Boresighting your rifle scope is a crucial first step in ensuring accurate shooting. It allows you to quickly align your scope with the barrel's boreline, drastically reducing the time spent on range adjustments and maximizing your ammunition efficiency. This process significantly improves your chances of hitting your target, especially at longer ranges. This guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from necessary tools to troubleshooting potential issues.
What is Boresighting?
Boresighting is the process of aligning your rifle scope with the barrel's boreline before you head to the shooting range. Instead of firing numerous rounds to find zero, boresighting provides a close approximation, allowing for quicker and more precise adjustments. Think of it as a preliminary alignment, significantly reducing the number of shots needed for accurate zeroing. It's a cost-effective and time-saving method, especially important when working with expensive ammunition.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
- Boresighting Tool: This is the most important tool. Boresighting tools come in various forms, including laser boresighters and traditional boresighting devices. Laser boresighters are generally preferred for their ease of use and accuracy.
- Screwdriver: You'll need a screwdriver to adjust the scope's windage and elevation turrets, once you've done the initial boresight.
- Target: A target placed at a reasonable distance (25 yards or more) will help visualize the boresight alignment.
Step-by-Step Boresighting Process
1. Safety First: Always treat your firearm as if it were loaded. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and the chamber is clear before you begin.
2. Secure the Rifle: Place your rifle in a stable, secure position, like a vise or a padded rest. Ensuring the rifle is stable is critical for accuracy during the boresighting process.
3. Insert the Boresighting Tool: Carefully insert the boresighting tool into the barrel of your rifle. Ensure it's fully seated and centered.
4. Align the Laser (Laser Boresighters): With the laser boresighter in place, point the rifle at your target. You'll likely need to adjust the rifle's position to center the laser dot on the target.
5. Adjust the Scope: Now, look through your scope and compare the laser dot's position to the crosshairs. Use your scope's windage and elevation adjustments to align the laser dot with the center of your crosshairs.
6. Repeat as Needed: Make small adjustments to the scope and recheck the alignment until the laser dot is centered perfectly on the crosshairs. Remember that small incremental adjustments are key.
7. Remove the Boresighting Tool: Once the laser and crosshairs are aligned, carefully remove the boresighting tool from the barrel.
8. Verify at the Range: While boresighting brings your scope very close to zero, it's essential to verify and fine-tune your zero at the range.
Boresighting with a Traditional Boresighting Device
If using a traditional boresighting device instead of a laser boresighter, the process is similar, although it might require a bit more precision and potentially a second person to assist. The basic principle is the same: align the device's sight with the barrel's boreline, then adjust the scope's turrets to align with the boresight's sight picture.
Troubleshooting
- Laser Dot Off-Center: Double-check the boresighting tool's proper insertion and ensure the rifle is stable.
- Scope Adjustments Limited: If you're unable to completely align the laser and crosshairs, your scope may need professional adjustment.
- Inconsistent Results: Make sure you're following all safety precautions and using appropriate tools and techniques.
Conclusion
Boresighting your rifle scope is a valuable skill for any shooter. By following these steps, you can save valuable time and ammunition at the range while significantly increasing the accuracy of your shots. Remember that boresighting is not a replacement for range time and proper zeroing but a helpful preliminary step to make the entire process much more efficient and effective. Always prioritize safety and practice responsible firearm handling.
