual method or opt for a laser bore sighter, the key is to follow the steps carefully and to take your time.
Remember, mastering bore sighting, and then refining your accuracy through zeroing, will significantly enhance your shooting proficiency and enjoyment. Properly sighting your red dot is an essential step for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Take this knowledge, practice the methods, and zero your red dot. You’ll be amazed at the improvement in your accuracy. Get out there and enjoy the benefits of an accurately sighted red dot!
