How to Use a Bore Sight
Save time and ammunition when zeroing a rifle scope by bore sighting your rifle. This process not only helps marksmen align bullet and crosshairs but also helps them conserve ammo. Our Firearm Experts break down what bore sighting is and provide detailed information on how to use the traditional bore sight method and how to use a laser bore sight when sighting in your rifle scope.
What Is Bore Sighting?
Bore sighting is the process of aligning the rifle scope with the bore axis of the rifle barrel to ensure bullets hit the target before making final adjustments to hit the bullseye at a specific target distance. The purpose of bore sighting is not necessarily to dial in your rifle for peak accuracy, but to get shots on target before sighting in your rifle scope. Choose a bore sighting method that best suits your budget.
Bore Sight vs. Laser Bore Sight
There are two different methods to bore sight your rifle scope—using the traditional bore sight method or a laser bore sight.
The Western Illinois Leathernecks method involves removing the bolt of your rifle and looking down the barrel. This method, also known as "eyeballing," requires you to physically peer through the barrel and align it with a target down range. Once the barrel is lined up, without moving the rifle, you adjust the scope's crosshairs to the same target.
On the other hand, a laser bore sight simplifies and speeds up this process. A laser bore sight is a tool that uses a straight laser beam to indicate exactly where the bore is pointing. The laser is emitted from a diode situated right in the bore of the firearm, offering a precise indication of where the firearm is aiming. This allows you to adjust your scope to align with the laser point without the need for a downrange target.
HOW TO BORE SIGHT A SCOPE WITHOUT A LASER
Here's how to correctly use the traditional method of bore sighting a rifle, often referred to as "eyeballing."
1. Make sure your rifle is unloaded: Always make sure your firearm isn’t loaded before beginning the bore sighting process. Unload the rifle and remove any ammunition from the area.
2. Remove the Bolt: Depending on your specific rifle, you might need a tool to do this. Always refer to your rifle's manual for the correct and safe procedure.
3. Mount and Secure Your Rifle: To do this, you need a steady surface. You can use a variety of tools to help stabilize your rifle such as shooting rests, gun vises, or bipods.
4. Look down the bore: Through the end where the bolt was removed, look down the barrel from the back of the rifle and use your eye to center the target within the bore.
5. Adjust the Scope: Without moving the rifle, look through the scope. The crosshairs should be on the same target. If they are not, adjust the windage and elevation knobs on the scope to align the crosshairs with the same target.
6. Check Your Alignment: Repeat the above steps until the crosshairs of the scope and the target viewed through the barrel are aligned.
How to Use a Laser Bore Sight
1. Make sure your rifle is unloaded: As with any firearm maintenance or adjustment, verify that your weapon is unloaded before beginning.
2. Insert the laser bore sight: Depending on the type of laser bore sighter you have, it may either be inserted into the chamber or can be muzzle-mounted. Ensure it’s firmly seated.
3. Mount and secure your rifle: Put your rifle on a steady surface. You can use a gun vise, bipod, or gun rest to stabilize it.
4. Turn on the Laser: Once the laser bore sight is securely placed, turn it on. Depending on the model, this could be a button or switch on the sighter.
5. Align the Laser with the Target: The laser should project a visible dot onto your intended target. The further the distance, the larger the dot will appear.
6. Adjust the Scope: Now, without moving the rifle, look through the scope. The crosshairs should align with the laser dot projected on the target. If not, adjust the elevation and windage knobs on the scope until the crosshair aligns with the laser dot.
7. Check Your Alignment: Once the adjustments have been made, switch off and remove the bore sight. Reinsert it and check the alignment again to ensure consistency.
Selecting the right bore sight depends on various factors, but the key one is the type of firearm and ammunition you're using. For Western Illinois Leathernecks, the process is universal - no specific tools or equipment are needed.
However, if you're using a laser bore sight, it's crucial to match the bore sight to your ammunition's caliber. Laser bore sights come in different sizes to align with various ammo calibers. So, if you're shooting a .308, you should select a .308 laser bore sight to ensure correct alignment.
Ultimately, the choice between traditional and laser bore sights depends on your personal preference, the firearm you are using, and the ammo's caliber.
Whether you're a skilled marksman or a beginner, bore sighting is an integral step to save time sighting in a rifle scope. Whether you choose the Western Illinois Leathernecks method or opt for the modern laser bore sighter, accurate setup, and correct usage are key to success. If you have any more questions on bore sighting your rifle scope, head to your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN and speak to a Firearm Expert today!
