What Exactly is a Laser Bore Sighter?
Detailed Explanation
At its core, a laser bore sighter is a device designed to help you roughly align your scope’s crosshairs with the rifle’s bore. Think of it as a shortcut to get you on the paper at the range, significantly reducing the initial time and ammunition needed to zero your scope. They come in a variety of designs, each with its own unique method of interacting with your firearm.
How They Work
One common type is the chamber-inserted laser bore sighter. This device resembles a cartridge and is inserted directly into the chamber of your rifle, much like you would load a round. A laser is then activated, projecting a beam down the bore and onto your target. These are generally caliber-specific, ensuring a snug fit and a direct alignment with the bore’s axis.
Components
Another option is the muzzle-mounted laser bore sighter. These attach to the muzzle of your rifle, often using a series of adapters to fit different barrel diameters. The laser beam is emitted from the device itself, aiming down the bore. The advantage here is often a more universal fit, but you need to ensure that the device is perfectly aligned and that your muzzle isn’t obstructed.
Finally, there are universal laser bore sighters. These often utilize a system of adjustable arbors or mandrels to fit a range of calibers. While offering versatility, these can sometimes be less precise than caliber-specific models, requiring careful adjustments to ensure a proper fit and alignment.
Regardless of the type, the fundamental principle remains the same: the laser beam acts as a visual representation of your rifle’s bore, allowing you to make preliminary adjustments to your scope’s windage and elevation.
The Perks: Why Consider a Laser Bore Sighter?
Time-Saving
One of the most significant advantages of a laser bore sighter is the time it saves. Instead of spending a considerable amount of time and many rounds at the range, you can quickly get your scope roughly aligned from the comfort of your home or a convenient location. This is especially useful when you’re eager to test out a new scope or optic, or when range time is limited.
Convenience Factor
The ability to sight-in your rifle anywhere, anytime, is a major draw. You’re not tethered to the schedule or the restrictions of a shooting range. This convenience is particularly appreciated by those who live in areas with limited access to ranges or those who prefer to work on their firearms in a more relaxed setting.
Ammunition Conservation
By getting your scope close to the point of aim before you ever fire a shot, a laser bore sighter can significantly reduce the number of rounds you need to burn through during the zeroing process. Ammunition costs can quickly add up, and conserving rounds is always a good practice, especially with the rising price of ammo.
Excellent for New Scope Installations
Mounting a new scope can be a daunting task. Laser bore sighters help to reduce the initial frustration by quickly aligning your optics. This gives you a visual reference point to start with, allowing you to make more informed adjustments and saving you time and the annoyance of making blind adjustments at the range.
A Solid Starting Point
Even with their limitations, laser bore sighters provide a good starting point. They get you on paper, allowing you to make fine adjustments at the range with greater precision and efficiency. This is especially beneficial for those who are new to optics or who want to get their scope close before doing live-fire zeroing.
The Flipside: Limitations and Drawbacks
Accuracy Concerns
This is perhaps the most significant drawback. Laser bore sighters are not known for pinpoint accuracy. Several factors contribute to this:
Potential for Misalignment
If the laser bore sighter isn’t perfectly aligned with the bore, the projected beam will be off. This can be due to several things, including the fit of the device, how it is seated in the chamber or on the muzzle, and even imperfections in your rifle.
Bore/Laser Variance
The trajectory of a bullet is not identical to the path of the laser beam. The bullet is subject to gravity, and its path is affected by variables like the bullet’s weight, ballistic coefficient, and muzzle velocity. This means that the laser beam will rarely perfectly align with the bullet’s point of impact at longer distances.
Error Accumulation
Even slight inaccuracies are amplified over distance. A small misalignment at close range can translate into a significant difference in the point of impact at 100 yards or more. This is critical to understand.
Type-Specific Limitations
Chamber-Inserted Limitations
They are limited to only those rifles for which a specific chambered adapter is available.
Muzzle-Mounted
These can be impacted by barrel imperfections, worn crowns, or even the presence of muzzle devices (like muzzle brakes or suppressors), which can disrupt the laser’s path.
Universal Shortcomings
These can lack the precision of caliber-specific models and can require more careful adjustments.
Dependency on Scope Adjustment
This is a tricky issue. Users must understand how to use the scope’s dials and make the appropriate adjustments for windage and elevation.
Not a Stand-In for Live Fire Zeroing
This is a critical consideration. Laser bore sighters are never a substitute for final zeroing at the range with live ammunition. They can get you close, but the final adjustments must always be made by shooting and correcting based on your point of impact.
How to Maximize Effectiveness
Instructions
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific device. These instructions will provide guidance on how to insert it into your bore, adjust the controls, and get an accurate zero.
Tips for Enhanced Accuracy
Stable Platform
Use a gun vise or a stable rest to secure your rifle during the alignment process. This helps to eliminate movement and ensures a more consistent reading.
Centering
Be sure that the device is properly centered in the bore. Check to make sure that your rifle is level.
Avoiding Parallax
Minimize parallax error by ensuring that your eye is aligned with the center of the scope’s objective lens.
Measuring Offset
After using the laser bore sighter, measure the offset between the laser dot and your reticle at a known distance. This gives you a baseline to make adjustments at the range.
Target Distance Considerations
Choose an appropriate target distance. A closer target, like 25 yards, might be a good starting point, which will allow you to see how to adjust your scope.
Taking Notes
Document your adjustments. Keep a record of the adjustments you make to your scope so you can refer back to them.
Alternatives to Consider
Manual Bore Sighting
Before the advent of laser devices, shooters often used a manual bore-sighting method. This involves looking through the bore and aligning the target with the crosshairs.
Mechanical Bore Sighters
There are mechanical options, like collimators, which use lenses and mirrors to project a reticle onto a target.
The Shooting Range
The most accurate method for zeroing a scope is the classic method of using a range with live ammunition.
Who Should Consider Using One?
Beginners
These users will gain confidence and save on ammunition.
Scope Installers
or those who frequently change scopes.
Anyone who wants to conserve ammunition
whether for budgetary reasons or just personal preference.
Conclusion
The ultimate answer to “are laser bore sighters any good?” is nuanced. They are not a miracle cure, and they should not replace the vital need for live-fire zeroing at the range. However, they offer considerable benefits, including time-saving, convenience, and ammunition conservation. They are a solid tool for getting on the paper initially, especially for those who are new to optics.
It is critical to understand their limitations. Always follow the instructions and, most importantly, follow up with live-fire adjustments to achieve the best accuracy.
Final Thought
Laser bore sighters are valuable tools for setting up your rifle’s scope, but they are a step in the process, not a complete solution. Think of them as a starting point, not the end-all, be-all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are laser bore sighters legal? Generally, yes. Check your local regulations.
Do I need to use a laser bore sighter? No, but it can be very helpful.
What is the best laser bore sighter? The “best” one depends on your needs, budget, and rifle. Caliber-specific models generally offer superior accuracy.
How do I get a better zero on my rifle? The best way to improve your zero is to combine the use of a laser bore sighter for initial alignment with live-fire adjustments on a range.
Resources
Consider the following resources:
Product Reviews: Search online for reviews of specific laser bore sighters before purchasing.
Online Forums: Join shooting forums to get tips and advice from experienced shooters.
Videos: Watch online videos for a visual guide on how to use a laser bore sighter.
