Understanding the Purpose
Shooting sports, whether for competition, hunting, or simply recreational target practice, demands accuracy. Achieving that accuracy starts with proper sighting, the alignment of your firearm’s sights with the point of impact. While there are various methods to achieve a perfect zero, a laser boresighter provides a rapid and convenient starting point, helping shooters conserve ammunition and streamline the initial setup process. This guide will walk you through how to use a laser boresighter effectively, ensuring you can quickly and confidently bring your rifle or pistol to the range.
Variations in Design
Different types of laser boresighters cater to various firearms and user preferences. The choice depends on the weapon’s type and how you want to approach the setup. The two main categories are Chamber-Type and Arbor/Magnetic Boresighters.
Chamber-Type Boresighters
Chamber-type boresighters are designed to fit directly into the chamber of your firearm, much like a cartridge. These are generally caliber-specific, meaning you need to select the correct one for each firearm. They offer a direct and reliable method of alignment. The main advantage is simplicity and ease of use; insert, activate, and adjust.
Arbor/Magnetic Boresighters
Arbor/Magnetic boresighters offer a more universal approach. These devices typically attach to the muzzle of your firearm, either by a magnetic connection or by using a universal arbor that fits into the barrel. The universal design offers versatility, allowing them to be used on a wide range of calibers and firearms. The primary advantages include their versatility and generally lower cost compared to buying a boresighter for each caliber.
Key Components
Regardless of the type, a laser boresighter comprises a few essential components. Understanding these components will assist you in their proper use.
The Laser Module
The central component is the laser module or emitter. This houses the laser diode and projects the visible dot. The laser beam’s brightness and quality will affect its visibility, especially in bright daylight conditions.
Adapters
Adapters, when needed, are crucial for chamber-type boresighters and may be included with arbor-style models. These are designed to fit various firearm calibers. Ensuring you use the correct adapter is critical for accurate alignment.
The Power Source
The final component is the power source, most commonly a battery. Ensuring the batteries are fresh is crucial for a clear, bright laser dot that assists in alignment.
Prioritizing Safety
Safety must always be your top priority when handling firearms and using a laser boresighter. Neglecting safety protocols can lead to serious injury or even death.
Eye Protection
Always wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety glasses. The laser beam can be harmful to your eyes. Never look directly into the laser or allow it to shine into anyone’s eyes.
Safe Gun Handling
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Before starting the process, double-check that the firearm is unloaded. Open the action, visually inspect the chamber, and physically verify that no ammunition is present.
Awareness of Direction
Be mindful of the direction the laser beam is pointing. Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure the beam won’t inadvertently hit anyone or anything you don’t intend to target. Be sure to point the firearm in a safe direction at all times, especially during the initial setup.
Setting the Stage: Preparing Your Firearm
Before using the laser boresighter, carefully prepare your firearm. This preparation is crucial for a successful and accurate zeroing process.
Unloading the Firearm
The first step is ensuring your firearm is unloaded and safe. Remove any magazine, open the action, and visually inspect both the chamber and the magazine well to confirm that no rounds are present. Always treat the firearm as if it is loaded.
Mounting and Stability
The next step is to securely mount your firearm in a stable position. This is often a shooting vise, or a quality gun rest. This will prevent any movement or wobble during the alignment process. Stability is the bedrock of accuracy, and using a solid rest will assist in more accurate results.
Bore Cleaning
While not strictly necessary, cleaning the bore can be advantageous. A clean bore will offer more consistent bullet flight, providing a more precise initial setup. Use appropriate cleaning supplies to remove any debris, residue, or fouling that may be present in the bore.
Selecting the Right Fit
For chamber-type boresighters, the selection of the correct adapter is a crucial step. The adapter must be perfectly matched to your firearm’s caliber.
Matching Calibers
Carefully examine the markings on the boresighter and your firearm’s chamber. Ensure the adapter and the chamber share the same caliber designation (e.g., .223 Remington, 9mm Luger, etc.).
Correct Insertion
Insert the adapter gently but firmly into the chamber. It should fit snugly without any excessive force. A loose-fitting adapter will result in inaccurate alignment.
Inserting the Boresighter
The method of inserting the laser boresighter will vary depending on the type you have chosen.
Chamber-Type Insertion
For chamber-type boresighters, carefully insert the device into the chamber. The boresighter should slide in smoothly. If it doesn’t fit easily, check the adapter and the caliber markings to ensure you are using the correct one.
Arbor or Magnetic Attachment
For Arbor or Magnetic boresighters, mount the device to the muzzle of your firearm, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure a secure and firm attachment so the device does not move or shift during the alignment.
Activating the Beam
Once the laser boresighter is properly inserted, it is time to activate the laser.
Power On
Locate the power switch or button on the boresighter. This is usually clearly marked. Press the button to turn the laser on.
Observing the Laser Dot
Observe the laser dot projected onto a target, typically a wall or a dedicated target at a reasonable distance (such as 25 yards or meters). This dot will guide your initial sight adjustments.
Targeting and Fine-tuning
Now, it is time to align your sights or scope with the laser dot projected on the target. This requires some adjustment and careful observation.
Target Distance
Place a target at a suitable distance. A common starting distance is 25 yards (or meters) for rifles and pistols. This distance is generally appropriate for many common calibers and facilitates easier initial adjustments.
Sight Alignment
Now the key step: aligning the sights. Adjust your scope’s windage and elevation turrets, or your iron sights, until the crosshairs (or the front sight post) is perfectly aligned with the laser dot projected on the target. Many modern scopes have markings indicating direction, and adjustments are made to move the reticle to the desired position. Remember, move the reticle to the dot, not the dot to the reticle.
Incremental Adjustments
Make only small, incremental adjustments. Over-adjusting can cause you to chase the dot. Small adjustments are more manageable, giving greater control.
Repeat the Process and Confirm
After adjusting the sights, it is important to verify the alignment.
Deactivate and Remove
Turn off the laser boresighter, and remove it from the chamber or muzzle.
Dry-Firing
If safe to do so, dry-fire the firearm to observe the reticle or front sight position. Ensure the sights remain properly aligned.
Live-Fire Practice
Then, prepare to conduct live-fire practice to confirm the adjustments. After carefully removing the laser boresighter, proceed to the range and fire a small group of rounds at your target.
Final Adjustments
If the point of impact is not precisely where you expected it to be, make small adjustments to your scope or sights, and repeat the process of dry-firing and firing to confirm the zero.
Helpful Hints and Techniques
A few tips and practices can further improve the results when using a laser boresighter:
Distance Considerations
The distance you choose for zeroing depends on the intended use of the firearm. At shorter ranges (such as 25 yards), the laser boresighter is designed to bring your point of impact close to the point of aim, helping you to sight in at the target distance.
Environmental Factors
Consider the ambient lighting conditions. A laser dot is easier to see in darker environments. It may be more difficult to see the dot in direct sunlight or brightly lit areas.
Battery Life
Pay attention to battery life. A weak battery will produce a dim laser, making it harder to align the sights. Replace the batteries regularly and always use fresh, high-quality batteries.
Scope Adjustments
If you have a scope, understanding how to adjust the windage and elevation turrets is important. Always consult the scope’s manual. Learning the clicks per adjustment will streamline the sight in process.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems, always troubleshoot the issue. If the laser dot is erratic, or if you can’t achieve proper alignment, check the adapter, batteries, and the mounting system.
When to Employ the Boresighter
A laser boresighter proves beneficial in various situations.
New Scope Installations
Whenever you install a new scope or sights on your firearm, it’s the ideal tool to speed up the initial sight-in process.
After Modifications
After any significant modifications to your firearm, such as rebarreling or stock replacement, a laser boresighter helps you quickly re-zero the sights.
Loss of Zero
If you suspect your zero has been lost, the laser boresighter provides a convenient way to re-establish alignment before heading to the range.
During Maintenance
During routine firearm maintenance and cleaning, you might want to re-zero the firearm.
The Perks and Pitfalls
Like all tools, laser boresighters have both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these aspects is key to making an informed decision.
Advantages
The pros include:
The speed and convenience are unmatched. You can quickly establish a preliminary zero.
It saves ammunition by reducing the number of rounds needed for initial sighting.
Their versatility makes them suitable for different types of firearms.
Disadvantages
However, the disadvantages should be noted:
The most significant con is that a laser boresighter is not a replacement for live-fire zeroing.
The accuracy of the laser can be affected by the quality of the boresighter, the adapter, and the conditions.
Always remember, the boresighter is simply a tool to get you started.
Alternate Methods
Other methods for sighting in include using a collimator, which is a tool that fits into the barrel and aligns a reticle. Another way is to sight your firearm at the range using traditional live-fire techniques.
Final Thoughts
A laser boresighter is a valuable tool for any shooter who wants to streamline their sighting process. By following the steps and safety guidelines, you can leverage the benefits of a laser boresighter to get your firearm on target quickly and efficiently. Remember that it is a starting point. Always follow up with live-fire practice to confirm your zero and fine-tune your accuracy. The journey to shooting excellence requires dedication to safety, practice, and the use of the right tools.
