Understanding the Essence of Bore Sighting
The frustration is a familiar one. You’ve mounted your new scope, carefully secured everything, and you’re eager to hit the range. But the first shot goes… somewhere. The second, maybe even further off. Adjusting your scope, firing again, chasing the bullet’s impact across the target—it’s a tedious and often costly process. You quickly realize that hours on the range and dozens of rounds of ammunition are potentially wasted just trying to get your rifle or handgun properly zeroed.
This is where the concept of bore sighting comes into play, a technique designed to streamline the zeroing process and get you on target faster. But the question remains: *Does bore sighting work*? Is it the magical solution to quick and efficient scope setup, or is it a flawed method that is best avoided? Let’s dive into the world of bore sighting and find out.
At its core, bore sighting is an alignment method designed to get your scope’s reticle, the crosshairs or aiming point, roughly aligned with the bore, the actual hole through which the bullet travels down the barrel. The goal is to get the scope’s reticle as close as possible to the point of impact you can expect at a specific distance, which then enables you to minimize the number of live rounds fired for final adjustment.
This initial alignment helps you avoid shooting wildly off the target when you first begin zeroing your scope. It’s all about establishing a starting point before you move on to the fine-tuning using live ammunition. Think of it as a preliminary step, a shortcut to getting closer to your target before you begin making real adjustments.
Methods of Achieving Alignment
There are several ways to approach the task of bore sighting, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
The most common method involves the use of a dedicated bore sight tool. These come in a variety of forms:
Laser Bore Sights
These tools are inserted into the barrel’s chamber or muzzle. They emit a laser beam that projects a dot onto the target, representing the projected path of the bullet. The user then adjusts the scope until the reticle aligns with the laser dot.
Mechanical Bore Sights
These tools are inserted into the barrel and feature internal mechanisms that allow you to view the bore’s axis, allowing you to align your scope with the mechanical tool’s projected point.
The process is usually straightforward:
- Securely place the firearm in a stable position, such as a gun vise or a sturdy rest.
- Choose a target, preferably at a distance relevant to your intended use. This is usually 25 or 50 yards for most applications.
- Insert the bore sight tool according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Look through the scope and identify the projected point on the target.
- Adjust the scope’s windage and elevation adjustments until the reticle aligns with the bore sight tool’s projected point.
Another, more traditional method, is known as “eyeballing the bore.” This older technique involves physically looking *through* the bore of the barrel at a distant target.
This method is not as accurate, and it requires some practice and a steady hand. The steps involved typically include:
- Safely position the firearm with a clear view of a distant object.
- Remove the bolt (if applicable) to provide a clear view through the bore.
- Look through the bore and center the view on a target, like a distant tree or a specific point.
- Without moving the firearm, look through the scope and adjust the reticle to coincide with the target that is visible through the bore.
No matter the method, the ultimate goal of bore sighting is to provide a good starting point for subsequent live-fire adjustments.
The Purpose Behind Alignment
The primary purpose behind bore sighting is to save time and ammunition. By getting the scope’s reticle reasonably close to the point of impact, you can reduce the number of rounds needed to properly zero the scope, making your trips to the range more efficient and cost-effective.
This initial alignment also reduces frustration. If your scope is drastically off when you begin shooting, it can be challenging and discouraging to find your adjustments. Bore sighting will put your initial shots on or closer to the target, allowing you to find your zero more easily.
Unveiling the Benefits
The value of bore sighting is undeniable. It offers many advantages to shooters of all experience levels.
Time Efficiency
As mentioned, bore sighting can significantly reduce the amount of time required to zero your scope. This is especially true when mounting a new scope or when your rifle or handgun has been disassembled and reassembled. Instead of spending valuable time chasing your shots all over the target, you can start close to your zero.
Ammunition Savings
Ammunition costs can quickly add up, especially when zeroing a scope. Bore sighting reduces the number of rounds spent in the initial zeroing phase, resulting in ammunition savings that are particularly important for those who shoot frequently or who train with specific rounds.
Decreased Frustration
Setting up a new scope can be frustrating. The guesswork involved in making large adjustments without a point of reference is not fun for some shooters. The possibility of starting on paper, or at least very close to paper, minimizes this frustration and helps you get shooting quicker.
Beneficial in Various Scenarios
Bore sighting can be beneficial in different scenarios. It is beneficial when you are installing a brand-new scope. It is also useful if you suspect a scope issue. You can also use it after cleaning your firearm, especially if the scope was removed during the process.
Understanding the Weaknesses
While bore sighting is a useful tool, it is not without its limitations. Understanding these limitations is critical to managing expectations and achieving optimal accuracy.
Inherent Inaccuracies
Bore sighting is not a perfect science. Several factors contribute to its inherent inaccuracies, including manufacturing tolerances in both the firearm and the scope. Misalignment of the bore sight tool itself can also introduce errors. The accuracy of bore sighting will vary depending on the method used, the quality of your equipment, and your skill.
Distance Dependence
The trajectory of a bullet is not a straight line. It follows a curved path due to gravity. Bore sighting aligns the scope with the bore, which is essentially a straight line. As a result, the point of impact will shift as the distance to the target increases. A rifle that’s bore sighted at 25 yards may not be perfectly zeroed at 100 yards.
No Substitute for Live-Fire
Ultimately, bore sighting is just a preliminary step. To achieve a truly accurate zero, live-fire adjustments are essential. The information the bore sight provides must be confirmed with bullets hitting the target. This is why you must always follow bore sighting with live fire, target shooting, and windage/elevation adjustments.
How to Approach the Process
Following a safety-first approach, here are steps to bore sighting using various methods:
Using a Bore Sight Tool
- Prioritize Safety: Always follow safe gun handling practices. Ensure your firearm is unloaded and the chamber is clear before you begin. Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times.
- Secure the Firearm: Place the firearm in a sturdy rest, such as a gun vise. This stabilizes the firearm and minimizes movement during the bore sighting process.
- Choose the Correct Tool: Select the appropriate bore sight tool for your firearm. Ensure it’s the right caliber or the proper fit for your barrel. If using a laser bore sight, insert it into the bore according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If using a mechanical bore sight, place it into the barrel.
- Set the Distance: Choose a reasonable distance for bore sighting. 25 or 50 yards is common, but the ideal distance can depend on your intended shooting range.
- Observe Through the Scope: Look through the scope, and carefully observe the target, noting the location of the reticle in relation to the point indicated by your bore sight.
- Make the Adjustments: Using the scope’s windage and elevation adjustments, carefully move the reticle so that it aligns with the target point provided by the bore sight tool.
- Double-Check: Once you’ve completed the alignment, recheck the alignment of the reticle and target point before you remove the tool.
Using the Eyeballing Technique
- Ensure Safety: Clear your firearm. Remove the bolt if needed.
- Secure the Firearm: Secure your firearm in a rest.
- Look Through the Bore: Look through the bore of the barrel at a distant and easily identifiable target. Choose a stationary object.
- Look Through the Scope: Without moving the firearm, look through the scope.
- Align the Reticle: Adjust the scope’s windage and elevation adjustments until the reticle aligns with the target you’re viewing through the bore.
The Critical Step: Live-Fire Zeroing
The Importance of Live Fire
Bore sighting is incomplete without live-fire adjustments.
Zeroing with Live Rounds
After bore sighting, move to the range, and fire a group of shots. Evaluate the point of impact of those shots on the target.
Adjustment Based on Shots
Adjust your scope’s windage and elevation turrets based on where your shots hit the target. If your shots are high, adjust the elevation turret to lower your point of impact. If your shots are to the right, adjust the windage to move the shots to the left, and so on.
Refining the Zero
After making an adjustment, fire another group of shots, and continue to refine your zero.
So, Does Bore Sighting Work?
In conclusion, *does bore sighting work*? The answer is a qualified yes. Bore sighting is a valuable technique that can significantly reduce the time and ammunition needed to zero your scope. It gets you on paper fast and reduces the potential frustration often associated with setting up a new scope.
However, it’s critical to remember that bore sighting is not a magic bullet. It is an initial alignment method, not a perfect solution. Inaccuracies are to be expected. True zeroing requires live-fire adjustments to fine-tune your scope for ultimate accuracy.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to use bore sighting as part of your zeroing process. Just remember to supplement that with the target practice that’ll get you on target. By using these techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of more time on the range and more accurate shooting overall. If you are going to buy one of these tools, check out those that are laser bore sights as it will save you a lot more time and trouble.
